The 705 is the complete package - a bike computer, GPS unit and training aid all in one.

This unit has a large screen with four custom screen view options. You can view a topographical map, as the screen is big enough and road maps can be purchased to allow you to navigate. Zooms make it easy to get really close up to the area you are in too.

You can also view an elevation scale for your ride or you can view totally customizable ride information in all kinds of categories. Speed, distance, time, calories burned, altitude, climb and descent, cadence, power, heart rate, lap times and heading are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the kind of information available. For extra-precise climb and descent data, the Edge also incorporates a barometric altimeter to pinpoint changes in elevation. The Autolap setting is really useful for racers who want split times per lap as it automatically starts another lap when you pass the same point again.  It features a high-sensitivity receiver that holds a signal under trees and near tall buildings, and comes with a click stick for easy screen navigation. Menues can be arranged in any order with up to 8 items per page.

One really handy feature is the ability to train against yourself. You can take a ride you did previously and riding it again, compare how you are doing to how you did previously - effectively racing against yourself. It doesn’t end with just the unit though. You can download your rides directly to your computer where it is stored online. You can replay the ride with info on your altitude, heartrate and speed compared and your data is stored and categorized online for easy retrival. You can also share rides and info with your friends who can download direct from your unit to theirs using wireless.

Lastly for the pro rider you can use a power metre hub to provide wattage info but for the average rider this is a step beyond. Still its nice to know its there.

If you have no bike computer and are looking for something like this you can’t go wrong. Everything is in the one package. It can also be used for multisport activities. You can set it to record and just slip it into your jersey pocket like we do when we go abroad. We can’t recommend this highly enough.

RRP €450 for the 705 with cadence and heart rate, €415 for the 705 and heartrate. Available nationwide.