So what is the ultimate cycle computer?  Our review of the Garmin Edge 705 is is based on the benefits it's technology offers cyclists of all abilities in terms of their fitness.  In other words, how will it improve your fitness and how will it improve your speed?

Firstly, and obviously, the ultimate cycle computer has to have all of the functions and options you would expect, such as speed, distance, heart rate monitor, times, cadence and altitude.  Then there's GPS routing, mapping and tracking information…plus, some of the top bike computers also include the option to race a 'virtual partner', store your routes and the ability to download your ride information to your PC where you can review your data and share it with other bike enthusiasts.

Garmin have a well-deserved reputation for developing cutting-edge technology with the serious athlete in mind.  As for the top brand of GPS-enabled cycle computer, Garmin are streets ahead of the competition.

The Garmin Edge 705 is a bit of kit that ticks all the boxes for a GPS-enabled bike computer.  Combining cycle computer, a mapping GPS receiver, a heart rate monitor and a power meter head unit all in one user-friendly device that is largely unrivalled.

Using the Edge 705 allows you to plan your routes and record your rides and it guides you on your way.  It also provides a huge amount of data but it is well organised and once you have the hang of the menu-driven format, it's easy to use too.

Practicalities….

From a practical point of view, the display on the Edge 705 is clear and bright enough to be read in most weather conditions.  It can show you information such as map and route, a compass, with your bearing (if on a prepared route), the elevation so far and much more.  Also, the unit is easy to control when riding.  It has a central joystick and two buttons below the screen which record your laps and stop and start recording the data.  There are two other function buttons on either side of the 705 and all these controls are easily used, even if you are in motion and even if you are wearing gloves.

Who does it benefit….

The Garmin Edge 705 will benefit most levels of bike enthusiast, from the serious racer to the weekend leisure cyclist.  If you are looking simply to improve general fitness and lose weight, then the 705 will measure your heart rate, distance and time to calculate calories burned.  Perfect, for keeping your workouts simple, yet effective.

For the more serious athlete, the Edge 705 can offer various training workouts and the Virtual Training Partner will particularly appeal to racers and involves racing against a recorded course, either your own or someone else's.  Plus, an optional self-calibrating, wireless Speed/Cadence Sensor will monitor your pedalling cadence as you ride, measuring and reporting your pedalling strokes per minute, providing feedback for optimal performance.

The built-in barometric altimeter will measure your climb and descent.  When cycling, it is always worth knowing how many meters you have ascended on a particular route.  Flat and hilly routes may be the same length but are completely different workouts.  Basically, the altimeter allows you to compare different training sessions objectively.

Measuring your own power output….

For those who are not familiar with a power meter, it is a device that allows measuring of the power output of the rider.  They work by measuring the cyclist's opposing forces such as wind resistance, gravity, inertia and rolling resistance and combining these with velocity to determine the rider's power output.  This feature is useful in several ways.  Firstly, this device will motivate you to cycle harder as you note down the power you are generating.  Secondly, it allows you to numerically measure exactly how much work you are doing when you cycle.  Both are useful if you cycle a lot on your own without someone else taking down this type of information for you.  It's worth mentioning that, statistically, riders tend to exert an extra 5% to 10% of their total output when they cycle using a power meter.

GPS-enabled….

The Edge 705 is GPS-enabled and has a high sensitivity receiver that holds its signal even under trees or near tall buildings.  Global Positioning Systems (GPS) use a collection of satellites to provide highly accurate positioning and navigation information by constantly transmitting the satellite's precise time and position in space.  The technology behind GPS is here to stay and a bicycle GPS unit can be a great accessory to have for your bike whether you are primarily a road cyclist or a mountain biker.

Mapping….

One of the most useful features for a bike computer with GPS receivers are the internal maps.

Edge 705 comes with a built-in basemap.  If you buy a UK version, you get a built-in UK basemap.  Plus, the unit also has a microSD card slot for adding optional map detail.  Garmin use MapSource City Navigator street level detail maps.  You simply buy the pre-loaded data card for the country you want and you'll get turn-by-turn directions as you pedal.  For UK users, you have the option of a UK & Ireland data card or a Europe data card which includes UK & Ireland.

If you are primarily interested in off-road biking then you want to opt for the TOPO mapping software.

Little Niggles….

Basically this is a fantastic piece of kit for the price.  However, nothing is ever 100% perfect.

In our review, we found that the monitor, when attached to the handle bar of your bike, may need securing with additional cable ties.  Unfortunately, this also applies to the Speed/Cadence Sensor if you decide to go for that optional extra (and we certainly recommend that you do).

Also, make sure that you set your monitor back light to suit the time of day that you are planning your ride, for example, the brightness and duration that the back light stays on for.  The last thing you want to be doing is fumbling around, trying to set the computer in failing light.

Conclusion

A good cycle computer is one of the most useful and fun accessories that you can have on your bike whether you are a serious cyclist or a weekend enthusiast.  These devices monitor and record an incredible amount of information and guide you to and from your destination.

In our opinion the Garmin Edge 705 is the best GPS-enabled bike computer on the market at the moment and is available from £265.00.

The Edge 800….

Garmin have now launched the Edge 800 but it is currently not available in the UK.  US versions are already being offered but you will need to purchase additional mapping for the UK and Europe.

For the money, the Edge 705 remains a very good cycle computer.  From our initial assessment of the features, the key difference between the 705 and the 800 is that the 800 has touch screen.  Other than this, there appears to be little else to split the two devices.