Garmin Edge 605 review

UPDATE: This model has been discontinued, replaced by the touchscreen Garmin Edge 800.

Hands on with the Garmin Edge 605

The Garmin Edge 605 is one of the new mapping models in Garmin’s bike-centric Edge lineup.This is the first Edge unit I’ve had for a hands-on review; I’ve been testing it on my mountain bike for a few weeks now.

Before we get into the details, let’s compare the 605 with its better equipped sibling, the Edge 705. Both units accept Garmin compatible maps (purchased separately) and micro-SD cards. The 705 adds a heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter and the ability to share data wirelessly with another Edge 705. The 705 is also compatible with an optional cadence sensor and power meter.

Compare prices on the Garmin Edge 605

Going the other direction, the Edge 305 loses the mapping capability and micro-SD card slot, though it does support optional heart rate and cadence sensors. A newer model, the Edge 500 is more of a basic, GPS cyclometer. On to the review….

Garmin Edge 605 training features

Rather than use waypoints, tracks and routes as navigational aids, the Edge focuses more on courses, workouts and a virtual partner as training aids.

Courses

I used courses more than any other training feature. A course is a previously recorded ride that you can race against. It can be something you’ve ridden before or a ride you’ve downloaded from MotionBased (soon to be Garmin Connect). Course files carry a .crs extension and allow you to race against your previous time, shown onscreen as your “virtual partner.” I tried adding some course points (sort of like waypoints) but the current version of Garmin Training Center seems to have some problems with these.

I have to say that even though I don’t tend to ride the same trails over and over, I really liked the virtual partner. It does make you work harder, seeing your previous position that you are racing against. And it’s quite fulfilling at the end when a message pops up saying “You win! Training complete.”

Workouts

Workouts are another way to use the Edge for training purposes. Simple workouts can focus on time, distance or pace goals. Ride/rest interval workouts are also available. More complex, advanced workouts can also be created.

Alerts

Time and distance, as well as speed alerts, can be set for the Edge 605. The 705 adds heart rate, cadence and power alerts.

Garmin Edge 605 data management

History

The Edge begins recording your history as soon as you hit the “start” button, but as I found out the hard way, you can’t just turn on the power and have it start tracking you. Pressing the start button is a must!

Your recorded history can be uploaded to Garmin Training Center or Garmin Connect / MotionBased, or selected on the device to use for training as a course. All of your data is recorded as a Training Center history file (.tcx, formerly .hst).

USB mass storage mode

The new Edge series goes into USB mass storage mode when connected to a computer, just like the Garmin nuvi and Colorado series. In addition to the transfer methods mentioned above, you can use copy, cut and paste to move files to and from the courses, workouts, history and GPX directories.

Garmin Edge 605 mount

The mount goes on with zip ties, and it is recommended that you consider mounting it on the handlebar stem for greater stability.  The mount seems solid and stable, though the stem angle decreased visibility on my bike. A wedge comes with the Edge 605 to change the angle, but wasn’t included with my review unit. The Edge is easily disconnected from the mount at the end of a ride.

Garmin Edge 605 screens

Which screens appear on the Edge depend upon the training mode you select. Data fields can be customized for five screens (bike computer 1 and 2, map, workouts, courses). Below are screenshots of the main menu and bike computer screens.

Next up is a shot of the compass screen in the Edge’s natural habitat…

…and the course data screen

Navigating with the Garmin Edge 605

If there is one weakness to the Edge 605, it’s that it is not a great navigation device. While it is possible to load .gpx files and show waypoints, tracks and routes, the Edge doesn’t utilize them as well as other GPS units.

I did figure out one trick, which allowed me to show a course / track, and display a route with waypoint names on the map screen. To do this, set the Edge to follow a course first, and then tell it to follow a route that has been uploaded as a .gpx file. This worked pretty well, and while it would not display the waypoint name using the “waypoint at next” field, it would show the correct “distance to next” waypoint. This is shown in the images below, which I apologize for; the Edge does not have a built-in screenshot feature, ala the nuvi, not does it support xImage.

Unfortunately, you’ll get this sort of pop-up (shown below) at major direction changes, rather than the waypoint name associated with a junction. You may be able to resolve this with course points, though it appears that they must be created on a MapSource product within Garmin Training Center.

Recommendation

Here’s my key recommendation for the Edge 605. If you’re training and you ride the same routes over and over, and athletic performance / data is paramount, the Edge 605 is a great device. It seems ideal for this purpose.

If, on the other hand, navigation is important to you, get an eTrex or a GPSMap 60 series GPS (see our GPS for bikers page for recommendations).

More Garmin Edge 605 reviews

• Consumer-authored Garmin Edge 605 reviews are being posted at Amazon
• About.com gives a 4 out of 5 star rating in their Garmin Edge 605 review
• Marengo has also posted a Garmin Edge 605 review
• SingleTracks.com reviews the Garmin Edge 605

I’ll be posting more hands on GPS reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some…

Other Garmin Edge 605 resources

• The Garmin Edge 605 owners manual in the language of your choice
• Compare the Edge 605 to other Garmin Edge models
• Garmin now has an official Edge 605 message forum
• Creating courses for your Edge 605
• How to transfer race plans and workouts to your Edge
• How to load tracks to the Edge 605 and 705
• Updating Edge 605 maps on your SD card with a Mac
• The official Garmin Edge 605 web page

Compare prices on the Garmin Edge 605 at these merchants:

• Check the current Garmin Edge 605 price at Amazon.
• Get the Garmin Edge 605 Personal Training Navigator for Cyclists at TigerGPS, where you get free shipping on orders above $250.
• Buy the Garmin Edge 605 GPS Bike Computer from REI.com, where satisfaction is guaranteed and members get 10% back on eligible purchases.
• Get the Garmin Edge 605 for an amazing price on eBay.