The Garmin Edge 705 is available in a number of different packages. The packaged reviewed here includes the heart rate sensor and cadence sensor. In my opinion if you’re buying the 705 as the ultimate tool, go for the package that opens up its full potential. The only thing that need to be sorted out with the purchase is what maps to get, the 705 does not come packed with maps.

At first glance the 705 looks huge, only because we’ve been used to the tiny traditional bike computers that display a couple of lines of information. Once installed onto your bikes stem or handlebars and fire it up, you will realise for the first time that you have been missing out in the past.

The 705 is waterproof with solid rubberised buttons on either side of the unit and a joystick and button combination on the front underneath a large colour screen. The rear of the unit has the integrated mounting bracket and the mini USB charging/data connection port.

Setting up the 705 is a cinch. The amount of information you wish to display on a ride is fully customisable, and you have two full screen of user information to customise. On the first screen I displayed eight functions: elapsed time, speed, distance, cadence, heart rate, time of day and calories burned. On the second screen, I have opted for a more basic display showing: speed, time elapsed, time of day and distance – similar data shown by a traditional computer, but on a much large, easy to read display.

The menu button on the lower left side reveals all the settings, navigation entry and stores data. You can easily access saved ride history and pre-determined training ride courses that can monitor your current progress vs a previous – you become your own training partner.

The mode button on the lower left side changes screens by alternating: map, elevation, and the user customised data display. The map and elevation screens can be zoomed in and out with the zoom buttons on the upper right side. The map screen can be customised with user required information. I have displayed: speed and elapsed time so I don’t have to toggle between map and information screens when I just need the map display. Customising the map screen does make the viewable map area smaller, so you would want minimal user information displayed.

Multiple profiles are available for users and bikes. I have a mounting bracket installed on my road and mountain bike and easily switch between the two by selecting the appropriate profile. Nothing else needs to be connected. For the road bike, the cadence sensor monitor cadence and speed. On the mountain bike, I figure that cadence if not required and leave the speed to be monitored by the GPS.

Upon turning on the device it searches for satellites like all GPS devices do. After a few seconds it finds your location and you are ready to roll by pressing the start button. The 705 accurately tracks you route in real-time pausing the elapsed time when you come to a stop. Upon reaching your destination end the ride by pressing the stop button. Before beginning a new ride you have to remember to reset the display. After downloading your information to a computer the unit is automatically reset for the next ride.

The heart rate sensor wraps around the chest in the same way other HRM transmitters do and accurately records your heart rate. Advanced HRM functionality such as training zones can be applied if required. I do question the 705’s accuracy when converting HRM information to calories burned. Compared with other HRMs the Garmin seemed to be rather high.

Battery life is stated as approximately 12 hours which I have never found not enough. I can only see that you will need to supply a charging solution if riding very long rides such as endures or similar. The rear mounted USB port provides standard charging from a wall mounted power source or from a computer. The same USB port downloads data to your computer.

There are a range of software applications for your computer including the downloadable Garmin Training Center and Garmin’s web-based Garmin Connect.

In summary, the Garmin Edge 705 is a very special device. It displays everything you need, provides accurate guidance and records all your data for analysis – it really does it all.

Get the Garmin Edge 705 – you will never look back.

The Dri-FIT fabric is designed to wick sweat away and help keep you dry and comfortable. The shirt is made with of 100% polyester Dri-Fit fabric along with a rib crew neck and flat seam construction to minimise chafing. The range is available in both men’s and women’s sizing and also includes the Dri-Fit hat and training shorts. One important note: Though it is not described as such, this shirt definitely seems to be “oversized”. I normally wear a Large, but that seemed quite loose; the Medium fit was much better.

Fight cancer with the team at 602nds.com and support the Lance Armstrong Foundation by wearing the Nike Livestrong collection.

For more information or to check out the full range of Livestrong merchanside visit the Livestrong Store website.

In the event that a rider goes down and become unconscious (not to mention even worse scenarios) and cannot be identified, there is quite often no way to contact loved ones and family.

RoadID has the perfect solution – Wrist ID Sport. With the Wrist ID Sport the rider carries an easily idenifiable wrist strap that contains relevant contact and/or medical information.

The RoadID wristband is constructed from a durable nylon band that is secured to your wrist by velco, similar to that of a velco watch band. Attached to the wrist band is an attractive laser engraved satin stainless steel plate with your emergency contact information. It comes standard with two 3M reflective stripes to enhance your visibility when training in low light conditions. The Wrist ID Sport is available in six colours – black, blue, red, yellow, pink and purple.

Ordering your RoadID could not be more simple. From the RoadID website select the product you want to order and build your RoadID. After selecting your colour and size you personalise the text that will be engraved onto the stainless steel plate. The WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) interactive web interface allow you to see exactly what your Wrist ID will look like. The Wrist ID Sport plate allows for 6 lines of 24 characters.

Based in the USA, RoadID ships internationally having recieved mine in Australia just days after ordering.

At US$19.99 the RoadID Wrist ID Sport looks great, feels comfortable and just may well save your life.

For more information about the RoadID range visit the RoadID website.

Designed for serious fitness enthusiasts and atheletes the FT80 is loaded with features that make it a leader in it’s class. The FT80’s is a solid and robust watch with a metal case, glass face and rubber wrist band.  I suspect the the large curved glass face could become easily chipped or scratched if it come into contact with a hard surface.

The FT80 is easily operated using buttons on either side of the watch which provide a good, solid feel when pushing them. A logical menu interface scrolls through Settings, Applications and Data. The reversed LCD display features white text on a black background that compliments the modern design but does take some time getting used to. It can be difficult to view the screen quickly when running or riding outdoors in bright sunlight.

When exercising or working-out the buttons scroll through various screens to display information such as heart rate, training zones, exercise time and calories burned. Audible feedback is provided to provide alerts for when you are outside of training zones which can be turned off if required or if too annoying.

Exercise, work-out and data can be transferred to a computer with the Flow Link feature. I found this feature limited and unreliable with Polar’s web-based application. The feature is only available for Windows computers with no Mac software available at the moment. The transfer cradle requires the watch to be perfectly placed to enable effective data transfer.

The FT80 comes with a comfortable WearLink strap which secures the transmitter to your chest. With Polar OwnCode transmission is spot on everytime, even in a gym packed with electronic equipment and other people training with HRMs. The unit is ANT transmission compatible and can be expanded with the additional of the Polar S1 Foot Pod and S1 GPS Sensor to monitor speed and distance. It must be noted that the unit does not provide full mapping capabilies.

As an everyday watch the FT80 ticks the boxes for basic watch functions such as dual time zones, alarm and stop watch. Unlike some HRMs, the battery in both the watch and the transmitter is user replaceable without having to take it to an authorised service agent.

In summary, the Polar FT80 is a great looking training tool that provides all the information you would need to monitor your fitness and progress.

Watch the video (above) featuring Polar experts discussing the new features of the FT80.

For more information about the Polar FT80 check out the Polar website.

Reviewed by Lakers