Is a cycling computer just that - a plain, old, cycling computer? I guess not at the rate technology moves. Garmin has just announced a couple of new devices in the form of the Edge 705 and Edge 605 which comes with virtually everything except the kitchen sink. The top of the line Edge 705 is an integrated personal training system, complete with a 2.2″ color display, mapping capabilities, street navigation, and the ability to track vertical profiles, climb and descent, altitude, speed, distance, time, cadence, and heart rate. Sounds like a whole bunch, and the next thing you know they’ll probably throw in a blood pressure monitor or some sort of ability to clean your house by outperforming the iRoomba. But I digress - the 705 also sports the ability to monitor power output on the same display and share information such as courses, waypoints, and workouts with other Edge 705 users via ANT+Sport wireless technology.

What’s this ANT+Sport technology all about? Well, it enables the Edge to interface with a heart rate monitor , cadence sensor or other Edge units sans wires. Cyclists will then be able to share courses and workout data (which could go either way, depending on whether your personality is one that loves to compete with one another in a negative manner or whether the intention is to share tips and encourage one another to do their best) before, during, or after a ride. Heck, the 705 is even smart enough to measure power for each leg at the pedals - the place where many claim to be the true indicator of an efficient ride.

With the inclusion of mapping capabilities, you can also be sure that you won’t get lost whenever you ride with the Edge 705 as a companion. The inclusion of turn-by-turn routing to destinations based on built-in maps and optional detailed street or topographical maps on preloaded data cards will be highly beneficial to those who have a poor sense of direction like yours truly. The Garmin Edge 705 will hit store shelves in December for $550.

Source: Gizmag