All the bike forums are abuzz with news that Garmin is getting set to release a bike touring version of their popular Edge GPS bike computer. First spotted by Road.cc over on the UK online sports shop Wiggle (it has since been taken down), the Edge Touring GPS bike computer is just what many bike touring enthusiasts have been asking for from Garmin, and it looks like they are now about to follow through and deliver.
The Wiggle text stated that the Edge Touring GPS bike computer will work just like your GPS car navigator, with maps and points of interest (specifically for cyclists) to help you find your desired route. You will be able to navigate both on and off road with Garmin's preloaded Cycle Map.
One nice feature is that you can input the distance you feel like riding for the day, either from your current location or a certain point, and up to three round trip ride options will be presented. You can also use Garmin Connect or Garmin Adventures to plan and share your rides, then download new routes to your bike computer.
The Edge Touring GPS looks to be using the same rugged and waterproof design of the new Edge 810. A quarter turn bike mount will be included in the package. Rumored price is around $270 and no word yet on if it will take standard batteries, another request from the bike touring gang.
Garmin is currently silent on any further details but watch this space. I would personally love to test this out on some bike touring adventures this summer.