Avnic Trading, exclusive distributors for Garmin in South Africa, has announced the Edge 205, Edge 305HR and Edge 305CAD: a new line of integrated personal training systems focusing on the needs of recreational and advanced cyclists. The Edge is a compact, lightweight, waterproof unit that can accurately monitor pedalling cadence, heart rate, vertical profiles, climb and descent, altitude, speed, distance and time.

Because the Edge is GPS based, the information may be overlaid onto a cyclist's course map, including hills and curves, so the cyclist can easily analyse every aspect of the workout.

"The Edge is the ultimate fitness partner for a cyclist, whether taking a relaxing weekend ride or participating in a competitive race," says Ian Gallacher, CEO of Avnic. "It offers extensive user-configurable features and built-in performance tracking that will help athletes reach the next level in their training."

The Edge is a completely new design that is cyclist-friendly, attractive and waterproof. Its sleek and durable case frames an easy-to-read, large, backlit display. Users may customise the display to show up to eight different data fields, as well as altitude and a map view. It attaches to either the stem or handlebars of the bicycle and is designed for easy removal at the end of the workout.

The Edge is the first Garmin device to incorporate the SiRFstarIII receiver, a new high sensitivity GPS sensor manufactured by SiRF Technology. The new receiver enhances GPS tracking under challenging conditions such as heavy foliage or 'urban canyons' created by city skyscrapers.

The Edge 305CAD incorporates a self-calibrating, wireless speed/cadence sensor that mounts to the rear chain stay of the bicycle, in addition to the primary unit that mounts on the stem or handlebars of the bicycle. Like the heart rate monitor, the speed/cadence sensor uses the same robust wireless technology that eliminates cross-talk and interference.

Designed to be flexible for cyclists taking long or short rides, the Edge may store up to 13 000 track points per track, including altitude, at every point of the ride. Altitude is recorded using GPS position for the Edge 205 and a barometric altimeter for the Edge 305HR and Edge 305CAD. This accurate altitude data makes it much easier for cyclists to match their altitude profile with their speed, cadence and heart rate during post-ride analysis.

For more information contact Jason Theunissen, Avnic Trading, 011 704 6147, jason@avnic.co.za