Which Garmin Edge 705?

[speedy vik]

Hello everyone...

I am in the market for a cycle computer with GPS (planning to cycle London - Birmingham later this year). I live in London and usually cycle around Richmond Park and am looking to go out to Windsor etc. on longer training cycles, hence the need for GPS.

I think the Edge 705 is the best thing out there right now but am a little confused as to the various types.

I have seen models without any Micro SD cards, city navigator and/ or TOPO GB DVD.

Can anyone enlighten me as to the difference?

Thanks!

 

[Will1985]

A lot of money. I'm actually very pleased with Andy Gates' open source map....just had to pay for a µSD card.

If you buy an official mapping version, the consensus is to get the CD version which allows you to use the mapping on your computer as well.

 

[benborp]

It also sounds like you will need the city navigator (road based mapping) rather than the topo version if you go for the Garmin maps. I have heard very few people recommend the topo option: they just don't seem to compete with the other options on the market for off road riding.

 

[speedy vik]

thanks! i'll get the city version!

its a lot of bucks but hopefully worth it!

 

[alp1950]

I think you can also download the city maps. I assume that this is just as good as getting the CDs?

Unless anyone knows better?

 

[oxford_guy]

It also sounds like you will need the city navigator (road based mapping) rather than the topo version if you go for the Garmin maps. I have heard very few people recommend the topo option: they just don't seem to compete with the other options on the market for off road riding.

What other options for off road riding are there for the Garmin 705? I would be very interested in these, thanks!

 

[oxford_guy]

What other options for off road riding are there for the Garmin 705? I would be very interested in these, thanks!

This is the map I use for my Garmin, beats both the City Navigator and Topo IMHO:
http://www.ravenfamily.org/andyg/maps/

There's also free Garmin UK contour maps here:
http://www.ukgeocachers.co.uk/home/free-garmin-uk-contour-maps.html

 

[Dave5N]

I live in London and usually cycle around Richmond Park and am looking to go out to Windsor etc. on longer training cycles, hence the need for GPS.

Are you taking the piss?

 

[Plax]

A lot of money. I'm actually very pleased with Andy Gates' open source map....just had to pay for a µSD card.

If you buy an official mapping version, the consensus is to get the CD version which allows you to use the mapping on your computer as well.

I found a workaround for this, so now I can use mapsource/training centre with the same detailed maps as my Garmin;
http://www.velorider.co.uk/wp02/?p=68

 

[yenrod]

I can't see the use of these...(if you know everywhere - I do in my locality)

 

[Will1985]

I can't see the use of these...(if you know everywhere - I do in my locality)

They aren't even the most suitable tool for people who are geographically challenged.

 

[fossyant]

Good training device...big birthday coming up....might ask everyone (in the family) to chip in..

 

[dodgy]

I can't see the use of these...(if you know everywhere - I do in my locality)

Oy! It got you and me around a pretty complex route around Cheshire fella! We'd have been lost without it, probably would have stuck to the A roads

 

[jimboalee]

I bought Topo GB fairly early in the Garmin story with a Legend C which had only 24 meg of internal memory.

I decided not to mess about with 'third party' stuff because if the thing goes wrong, I can talk directly to Garmin UK about the problems.

I have used Topo GB for several years and now I have an Edge 605, more map sections can get on the internal memory.

I do a lot of map maintenance ( setting avoids on roads I do not wish to ride along ) so only upload the map sections I need for a ride.

The real bonus with Topo GB is the 'View profile' window. It shows me the steep hills at a glance.
I zoom in and do a mental calc to assess the gradient.

 

[yenrod]

Oy! It got you and me around a pretty complex route around Cheshire fella! We'd have been lost without it, probably would have stuck to the A roads

Well, obviously Monsieur D' - in that instance it was pretty handy but! as you're talking specifics, then yeah but generally no, as we would've got there (eureka)...but it took the place of an already knowledgable person AND as there wasn't then..it was handy - I was, may I point out, meaning that where I go, I know - and as a general ride computer they're generally just that. Like, personally for me & the cost..they're not essential, they were about a ton, ton-50 then maybe but multiple of 100's - out of my league for my geographical experience and ride style.

I have, mind you, got lost over manchester way - but found myself..that, Dave is the fun thing about cycling for me losing oneself then redicovering one direction - bit like life really