For the past few years the Garmin Edge 705 has been the cutting edge in terms of GPS cycling computers whether you were a Tour de France rider or a trail warrior. Recently the company introduced this smaller model in response to a request from the Garmin-Transitions Pro-Tour squad who were looking for something a little lighter and very good it is too.

Essentially it does all the functions that the 705 does but without but without a map screen. No mapping you may say? but, connect it to a computer with the supplied (standard) USB cable, and using the excellent Garmin connect online package you can upload your rides where they are plotted on a map (now also including google earth).  The software shows you all the relevant detail for the ride and has a number of nice features such as allowing you to replay the ride showing speed, heart rate and distance in conjunction with a map.  It is a great training aid.
On the go there are plenty of features too.  With three customizable screens on the unit itself you can tune it for different scenarios with up to 8 pieces of information per screen. For example we set it up with a screen for trail riding (speed distance, elapsed time, heart rate etc.) 1 for racing (lap time, lap no., distance into lap etc.) and 1 for general info (altimeter, temperature, actual time, total ascent/descent etc.). It is fully ANT+ compatible allowing the use of heart rate monitors, speed/cadence sensors or power meters for the full pro setup.

Essentially it is a full bike computer but at only 1.9″ x2.7″ it is tiny. No wires or sensors are required and with Garmin Training centre it is a one-stop shop. Due to its small size and light weight, it is also possible to use it for multi-sport. We used it adventure racing keeping it in a pocket of our pack on the run before placing it on the bike for a great log of the event.

What is it missing compared to the 705?  Well after the obvious mapping feature and you can’t set some of the training aids from the 705 such as simple workouts and pace alerts.  Beyond that they are pretty much the same.
Only two complaints, first the mount. It is easy to attach but we knocked the unit loose a few times when riding, mostly off-road and this is not a piece of kit that you want to lose! Admittadly our unit had been used previously and we have seen new ones which are much stiffer to remove but it is something to be aware off.  The best place to mount a unit like this is the stem as it is less likely to get knocked in the event of a crash.

Also of note was that we never got the full claimed 18 hours of battery life from our test model. Admittedly it wasn’t new and the battery is good but not that good. It did last multiple rides but more like 12 hours than the claimed 18.  Still are you ever going to ride that far?

The unit in Team Garmin-Transitions livery.

Designed for Tour de France riders who wanted a lighter unit (only 56 grams) than the 705 it is certainly more affordable, (200 euros cheaper!). For the average rider this is as much as they will ever need and the multiple mount kits that come in the box allow you to use it on more than one bike easily.
We like this a lot and gadget fans will not be disappointed. Obviously if you want mapping on the go this is not for you but for everyone else it’s a great option.

Available in two package options, the basic package includes the Edge 500 and a heart rate belt for €250.  Add a cadence and speed sensor for another €50.