Garmin Edge 205 GPS-Enabled Cycling Computer
Take your ride to the next level with the Edge 205 Garmins GPS-enabled personal trainer and cycle computer. Perfect for touring and the trails, the lightweight Edge is the ultimate fitness partner. With the easy-to-use Edge 205 on your bike, you always know where you are going and how far you have gone. The Edge 205 measures speed, distance, time, calories burned, altitude, climb and descent, plus much more. 205 features include: Easy-to-install - no calibration required. Just snap it in the included bike mount and go High-sensitivity GPS receiver knows your position even in tree cover and canyons, making it extremely reliable for navigation Customizable cycle computer shows up to eight different data fields for continuous feedback Virtual Partner lets you race a virtual competitor, making training fun Courses lets you race against a recorded course to try to match previously set speeds at every point along the way Auto Pause pauses the training timer when you slow down below a specified speed and resumes when you speed up again so you can focus on your ride Auto Lap automatically triggers a lap every time you pass a specified location or travel a preset distance Training Center software gives you the ability to create workouts, manage and download courses, and create a detailed post-ride analysis that charts your performance With its waterproof, sleek design, the Edge is the perfect companion on any bike, and attaches to either the stem or handlebars. Its rugged case frames an easy-to-read, large, backlit display that can show up to eight different data fields along with altitude and a map view. Included Training Center software gives you the ability to overlay your ride data onto a course map. It offers interactive analysis tools that measure your speed, distance, climb, and descent against varying terrain, elevation and more. Create and schedule custom workouts or use workout templates and download to the Edge. Cyclists: get your Edge from Garmin
Garmin Edge 205 GPS-Enabled Cycling Computer Features
- Lightweight & Waterproof
- Sirf-Stariii Receiver For Great Reception In Challenging Conditions
- Includes Highly Sensitive GPS Receiver For Accurate Data
- Monitor Emphasizes Form Factor, Feature Set & GPS Sensitivity
The edge 205 is a basic trip computer w/ the added feature of gps. It records your ride (locations, speed, elevation, calories burned etc.) which you can upload to your computer using garmin's software. This model does not have the capability for downloaded maps, nor can it display your current location. You'd have to move up to the pricier models ($$$) for these features.
THE GOOD - Altho' an entry level device I think it's decent value for money. I bought it specifically to map mtn bike routes on forest land in the Sierra. The area I ride is remote and unsigned and local knowledge is scarce. So recording my rides then uploading onto a terrain maps is great way to build an information base and for sharing w/ other riders. The additional stats on elevation, duration, waypoints recorded etc. are very useful. I'm not a racer and not concerned about times, laps etc. However other riders may appreciate these training features.
THE BAD - Garmins software altho' easy to use is pretty rudimentary. The graph and stats are ok but the map is just awful. No detail whatsoever. There are third party sites where you can upload, save and share your maps and garmin does in fact link to one of them. However, it shouldn't be that difficult. It takes too many steps right now and Garmin should address this.
The mount is kind of insubstantial. So far it holds the unit firmly but that little projecting release tab is just waiting to get snapped off by a loose jersey sleeve. I had no trouble tightening it (brute force and pliers) but Garmin needs to design a better mount.
Overall a good product that's quite easy to use and at a decent price. -- garmin edge 205 gps enabled cycling computer
I have used the 205 for 2 and half years and am on the third one. Garmin replaced the first one free after 14 months but the next time (15 months later) I had to pay $69.
I use the 205 as a speedometer and wear a Forerunner 305. Over a 30 mile ride the difference between the two is about .23 miles with the 205 registering more. The 205 is also more generous in computing average speed.
I haven't had any issues with the batteries but then I only ride for 90 minutes per day and then put it back on the charger.
The altitude is definitely wrong. I live in Florida and the highest point I ride up is a bridge that may be 20 feet in change. At the end of the ride it shows an elevation change of 50-70 feet up and down with a net change of 3 feet. -- Great Speedo but Has Its Problems
Once you own a Garmin 205, you'll get rid of the rest of your bike odometers. Buy the extra mounts for your other bikes. No need for wires, magnets, batteries, etc... For a short term use, it even works pretty well in a shir or bike bag pocket.
The only weakness is the battery life. It can only go about 8 hours between recharges. It does recharge pretty quickly, however, it does need AC. I tried a external battery recharger but it sucked 2 AA batteries dry without getting a full recharge.
It does recharge from a PC USB port as well as AC, so it is convenient to recharge at home, but not so good for tours and multi-day trips.
I have had mine for over 2 years now and it has functioned almost flawlessly.
The Garmin Training Center software for uploading and reviewing the rides is kinda basic especially for maps. However, it does provide exports to a number of other websites for conversions and mapping. You can export to Google and see your ride in the satelite view. Nice for planning future route extensions.
It can provide some limited course routing as well. The return home feature works nicely for going back along the route you went out on. You can also load a follow a predefined course. The display is pretty basic for these features, but they do work.
-- Garmin 205 is only odometer you'll ever need
Lost my first one after a couple of years. Good value for the price, although if you want precise elevation--get the 305 and above. -- My second Gramin Edge
At least one dishonest Amazon vendor (Buy Accessories) is selling overhauled/refurbished units as new. Play it safe and only buy from Amazon itself.
Other than that, it looks great; have not used it yet. Buy a USB emergency battery charger for longer trips. APC has several good ones:
http://www.apc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=314&ISOCountryCode=us -- watch out for refurbished units sold as new
