Garmin Edge 800 GPS

The Garmin Edge 800 GPS uses cutting-edge technology to dominate the sports GPS arena.  Due to significant research and development, the Garmin Edge 800 has ranked number one in the Garmin six models. It has a touchscreen as compared to button controls on most cyclecomputers. In all honesty, the Garmin Edge 800 GPS is a technological breakthrough.

The wireless Edge 800 adopts some of the superior features from the smaller Edge 500 and the slightly bulkier Edge 705. The touchscreen and a whole new user interface in synergy to create something truly unique.

The Edge 800 is 3.5 inches long, compared with its predecessor the 4-inch Edge 705. And remarkably the 800 has a larger screen, (2.5 inches diagonal and slightly wider) as compared to the 2.3-inch 705 screen. The 800 also inherits the carbon fibre finish and the sleeker look of the 500.

The Edge 800's touchscreen includes a "menu" position at the bottom, and its easy navigation with a pair of arrow buttons. Screens in sequence include three completely customizable data screens, a navigation/map screen, and a simulated training partner (if activated) screen.

The main menu includes a "Where To?" button that lets you navigate by tracks, coordinates, points of interest (POI), addresses, and much more. This menu is similar to that of an automotive GPS, and if you add the optional City Navigator map with POI set, you get virtually all of the same functionality, including turn-by-turn directions.

In addition to the touchscreen controls, the Edge 800 has three physical buttons. One is a power on/off button on the top left, a lap/reset and workout start/stop button, both on the bottom.

Data field categories on the Edge 800 include; timing, distance, speed, elevation, heart rate, pedalling cadence, power, navigation, courses, and workouts. There are numerous other subcategories all are completely customizable to appear in your display screens.

The Edge 800 includes a versatile mounting plate that fits snugly on a handlebar or a stem via a pair of tough elastic O-rings. A bag full of O-rings of varying sizes and a second mount are included. To mount the GPS, simply place and turn clockwise a quarter-turn until it locks into place.

The Edge 800 may be ordered with a soft-fabric wireless heart rate monitor strap. The adjustable strap includes a compact (2.3-inch-wide) transmitter that snaps off the strap for easy washing and maintenance.

The Edge 800 uses the ANT+ wireless standard to communicate with virtually all power meters on the market. The Edge 800's menu system allows full integration of power stats and power range alerts.

A wireless pedalling cadence sensor for the Edge 800 to display and store cadence stats may also be ordered. Like all other Garmin fitness GPS devices, it's easy to upload, store, and analyze workout data from the Edge 800 by using Garmin's free online Garmin Connect service. Garmin has steadily improved Connect, and it has become a very robust and user friendly way to keep incredibly detailed and thorough training logs. You may also graph your data, and share data and graphs online or via e-mail.

The Edge 800 has the brightest and largest screen, with the largest numerals, that Garmin has produced to date. The numerals and words on-screen are also a bit wider and thus easier to see than previous models. The screen is clearly visible in full sunlight.

The Garmin Edge 800 pioneers some remarkable new navigation features that would impress any keen cyclist. If you have the City Navigator SD card installed, and ride with the colour map screen displayed, names of upcoming cross streets appear top of the screen. The map screen will also tell you which road you are on, and your direction of travel. The top of the screen also prompts you during navigation with turn-by-turn directions.

The Edge 800 is a force to be reckoned with. It will go on sale in early October, ranging from $449 and up to $649 for the version including soft-strap heart rate monitor, speed/cadence sensor, and City Navigator or topo mapping on microSD.

More coming soon...