Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Talk Me out Of It- Garmin 705

So tomorrow me and all my money may go to REI and buy the Garmin 705. It's a friggin ton of money. I figure it has good maps and I can use it for ever. Do you think the new bike rider with the $1100 bike is stupid for buying it??? I figure REI is nearby and they will take it back when it breaks and replace.

History: Current $250 computer breaks all the time - I jst returned it to my LBS for full refund.... I think I am done with that LBS- they did not give me a loaner until we got a new computer....just wasn't feeling anything for them today, Anyhoo - $700 for my computer is huge - so if you think am an ***** say so....

What I will get =Cadence, HRM, Altimeter. Return to start route - detailed street maps,. etc.


OK I am a big girl (getting smaller) and can take it...tell me what you are thiniking. .....

In my experience the 305 works great. What doesn't it do that you need? The price difference is quite a lot, and I'm not sure what I can't get from a 305.

EDIT: Nevermind, street maps. Durrr.

Sue-

I would say to get it. I am planning on getting one in a few months (my birthday). It does not matter what the cost of your bike is, if you want it, I say get it. What computer were you having issues with?

So tomorrow me and all my money may go to REI and buy the Garmin 705. It's a friggin ton of money. I figure it has good maps and I can use it for ever. Do you think the new bike rider with the $1100 bike is stupid for buying it??? I figure REI is nearby and they will take it back when it breaks and replace.

History: Current $250 computer breaks all the time - I jst returned it to my LBS for full refund.... I think I am done with that LBS- they did not give me a loaner until we got a new computer....just wasn't feeling anything for them today, Anyhoo - $700 for my computer is huge - so if you think am an ***** say so....

What I will get =Cadence, HRM, Altimeter. Return to start route - detailed street maps,. etc.


OK I am a big girl (getting smaller) and can take it...tell me what you are thiniking. .....

Here's what I'm thinkin' Bee:

I bought a 705 and put it on my $1300 road bike and...

I LOVE the thing! I've had it since September and I still don't know everything that it can do. I've got HR and cadence, too. I got a GREAT deal on mine when Nashbar was having a sale and I paid less than $400. I added the HR and Cadence sensor for around $35, and bought the SD card and maps for another $70 or so.

I would strongly recommend that you NOT buy a bundle packaged with the detailed maps already installed. You REALLY want to buy a blank SD card and buy the "City Navigator NT" CD. You can then install the maps onto your computer (PC only, I think...no Mac) and into Garmin's Training Center. You can then transfer them to the 705. That way you have the maps in both. You can then plot a course (or route) on the computer, import it to the 705 and the computer will prompt you on your ride. Very cool...and I think that's what the 705 can do that the 305 can't (well, that and the color map screen).

If you have any interest, there is a 33 page long thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=394187) that goes through prett much everything you need to know.

So...I'm terribly sorry...I just can't, in good conscience, try to convince you not to buy a 705. I love mine too much to do that.

Go ahead...the world economy needs stimulating ;)

I love big girls getting smaller, go for it, you deserve it !

What do you need it for? Take that money and donate it to someone who just lost their job.

What do you need it for? Take that money and donate it to someone who just lost their job.

YEs - but I would be enabling the person who lost their job??? This way I an enable the economy and the person who lost their job can PM me and I woul be happy to help coach them and edit their resume.

As someone who's been laid off in the past, giving someone some money who's recently lost their job is not "enabling." Enabling is giving money to a heroin addict that will be used to buy drugs.

Unless, of course, the reason that person's lost their job is because they were a heroin addict. But I digress.

$700 seems steep to me. I thought they were available for cheaper than that. Am I mistaken?

I bought a 305 in November of last year. I had the same quandry you are in right now, looking at features vs cost and questioning my sanity. I remember the 705 having the maps (if you buy them), the color screen, and significantly longer battery life.

I also remember none of those features having any value to me. I got my 305 for under $200, plus I got it off eBay during the big Microsoft rebate promotion so I saved even more, eventually.

It is ultimately up to you. What I have listed are the differences between the 305 and the much more expensive 705. You will be happy with the 705, no doubt about that. The question for me was whether or not I would really care about the features above the 305, and I ultimately decided they weren't that important.

Everyone has ups and downs in their life from time to time. People who have fallen on tough times don't need to be trying to guilt those who have not been so unfortunate.

More functions, more weight. I climb better with my 4 function $14 Peformance Axion cheapo than I did with a $200 cateye with multi functions. I believe it's 12 more grams per function!:D

Everyone has ups and downs in their life from time to time. People who have fallen on tough times don't need to be trying to guilt those who have not been so unfortunate.

True, but these are extraordinary times. If I had $700 burning a hole in my pocket, I sure wouldn't spend it on a frivolous toy, especially when there are less expensive options.

If I could afford to upgrade my 305 to a 705, I'd do it in a heartbeat! Go for it!

Meh, doohickie is trying to talk you out of it. Nevermind.

Meh. Look at the title of her thread: "Talk Me out Of It- Garmin 705". I'm just giving her something to think about. I think dlester's points (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=8614308#post8614308) were better than mine.

I'm pretty passionate about bicycles, but I've never paid more than $250 for one. (I can understand paying more, but I'm happy with what I've got for now.) It's not about the bike; it's about cutting through the air on my own power, and each of my bikes does a great job of that, each in its own way.

To me, though, spending $400 or more on a bike computer seems simply ludicrous to me. I'm an engineer; I make my living on technology. But when it comes to consumer electronics, I am a Luddite, a retro-grouch, a gadget curmudgeon.

Don't listen to the naysayers: the Garmin bike computers are wonderful! If you really want to get fit, they'll give you tons of information that will help (assuming you pay for the HRM). I bought mine on eBay and paid $410 (computer, HR, cadence, map card). It was during the live.com 25% cashback program, so my net cost ended up being around $300. At that price, I feel that it's a decent value. At $650 or 700, not so much.

Here's the thing about the 705: it's a bike computer, not a GPS unit. If you really want GPS and maps, you'll find that the screen is a bit too small and the controls are a bit cumbersome. I bought the 705 thinking it might be able to do double-duty as a hand-held GPS unit when I go hiking. It might, but it's not ideal for that. If I had to purchase again, I might buy the Edge 305 rather than the 705. In addition to mapping, the 705 allegedly has a better screen and longer battery life than the 305. And it will display power data if you ever buy a PowerTap, Quarq, or other ANT+Sport compatible power meter. I find that the battery in my 705 will last for a week of usage (1-2hrs/day), I never use the mapping functions when I'm on the bike, and I'll probably never own a power meter. So I could probably get by with the 305 rather than the 705.

If you do decide to buy a 705, realize that the included base maps are terrible. If you actually plan to use the mapping functions you'll want to buy a bundle that includes the SD map card or you'll have to buy the maps on DVD. I would not buy a 705 without the heart-rate monitor and the cadence sensor.

I bought a Garmin 305 a few weeks ago and absolutely love it. I talked myself out of the maps and powermeter capability that the 705 gives you for an added $300/$400.

Bought mine (and many other GPS's) from here:GPS City (http://www.gpscity.com/)


this probably won't help talk you out of it????:p

I have a 305 and love the thing, but it did not cost me anything, was an award from work. When looking at the 705 a few months ago, I just could not justify the cost of upgrading to it, but I will admit, it is sweet and the data junkie in me would love to own it.

And as someone that is about to lose their job in the next 35 days or so, not a heroin addict either just a data junkie, I might be looking at a less costly option as well. You can find the 305's for less than $200 now and the only real difference is not having color screen and active maps. My argument for why I did not need it came to; how often would I really need the active maps? and is a color screen really worth the price increase.

So tomorrow me and all my money may go to REI and buy the Garmin 705. It's a friggin ton of money. I figure it has good maps and I can use it for ever. Do you think the new bike rider with the $1100 bike is stupid for buying it??? I figure REI is nearby and they will take it back when it breaks and replace.

History: Current $250 computer breaks all the time - I jst returned it to my LBS for full refund.... I think I am done with that LBS- they did not give me a loaner until we got a new computer....just wasn't feeling anything for them today, Anyhoo - $700 for my computer is huge - so if you think am an ***** say so....

What I will get =Cadence, HRM, Altimeter. Return to start route - detailed street maps,. etc.


OK I am a big girl (getting smaller) and can take it...tell me what you are thiniking. .....

Why talk you out of it. It comes down to this, if you can afford it, paying CASH, then go for it. If you must use a credit card or a buy now, pay later plan, then look at a lower cost model that you can afford to pay cash for. Buying frivolous stuff on credit is what got America into trouble in the first place. Buying frivolous stuff made in China on credit is why the economic slumps are getting more serious, more frequent and lasting longer now.

When I was 16, I wanted a new bicycle, we couldn't afford it, so I shovelled snow and cut grass for a couple of years, and saved up for it. when I finally bought it, it was a Sekine, fire engine red, drop bars, a whole 10 speeds, and made right here in Canada.

Ask yourself 3 questions:

Do I need it?
Can I afford it?
If something happened in the next couple of weeks or so, do I have enough savings to sustain myself and the people that depend on me for at least 3 months (rent, food)?

If you answer yes to these 3 questions,

Go, enjoy yourself.

If you answer: No, I can't... There's your answer for the computer.

Cheers,

Eric
And then as a bonus, try to find it cheaper on-line... You might just wind up saving a couple of 100$

By the way, I just checked e-bay, Saw some 705 bundles with heart-rate monitor and cadance monitor for 410$ 1 year warrrenty it's refurbished, but it's 300 cheaper and has a warrenty.

Eric...
http://cgi.ebay.com/GARMIN-EDGE-705-DLX-BUNDLE-HEART-CADENCE-MicroSD-CARD_W0QQitemZ160322368464QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCycling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item160322368464&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1308%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Not affiliated with this site and do not endorse their products, this is just to show you that you can get it cheaper!
Wait, that was the wrong one... Here is the 410$ one
http://cgi.ebay.com/GARMIN-Edge-705-GPS-w-Heart-Rate-Cadence-Speed-Bundle_W0QQitemZ110365743478QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGPS_Devices?hash=item110365743478&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1308%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

No affiliation here either.

If you do need the extra maps, cadence and power meter is the 605 the way to go?

I already have the 2008 topo maps which includes all streets in the USA on a micro sd card for my etrex vista hcx, I have read that I can just drop this in the 705 but not sure about the 605..

I really love my 305. I looked at the newer ones and the screen is smaller, which I did not like. Not sure street maps would help with such a small screen.

By the way, I just checked e-bay, Saw some 705 bundles with heart-rate monitor and cadance monitor for 410$ 1 year warrrenty it's refurbished, but it's 300 cheaper and has a warrenty.

Eric...
http://cgi.ebay.com/GARMIN-EDGE-705-DLX-BUNDLE-HEART-CADENCE-MicroSD-CARD_W0QQitemZ160322368464QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCycling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item160322368464&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1308%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Not affiliated with this site and do not endorse their products, this is just to show you that you can get it cheaper!
Wait, that was the wrong one... Here is the 410$ one
http://cgi.ebay.com/GARMIN-Edge-705-GPS-w-Heart-Rate-Cadence-Speed-Bundle_W0QQitemZ110365743478QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGPS_Devices?hash=item110365743478&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1308%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

No affiliation here either.

The only trouble I have with ebay etc - is that with a bnike computer I know it will break and I will exchange for a new one (Has happened 3 times with the one I just returned...so I think I need a bike shop or REI. ) I also liek giving Contes in Conyers my business os may give them a chance,.. or REI. I think I am zeroing in on the Gramin 705.

Ask yourself 3 questions:

Do I need it? Yes
Can I afford it? Yes
If something happened in the next couple of weeks or so, do I have enough savings to sustain myself and the people that depend on me for at least 3 months (rent, food)? Yes


If you answer yes to these 3 questions,

Go, enjoy yourself.

If you answer: No, I can't... There's your answer for the computer.

Cheers,

Eric
And then as a bonus, try to find it cheaper on-line... You might just wind up saving a couple of 100$


sEE RESPONSE !

That's cool, I love gadgets too, If you can afford it go on ahead. If it will motivate you, go on ahead. If it will in any way cause you detrement... then think twice and ah! what the hell... Go on ahead!

If you have been losing you owe yourself a little piece of pie (not in the literal sens). Sounds like your mind is made up...

Enjoy,

Eric...

I really love my 305. I looked at the newer ones and the screen is smaller, which I did not like. Not sure street maps would help with such a small screen.

Actually the Garmin Edge 705 has a larger screen with more pixels than the Garmin Edge 305. At least that's what Garmin seems to think...

I really love my 305. I looked at the newer ones and the screen is smaller, which I did not like. Not sure street maps would help with such a small screen.

I have had both a 305 and now have the 705. The screen on the 705 is larger and the fonts are larger. The 705 screen is high def compared to the 305. Also, if you ride at night, the 705 is much much easier to see at night. The batter life is better on the 705 by a couple of hours. Then of course, there is the mapping capabilities of the 705. I can create a course on my computer and the 705 will navigate me through it. I can also select home and it will get me back to my house.

The 305 is a great cycle computer no question about it, but it is much easier for me to see the larger color display of the 705.

If the heart rate, power, and cadence are really important then the 705 is a great choice. If MPH, total mileage, and mapping is your "want" there are other Gramin choices that offer some other flexability.

I have a Garmin eTrex series Legend HCX. It came with City Maps, TOPO, and an SD card. It will do maps, mph, avg speed, auto navigate with prompts, and compus. I don't think it does altitude, never tried. It's not much bigger than a 705, although it is a bit thicker.

You can get handle bar mounts for it and it gives you much more storage for routes, can carry it in your pocket if you wamt to hike with it, and you can use it in your vehicle. It has a color display also. The best thing is that a pair of AA batteries will give you 24 hours of run time and then you just change them out and don't have to recharge the unit, which can be a pain if it goes dead on you while out riding. It's also water "proof" down to 5 feet submergence so rain isn't a problem.

The best thing is you can find them for around $200 if you shop around.

Thanks. Clearly, I was mistaken - not sure why I had that impression, must have been thinking of something else. -d


I have had both a 305 and now have the 705. The screen on the 705 is larger and the fonts are larger. The 705 screen is high def compared to the 305. Also, if you ride at night, the 705 is much much easier to see at night. The batter life is better on the 705 by a couple of hours. Then of course, there is the mapping capabilities of the 705. I can create a course on my computer and the 705 will navigate me through it. I can also select home and it will get me back to my house.

The 305 is a great cycle computer no question about it, but it is much easier for me to see the larger color display of the 705.

Buy it, but don't spend $700. I bought mine a year ago, it was around $500 with cadence and heart monitor. You can get the same thing here for $479 and free shipping. http://www.jr.com/garmin/pe/GAR_EDGE705SHRM/

I bought the city navigator map on a disk $99 and bought an SD card for about $20. The SD card was a waste for me as the internal memory is huge and Mapsource (Garmin's map software) allow you to load maps for the areas you ride. You can get free maps on the internet and the unit has an internal map that is pretty useless. I've had the best results with the Garmin maps, make sure you buy the latest full version, not the update first time around.


The screens are customizable and you always know where you are. The device can record your rides and download to many different programs such as Garmin's training center, giving you a map of your ride, a graph of your speed, cadence,elevation, and percent grade.

I use Map my ride to set a course, then download to the 705 as a course. This allows the course to be displayed as a purple line on the map display that I just follow.

The screen I use most has the map, with my speed, distance traveled, total ascent and percent grade. I really like the percent grade readout as it is hilly around here and it is less demoralizing when you realize that you are struggling because the grade is 12 %, not because you are a wimp.

The 705 can do turn by turn, but I find the course function better as it doesn't recalculate the route if you miss a turn, which can lead you away from your intended route.

Bottom line, buy it if you want it. It's made specifically for bikes, works well and will go at least 10 hours on a charge.

Sometimes it makes sense to pay more. Let me explain...

I bought my 305 from REI, and it was a bundle. I bought it 2 years ago. Recently it's been turning off (yet again) when I hit a bump. Last time I pulled it apart, bent up the pins, and glued it back together. The repair only held about 5 months.

Today I took it back to REI and they exchanged it, no questions. I'm a member there, that made the difference.

I'm glad I payed near full price for it. Had I not, I'd have to buy a new one.

I use Map my ride to set a course, then download to the 705 as a course. This allows the course to be displayed as a purple line on the map display that I just follow... The 705 can do turn by turn, but I find the course function better as it doesn't recalculate the route if you miss a turn, which can lead you away from your intended route.

This is precisely how I use the 705 as well. I can plot a course for a century or a brevet and use the Edge as a 21st century cue sheet/map rolled into one. Overkill? Yep, no doubt about, but it's cool as ****; an adult toy...

Sometimes it makes sense to pay more. Let me explain...

I bought my 305 from REI, and it was a bundle. I bought it 2 years ago. Recently it's been turning off (yet again) when I hit a bump. Last time I pulled it apart, bent up the pins, and glued it back together. The repair only held about 5 months.

Today I took it back to REI and they exchanged it, no questions. I'm a member there, that made the difference.

I'm glad I payed near full price for it. Had I not, I'd have to buy a new one.

This is a well-known problem with the 305. From what I hear, Garmin has been very good about providing replacements for units which experience this problem, even if they aren't technically under warranty...

Missbumble,

I know you said you don't want to do ebay due to no returns, but there's an option about halfway in between, as they do have a return policy:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Garmin_Edge_705_With_Heart_Rate_Monitor/5360035900/

At $370 with free shipping and no tax, it's a pretty good deal. Then buy the map card or DVD from Garmin for $100, and the cadence for $40, and your total comes to: $510. Quite a big savings from the $700.

Missbumble,

I know you said you don't want to do ebay due to no returns, but there's an option about halfway in between, as they do have a return policy:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Garmin_Edge_705_With_Heart_Rate_Monitor/5360035900/

At $370 with free shipping and no tax, it's a pretty good deal. Then buy the map card or DVD from Garmin for $100, and the cadence for $40, and your total comes to: $510. Quite a big savings from the $700.

Just remember, you'll only be able to return it or get it serviced in Europe. That means higher shipping costs and longer turn-around times in the event that you have a problem. You'll also have to charge it using your computer, because the power plug won't work in the US. And you won't have the US basemap. And lots of people in the Road Forum have been reporting credit card fraud after ordering from UK sites. And you certainly won't be helping the US economy by sending your money to the UK...

Missbumble,

Just recv'd the new Performance Bicycle catalog today. Pg 35 -- Garmin 705 w/ HR, Cadence, Data Card and Street Map bundle for $659.99 Also, if a member of "Team Performance" 4/4 - 4/5 is a 'Double Points Weekend' (essentially 20% of purchase [$132] as a store credit for any future purchases)
Performance also matches any competitor's price , retail or online, for the exact item for 90 days. They also have a great 100% satisfaction guarantee and NO shipping charge if delivered to their retail store. (2 in ATL Area)

I'm not affiliated w/ Performance in any way.

Just remember, you'll only be able to return it or get it serviced in Europe. That means higher shipping costs and longer turn-around times in the event that you have a problem. Garmin USA will service a unit purchased from Europe. And in the opposite direction too: I purchased a GPS here for my uncle who travels between Denmark and India, and Garmin in both locations will service the unit.


You'll also have to charge it using your computer, because the power plug won't work in the US. Incorrect. It's a world charger, and will work on any voltage system. In fact, I am pretty sure the euro version is better because it includes the default US plug version plus the UK/european plug adapters:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/store/assets/images/products/010-10723-00/en/cf-lg.jpg


And you won't have the US basemap. This is a fair point, but if she's buying the City Navigator North America maps, this is irrelevant as those will take precedence over the basemaps.


And lots of people in the Road Forum have been reporting credit card fraud after ordering from UK sites. And you certainly won't be helping the US economy by sending your money to the UK... This is true, but I have not heard this about wiggle in specific. In addition, people have been having CC fraud issues with Nashbar as well in recent months. Buying on the internet's a calculated risk for CC theft.

While I do agree it's probably less hassle to buy it from the US, we're talking nearly $200 in savings here. Helping the economy is all good, but so is helping your own wallet.

Incorrect. It's a world charger, and will work on any voltage system. In fact, I am pretty sure the euro version is better because it includes the default US plug version plus the UK/european plug adapters:

Are you sure about this? It isn't what I've been lead to believe by people who have actually purchased Garmin Edge units from Wiggle. Don't remember if they were 305s or 705s, though.


While I do agree it's probably less hassle to buy it from the US, we're talking nearly $200 in savings here.

No, we're not. Tree Fort Bikes (http://www.treefortbikes.com/492_333222340632__Edge-705-with-Heart--Rate.html), and a number of other U.S. vendors, will sell you an Edge 705 w/HR for $420 (or less). Some will ship the unit to you for free. For an extra $50, I'd much rather buy from a U.S. vendor and avoid all of the hassles and potential hassles of buying from an overseas vendor. And I'd feel a lot better sending my money to a great company like Tree Fort rather than someone in a foreign country...

P.S. Tree Fort also has other Edge 705 bundles available at similarly good prices. Edge 705+HR+Cadence is $440, IIRC.

This is a great thread. I have been wanting a 705 for awhile and I just pulled the trigger. I got it from Performance, price matched from Tree Fort Bikes and got the 20% back from Team Performance. What a deal.

MissBumble have you used it yet?

I also want a 705, esp if I start bikeing away from home and want the maps....i would also love to get a powermeter to go with it :)

Why would you need such a complicated contraption to ride a bike? You got along fine without it so far, right? Just think of all the things you could do with the $$$.

Do you really think you will be riding that many different routes that you need a map? Maybe its just me...but there are only so many streets in the city you can ride without getting a truck mirror to the back of the head...I prefer a nice long paved bike path...don't need a map for that.

Do you really think you will be riding that many different routes that you need a map? Maybe its just me...but there are only so many streets in the city you can ride without getting a truck mirror to the back of the head...I prefer a nice long paved bike path...don't need a map for that.

The maps, in my mind, are really a secondary feature of the device. That said, it is nice to be able to get turn-by-turn guidance for that century ride you signed up for in a strange town, to figure out the fastest way back home when you get caught in a hail storm, or to know which trail to will get you back to the car with the shortest hike after you taco your MTB's front wheel. For me, the training data is far more useful, however. And the Garmin computers provide a wealth of data compared to the average bike computer and HR monitor.

I was just thinking about the price difference between different models

I just picked up a 705 and LOVE it. I'm in the process of tagging local bike shops in Okinawa and making a Google Earth map for newcomers to the island. I found the bike shops mostly by accident. There are some resources out there but all outdated.

I bought the Heart Rate Monitor and Cadence bundle. One poster earlier said get a unit without preloaded maps and get Mapsource and buy a Garmin City Navigator map.

I concur with that 100%. There isn't a Garmin map for Okinawa but I have Mapsource and a 3rd party map that works with it.

I love the Turn by Turn directions. Great for finding that place I've never been to before.

John

More functions, more weight. I climb better with my 4 function $14 Peformance Axion cheapo than I did with a $200 cateye with multi functions. I believe it's 12 more grams per function!:D

+1 on less is more.

There is no way I would pay $700 for a gizmo. Heck, I only paid $500 for my whole bike, buying a good used one after searching high and low. $700 would just about pay for a flight to Hawaii or buy me a week in the mountains.

But...hey, it's your money. I'm sure that whoever you buy it from could use the spike in business right about now.

If you don't need the GPS, you could consider the ROX 9.0. I just used mine for the first time this weekend. The manual is a little week, but once you figure it out it's great. I've got more information than I know what to do with. :)