Garmin 705

I got my Garmin 705 last week and I took it on a ride... well not a bike ride, but a ride from my Mom's house to Syracuse. I must say the base map is very nice for a base map especially since it covers the entire world. The different types of information this thing can provide is amazing; I can't wait to get it on my bike at home.

Setting it up was a bit tricky at first, but have directions will travel. Unfortunately the Users Guide is on a CD, so either you have a laptop or you print it out. Once you figure it out though it should be no problem though.

The HR monitor picked right up. Once I get the cadence/speed sensor installed I will tell you how that works. If you do not have a cad/speed sensor it uses the GPS function to tell you how fast you are going. The speed portion of the sensor is ideal for the riding on a trainer.

I purchases a 1 GB MicorSD for maps, but the 450MB of available internal memory should be sufficient to load any maps you may purchase. I figured the 1GB MSD card is more than enough to load a world map and have plenty of space for all the different routes and exercises once I get more familiar with this gadget.

Once i get to using this on my bike I will definitely post more...

let me know if you need the Europe Metro Guide. I use it on my Garmin ETREX Vista HCX. has some nice maps. I would love to have a german topo map.

I got a German Topo map for ya...

bcane98 is on a roll with all the purchases, once a cyclist always a cyclist - HUA!

Sweet! The german TOPOs are hard to find

2NINER wrote:bcane98 is on a roll with all the purchases, once a cyclist always a cyclist - HUA!

I may not ride like a pro, but I will never get lost... as long as the batteries are charged at least

Sweet. I've been considering one of those nifty little GPS thingies. I figure it might help keep me from getting lost when I'm out exploring the MTNs in Colorado since I won't have Dan there to let me go up one trail so he can turn down another. I'd still be on a Deutsch trail somewhere if it weren't for Dan...and Trent and Papa Guth and 2Niner and... Thanks Guys!

So Rick, Would that thing be useful for hiking as well? I’m working on an addiction to climb all of the 58 Colorado 14er’s (the 14,000 foot peaks). Check www.14ers.com and you’ll be addicted as well!

Also Rick that just opens the door for another nifty little gadget, a power meter. I think the 705 is compatible with the SRM wireless power meter. Now that’d be pro blingy!

spoke537 wrote:So Rick, Would that thing be useful for hiking as well?

... I think the 705 is compatible with the SRM wireless power meter. Now that’d be pro blingy!

Les,

Ya it would work for hiking. It basically works the same way my hand held works (Garmin eTrex Legend) and pretty much has all the same function plus some extras. I think the GPS signal is a little stronger with this one... We'll see when I go MTBing next time

Yes it will work with the a power meter and I think there is a "You Tube" of the SRM and the 705 working together... It does say in the manual and on the settings menu that it will work with a power meter. I haven't done much research into which ones cause the price has been way out of my price range... I was looking at the SRM

Ahhh blingy!

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/road-bikes/product-accessories/2008-srm-dura-acegarmin-wireless-powermeter-system-5004_44_TRUE.html

How long does the battery last on that bad boy?

Could I also use it for in the car, or would the graphics be too small? Does it have a "voice" to tell you to turn left, right etc? Looks nice.

No need! Half the fun is getting lost!!!!

I second that...epics are great!

Les,
The manual says it last 15 hours... I've only had it on for about an hour now...

Trent,
You could use it for the car, but no voice capabilities...

I use the 60 CsX. I have the German/Austria road map installed and it works great. It doesn't have power, cadence, or heart rate like the 705. I looked at the 705 long and hard but decided to go with the CsX. The 705s have been reported to have a freeze problem that requires you to reboot the GPS. You don't lose any data or references...just time doing it. It looks BA on the bike...sleek and all, and the CsX looks bulky. The good thing with the CsX...I've crashed pretty good 2X with it and it's bulletproof. The Guth loves asking me every 10 minutes how far we've climbed...the altimeter on it is dead-on. I like getting lost too...but it's nice to know just where you are when you need to get back. The cookie dropping on the map is very handy. Geo-Caching is fun to do..check it out on the Garmin site. Saving cool rides like Saltzkammergut is easy to do...and allows you to go back and do the ride again. In my opinion...a must-have on the bike.
Trent is right...no voice. Mine will ring alarms on upcoming turns...it gives you visual guidance...just no hot UK chick telling you to turn right.

Andy