Which Garmin Edge 705 package?

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oxford_guy

Über Member
Location
Oxford, England
Hi - now that I've figured out that there are ways to recharge a GPS without mains (e.g. Gomadic AA battery charge extender , though ideally would like to find a good charging solution that would work with my Schmidt dynamo), I'm now thinking of buying a GPS, primarily for navigation for touring and audax (I have a touring bike BTW).

I've looked at some of the options - the Garmin Edge range, Garmin Etrex Vista Hcx, the Satmap Active 10, Garmin Dakota 20 (attractive because can use OS maps with it now), but the Garmin Edge 705 does seem to be the best GPS for cycling, and the maps are cheaper than the Satmap Active 10. NB: The main reason I would prefer the 705 over the 605 is the more accurate barmoter altimeter and the 605 can't work with DVD maps, am not bothered about the heart rate monitor functions, but is that a good enough reason for the extra cash?

It would seem to make sense to go for a package that includes some maps (or should I just try to use the free UK Garmin OSM Cycle Map?), but am a but confused about which one to go for - the MTB Performance Package or the Road Performance Package ? The former includes the TOPO GB mapping on DVD., the latter European Road mapping on MicroSD card and a Speed/Cadence sensor. Am not sure I would need cadence information, but how essential is the speed sensor? Is the GPS speed data reasonably accurate? I'm leaning towards the MTB performance package, I think, as would like topographical data, the alternative would be to get a cheaper "unpacked" model and just get maps as needed. Any recommendations? Thanks!
 
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oxford_guy

oxford_guy

Über Member
Location
Oxford, England
BTW I should perhaps mention that next year I'm hoping to do some cycle touring in Europe, but I can't see the whole Europe map that comes with the "Road" package available as a separate product to buy on the Garmin website, it seems you have to buy maps for the individual countries - is that correct?
 
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