Garmin Edge 205, 305, 605, or 705

[phurley]

I am new to road biking again. For any of you that have the 205 or 305, do you miss the ability to actually route like the 605 and 705 can?

[socalrider]

You can most likely find great deals on the 305 right now because the new models will be out next month.. I have ha a 305 for about a year and it is a great computer, that gives you more data that most riders will ever need..

The new models will also add mapping capability which is a huge plus..

[kk4df]

I am new to road biking again. For any of you that have the 205 or 305, do you miss the ability to actually route like the 605 and 705 can?

I have the 305 with HR and cadence, and really don't need anything else. It might be different if I didn't know my way around and wanted to go exploring. But even when going on unfamiliar rides, I can map out a route that will get me there and the 305 will show me where to turn and alert me if I get off course. I can still explore, but I just won't have a map with street names and such. The new ones will be nice, but the 305 suits me fine for now.

For those who train with power, the 705 might look quite attractive, since it can pick up from the wireless power units (I'm told).

[allan6344]

I have the 305HR with cadence too. I don't use the route feature much but I am happy with the unit and it doesn't seem to be bothered by interference from my HID or Lumotec Fly IQ lights like the wireless bike computers. If you don't use the cadence then all you have is a handlebar mount.

[Little Darwin]

Not one of your choices, but unless you need the training partner functionality, or heart rate/cadence, do like I did and get a Garmin Etrex (I got the Vista HCx) so you can use it on the bike, in the car, hiking or on a boat.

It is a little larger and heavier, but it meets my needs very well.

I may be building a dynamo based power unit for it, which would really stretch the 18-24 hours between battery changes. If I do, it will be based on a USB power unit someone posted in this forum.

[paulrad9]

Not one of your choices, but unless you need the training partner functionality, or heart rate/cadence, do like I did and get a Garmin Etrex (I got the Vista HCx) so you can use it on the bike, in the car, hiking or on a boat.

What he said. I took the advice of someone here and picked up the HCx and it's been invaluable on biking, hiking and road trips; a Garmin coupled with City Navigator eliminates the need for Cue sheets and makes traveling on unknown roads much easier.

[socalrider]

what is the major difference between the Vista CX and HCX? I can get a new CX for 190.00.. It seems that the HCX replaced it in the line but not sure of what the differences are, is it just more sensitivity?

[gps_dr]

The HCx versions have a much improved receiver chipset.
They lock on quicker & work with much weaker signals.

[Indolent58]

Don't over complicate things. You just need simple and objective data.

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r143/Indolent58/toomuchinfo2.jpg