the Mac version of Garmin Training Center adds comparisons, GPX import, and a smoother interface.

Garmin released the latest version of their free Training Center software for the Mac a few weeks ago and we have to say we’re pretty impressed so far. Some of the features we found in the Mac version aren’t even available in the PC version yet (last updated in February) – but perhaps this will serve as a preview of what’s to come. Here are some highlights mountain bikers will find useful:

Export single ride/workout: In previous versions of Garmin Training Center the only option was to export your entire history which didn’t make data super portable. The latest versions (both Mac and PC) allow you to export a single ride to share in either TCX or GPX format. You can still export your entire training database – though we’re guessing you’ll rarely (if ever) want to do that.

Import GPX files: The Mac version now includes the ability to import GPX files directly into Garmin Training Center – no external conversions necessary. Honestly it’s about time – the GPX standard has been around for years and is the most widely adopted format for sharing GPS data. Unfortunately the PC version can only import TCX data for now (though as mentioned above you can export courses in GPX format).

Ride comparisons: The comparison feature included in the latest Mac version takes Garmin Training Center to the next level as a fitness training tool. The software allows you to select two rides and compare them side to side – speed, elevation, etc. This is perfect for comparing your performance on a regular course or even seeing how two different trails stack up against one another.

viewing Garmin Topo basemaps in Garmin Training Center (PC version)

Basemap integration: The PC version of Garmin Training Center has had the ability to view detailed Garmin basemaps but now the Mac version gets the ability as well. As always, Garmin basemaps are sold separately.

Smoother looking graphs: Both the PC and Mac versions of Garmin Training Center have always looked a little clunky but the newest Mac version is definitely more Mac-like. You can even use built in-tools to smooth the displayed graphs to remove spikes caused by bad data. The PC version, on the other hand, still features chunky graphs.

If you use a Garmin Edge or Forerunner for mountain biking, make sure you’re running the latest version of Garmin Training Center to get the most out of these new features. Sharing and loading GPS data for mountain bike trails has never been so easy!

ITS – or as most people know them, Intense Tire System – recently debuted new tire updates for 2010. The 2010 Edge EXDX comes in two flavors once again – a 1-ply for all-mountain riding and a 2-ply for DH /FR. I got a chance to test the 26″ x 2.35″, single ply version ($50 MSRP) which tips the scale at about 935 grams. These tires are trail-rated for dry to soft surfaces and have a ramped and siped center tread with U-shaped side knobs.

Mounting these tires with a single tire iron on a set of Mavic Crossmax SX rims was a snap. I decided to run these tires with heavy-duty tubes and talcum powder since ITS doesn’t recommend using sealant. Filling the tires up to about 38psi front and 42 psi rear, I was off to the trails at Kelso where the conditions were mixed with both dry hard pack as well as softer sections with some mud spots.

The first bit of my ride I took some time to get used to the profile of the tire. On the ITS Edge, the tread is wider than the side wall which tends to give this tire sort of a “square” profile. This produced small amounts of squirm in flat corners, though in banked turns on berms they offered decent grip and a solid feel.

On rocky and gnarly trails with tons of roots, the Edge found its sweet spot, giving me a good sense of control. At 40psi these tires performed well but I found at lower pressures the tires started to squirm a bit too much.

Climbing and descending with the Edge was a pleasure and I found the tread design was optimal for these conditions. Starting to climb the tread got a firm hold in a variety of terrain conditions – rocks, hardpack, loam, branches and even sand. I found the tires to be just as versatile on the decent as well.

In terms of stopping power the ITS Edge comes out on top. If you’ve ever broken a bone or two on the trail you know how important stopping traction can be. Of course it’s up to you to hit the brakes but fortunately these tires won’t let you down.

All that traction can have its drawbacks: I found small serations on the knobs over just a short period of time. This may indicate a shorter tire life but more testing is needed to confirm.

All in all this is a good tire for those of us who have a long travel bike. If your terrain includes a variety of conditions this may be a good choice for you. And if you’re into climbing without slipping, this tire has your name on it!

My overall impressions:

7 out of 10 for climbing
7 out of 10 for rolling and efficiency
8 out of 10 for loose condidtion
7 out of 10 for hardpack
9 out of 10 for stopping in a straight line

Specs from ITS:

Size: 26″ x 2.35
Weight: 985 grams
Durometer: 55/60D Dual compound
Construction: 1 Ply 72 TPI Aramid Bead

Bet that headline got you excited – unfortunately this is only an incremental upgrade, and even that’s stretching things a bit. The latest model of the Edge 705 comes in the Garmin/Chipotle team colors and includes all the same color mapping features as the regular 705.

One new item from Garmin is the US Topo 24k map software series that gives you even more topographic detail for US terrain. The software even enables 3D views of terrain on certain GPS units like the Colorado and Oregon – a first for Garmin GPS units. Hopefully we’ll see this trickle down to the smaller cycling GPS line in the coming years…