Earlier this spring when my Cateye bike computer met its demise, I took the opportunity to upgrade. I debated replacing it with another bike computer, but decided if I was going to upgrade, I was going to upgrade in a big way.

I settled on the Garmin Edge 705. I chose the Edge 705 for several reasons, but mainly because I wanted one device that I could use to gather training data.

The Edge allows me to upload the data from the bike unit to my Garmin Connect account. From here, I can:

• export the data to Google Earth and Maps
• create dashboard reports of activities
• see calories burned
• heart rate
• elevation gains and losses, etc.

You get the point. The Edge allows me to do pretty much anything I want with the data, even share it post-ride with friends or the universe, which Garmin uses to build rides of everyone who chooses to upload and share their data. Yes, you can chose to disable the share feature if you’re concerned with privacy.

Above: Sample from the Garmin Connect account.

The display screen on the Edge 705 can be customized to show only the measures you want to see during your ride. I have mine set to display eight data points at all times, but the possibilities are limitless.

One of the features that I’ve been the most impressed with, is the battery life. The Garmin website states typical battery life is 15 hours with the rechargeable li-polymer, but I’ve been getting between 20 and 22 hours of use between charges.

The Edge has helped monitor my rides and I’ve seen improvement in my fitness since I’ve been using the GPS. I’ve used the Edge in Leadville and around town and it’s been great at helping meet personal goals and achievements.

If you’re looking for a great bike computer or GPS to help with training, the Edge could be a prefect fit for your bike.

For a couple of rides now I’ve been using the ERGON GC2 ergonomic performance grips. I switched these grips out on my Trek and have noticed a real difference, especially in arm fatigue on longer rides. The palm supports come in handy on four-plus hour rides and the bar ends offer multiple hand positions. Whether riding wide rails-to-trails or tight singletrack, there’s a comfortable position for your hands.

The grips are easy to install, as I had them on the bars in less than two minutes. Adjusting the grips and the attached bar ends are just as simple to adjust on the fly. Simply use the allen wrench on your multi-tool and adjustments are made. The grips and bar ends can be adjusted independently of each other, so you’re sure to find a comfortable fit.

I’m using the large size of the grips, which come in about 283g. The grips are also available in a small size, and those come in around 255g if weight is a primary concern.

For me, it’s comfort and the ERGON’s have met that need. If you’re in the market for new grips, check out the ERGON line of products.

Exactly 50 days from today I’ll be in Leadville, CO riding the Leadville Silver Rush 50. That means 50 more days of riding, 50 more days to log miles and 50 more days of excitement.

If you’re looking for more info on the race or other Leadville races, be sure to head on over to the Leadville Trail site, sign up and enjoy a great race in a beautiful piece of the country.

Sunday turned into one of those great riding days. The impromptu 5 guys gathering in a parking lot and 54 miles later, the laughs, the stories and the cycling foolery will ride on for a long time to come. With the near perfect weather and the trails relatively free of traffic, the day shaped up quiet nicely. Everyone should ride bicycles.