Garmin Edge 205 UK Garmin Reviews

By Mark Elliott

The Garmin Edge is, without a doubt, a boys toy. It's probably one on the easiest gadgets to set-up and use that I've ever had. A couple of cable ties attach the bracket to the bike and the Edge clips in to the mount. Wait for a minute or so for the unit to pick up the satellites and then press Start and go.

It links up to the PC automatically and is fairly trouble free. If you're that way inclined, you can also find online resource to allow you to plot a desired route using Google Maps and then transfer the route to the Edge. When you go for a cycle, you just have to follow the line on the screen.

The unit isn't perfect though and does suffer from lock-ups and freezes occasionally, which is very annoying.

Overall though, if you want a toy to help motivate yourself to go out on your bike, have some fun and get fit, I'd definitely recommend getting one.

By A. Peers

I found this product to be of great use. Initially, I used it to see how many miles I had clocked up and to see what speeds I was getting on my mountain bike. I then began uploading my information stored on my 205 to Garmin's own 'Motion Based' website (which is free). This allowed me to view various data such as elevations, average speeds, pace etc and also animated routes. The great thing with the website is that you can upload your route onto Google Earth and view it from different angles.

I have now recently discovered 'Memory Map' which allows you to view Ordnance survey Explorer Maps. On this you can plot a route with 'Waypoints' and upload them onto your Edge 205 and use it as a GPS Navigation device. Although the Edge only holds up to 100 Waypoints I have found that this is ample for even long days out.

Up to now I have not had any faults with this (after 6 Months) I have updated the software built into the Edge device via Garmin's website and this has probably rectified any faults described in previous reviews.
In all it's a neat little device.

The instructions that came with my 205 were not great and seemed to focus more on the 305 model. Just play about with it and learn this way. Be aware that the 205 does not have an altimeter. In order to view your altitude you must upload you routes to Garmin's 'Motion Based' website.

By M. Eagle

I was after a cycle computer that was easy to setup and didn't have wires trailing over the bike or a magnet attached to the wheel. GPS was therefore the way to go so having looked around I went for this unit. I didn't go for the more expensive Edge units as they had extra functionality I wasn't interested in. I also already own a Garmin in-car sat-nav so knew the product should be good. The system is easy to setup and you do have to update the software in the unit itself as well as the Garmin training centre that you load onto your PC/laptop. You create a user and bike profile so the computer knows the combined weight of you and your bike, this is so it can show you how many calories you are burning as you cycle. Initially the unit will take a while to find the GPS satellites, and I have found that on each subsequent startup it is a lot quicker but can still take a few seconds.

The information this device can give you is very good. Speed, distance, time and a graphic of the route you are following. Once you have downloaded the information it has stored you can see even more info about your cycle ride such as average speed, pace and can even have the route plotted onto Google Earth, which is a very nice touch assuming you have it on your PC. The accuracy is such that it can even show if you have been on a footpath!

So far I haven't had any lockups or freezes or loss of signal. I am also planning on taking it skiing next year by keeping it in an armband when I am on the slopes. The unit is quite small for a GPS device so sits neatly on the handlebar stem of your bike.

In summary it may seem expensive for a cycle computer but if you are into your sports and are interested in your performance this is a good bit of kit.

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