The Garmin Edge series of satellite navigators have been designed especially for cyclists. Depending on one’s budget and requirements one can choose either one of the four units; the Edge 205, 305, 605 and 705.
Firstly, let’s have a look at makes these four units be classified as a satnav for cyclists.
| Property | Edge 205 | Edge 305 | Edge 605 | Edge 705 |
| Water resistance | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| GPS-enability | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| High-sensitivity receiver | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Waypoints/favourites/locations | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Lap history | 1000 | 1000 | 1000 | 1000 |
| Courses | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Auto Pause | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Auto Lap | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Advanced workouts | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Pace alerts | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Simple workouts | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Time/distance alert | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Interval training | Y | Y | Y | Y |
With almost 10 functionalities of these units being the same it is only justified to classify them as the “GARMIN EDGE SERIES”. Also, all these units are compatible with the Garmin Connect, that is an online community where users can share, analyse and categorise their data. Furthermore, all the above stated units include the Garmin Training Centre software.
Once through with the points that make these device stand together let us have a quick look at what makes them different from each other.
| Property | Edge 205 | Edge 305 | Edge 605 | Edge 705 |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) cms | 4.4 x 9.4 x 2.3 | 4.4 x 9.4 x 2.3 | 5.1 x 10.9 x 2.5 | 5.1 x 10.9 x 2.5 |
| Display size | 1.17 x 1.44 inches (1.86-inches) | 1.17 x 1.44 inches (1.86-inches) | 1.37 x 1.71 inches (2.2-inches) | 1.37 x 1.71 inches (2.2-inches) |
| Display Resolution | 128 x 160 pixels | 128 x 160 pixels | 176 x 220 pixels | 176 x 220 pixels |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion | Lithium-polymer | Lithium-polymer |
| Battery Life | 12 hours | 12 hours | 15 hours | 15 hours |
| Weight | 88 grams | 88 grams | 104 grams | 104 grams |
| Heart Rate Monitor | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Bike Speed/Cadence Sensor | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Barometric Altimeter | No | Yes | No | Yes |
With regards to basemap, the Edge 205 and Edge305 units do not come provide base maps nor permit the users to add any maps; while Edge 605 and Edge 705 provide users with base-maps and also permit addition of maps. Also, while the Edge 205 and Edge 305 do not support any external data cards, the Edge 605 and Edge 705 support microSD data card.
By now, you might have had a complete know-how of what each unit has to offer. So, think about your personal needs and them select one of them to accompany you on your cycling expeditions.
Related posts: