A great bicycle computer

I do a lot of travaling and take my bike with me. I use online sources to find public bicycle route information then upload this to the 705. Satilite aquisition is great. I purchased the maps to complete the device. ANT+ devices heart rate cadence and speed work great even the thisrd party devices that I own.More detail ...

They should offer a larger diameter handlebar clamp.

It aint that hard to figure out without directions. There's only four bolts two nylok nuts and four plastic molded pieces. I don't know what kind of plastic this material is but without too much effort I had no problem prying apart the handlebar clamp. But I can see where it might be too tough for some. Believe me if this clamp got stressed to the point of snapping you would know about it. The handlebar bracket was a sloppy fit but wrappng a few turns of black electricians tape around the circumferance of the handlebar between it and the clamp took up the slop. No slop after I tightened it. Solid as a rock. Now my handlebars are only 22 mm diam. close to the brake cable mounts and then it flares up to 25mm in diam. towards the gooseneck. So now you know what to expect. I agree they should offer a larger diameter handlebar clamp and print a diameter spec to go along with it.More detail ...

SPOT ON!!!!

Please ignore the comments about Globalstar service below he has no clue about this product. Globalstar is having problems with its duplex service S-band amplifiers which only affects two-way traffic. I should know I have a Globalstar satellite phone. SPOT uses the L-Band uplink (simplex modem) which is used to track trucks etc. this network is running at full efficiency. I have this product and it works better than my expectations. About this product: it is not a personal locator beacon and if you wish to use this solely for emergencies I would recommend another product. A true personal locator beacon because it works in all conditions and all-terrain (I also own one by ACR). SPOT needs to have an uninterrupted view to the satellite. In other words in heavy canopy this product does not work very well but in broken canopy or in the open this product works great (samething is true with my handheld GPS). I use this product to communicate with family and friends on my progress when backpacking biking or just out and about. I do use this product in heavy canopy areas and send a signal when I cross a road or powerline crossing. I still carry my personal locator beacon for real emergencies but this product helps in non-emergency situations. For more operational details you can download the manual at www.findmespot.com



My cell phone doesn't work when I'm away from cell towers or underwater while scuba diving nor in caves. Similarly SPOT will not work if it cannot contact the satellite. As with all communication devices they all have limits and parameters that they operate in. You should know this before buying any product like this.More detail ...

Great Device Beware of Hidden Map Costs

I've had my 705 for about 3 weeks and have used it on over 400 miles of bike training. It's a great bike computer - very easy to setup lots of data available but only the data you decide to have on each screen. The GPS and in-unit maps are great. Installation is also easy since the sensor is wireless.



The Garmin Training Center software (Windows version in my case) is okay but appears to have only basic integration with the 705 so far. GTC is a separate but free download from the Garmin site. Hopefully future versions will provide more/better 705 integration.



Something to watch out for as it isn't mentioned in the 705 docs or on the Garmin site if you buy the 705 with the map card those detailed maps will only be available in the 705 not in GTC. If you want detailed maps in GTC you have to buy a PC/Mac version of the very same maps you have on the 705. That's another $100-130 on top of the $600-700 you just spent on the 705. Why? Ask Garmin.More detail ...

Garmin Edge 305 - Great for cycling

If you are into keeping track of your cycling workouts the Garmin Edge 305 is great. Just turn it on and start the timer. It keeps track of everything including altitude and feet ascended and descended percent of grade and calories. When you are done just plug it into a USB port on your pc and download all your stats. It even shows your route in Google Earth. The only two minor issues I have are the display isn't as crisp and clear as some newer lcd displays. It's ok but could be better. The other thing is the software doesn't let you export data into a spreadsheet. I got a factory refurb with heart rate and cadence for a great price. Could not tell from brand new.More detail ...