By Claire Reilly
SYDNEY, NSW: Following a successful run in this year’s Tour de France (and similarly successful brand exposure on televisions around the world) Garmin has today announced the release of a new GPS product targeted at cyclists.
Weighing in at 57 grams, the Edge 200 GPS-enabled cycling computer will join the Edge 500 and Edge 800 in Garmin’s bike-compatible range, designed to offer cyclists information for training or leisure.
“The Edge 200 was designed for cyclists looking for the basics — speed, distance, time and calories,” said Ian Edwards, national sales manager for Garmin Australasia.
“With no set-up or sensors required, simply switch on, press start and go. The Edge 200 adds so much to your ride that no ride will ever be the same again.”
The device has a 14 hour battery life and stores up to 130 hours of ride data, with USB connectivity for data transfer and battery charging. It can be switched between bicycles with no calibration required, and it is safe for use in all types of weather.
“It features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix satellite prediction – meaning there’s less time spent waiting to receive a satellite signal and more time spent riding. The Edge 200 also allows users to set alerts for distance, time or calories to make it easier and more fun to achieve their goals.”
The Edge 200 will available by September for RRP $149.
Click here to sign up for our FREE daily newsletter
In other Garmin cycling news, the company has released a more niche product for devoted cyclists looking to track the details of their pedal power when riding – the Garmin Vector.
The device attaches to the bicycle pedal and independently measures the power created by feet pushing both the left and right pedals. Used in conjunction with the Edge 500 or Edge 800 cycling computers, the Vector sends data wirelessly through an ANT+ transmitter so cyclists can track the intricacies of their ride.
“We are excited to get this innovative product into your hands – and under your feet,” said Edwards. “From picking it up at your local bike shop and installing at home in minutes, to giving you accurate and reliable total and independent leg power measurements, Vector becomes one of the most desirable solutions in the cycling market.
“It’s similar to going from 2D to 3D,” Edwards continued. “There’s a richness in data and capabilities that come from the combination of our location of measurement – the pedals – and Vector’s sensor design.”
The Vector will be available in March 2012 for RRP $1,499.99.