Have any of you used or heard much about the Garmin Edge 205. I just really want a cyclocomputer that has GPS. The race your previous route feature looks really cool. Does the GPS work very well? Can you type in a route and will it give you directions? I’m not really sure on all of the features yet. Is it worth $125?
Is the 705 significantly better? Should I just saddle up and get that one? Could you please tell me what makes it so much better if so. Thanks!!! I really appreciate it.
Is the 305 much better than the 205?
The 305 is just a 205 with heart rate, I believe.
I’ve heard it also has an altimeter, which could be cool for mountain bike data in the hills of duluth. But It looks like the 205 can also measure elevation… hmmm
Do many people use the 205 anymore, and does anyone know if they are similar to ipods (they come out with a new one every fall so it would pay to wait till a certain time of year)?
The major differences between the 205 and 305 as has been stated is the 305’s ability to work with accessories (HR and the GCS10) as well as having a barometric altimeter. The 705 is probably way more computer than it sounds like you need, but you should still be able to find a 305 pretty cheap, and if you can afford the difference, the altimeter and ability to use the accessories is a big benefit. The GCS10 will allow you to also ride indoors in addition to smoothing out some of the “fuzziness” of GPS generated speed and the elevation data from a barometric altimeter is far superior to the GPS elevation data you’ll get from the 205. That said, they both (2/305) allow you to do courses/navigation, the software is pretty much the same, and if you can’t or don’t want to upgrade to the 305, there are many apps for cleaning up your GPS generated elevation data post ride.
I have the 305 and really like it. I like to track all my rides. I do some riding in NH and it’s nice to track elevation. I also use the HRM with mine. On the Garmin site, it says that the 205 doesn’t do HR. Don’t have first hand experience with the 205. The 705 is a completely different beast. It is color and has maps. The 205 and 305 do not have map capability like the 705. You can map a ride on Map My Ride and load that into the 305 and follow it. You can also race against yourself on a previous ride, or set a goal ave speed and race against that. I use my best time on the local TT as a guide when racing the course. You can use the 305 to get home via the same route you went out on, but again compared to the 705 there are no maps to look around or to pick up landmarks etc. Hope this helps.
If you just want simple GPS and like playing with maps, then you can’t beat the price of the 205 now. There’s no onboard maps with the 205 like the 705, but with some work you can upload a custom route to to the 205 so that you wont get lost.
If you just want a cyclocomputer with GPS, then the 205 is it.
Grr, I was able to find the 205’s for around $105-$110 when I made this thread, now I can’t find them for under $135. Is anyone selling a used one?
And if you also run then a Forerunner 305 with cadence for cycling, running and HR.
I don’t like running with big bulky watches otherwise I would get that one fore sure. I love the big screen for biking though.