Garmin Edge 705 or 800?

[The Stiglet]

705's are much cheaper and have 90% of the goodies that the 800 has.

Which is the one to get?

[Andy111s]

If you ride off road and want to try new trails the 800 is well worth the money

the 800 has OS mapping
the 705 does not

Andy

[NitroNick]

Have you considered an Edge 500?

[NorthDave]

I have an Edge 705 and am going to sell it.

That should tell you everything you need to know! I have had it get massively confused in the middle of rides and direct me down a road which has ultimately left me many miles from where I wanted to be. The interface is rubbish and I have ended up using it as a posh cycle computer which something a fifth of the price could do.

I would seriously avoid.

Best thing I have seen recently was a bracket to attach an iPhone/Android phone to the handlebars. You can even get an under seat mounted extra battery pack or dynamo for super long rides.

[The Stiglet]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I need mapping with directions, so the 500 is out. I don't do off-road trails, just road cycling and HR measurement is vital. The iPhone stuff isn't quite as accurate as I'd hoped plus it's harder to get HRM and cadence set up with one. The battery doesn't last long and I will be using it in Europe for 10-12 hour days so it would cost a fortune!

I've read many comparison reviews between the 705 and 800 and apparently the processor and joystick interaction for maps on the 705 is a PITA. The 800 maps faster but has a slightly dimmer screen, or at least one that is harder to see in sunlight. There are apparently some concerns about the strength of the 800's touch screen and the 705 is viewed as a bit tougher but the mounting in for the 800 is far better than the 705...

The 705 is a saving of circa £180. Decisions, decisions!

[David A]

NorthDave said:

I have an Edge 705 and am going to sell it.

That should tell you everything you need to know! I have had it get massively confused in the middle of rides and direct me down a road which has ultimately left me many miles from where I wanted to be. The interface is rubbish and I have ended up using it as a posh cycle computer which something a fifth of the price could do.

I would seriously avoid.

Best thing I have seen recently was a bracket to attach an iPhone/Android phone to the handlebars. You can even get an under seat mounted extra battery pack or dynamo for super long rides.

Sorry for interrupting Any links to the bracket?

[h4muf]

I never leave home without my 800.

[Rob_T]

h4muf said:

I never leave home without my 800.

Ditto

I've become so dependent on it I now have to use it to navigate to the front door.

[crisisjez]

I have an 800 and the OH a 705.
My 800 has never worked properly and has been back to Garmin twice now. At present it keeps autopausing whilst out and the HRM and Cadence are both intermittent, plus the turn guidance function is also intermittant at best.
The 705 has not missed a beat and was £300.00 cheaper.
I wish I had bought 2.

[Jimbo.]

A guy I ride with has a 705. The mount/holder is broken (and a bit back to begin with, IIRC) BUT it's bounced down the road, mid-bunch, on several occasions and still works perfectly. I doubt whether an 800 - as good as it is (and it's a VERY nice bit of kit!) - would hold up as well.

[Kermit power]

My 800 is great! The only issue I've ever had with it was when it started undermeasuring speed and distance, and that turned out to just be because I'd knocked the wheel sensor.

It's a bit of a pain to get routes into it, but other than that it does everything I want.

[The Stiglet]

You guys! It's even harder to make a decision now.

[Rolls]

BTTT'ing this old thread...

Basically I have a 705 - great bit of kit, but its a little old now (that and the 810 has just been released...)
How does the 800 and 810 compare to the 705 for those of you who have used them?
Looks like the only realy difference between the 810 + 800 is the wirless connection bits, and the racing virtual partner? The 705 has got race virtual partner on it (and when i have used it, i've found it quite good!) - but is the 800 (or 810) really worth the upgrade over the 705?
I have a feeling I know what the replies will be, but want to be sure..

[okgo]

800 renowned for errors and expensive to fix. Mine got wet in Spain and has bitten the dust, it also took ages to update the map as I was going along, its also huge, and heavy and has a ste battery life, on balance the 500 is the best bet, unless you really need the detailed mapping (you can get basic mapping on the 500).

[DrMekon]

I do endurance stuff, so the 800 series is out because of battery life. However, if you don't need the 'net stuff, the Garmin Etrex 30 is great - takes AAs so running out of power not such an issue.

[Broaders]

I have had both and the 800 is night and day better....

[bakerstreet]

I was given a Garmin 800 for an Xmas/birthday present. I think it's a great bit of kit. I won't leave the house without it.i use it on my turbo too.

[CoolC]

Andy111s said:

If you ride off road and want to try new trails the 800 is well worth the money

the 800 has OS mapping
the 705 does not

Andy

Replying to an old quote, but I have OS mapping on my 705 via http://talkytoaster.com/ukmaps.htm

705's are hard to find new now I would have though. I got mine almost a year ago now and it was cheap because they had stopped making it then.

[Rolls]

Broaders said:

I have had both and the 800 is night and day better....

In what respect though? Can't see that it actually does anything more than my 705, apart from looking a bit nicer & being touch screen (and being less durable?)

[Vladimir]

I use a Forerunner 910xt. Not great for mapping (it does them but very basic only) but a cracking multi sport watch if any of you run or swim too.

Used it last night at my brilliant new local trail centre; does barometric (I.e. proper) altitude; essential for riding.