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Garmin Edge 500 Cycling GPS
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| Product Description: | | | | | Sharpen your cycling performance with Edge 500, a lightweight GPS-based cycling computer for performance-driven cyclists. Loaded with data, Edge 500 tracks your distance, speed, location and elevation with high sensitivity GPS. Add an ANT+ compatible heart rate monitor, speed/cadence sensor or compatible power meter for a finely-tuned analysis of your ride. | | | Sharpen your cycling performance with Edge 500, a lightweight GPS-based cycling computer for performance-driven cyclists. Loaded with data, Edge 500 tracks your distance, speed, location and elevation with high sensitivity GPS. Add an ANT+ compatible heart rate monitor, speed/cadence sensor or compatible power meter for a finely-tuned analysis of your ride.  Sharpen your cycling performance with Edge 500. |
 A barometric altimeter provides extra-precise climb and descent data. |  A high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix satellite prediction calculates your position faster. |
Jumpstart Your Training
The Edge 500 attaches easily to the stem or handlebars of your bike with its low-profile bike mount. The Edge attaches easily to the mount with a simple quarter-turn. When you're ready to ride, just power on your Edge, acquire GPS satellites and go. Edge 500 features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix satellite prediction to calculate your position faster. Get the Data You Need
During your ride, Edge 500 measures your speed, distance, time, calories burned, altitude, climb and descent, and records this data for your review. For extra-precise climb and descent data, Edge 500 also incorporates a barometric altimeter to pinpoint changes in elevation. All Edge 500 versions work with third-party ANT+-enabled power meters to display your power output in watts as you ride. This valuable data shows you how hard you're working, regardless of conditions affecting your ride, so you can train smarter. Some versions also ship with a digital heart rate monitor and speed/cadence sensor. Other helpful training features include a Courses feature, which helps you compare successive rides over the same route, as well as Auto Pause, Auto Lap and temperature readings. Edge also alerts you if you're moving, but the timer is not running. Track Your Heart Rate
When paired with a Garmin heart rate monitor, Edge 500 tracks heart beats per minute and uses your heart rate for advanced calorie computation, so you know how many calories you're burning. Train in a certain heart-rate zone to improve your fitness level or compare your pace and heart rate to past performance over the same ride. Analyze Your Ride
Once your ride's done, connect Edge 500 to your computer with the included USB cable to analyze your performance. With a simple click, you can join a worldwide network of cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts through Garmin Connect, a one-stop site for data analysis and sharing. What's in the Box
Edge 500, Bike Mount, AC Charger, USB Cable, Owner's Manual on Disk, Quick Start Manual | |
| Customer Reviews: | |
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A new level of bike computer (and more), August 27, 2010
By Thomas E. Tweedel (Austin, TX United States)
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I got this unit to upgrade the tracking of my workouts and to start using a heart rate monitor to get more out of the time I was spending exercising.
I was wary of plunking out the bucks for this because there are plenty of stories of the unit not working very well. It seemed from reviews it was great or it was worthless depending on the luck of the draw. So I made sure to buy it from a place with a very liberal return policy.
Overview
This is the first GPS enabled unit that I've seen that was small enough for me to mount on my bike and not have it mistaken for a PDA or Smart Phone. It is optimized for biking.
The overall construction seems pretty good. The unit seems well sealed, has a large screen and a nice backlight.
There are 4 control buttons, two on each side. The buttons on the left generally activate or conform menu items, the buttons on the right are used for navigation. The buttons require a firm press and have a muted click, you won't be hitting them accidentally. Actually trying to hit them while riding is a tad difficult.
Underneath at the bottom of the unit there is a rubber stopper that plugs a mini-usb port. This port is used for data transfer as well as charging.
The mount is simple and awesome. There is a base piece with a formed rubber pad that goes beneath it. There are four hooks on the mount and you get a bag full of elastomeric gasket seal like rubber bands. You simply put the base piece where you want it and hook the band to one hook, stretch it around your bar/stem and hook it to the hook on the other side. Two bands and your done. Clicking the unit in is easy, press it in and rotate 90 degrees. The mount is secure, flexible and easy, I can't believe that more bike items don't use this mount, it really allows me to put it places I could never think of. On one of my bikes the handlebars were taken up with lights but I am able to put this mount ON TOP OF a Bike Planet safety light which is cylinder shaped. Clamps on with no problem. On my other bike I have it attached to the basket mounting bracket, good luck at doing that with any other mount. If only all mounts were this good. The unit comes with two complete mounts standard.
The battery is an integral Li-ion unit that is not user accessible or replaceable. Its supposedly good for up to 18 hours and has a charge % listed. I ran it for 2.5 hours with occasional backlight use and it went from 100% to 87%. The battery can be charged with the included adaptor or from a computer USB port.
Some people criticize the unit for not having a replaceable battery. I don't think that's such a big deal, the life is long, the battery will last for years before needing replacement. When you consider how much power these units usually use if ran on CR-2032's or other similar batteries you'd rack up quite a battery bill over the life of the unit and it wouldn't be nearly as well sealed. The size of the unit would rule out AA or AAA's without making it much bigger.
Features
The unit has a lot of features, it records more data than you know what to do with. It has support for external heart monitor and cadence sensor. You can read the specs to see all the stuff it records.
What is really nice is that you have three possible screens to look at. Each screen can be configured with whatever information you want. You can select to display anywhere between 1 and 8 pieces of information. 5 seems to be optimal in that you can get a large amount of screen space for your single most important info and then 4 smaller bits in other boxes. Each time you switch screens the backlight comes on which is great at night (this can be turned off).
The process for choosing info is not exactly intuitive or friendly but it works after you figure it out (hint>Bike settings>Data fields).
To get more accurate calorie count you will need to enter some data about yourself (height, weight, age etc). Don't forget your bike information, the weight of your bike probably affects it as well.
Use
Using the unit on the ride is easy enough. Turn it on, it boots up in a few seconds and has your satellites locked shortly thereafter. Usually less than 10 seconds. Being GPS based you don't need to program in wheel size or mess with sensors. Its easy to transfer from bike to bike and can hold 3 bike profiles.
I have the auto pause turned on so I hit start and then ride without worry. At the end of the ride I hit stop. You won't "accidentally" clear your data because you have to press and hold the clear button for 3 seconds and it shows you a countdown.
Computer Interface
One of the big features of a unit like this is the ability to download and examine your exercise data. The unit doesn't ship with any software but Garmin provides two utilities for free. There is the Garmin Training Center Software free to download from their website. It serves as a basic organizer downloader/uploader. It doesn't have all the analysis tools and its Maps are pretty anemic at best. The nice part however is you can transfer your data to Google Earth (if installed) which displays your data on a Google earth map. You can "play" your animation as well as look at each of your data points. If you right click on the path and choose Elevation Profile you get additional options for examining elevation and grade.
There is also the Garmin Connect Website that lets you upload your data to Garmins website. They have better graph and analysis tools. In addition to having your data stored online you can also send the link to others to share your data which is nice.
Accuracy & Reliability
Horror stories about the accuracy (or lack their off) and the unit freezing up or flaking out were pretty scary. One thing that I did before I ever used the device was fully charge the battery and then get the latest firmware update from the Garmin Website. There were a LOT of issues that we fixed. If you look at the revision history its wonder they let the thing out the door with that many issues. Installing the firmware involves downloading a program which then loads info into the unit. After that when you turn the unit on it compiles the new firmware into it over the period of a few minutes and then is ready to go.
I'm happy with the results. It's as accurate as most consumer grade GPS units. Accuracy of course varies with time and location. If I look at my track on Google Maps sometimes I can see what side of the road I was going down and how I zigged and zagged going up a large hill. Other times it has me biking through everyone's front yard. I'd say its off by 20 feet in one direction at worst which is not bad when your riding miles.
Elevation is a bit spotier, largely because the variance is much less. Plus or minus 20 feet on 20 miles is nothing, plus or minus 20 feet on 200 ft elevation is a lot. I've seen elevation swings as much as 50 feet at any one point but it averages out of a lot of data points. If you want to know what the exact elevation is at any one point you may be disappointed until you take multiple samples. But if you are looking for a pretty good record of the changes in your overall miles long ride it is sufficient. Also in my experience this varience in elevation is not unique to this unit. Every GPS unit I've used has had similar issues.
Temperature is another area of questionable accuracy. If you hold the unit for any length of time over 30 seconds its going to heat up. Same if exposed to direct sunlight. It doesn't seem to refresh the temperature that often. Seems to heat up fast, cool off slow.
Other Uses
While this is technically a Bike Computer with its ability to sync with Heart Rate Monitors there really isn't a reason you couldn't use it for other outdoor sports as well. You'd just have to make sure you have a place to hold it that it can receive signal.
To Recap
Pro's
Excellent Mount
Very Flexible in utility
Long Battery life
Very configurable
Lots of information
Cons
Not Very Friendly Interface
Buttons Hard to Push
Doesn't seem to have a indicator if you are going below, at or above average.
Associated Software is lacking
Bit of a learning curve to figure out all the quirks.
Conclusion-
An excellent device that takes the concept of a bike computer to a new level. Provides all sorts of information before and after the ride that you can find useful. If you've got the cash I'd recommend it.
UPDATE - Heart Rate monitor
I got the Garmin Comfort Strap Heart Rate monitor. After going back and telling the unit that I had a HRM it picked the monitor up almost instantly and has worked great. The only Gotcha (aside from having to reconfigure you screens to include HRM data) is that having the HRM active does drain the battery. I don't have any solid numbers but 2x as fast would be a reasonable estimate.
UPDATE - 10/26/11
Unit still works great and I've found other uses as well. Keeping track of where you go on vacation.
Sure its not the intended use but what you've got is a cool little tracking device. The battery is good enough to last all day long (14+ hours). The reception is good enough as long as your not in a building. Its small enough to fit in a pocket without noticing.
I recently spent a month in China. I would start it up when I left the hotel in the morning and turn it off when I got back. I had the entire days wanderings recorded. If you remember its on you and want to tag a specific point just push the lap button.
When I got home I loaded the information onto the computer and brought it up in Google Earth and was able to see everywhere I went. The entire trip used up less than 10% of the available memory.
90 of 91 people found the above review helpful.
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A new level of bike computer, August 27, 2010
By Thomas E. Tweedel (Austin, TX United States)
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I got this unit to upgrade the tracking of my workouts and to start using a heart rate monitor to get more out of the time I was spending exercising.
I was wary of plunking out the bucks for this because there are plenty of stories of the unit not working very well. It seemed from reviews it was great or it was worthless depending on the luck of the draw. So I made sure to buy it from a place with a very liberal return policy.
Overview
This is the first GPS enabled unit that I've seen that was small enough for me to mount on my bike and not have it mistaken for a PDA or Smart Phone. It is optimized for biking.
The overall construction seems pretty good. The unit seems well sealed, has a large screen and a nice backlight.
There are 4 control buttons, two on each side. The buttons on the left generally activate or conform menu items, the buttons on the right are used for navigation. The buttons require a firm press and have a muted click, you won't be hitting them accidentally. Actually trying to hit them while riding is a tad difficult.
Underneath at the bottom of the unit there is a rubber stopper that plugs a mini-usb port. This port is used for data transfer as well as charging.
The mount is simple and awesome. There is a base piece with a formed rubber pad that goes beneath it. There are four hooks on the mount and you get a bag full of elastomeric gasket seal like rubber bands. You simply put the base piece where you want it and hook the band to one hook, stretch it around your bar/stem and hook it to the hook on the other side. Two bands and your done. Clicking the unit in is easy, press it in and rotate 90 degrees. The mount is secure, flexible and easy, I can't believe that more bike items don't use this mount, it really allows me to put it places I could never think of. On one of my bikes the handlebars were taken up with lights but I am able to put this mount ON TOP OF a Bike Planet safety light which is cylinder shaped. Clamps on with no problem. On my other bike I have it attached to the basket mounting bracket, good luck at doing that with any other mount. If only all mounts were this good. The unit comes with two complete mounts standard.
The battery is an integral Li-ion unit that is not user accessible or replaceable. Its supposedly good for up to 18 hours and has a charge % listed. I ran it for 2.5 hours with occasional backlight use and it went from 100% to 87%. The battery can be charged with the included adaptor or from a computer USB port.
Some people criticize the unit for not having a replaceable battery. I don't think that's such a big deal, the life is long, the battery will last for years before needing replacement. When you consider how much power these units usually use if ran on CR-2032's or other similar batteries you'd rack up quite a battery bill over the life of the unit and it wouldn't be nearly as well sealed. The size of the unit would rule out AA or AAA's without making it much bigger.
Features
The unit has a lot of features, it records more data than you know what to do with. It has support for external heart monitor and cadence sensor. You can read the specs to see all the stuff it records.
What is really nice is that you have three possible screens to look at. Each screen can be configured with whatever information you want. You can select to display anywhere between 1 and 8 pieces of information. 5 seems to be optimal in that you can get a large amount of screen space for your single most important info and then 4 smaller bits in other boxes. Each time you switch screens the backlight comes on which is great at night (this can be turned off).
The process for choosing info is not exactly intuitive or friendly but it works after you figure it out (hint>Bike settings>Data fields).
To get more accurate calorie count you will need to enter some data about yourself (height, weight, age etc). Don't forget your bike information, the weight of your bike probably affects it as well.
Use
Using the unit on the ride is easy enough. Turn it on, it boots up in a few seconds and has your satellites locked shortly thereafter. Usually less than 10 seconds. Being GPS based you don't need to program in wheel size or mess with sensors. Its easy to transfer from bike to bike and can hold 3 bike profiles.
I have the auto pause turned on so I hit start and then ride without worry. At the end of the ride I hit stop. You won't "accidentally" clear your data because you have to press and hold the clear button for 3 seconds and it shows you a countdown.
Computer Interface
One of the big features of a unit like this is the ability to download and examine your exercise data. The unit doesn't ship with any software but Garmin provides two utilities for free. There is the Garmin Training Center Software free to download from their website. It serves as a basic organizer downloader/uploader. It doesn't have all the analysis tools and its Maps are pretty anemic at best. The nice part however is you can transfer your data to Google Earth (if installed) which displays your data on a Google earth map. You can "play" your animation as well as look at each of your data points. If you right click on the path and choose Elevation Profile you get additional options for examining elevation and grade.
There is also the Garmin Connect Website that lets you upload your data to Garmins website. They have better graph and analysis tools. In addition to having your data stored online you can also send the link to others to share your data which is nice.
Accuracy & Reliability
Horror stories about the accuracy (or lack their off) and the unit freezing up or flaking out were pretty scary. One thing that I did before I ever used the device was fully charge the battery and then get the latest firmware update from the Garmin Website. There were a LOT of issues that we fixed. If you look at the revision history its wonder they let the thing out the door with that many issues. Installing the firmware involves downloading a program which then loads info into the unit. After that when you turn the unit on it compiles the new firmware into it over the period of a few minutes and then is ready to go.
I'm happy with the results. It's as accurate as most consumer grade GPS units. Accuracy of course varies with time and location. If I look at my track on Google Maps sometimes I can see what side of the road I was going down and how I zigged and zagged going up a large hill. Other times it has me biking through everyone's front yard. I'd say its off by 20 feet in one direction at worst which is not bad when your riding miles.
Elevation is a bit spotier, largely because the variance is much less. Plus or minus 20 feet on 20 miles is nothing, plus or minus 20 feet on 200 ft elevation is a lot. I've seen elevation swings as much as 50 feet at any one point but it averages out of a lot of data points. If you want to know what the exact elevation is at any one point you may be disappointed until you take multiple samples. But if you are looking for a pretty good record of the changes in your overall miles long ride it is sufficient. Also in my experience this varience in elevation is not unique to this unit. Every GPS unit I've used has had similar issues.
Temperature is another area of questionable accuracy. If you hold the unit for any length of time over 30 seconds its going to heat up. Same if exposed to direct sunlight. It doesn't seem to refresh the temperature that often. Seems to heat up fast, cool off slow.
Other Uses
While this is technically a Bike Computer with its ability to sync with Heart Rate Monitors there really isn't a reason you couldn't use it for other outdoor sports as well. You'd just have to make sure you have a place to hold it that it can receive signal.
To Recap
Pro's
Excellent Mount
Very Flexible in utility
Long Battery life
Very configurable
Lots of information
Cons
Not Very Friendly Interface
Buttons Hard to Push
Doesn't seem to have a indicator if you are going below, at or above average.
Associated Software is lacking
Bit of a learning curve to figure out all the quirks.
Conclusion-
An excellent device that takes the concept of a bike computer to a new level. Provides all sorts of information before and after the ride that you can find useful. If you've got the cash I'd recommend it.
UPDATE - Heart Rate monitor
I got the Garmin Comfort Strap Heart Rate monitor. After going back and telling the unit that I had a HRM it picked the monitor up almost instantly and has worked great. The only Gotcha (aside from having to reconfigure you screens to include HRM data) is that having the HRM active does drain the battery. I don't have any solid numbers but 2x as fast would be a reasonable estimate.
74 of 75 people found the above review helpful.
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 Just what I expected, December 5, 2009
By Kaustav (Baton Rouge, LA, United States)
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The Garmin Edge 500 is just what I expected it to be. I think it was the most anticipated GPS/cycle computer from Garmin. It's small and pretty does the all the things (and some more) that you expect a cycle computer to do. To begin with the size of the computer was a little larger that what I expected it to be, but having said that, it fits perfectly fine on my handle bar stem and note I have a short stem (80 mm). I did my first ride with it a while ago and it was pretty much ready to go from the box it arrived it in. It did not have any difficulties acquiring sattelites, and easily paired with the Garmin Heart Rate monitor and the Bontrager Duotrap cadence/speed sensor. Did not see any drops in signal during my ride, something that I would see with the previous Garmin that I had. You have three screens which you can 8 fields of data per screen. So you can monitor 24 data sets real time during your ride. There are far more options than I can list here, just to keep it short it's a plenty.
I personally am upgrading from a Forerunner 50 and I think this is just great! I think that everyone will be pleasantly surprised by the capabilities of this device except for the Edge 705 owners who will feel it is a downgrade for the lack of maps (which it is).
48 of 52 people found the above review helpful.
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Great computer, but screen quality could be improved, April 20, 2010
By Just a guy (Westchester, NY)
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This is a great bike computer with tons of amazing features. My only complaint about the unit itself is that the screen quality could be improved. It is not clear and easy to read - especially when you just want to glance down and see information. You really need to take your eyes off of the road for a moment or two to figure out what fields you are viewing and what they say.
I have not had any problems at all with the function of the unit. It easily found satelites and is pretty obvious how to configure. I really like the ability to connect this to my computer after rides and keep a detailed log of my rides. I gave the software three stars because it is very buggy and still quite rough around the edges.
I purchased the Garmin Heart Rate Monitorseparately. I do not have the Garmin GSC 10 Speed/Cadence Bike Sensor- it seems unnecessary for me. I don't really have a need to monitor my cadence and the speed measurements from the gps are very accurate - even on trails under pretty heavy foliage. I don't use this on a trainer.
I would strongy suggest that anyone who is considering this purchase make sure they visit the Garmin Edge 500 Forum on the Garmin website. You will learn more there than you ever wanted to know about the device. The DC Rainmaker blog also has an excellent detailed write-up.
As far as size, it is roughly the same size as my old Planet Bike Protege 9.0 9-Function Bike Computer with 4-Line Display and Temperature. The mount couldn't be easier. It uses two rubber bands to attach the base to the handlebars or stem. The unit locks into the base with a 90 degree twist - very easy and secure. It comes with tons of extra bands and I threw an extra set in my seat bag - just in case.
44 of 44 people found the above review helpful.
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 DON'T BUY THIS!!!!, August 8, 2010
By pwsev (Washington, DC)
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I've had an EDGE 500 for 6 months. I bicycle at least 200 miles per week, with at least half of that on longer rides on the weekends.
When the Edge works it's great: it provides lots of data. The problem is that the EDGE 500 usually doesn't work.
I've lost track of the number of times where I had to re-download the same version of Garmin's Web Updater software that I had previously downloaded in order to get my computer to recognize the Edge. On three of those occasions, re-downloading the same old software didn't work, so I had to contact Garmin support. They told me I had to press this and that button simultaneously while the unit was off, plug in the USB cable while still holding the buttons in, wait for the magic word to appear on the screen, click my heels three times and say I want to go home ... you get the drill.
Garmin support's fixes worked at first. But then, like the town drunk who swears up and down that he's gonna quit drinking and turn over a new leaf but only holds out a couple of days before someone discovers him curled up in an alley in a drunken stupor, there goes the Edge.
The latest example: a 72 mile bike ride I went on today that was seemingly fully recorded by the Edge (that is, the timer recorded & displayed speed, mileage, elevation and heart rate for the entire ride). When I got home from the ride, I turned off the Edge, left it on my bike, took a shower and a short nap and went out with some friends. I came home eager to see the data on my ride. But, lo and behold, I discovered that, after the annoyingly familiar ritual of having to re-download the same version of Web Updater software to my computer that I had downloaded 3 days ago to get my computer to recognize the Edge, today's ride had vanished, with not even a poof of smoke. This despite there being 75% of battery life left per the Edge. And I swear to G*d, I didn't touch the Edge except to turn it off after my ride.
To make it worse, this is Sunday. That being the case, I can't speak with Garmin support, because Garmin support isn't open on weekends or holidays when the vast majority of people actually travel, ride their bikes, hike, run, etc... and need their Garmins.
So, I just sent Garmin an e-mail (which they say they'll answer within 3 days) demanding my $250 back. I'll let you know how that goes....
34 of 41 people found the above review helpful.
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Garmin Edge 500 observations, July 6, 2010
By L. Shulthise
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This is a great bike computer if you use the cadence sensor with it. The Edge 500 uses the wheel sensor to supplement the GPS if the GPS signal is lost under tree cover. Without the wheel sensor it can read as much as 20% low on mileage if you ride in tree cover. With the wheel sensor its spot on no matter what.
The elevation data is not very accurate either. If you turn on "Elevation Correction" in the [...] software then its much better but still not great. If I ride the same route several times I notice that the peak elevations are off by 10's of feet sometimes even with elevation correction "on". With that said, its still good to give you a rough idea of how much elevation change you experienced.
32 of 35 people found the above review helpful.
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Garmin Edge no longer offers Google maps, November 30, 2010
By Paul Thomas (Long Beach, CA USA)
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Visit the Garmin Connect forums and look over the user complaints for Garmin's recent switch to Bing maps in place of Google Maps. A huge downgrade from Google maps ( especially if you live outside the USA) and absolutely no choice between Google and Bing.
A huge step down for Garmin.
24 of 33 people found the above review helpful.
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Garmin Edge now offers Google maps:Edited for Good News!!!, November 30, 2010
By Paul Thomas (Long Beach, CA USA)
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I downgraded this unit dramatically due to Garmin changing to Bing maps last year. Garmin ignored hundreds of message board complaints and never clearly explained their reasoning. I know, I know, Microsoft paid them).
But Garmin recently changed their website where you upload your workouts and see the maps) and allows a choice of Bing or Google maps. Finally.)
I love this unit. I have lost 20 pounds and become a lot better bike rider by examining the data here. This unit is indispensable to me.
And, good for Garmin for responding.
(My original review below...)
Visit the Garmin Connect forums and look over the user complaints for Garmin's recent switch to Bing maps in place of Google Maps. A huge downgrade from Google maps especially if you live outside the USA) and absolutely no choice between Google and Bing.
A huge step down for Garmin.
24 of 33 people found the above review helpful.
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The Perfect Bicycle Computer, March 1, 2010
By mhouse3 (St. George, UT USA)
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This little GPS system takes all the best elements of a bicycle computer and puts it into one small, easy-to-use device. It's basically ready to go once you get it out of the box and put it on your handle bars, and it being a GPS system is much more accurate than any bicycle computer. Plus it allows you to use garminconnect where you can store all your data and previous routes and rides, as well as see your routes on google earth. This is an excellent way to analyze your progress and reach higher goals since you can set goals on the website where it'll give you a percentage of your goals completed.
Any information you would like to know while on your ride is equipped on this device (traveling time, distance, time of day, speed, average speed, cadence, HR, elevation, percent grade, temperature, calories, elevation gained, elevation lost, vertical climb speed, and a couple dozen more), and it's fully customizable to allow you to place on the screen what information you want to see during your ride. This is what bicycle computers were supposed to be like all along.
20 of 23 people found the above review helpful.
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Garmin Afficianado. This does not disappoint., March 15, 2010
By hope-this-helps (Woodland Park CO USA)
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I was looking for a reliable, water resistant, bike computer that has no wires and actually works. I have used a variety of wireless units in the past with mixed results. I bought two of these to put on a new, high-end, tandem. We didn't want wires hanging on the bike. The functionality of a GPS can be difficult for many. I understand that. If you want maps and route guidance and such, you might want the 605 or 705. I have some experience with the Garmin screen technology on those units. I cannot see the screen well enough. For me the software is intuitive, but I hate to say it will be easy for anyone else. I have been using hand held and automotive GPS units for years. This is just another evolution. In the end this one is the right size and gives me the features I want. I got the one without the cadence sensor and without the heartrate. I just need a few basic functions. This one does it without too much bulk.
12 of 14 people found the above review helpful.
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Smooth operating bicycle GPS, May 6, 2010
By Edward Doody (Dallas)
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I really like my new Garmin Edge 500. It was very easy to install and the mounting system, on the stem rather than handlebars, is a big plus. Its very easy to customize the three viewing screens with the data you want to see. You can choose from one to five data fields per page. My recommendation is 3 or fewer. When using the auto scroll feature the Edge will change screens about every four seconds and that is not long enough to find data if the screen is too busy. I also recently had a crash on my bike (broken clavical for me) but the Garmin did not come loose from its dock and perhaps because of its stem mount location, escaped unscathed. Highly recommended from a 20+ season cycling veteran.
9 of 10 people found the above review helpful.
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 Good for some riders, when it works., October 9, 2010
By J. Elliott (Southern California)
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I really thought this was going to be the perfect compromise in GPS computers: reasonable price, lots of features, etc. Unfortunately there were several problems, and I had to return the unit. First, there was so much screen glare from the highly reflective screen that the device was more distracting than informative. An anti glare screen protector film is a must have option. Second, the contrast was very poor under many lighting conditions, and the screen size just way too small for showing 8 data fields without taking my eyes off the road too long - maybe 3-4 fields per page max. Third, the GPS absolutely refused to show the correct altitude when starting off, always 100+ feet off from any other web site reference point, and always corrected by Garmin's data web site by at least 100+ feet on each ride - and entering the known elevation reference made absolutely no difference, the GPS ignored the reference number. Finally, it kept shutting itself off on rides. No particular pattern, sometimes shut off and didn't restart after a rest room break, and sometimes shut down while moving. Not just failure to auto restart after a pause, actually physically powering down. (battery had been charged before first use as per directions, and charged before each ride - typically showed over 60-70% remaining after restarting post failure.)
OK, maybe I got a bad unit - but the 500 has been out long enough that these type of problems - at this price point - shouldn't exist. A $20 Cateye doesn't shut itself off randomly, why is it acceptable in an expensive GPS. The new 800 appears to solve many of the screen size, reflectivity, and contrast complaints, but the GPS accuracy issue and power shut downs make me leary of spending that much money for something that is 4 times the price of a Garmin car GPS. A $40 polar heart watch, $20 Cateye speedometer, and $125 Garmin car GPS are still less than 1/2 the price, and maybe more reliable? Going to wait and see on the reliability feedback on the 800 before I spend that kind of money on a new model. The 500 should be acceptable for those with better close up vision or who don't mind the screen glare, (or don't mind wearing breading glasses while riding) and it is a nice size with many decent features, but it just didn't work for me, and didn't work reliably either.
8 of 9 people found the above review helpful.
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Pricey, But Works Well With Small Footprint, April 10, 2010
By The Big Guy (Dallas, Texas)
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This unit is remarkably small and performs as advertised. I like the ability to customize the fields which the unit displays. It has 3 "pages" that you can scroll thru while biking with all kinds of cool info such as speed, max speed, avg speed, vertical climb rate, temperature, heart rate, calories burned...just about anything you could possibly want to track.
You can download software updates and upload data to track ride history. Neat feature.
This unit is NOT a car-type navi system, however, with maps and turn-by-turn directions.
On the negative side, wazzup with the price? Seems overpriced to me. $149 - $199 would be more in line with other electronics of similar technology innovation.
Also, the buttons are on the side of the unit, not the top, which makes pushing them a bit awkward while biking. As other reviews stated, the logic in programming the unit is a bit obtuse and complex. Why not be able to program the unit via Garmin's website using simple point and clicks?
5 stars, but price and programming cost this model 1 star.
7 of 9 people found the above review helpful.
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 Mostly works and sometimes crashes, October 22, 2010
By Roubaix Rider (Atascadero, CA)
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I purchased the Garmin Edge 500 about 3 months ago and was using it 4 or 5 days a week during my training rides. On weekends I would do longer rides and often I would download a course to follow. Well, quite often the unit would 'freeze' while following a course resulting in me having to do a master reset (press all 4 buttons at once) and also resulting in data loss for my ride. Garmin Support is useless in this matter and judging by all the complaints on the Garmin forum, I'm not the only one having this problem. Do your research before purchasing - check out forums.garmin.com!
Overall the Edge works adequately for altitude/speed/cadence/distance, but I bought it for the GPS course feature. I would give this unit 4 stars if I didn't need the course feature.
6 of 6 people found the above review helpful.
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Big Potential Problem, June 8, 2010
By Denver Guy (Denver, CO)
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I called Garmin to find out if the battery can be replaced by the user. They said that they can't give out the battery's model number, and they recommend that the user send in the unit for service.
I think I'll stick with my Cateye!
6 of 31 people found the above review helpful.
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Disappointed with Feature Set, January 31, 2012
By bike racer (DC)
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I'm a long-time 305 user, and I've been very happy with it. When looking for a new GPS unit, I figured the 500 was the next natural step, plus I get the ability to sync w/ power measuring products.
The 500 is essentially billed as the fancy new upgrade to the 305, but ATMO, it lacks a significant feature that the 305 includes. This unit lacks the live route-tracing feature of the 305. While I don't use this feature every day with my 305, the times that I do use it make it kind of indispensable. If I'm out riding in a new area or exploring new roads, the route tracing on the 305 guarantees that I can get back to where I started.
While the 500 allows you to upload your ride to a computer after the fact, there is no way to look at where you've been on a ride (relative to your current location) while you're still out on the bike. This is extremely disappointing. While the new 800 has full color and maps and does this, I'm completely happy with a simpler unit like the 305. If the 500 had the tracing capabilities, I'd be all for it, but, lacking this feature, it's incomplete. Leaving off this feature is either a complete oversight by Garmin, or they are trying to get people to spend more on the 800, which is more than I want to spend or have to look at while I'm on the bike.
6 of 7 people found the above review helpful.
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Great Cycling Computer, June 9, 2010
By terrysba
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Easy to setup and very easy to use while on the bike. Integration with Garmin Connect makes it very useful for training and trending. GPS takes awhile start up. Connect website not iPad friendly.
5 of 7 people found the above review helpful.
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review, February 15, 2010
By Gary D. Johnson
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Great Product!
Instructions leave a lot to be desired for novice computer people. Very unclear instructions about downloading data to computer and which program is best to use. . vague at best and inadequate at worst.
Thanks
gary Johnson
5 of 13 people found the above review helpful.
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review, February 15, 2010
By Gary D. Johnson
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Great Product!
Instructions leave a lot to be desired for novice computer people. Very unclear instructions about downloading data to computer and which program is best to use. . vague at best and inadequate at worst.
Thanks
gary Johnson
5 of 13 people found the above review helpful.
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Good, but Poor LCD Contrast- hard to read except in direct sunlight, August 6, 2010
By L. Read
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If I could , I would give this 3.5 stars. For a $250 bike computer, you would think they could put a higher quality /high contrast lcd in this thing. It works overall very well especially with the recent firmware upgrade, many things are customizable, and can give you all the data you could ever need.
But the cons are there:
Poor screen contrast- very difficult to read if you are not in direct sunlight. Wearing sunglasses and riding under some tree shadows or just cloudy days make seeing the screen a challenge. Using a screen protector or the built in light doesn't help much. Contrast settings also gave minimal improvement.
The unit has also locked up on me a few times and had to be reset.
If it is possible for a new firmware to improve screen contrast, or make the fonts thicker/denser, this would be a real winner.
3 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Calories are VERY LOW! No response from customer service jet, March 15, 2011
By Livia Peraza (USA)
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I worote to costumer service, and I got this.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "Product.Support@garmin.com"
To: Livia Peraza <liviaperaza@yahoo.com>
Sent: Sun, February 27, 2011 4:41:27 PM
Subject: Re: Calories are too low (KMM20197147I15977L0KM)
Dear Livia Peraza,
Thank you for contacting Garmin International. Assuming that you are using a heart rate monitor are you making sure the monitor has fresh batteries? Many customers look to calorie burn to manage many facets of their workout program. With that said, there are many different ways to calculate calorie burn and there are competing theories as to which is more accurate.
We can all agree that the discussion about calorie burn is one that has many sides, multiple ways of being calculated, and can more than likely be discussed for an infinite amount of time.
We do value the information everyone has provided and we do consider this information critical to improving our products using FirstBeat technology. We also acknowledge that there are many factors that can contribute to a calorie burn more or less than expected. Some of these factors may be, but are not limited to, running efficiency, very low workout intensity, inaccurate comparisons, etc...
Garmin will continue to work with Firstbeat to investigate which of the above factors are true and refine any area that may challenge the caloric expenditure for specific users. Again, we appreciate all users input and passion to improve our products and the accuracy in the data they provide.
You may want to try to update the device software http://www8.garmin.com/products/webupdater/
Is the updater that will aid you with this as well.
With Best Regards,
Edward G
Software Support Specialist
2nd Shift Software Team
Garmin International
913-397-8200
800-800-1020
913-440-8280 (fax) Att: Edward G, Associate #5816
www.garmin.com
Additional solutions may be found at http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us/support/searchsupport
Original Message Follows: ------------------------
Escalation from KANA On Demand Self Service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Calories are too low
Message: I double checked all my profile gender (female) age (46) weight (130) height (5'3")activity class (9-10)and for a 43 mile ride with and avg HR of 138 in 2:41 hours I show that I burned 623 calories and because I look at the calories so I can eat and replace energy every 500 I know that is not right. I will appreciate your help if I need to do some other setting it doesn't look like it do I have a defective unit? I just purges it 3 days ago.
Knowledge Session Log URL: http://iqc.garmin.com/eCustomer/KODSelfService/sample.jsp?session={160bbd40-411d-11e0-d740-000000000000}
Knowledgebase: garmin
Market Name: Into Sports
Product Group: Edge Series
Product: Edge 500
Serial Number:
Software Version:
Type:
User ID: liviaperaza
Name: Livia Peraza
First Name: Livia
Last Name: Peraza
Email Address: liviaperaza@yahoo.com
Phone: 714-734-9970
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Country: United States
I RESPONDED THIS:
Thank you for your fast response.
Yes I was using a heart rate monitor strap, and the batteries were fully charged (100% full) I used hear rate monitors for a long time and all types, including the Garmin 350, for more then 15 years, and this is the first time the calculations come so low, too low in my opinion, I also talked with other user of the same model the edge 500 and they think the same.
I'm comparing the same ride, same intensity, I will attach the rides, one done with the Garmin 305 other with Garmin 500, so you can see what I'm comparing.
I also just got the Garmin 500 and it is up to date with updates from the Website.
Thank again for your help.
Livia
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/69907342
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/66465039
PS. There is more of the same ride, in my Gamin Connect, and they are public. if you will like to do more comparing.
You can be the Juge....I think is no good.
3 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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Edge 500, July 6, 2010
By GT306
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Easy to use, downloading to my Mac has been flawless. GPS, HRM, and cadence sensor all work without any issues. Good device.
3 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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A Great GPS Unit, May 12, 2010
By R. Wohlwerth (Los Angeles, CA United States)
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I have used many cycling computers over the years and I am delighted with the Edge 500 after five months of use. I felt that the Edge 705 was too big and bulky -- and I did not need the 705's map features. The unit was easy to set up and worked correctly from the outset. It took me a little time to figure out which of the many displays was best suited to my needs. What I really enjoy beyond the standard speed, cadence, length and ride duration features, is the ability to capture the vertical feet I have climbed as well as the percentage grade of every climb. While not essential, the temperature feature is a nice plus. I have never had a unit with a heart rate monitor and now I don't know how I lived without this feature.
Best of all is the Garmin Connect software where I can download every detail of every ride and store it in a handy calendar format. The software also shows your route in Google Maps or Google Earth -- a very cool way to view your ride. And, you can send a link of your rides to your friends.
I have read some criticisms regarding the small size of the monitor and its lack of contrast but I had no problems with visibility. Not a great unit for low tech people or those that are not interested in the minute details of each ride.
3 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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Coolest $[...] cycling accessory...ever!!!, June 9, 2010
By Equilution (Tucson, AZ)
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I was a little hesitant to stray from Cateye. However, when I found this Garmin Edge, I knew I had to have it. I have several other Garmin GPS products, so was very comfortable with the purchase. I'm a mountain biker in Tucson, AZ.
It tracks your route, altitude, change in altitude, temperature, speed and much more. After your ride, you simply hook it up to your USB port, and go to [...], and within 30 seconds, you are presented with a screen full of information about your ride, mapped in satellite view, map view, or Google Earth view. I did not get the HRM with mine, as I felt it would interfere with the Camelbak that I ride with, plus I'm not too concerned about my heart rate when I'm on the mountain trails.
From a very, very picky electronics fanatic who only buys the best, I HIGHLY recommend this cycling computer. Feel free to contact me if you like.
Jim
Jim@JMartinHarris.com
[...]
3 of 5 people found the above review helpful.
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Garmin Edge 500, July 14, 2010
By R Berardinis
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I have my display showing Elevation, Time, Direction, Miles, Speed and calories.
I like that i can move the Edge from one bike to the other with ease and that I can see all the information on one screen.
However i am disappointed that the battery is permanent and cannot be replaced without sending back to the factory. I wish that was different.
I am very disappointed with the calories. I thought it would be great to see calories consumed during my bike hike.
However the calories are totally wrong and cannot be trusted.
I went a whole mile up a hill and the calorie count did not move.
They need to find a better mathematician.
Other than the calories, i am satisfied.
3 of 8 people found the above review helpful.
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Nice cycling computer but a couple drawbacks, February 5, 2011
By CD (Japan)
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I have had my Garmin Edge 500 for nearly a year. What I really like is that you have 3 pages available to display data. Each page can display up to 8 different data sets. I like to display distance, speed, average speed, HR, time of day, and cadence on page 1. This programability is a real plus for me since I can get just the data I want for my specific needs. This alone makes this computer worth the money to me.
It is easy to program and much more intuitive than my old Cateye computer. One look at the manual and I had the unit set up as I liked. With my old Cateye, I had to refer to the manual each time I tried to program it. With the Garmin, one look at the manual was enough.
The unit is small, light weight, and attractive. Some people seem put off by the mounting system that uses rubber bands. I've had it for nearly a year, I commute daily, and it has never popped off. I like the mounting system since I can quickly and easily switch the unit from bike to bike. The unit comes with a bag of about 10 bands and I haven't had to replace any yet, so I should be good for years to come.
I have set up my workouts for indoor training and now I just decide which workout I want to do and the 500 keeps me within the parameters I've set (speed, BPM, etc.) Very convenient and useful for indoor training. I've not used the 'course' program at all so I can't comment on it. And I don't mess with downloading courses from other riders, so I can't comment on that feature either.
GPS takes a bit longer than I would like to acquire satellites. This could be because where I start riding has lots of transmission lines that cause interference. I end up just starting my ride and waiting for the unit to pick up the satellites... often a half mile later. If I'm clear of transmission lines, acquisition takes about 10 seconds. As for tracking me accurately, I'm kind of amazed. When I look at my course on a map, I can see which side of the road I took! That's cool.
I have had no problems uploading my data to the website and use it to track my data. I'm not a hardcore Type A data junkie so the Garmin website meets my needs for data analysis. I have noticed, however, when there is a new software download available, I cross my fingers and hope all goes well because it seems finicky. Took me 3 tries to successfully download the latest upgrade of the software.
Drawbacks...
The original chest strap lasted only 4 months before it no longer functioned. Had to buy a new strap (soft strap better anyway).
Calorie counter and elevation readings seem pretty bogus. Fortunately I don't worry too much about either of those metrics.
Bottom line...
It is well worth the money and does far more than I really even need. I'm very satisfied with it after one year of use despite the drawbacks mentioned above.
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Amazing Product, January 17, 2011
By JPA (San Francisco)
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I just bought the Edge 500 today to replace my four-year-old Garmin Edge 305. Wow! The size feels like a regular (non-GPS) device: I can't believe how much smaller it is, compared to the 305.
I turned the unit on in the car after I bought it, while I was parked in a parking garage, and it locked on a signal in less than 10 seconds. My 305 would take one minute or (often) longer to lock onto a signal (sometimes, never) when sitting out on the curb!
The Garmin recognized my old heart rate monitor (came with the 305) instantly when I paired it, and then recognized and paired with the cadence/speed device (also bough with the 305) without my even asking it to pair! Perfect!!
I love the feature that will beep an alert if you start moving and haven't started recording your waypoints. Brilliant.
I will update my review after a month or two with the device.
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Review of gamin edge 500, April 29, 2010
By Kevin M. Smith (Camarillo, CA)
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This was my first gps-based cycling computer and it does almost everything I expected it to without any major problems, but there were a few minor issues encountered. On first use with a heart rate monitor, the monitor was detected but the display of heart rate was not shown by default on the screen. I had to sift through the display options and configure it to show heart rate. Seems counterintuitive to me. Also, the battery life is limited to one long ride. I found that if I went without charging between rides, you can lose the battery. In some cases, when the unit died, it didn't save the ride in progress. If you sync with a mac, I found the web based software on the gamin site to be easier to use than the mac training application which can be installed and the sharing feature was nice. These, by far, are all minor complaints in comparison to the benefits of configurability, lightweight and overall accuracy and performance. Yes, please offer some different color combinations.
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Edge 500, July 16, 2010
By Abram R Glazer
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This device fixed all of the nagging problems that the 205/305 models had including
1) Not enough memory ( Now stores 180 hours of ride data)
2) Battery life (Device easily runs 20-25 hours without charge)
3) Support for ANT (If I could only afford a power meter)
4) Crummy mount tab (New mount lock is much better, no tabs breaking off)
In addition, they shrunk it and it now looks like a standard bike computer
2 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Garmin Short falls, July 1, 2010
By Larry A. Stark (New London Connecticut)
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In using this thing I have found a few short comings other wise it's a nice device.
One of those is that I've had times when I turn it on and it can not find satellites. mmm Turn it off then back on and it usually finds them.
the other is: I go on rides but I ended my ride some place other than where I started. mmm I left my garage but I didn't get back to it? LOL The farthest away I think would have been like 50 feet. With my not finishing where I start it makes me wonder 'How accurate is it?' In being fair when I've used the software to view my ride it appears that I'm riding where there are no mapped streets. I'm riding in a sea of white. There is a main road that appears when I view the ride but other wise I'm riding in no mans land. Maybe I'm filling the map in if the Garmin uses my information somehow. Also with that I leave my garage at an elevation to arrive like 50 feet away from that same garage but I'm 25 - 75 feet below it... When I came back home from a higher elevation. Maybe that didn't make sense: I left the garage turned right and go down a hill to a street and turn right again. Coming back home I came from the street above my house and came down part of that grade to get to my garage. When I have gone the other way I usually end up with in 25 feet of where I left. mmm again. Another time it makes me ask: 'How accurate is it?'
With that said it is a nice device but I'm not so sure one can count on it being exactly accurate. Close is good enough for me so I gave it 4 stars. It would have gotten 5 if I'd ever finished where I started ... Just once in the month of using it. ... Just once. Maybe one day I'll get home.... LOL
2 of 5 people found the above review helpful.
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I absolutely love this thing!, August 15, 2011
By Ron (Kenosha, WI)
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The Garmin Edge 500 is pretty amazing. Yes, it costs 3x more than a typical bike computer, but it is sooo worth it. Once you start using it, you'll never see how you lived without it.
During your ride, it gives you typical bike computer information such as current speed, distance & time so far, etc. It also gives you altitude and other statistics.
After your ride, plug it into your computer's USB port with the included cable and upload the data about your ride to your own private page on the Garmin Connect website, and it will show you a Google map with your route overlaid, as well as more data than you can shake a stick at. Press the "play" button and it will trace out your route over the map, with a separate graph showing speed and elevation and how they change as your ride progresses. The website saves all your rides.
Battery life is great. Garmin claims "up to 18 hours," and I'm getting this easily. It takes only about an hour to fully charge. Unfortunately, when you get a low-battery warning, there's only about 30-45 minutes of juice left; on a 70-mile ride yesterday, my battery died 45 miles in, so I didn't get any data about the last part of my ride.
The Edge gets all its speed & mileage data from the built-in GPS sensor, so there is no need to install any junk on your wheel or fork. You just mount the Edge on your handlebars and go. And the handlebar mount is very easy to install, and secure.
Learning how to use the Edge is easy, too. The manual is short, and well-written.
The Edge itself is bigger than your typical bike computer, but not THAT big: about 2" wide by 2.5" tall by 0.5" thick. Weighs 2oz.
There's an optional heart rate monitor (no, the Edge is not compatible with standard Polar straps, sadly). If you get it, the Edge will show your current heart rate on the display and will remember your heart rate during your entire ride for analysis afterwards.
There's an optional "speed & cadence sensor", too. But the Edge by itself gets very accurate speed data using its GPS, so all you're really getting with this accessory is cadence data. With this accessory mounted correctly to your wheel, the Edge can display current cadence during your ride, and will remember cadence during your entire ride for analysis later.
I do not recommend buying the bundle that includes the Edge, cadence sensor and heart rate strap. For one thing, it's actually a bit cheaper to buy these items separately here at Amazon. For another, I suggest you start with the Edge alone, use it for a few rides, and see if you can live without the heart rate and cadence data. If you can, then skip these accessories, or tell your spouse/parents/etc you'd like one or both of them for an upcoming birthday.
In summary, I highly recommend the Garmin Edge 500. I love it, and every one of my bicyclist friends I show it to thinks it's the coolest thing in the world. I agree.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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It's great you see exactly where you go and no sensors needed, August 2, 2011
By jrgtwo
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The Garmin 500 is great, I was seriously worried that I would need to purchase the extra speed/cadence sensor just to get the speed reading. Luckily this device gives you the speed reading right out of the box as well as record the your route through GPS which you can upload on your laptop to Strava.com , connect.garmin.com and MapMyRide.com. It's great...I did go through a long concrete tunnel once though, the device did warn me I lost signal from the satellite...It came back right out of the tunnel...nice knowing I talk to satellites on my bike rides!
Just don't go through big concrete tunnels and this will be the best Cyclocomputer you ever buy, but if you do go through huge concrete tunnels just get the speed/cadence sensor and your gravy.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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more than meets the eye, July 21, 2011
By Chemnitz (Northern Minnesota)
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At first I wasn't sure if I was going to keep it. The manual gives very little detail about the multitude of functions available on customizable screens. Once I dug into the menu I found a large variety of options. You can customize a screen, for example, to show speed, avg speed, slope, direction, and elevation climbed. Flipping between screens requires a firm press of a button mounted on the side of the unit. Only time will tell if the mounting bracket that uses flexible elastic bands is firm enough. With the 2 mounts supplied I have one on my mountain bike, and one on my road bike-extra sets of elastic bands are also included.
Data can be uploaded to Garmin Connect and viewed in graphic form...very cool feature. You can view average speed and climbing info for each 5 miles of your ride. You can also compare rides on the same route and compare performance. If you ride a lot or are training for some longer tours, the Garmin Edge will give you oodles of performance info to help meet your goals.
A few days later...
The mounting system IS stable enough to press the scroll button! The flexibility of the elastic bands will allow the unit to move [rather than break] if it takes a hit. True to the owners manual, the temp function is inaccurate if the unit is in direct sunlight. What I've read tells me that all bike computers with a temp function have the same issue. Garmin also says that a compatible speed sensor gives more accurate data. I found a difference of -.7 mile for every 10 miles ridden between the Garmin and my other bike computer that has a speed sensor. Depending on satelite positions the unit could be more or less accurate.
Bottom line: I like it a lot.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Great Product, July 12, 2011
By AJ (New York)
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I'll preface this review by saying I am extremely tech savvy as it is a part of my profession. I wonder if those who have had problems weren't as good with technology. Anyhow the product works exactly as expected. In only a few minutes of playing with the device I had everything figured out and setup almost exactly how I wanted it*. Some complained about battery life, especially with the heart and cadence sensors but I haven't had a problem at all although I usually only ride 40-60 min a day. I've never charged it other than plugging it in for a little bit while I upload my rides and the battery has never went below 90%.
My only complaint about the cadence sensor is the extremely poor directions to install it. I must have stared at all the parts and the instructions for an hour wondering what the heck I was supposed to do. Here is a huge tip for those having any trouble. They package the parts so the metal magnet is attached to the plastic piece which is supposed to go on the pedal arm. Those are two totally separate pieces that have nothing to do with each other. Pull the metal part off and use the other plastic piece to screw it around one of the spokes. Then you attach the plastic piece that was connected to the magnet, to the pedal arm.
* - One odd option set by default is to make every 5:00 into a lap. In the settings you can change this so you can set the lap by your GPS position. So if you ride around the block or something you start the lap at the start/finish and every time you pass that point again it automatically records it as a lap for you. If you are going for a ride on a trail or something then you just don't do anything but start the timer and it will treat it as 1 normal ride.
I should also note my bike is a Cannondale CAAD 8. I'll try to post a picture of everything installed.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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GPS data and USB storage device, April 30, 2011
By Corrie C. Rosetti (Clarkston, WA United States)
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Why you'd want to store files on your GPS other than rides, I don't know but I'm glad this was added to the 500.
I was an Edge 305 user until it began to fail right in the middle of a ride for no apparent reason. Looking for a replacement, I was dismayed to see that all the Garmin units were subject to the same problem.
But I wanted my GPS, so I bought this one. I ride mostly the same routes or on a tour so I didn't think I wanted the maps. My vision is poor enough that I doubted I'd be able to read the maps while riding anyway.
I love the rubber band mounting system. So much easier than straps, bolts and nuts. And the unit twists into the mount which is also an improvement over the lever on the 305's system which could break.
I immediately tried downloading a course into the unit. No problem. But when I took my first ride, I found I could not upload into anything but the Garmin Connect site (even after updating Garmin communicator) which I don't use. My preferred app for tracking my rides didn't recognize the 500 although it had lots of other Garmin devices.
I was disappointed until I found that when I treated the 500 as a USB storage device and just navigated to where the rides were stored, it worked perfectly. Of course, now Windows wants you to unmount the device. If you are careful to be sure nothing is using a file on the device, you can probably ignore Windows and just unplug it.
I haven't tried following a course yet but will in a couple of weeks.
The battery has plenty of charge for an all-day ride.
I even like the short USB cable supplied with the unit. Three feet of cable can be messy on my desk.
And no inexplicable shut-downs yet.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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bike mount, March 29, 2011
By Hugo Garcia Mota
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This is an excellent bike computer with additional useful functions than its predecesor edge 305. It is very accurate and work properly everywhere, my only complain is that the bike mount does not work properly. I have used it for less than 300 miles and the mount is deffective, and the risk of dropping your computer is very high. Last sunday I was in a MB event and I drop my computer at least 6 times in a 3 hour ride. I was more worried of not losing my computer, instead of enjoying the ride. I decided to use some kind of liquid adhesive to avoid the risk of losing it. It is incredible that such a wonderful item has that kind of deffect. I never experienced that problem with my previous Edge 305.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Perfect for your cycling tracking, November 17, 2010
By Alexandre - ajulios (Rio de Janeiro, Brasil)
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Perfect product for tracking on your cycling activities
Display highly customizable
Very easy to attach and release from the support on the bike
Very easy to fix the support on the bike using the rubber straps
Website easily accessible for upload and sharing your results
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Excellent, September 19, 2010
By Steve (Dallas, TX)
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I am not a competitive cyclist, but I do ride frequently on club rides. I have found this device helps me track my progress and keeps me motivated by showing my consistent improvement. The online system is excellent and makes it easy to share your ride data with others. Truly an excellent device.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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PERFECTION!!!, October 17, 2010
By raspell (Memphis, TN USA)
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I'm a new cyclist but with a lot of experience with heart monitor watches. This is a whole new evolution with GPS capabilities. I have yet to have a problem with this and installation is very, very easy. But since I am computer challenged I was really pleased with the ease of connection to get your results on the computer and easy to email to my riding partners. Keeping a record stored on the Garmin Connect site is great for going back to check your riding work. Now, I'm sure this is second nature for you experienced riders but for this novice, it was really eye opening all the information that was available. Reviewing your rides particularly comparing heart rate with the map to see how hard you work on the hills really motivates you to improve on your group rides if you get dropped like I do. Maybe the best piece of equipment a cyclist can have for motivation and improvement.
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Garmin Edge 500 GPS, June 15, 2010
By D. Leclair (CT)
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I ordered the Garmin 500 including the heart rate monitor and cadence sensors. It arrived from Amazon early, was easy to install, and simple to use. The installation of the cadence and wheel sensors took no more than 10 minutes. The unit attaches and detaches to a mount banded to the handle bar stem with a quick quarter turn, and has no rattling parts like other computers I've used. It also connects to a laptop with a USB input and the internet based software is pretty much a one touch operation. Just logon to the Garmin connect website, hit 'upload' new activity, and you are provided with full detail of your ride including elevation changes, heart rate, speed, temperature, cadence, distance, ride time and calories burned. You also have access to ride information that other people can publicly post, which is a nice way to share route and ride info. The heart rate strap is comfortable as well. I love this thing and feel that the cost is well worth the quality and ease of use. Great product!
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Garmin Edge 500, May 15, 2010
By Jim Wheeler (Tampa)
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I've owned the Garmin Edge 605 and 305, and this is the best yet. The color screens are just hard to see in the sunlight, so I prefer the B&W mapless models, and this does much more and works better than the previous Garmin biking products.
As always, Garmin's technical writing is too sparse, so you have to just feel your way around to find out how to use the system. Mine kept shutting down in the middle of the ride until I found out how to turn off the automatic shut-down feature. However, this model is easier to see, the battery lasts longer, it has an accurate built-in THERMOMETER, it is lighter, smaller, and has fewer buttons. Also, I was able to upload all my rides that were saved on Garmin Connect.
A good change is the fact that they just provide one mapless model, and if you want the extras (heart rate, cadence, power) you simply buy the add-ons (not a new unit). And other brands of heart-monitor straps work with it!
Two problems:
1. So far I've been unable to set up my desired readouts (mph and distance) when following a training course (I could do that with the 305)
2. I've been unable to download courses that I created through Map My Ride.
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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My First REAL bike computer, June 29, 2010
By D. Knepp (Northampton, PA United States)
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I just received this last week and could not wait to use it. I received the cadence monitor at the same time but I am still waiting on the deluxe heart rate monitor. Well I set the system up as soon as possible, I was a little worried about where I would put it on my mountain/hybrid as I have a gull wing style handle bar and not much room between the stem clamp and the rise but after mounting the holder with the rubber bands (they look a feel like giant O rings and if they break there are MANY more where they came from) the computer fit in the spot perfectly.
Now what info do I put on which screen.....decisions, decisions. I programed all 3 pages with info and the one thing I agree with most of the reviews is that the info can be a little hard to read (especially if you need bifocals and do not wear them on the ride) BUT after my 50 mile ride through multiple types of terrain (inner city, suburb, rail trail, forest) I did not lose the signal even once, it kept perfect pace with where I was. After my ride I actually decided to put 8 fields on 1 page! Why you ask, well I can read the numbers that are displayed, so all I really need to remember, is what is in what area and all the data I want is in the same screen (I do have it rotate to a second page with 4 pieces of info I use sometimes but most of the data is now on 1 screen).
The system synced right away with my cadence monitor and the funny thing is, I had the setting for my heart rate monitor active, hoping it would come on Friday before my ride, but it was not available for my first ride and I forgot to turn that function off. Well when I got home and downloaded my ride data (which by the way was extremely fast) I saw that half way through my ride there was a reading on my report of a heart rate of 164????? After thinking about my ride I remembered I passed a runner coming in the opposite direction wearing a heart rate monitor and my computer actually synced to his monitor and recorded his heart rate in the 3-4 seconds it took to pass him in the range advertised for reading the monitor.....that is fast.
So far, I am thrilled with this computer, I am anxious to see that actual length of time that the charge will hold, because I will be doing a 2 day MS 150 ride in the fall and I am not sure if I will have a place to recharge the unit at the half way point, but on my first 4 hour ride I used less the 25% of the power and that was with the system cycling through 3 pages.
Now about the temperature gauge not being accurate.....WHO CARES !!!! It is either warm enough for shorts or cool enough for long sleeves and if it is so hot that the macadam melts when you walk on it you need your head examined for riding at that time of the day.
1 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Edge 500 unreliable in every way, August 10, 2011
By http://diglloyd.com (Portola Valley, CA USA)
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I've written extensively on what a joke the Edge 500 is.
It literally cannot get anything right: speed, distance, altitude, elevation, power.
Yes it provides *numbers*, but so too do blind squirrels find acorns.
[...]
1 of 13 people found the above review helpful.
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Awesome product!, October 16, 2011
By T. Miller
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I have put about 3,000 miles on my Garmin since I got it in June and I don't regret the purchase at all. I'm definitely glad that I got the model with the cadence and heart rate sensors because those two pieces of information are worth A LOT. I really don't have any complaints about this product other than one time it created a corrupt .fit file and I was unable to upload it to the website I keep track of my rides on (ridewithgps and Garmin Connect). Luckily I was able to find a tool that was able to fix the corrupted file.
Highly recommended product!
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Won't Acquire Satellites, December 22, 2011
By Gary R Cook (Santa Barbara, CA United States)
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The device is great - when it works. Every time I go for a ride, I have to start it 30 - 45 minutes before I ride to make sure it has enough time to lock on to satellites. Most of the time, I am 7 miles into my ride before it locks on. If I take my bike to another location to start a ride, it takes longer. Very annoying. I live in So Cal and don't have trees or buildings in the way. And software updates don't help.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Very pleast with Edge 305 replacement, December 17, 2011
By Danny Owen
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I've had the edge 305 for about 6 years now and it was starting to report bad GPS data occasionally and have trouble retaining a charge...time to replace it. After a brief search I found the Edge 500 which seems to be a feature-for-feature replacement and ordered it.
I was happy to see the 500 is quite a bit smaller, and a bit more colorful. It works almost identically to the old 305, but has some extra features, like 3 screens of information, and scrolling feature, new metrics like vertical speed, and a more accurate calorie estimator. it twists on and off quite easily and quickly as well.
If you are an edge 305 user, it will take a couple of rides to get used to the way the buttons work on this unit, but it's a minor adjustment.
I'm quite pleased with the new unit and looking forward to another 6 years of cycling with a Garmin on the stem.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Great training tool, October 8, 2011
By dremspider (Northern VA)
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I bought this to help me with training for a Century and it really helped a lot. There is something very motivating about being able to see yourself progressing in average speed, distance, etc. I originally started with using Endomondo, which was a great tool, but had one major flaw (which had nothing to do with the program itself) the battery life on my phone would get eaten up. It was fine for one or two hour training sessions, but not usuable when I would be out for 5+ hours for my weekend training rides. My fear was that I would kill the battery on my phone and then get stuck in a situation where I needed my phone because I broke down, got in an accident, etc. The battery life on the Garmin Edge 500 is great. I recently rode a Century that lasted over 6 hours and my battery was still at around 60% by the end. I don't plan on ever going longer than that as I am pretty sure my body won't be able to hold up as long as the Garmin!
The ability to set up interval training is very easy to do and is a great help when trying to gain speed on your bicycle. The premium heart rate sensor is very comfortable and picks up my heart rate instantly without the need to put on special gels or get the device wet or anything. I just stick it on and go. The screens are great and are fully configurable which is awesome. I love being able to modify all of the information that I see at one time. The unit comes with software to use the data with as well as Garmin Connect which is a website you can go to and upload the information to. Garmin Connect is a lot better, the software program is pretty useless. I also am really happy that it came with mounts for two bikes, one for my road bike and the other for my mountain bike.
My only gripes are that the screen scratches very easily. I already have a few scratches on mine after a few months. Sometimes the unit can take a few minutes to figure out where you are which is the case with all GPS units. Not a big deal as this is usually when I am warming up anyway. Finally the buttons can sometimes be a bit of a pain to hit. Sometimes they aren't fully responsive.
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Love this thing! Does exactly what I want + more with no flakiness, October 6, 2011
By The Career Change Financ.. (Hollis, NH)
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I figured the task of replacing my old, unreliable, less-that-full-function heart rate monitor/cyclocomputer (only about 1 year old & not cheap to begin with) was going to be a long, drawn-out quest rife with tradeoffs. Wrong.
A few people I spoke with commented that they liked this Garmin product, so I looked into the features, and they seemed to fit the bill, so I just ordered it. Sooooo tired of exhaustive, pre-purchase analysis of product features, reviews, etc. Just want problem solved. Soon.
Anyway... it's been a scant few weeks but I'm already confident in saying it was one of the easiest, best purchases in recent memory. In terms of features, these guys have thought of everything, designed it just right, it's super-configurable, and -- most important for one with little patience for tinkering -- it just works.
An unexpected benefit: the online software to which you upload data also gets it just right, and is way more fun to play with than I would have imagined.
Conclusion: The people who recommended the product to me really understated it. This device is truly awesome.
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great product, October 1, 2011
By bandito (MO, USA)
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I've used the 500 Edge for about two weeks and it has worked perfectly. I live in a semi-rural area where cell signal is sometimes patchy but the 500 has never lost GPS signal. I also bought the cadence sensor and heart rate monitor separately which was overall cheaper than the bundle which includes these 2 items. Maybe the bundle has the more expensive premium HR sensor but I have the regular one ($26) and it is superb. I wonder how the premium one could be better---it's significantly more expensive.
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Wish I had bought one sooner, September 23, 2011
By Mike Ventura
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I bought the Garmin Edge 500 basic from my LBS (I buy almost everything from Amazon except bike gear). I have a few rides under my garmin belt now and am really impressed. I did a gran fondo with it and got very valuable info during the ride that helped a great deal(working hard, oh yeah I'm on a 20% incline). It has 3 screens that can be customized with up to 8 windows of information per screen. There are 42 bits of data to choose from, so you can have almost everything displayed. The screen is easy to see, but if you have too many data fields per screen, the numbers get a bit small. This unit has a barometric altimeter, which the Edge 200 does not. The downloaded information on GarminConnect is awesome. It actually maps out your ride and has graphs of your time, elevation, speed and temperature. You can share this with others via email, facebook, etc. I am going to buy the HRM belt now to get even more information to use in training. This is hands down the best bike computer I've ever had. My riding buddies are all jealous, and a few of them are scrapping their old units for a garmin. I kick myself for not buying this when it first came out.
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Garmin Edge 500, August 26, 2011
By Bryan
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I have been using this for a little over a month now and everything is working fine. Have used it with and without a speed/cadence sensor and it seems to track your speed fine. I have not had the device lockup as some others have reported but have only used the track option a couple of times.
One thing I did notice is that the temperature readings can be off by 10 to 20 degrees on sunny hot days. Contributing this to the unit being in the sun and the extra heat from the road surface. On trails and in the shade it gives a more reliable reading.
If you are using Map My Ride to record your rides you need to make sure you are using the updated site for importing rides. Garmin connect is ok as it records everything from your ride while MMR doesn't record the temperature or lap info. Am assume the MMR site uses its own elevation data.
Also bought a heart rate strap and it has been working fine. Bought the lower end strap (not soft strap.) Very similar to my polar chest strap. For me it is not uncomfortable at all and seems to measure my heart rate accurately.
Have used the new function to copy a ride to be used with the track option. Also have used Bike Route Toaster web site to create and upload a route to the Edge 500.
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Training History, August 22, 2011
By Healthy
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Excellent bundle to capture all the critical elements of training workouts. Easy to compare previous workout routes to measure improvement
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Great Device, July 18, 2011
By DMW
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I received this device for father's day and it has done everything that it claimed to do. I installed all of the sensors on my bike myself and it works flawlessly. I've got about 400 miles of use out of it so far and I could not be happier. The garmin software is great as well. Before I bought it, I read reviews complaining about the battery issues as well as the gps connection. I have not experienced any of those issues. I would definately recommend this product.
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Garmin Edge 500, July 9, 2011
By Daniel M. King
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Works as expected. Average speed is off about a half mile an hour from my Shimano Flighdeck. Not sure which is wrong.
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Perfect fit for a bike fanatic, June 25, 2011
By M. Brown
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Excellent display, easy to choose fields, rechargeable battery saves on cash, Garmin Connect is the best interactive partner system. Fast paring with cadence and HRM ANT+ devices. even came in the neutral color for my carbon bike (didn't like the blue version).
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Perfect solution for my needs, May 16, 2011
By J. Machajewski (Austin, TX United States)
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I've had the Edge 500 for a little over a week now and I must say I am completely satisfied. The features packed into this small device are numerous. I especially appreciate the ability to customize the screens to show the data I find most important. I have put a little over 100 miles on my Edge 500 and the accuracy seems to be spot on. Set up was well documented and took only 15 minutes. If you are looking for a good GPS enabled computer this is the one for you. If you are concerned about on-board maps and turn-by-turn instructions this is not the computer for you. However, the upload/online features are identical for post-ride analysis.
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WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT!!!, April 30, 2011
By KOPain
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I absolutely love the Garmin Edge 500. I purchased it 9 months ago because I loved the data that it provide to you. Being able to understand my heart rate, cadence (current & average), speed (current & average), distance, and direction is vital to my training. Additionally I love that it is wireless and GPS driven. I absolutely love GARMIN CONNECT which is the website to download this information and use it to compare your performances. I now have an exact idea of my heart rate range and average and my point of over exertion.
If you are serious about improving your performance on a bike than the Edge 500 is the tool for you! Easy installation too!
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Garmin 500 review, April 13, 2011
By S. Holt (Highland Park, Illinois United States)
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Excellent little device. Simple to move from bike to bike. Even with 7 different panels open, the digits/characters are easy to read. No sensors necessary for basic functions. Give it a 4.75 out of 5.00.
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Love this!, December 27, 2010
By L. Lambrix (Los Angeles, CA)
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I bought this for my husband for our anniversary in August, it's absolutely awesome! It's easy to install, use, and download the information for each ride. Very happy with this product!
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garmin edge 500, November 30, 2010
By dave (Cottonwood Heights, Utah USA)
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I used the 305 for a few years and loved it. This new 500 has many new and better features - the only thing i wish it had, that the 305 did, was to be able to ensure 'every second' sampling. I do a lot with the .tcx files that i get from the workouts - if you are interested in a Microsoft .Net C# application that analyses your data giving you time and distance between long and lat points, allows you to export all your workouts to Excel, and measures your time at a given point in a lap against your other workouts that crossed that same point (used to race against myself) - send me an email and i will give you the code. hockeydave26@hotmail.com
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Great Bike Computer!!!!!, November 18, 2010
By Dean A. Deyot
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This Garmin Edge 500 is a awesome Bike Computer!! I purchased the seperate GSC 10 Speed/Cadence sensor And that works spot on with Speed and Cadence the speed sensor works Perfect unlike the gps Signal is much lower If you dont have sensor SOOOO BUY THE SENSOR!!!! I am a very avid cyclist And have had many Bike computers and i think this one works As well or better then any other one on the Market!!!!Very easy to install And Waterproof Which i like!!! So if your in the market for a great Bike Computer Spend the Money And Buy this Garmin Edge 500 It is Great!!!
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Awesome!, October 20, 2010
By Sam Raymer (Dallas TX USA)
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Just got one recently with the heartrate and cadence bundled in pkg. It gives you all the data you could ever want!
Works flawlessly, it's a great unit!
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Love the Garmin Edge 500, August 15, 2010
By jkp (Chicago)
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On my new bike, I switched from a Shimano Flight Deck to the Garmin Edge 500. I bought the cadence add-on, too. Very pleased with it. It is very configurable in what information is displayed - took me a few tries to arrange all the information as I wanted it, but it is very easy to set up. You can rotate around three screens each of which can display up to six data fields! While it doesn't do maps, you can upload rides to the Garmin web site and see a map of the route along with various performance graphs.
It's very compact and easy to install, although the cadence unit takes some fiddling as it has to be close to two moving magnets, and the shape isn't idea for my wide carbon stays.
The one thing it lacks is a gear ration display. With the wheel and cadence magnets (part of the cadence add-on), it should have enough information to calculate this. Also, the export capabilities on the web site need improvement.
But this seems to have become the device of choice in my cycling group.
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Garmin Edge 500, June 2, 2010
By Brian G. Mclamb (Hillsborough NC)
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Just picked up the unit yesterday from the LBS in Carrboro NC. Setup was easy...the unit acquires satelites in a flash.(about 15 seconds) Purchased the unit as a stand alone and not the bundle. I ordered the chest strap with monitor from amazon for $30.00 as i saw the bundle package a rip-off at one hundred dollars above the base unit price. I have no need for the cadence at this point but may purchase it later. Love the climbing statistics...I knew one hill around my house was steep and the unit rated it at 11%. I have not uploaded any ride data as of yet but will do that once i am home. First impressions "I like it!"
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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I enjoy training now, October 26, 2011
By paracarro
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Really, I can't wait to get on the bike, and I've been using the Edge indoors! The screen is easy to read and is highly configurable. You can display up to 7 items at once, and you get 3 pages. You can choose what to display from a rather almighty list. If you are doing a workout, that's a 4th page, and the Edge tells you what you are supposed to be doing. It notifies you when you aren't.
I'm not a fan of touch screens for this kind of device, so the hard buttons are perfect for when you're suffering and your aim might not be too good. Being an ANT+ device, you can use it with a variety of products that also support that protocol. Open standards mean choices for you. Installation of the mount is easy with the included rubber bands. I kind of like it over the traditional zip ties, and removal is just as easy. The mount grips my stem tight and isn't going anywhere.
Using Garmin Training Center, you enter your workout details and, via USB, send it to the Edge. Vice versa for completed workouts. If you like, upload your data to Garmin Connect. Presently, both the desktop and web versions of Garmin's software could use more features, but you aren't limited to using those.
I can't comment on the GPS features, but this is Garmin and I think they got a handle on it. I can't wait to plan routes and see where it takes me. Having been developed with the input of their pro teams, this is a serious piece of equipment with everything you need. It doesn't play MP3s. That's for toys.
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Includes everything but the kitchen sink!, October 20, 2011
By The Penguin (Santa Clara, CA)
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I had a wireless bike computer for years. My bike crazy co-workers all had GPS units and would look at their rides online. I decided to splurge and get a gps too. I didn't want maps. I wanted a HRM. I have a fairly small frame and I didn't want a large screen covering my handlebars. The Garmin Edge 500 had just come out and was getting great reviews. It isn't cheap, but it seemed like you got a lot for the money. I've had my Edge 500 for over a year now and I'm super happy with it. It has performed flawlessly.
I find being able to see heart rate, cadence, speed, distance and percentage grade while I am riding to be the cat's meow. I borrowed a wheel with a power tap and was able to watch power as well. All at the same time! Having lots of data to look at takes the boredom out of bike riding. I haven't had many issues with the GPS losing the signal. A couple of times I had lost a couple of miles on rides. But these were both at night where I cannot see it. I believe it lost contact with the satellite.
If I had to buy a GPS today, I would buy the Edge 500 because of the large number of features it has. The Edge 200 is cheaper, but I think it is overpriced compared to all the additional features you get with the Edge 500.
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No useable map!!!, April 26, 2012
By Mark Anderson
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I ordered this thinking it would replace my Edge 305 with all the features of it and then some. I also called Garmin direct to confirm this. I just received my Edge 500 and cannot believe that the map is not useable unless you do a "course" ahead of time. For example you take off on your mountain bike to a unknown area and you want to get back to where you started from. On the Edge 305 you just select the map and you see a bread crumb trail so you can see the path that you came. NOT on the Edge 500. The only way you can see the map is to first do a "course". Well that may work for some but if you don't know the course or area how are you supposed to map it ahead of time? Obviously the Garmin staff that came up with this programing isn't into mountain biking. Other than that I'm sure it works ok. For me I'm returning it and now I have to spend another $200.00 to get the one feature that I often need for safety in order to get out of the mountains. What a disappointment. So if you need this feature don't buy the Edge 500.
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Not worth the price, April 22, 2012
By RBC3 (PA)
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I recently upgraded from the Garmin 305 hoping that all of the bugs had been worked out of this product. Unfortunately, the problems remain: heart rate sensor has trouble syncing at the beginning of rides. It spikes to 240 bpm for about 3-5 minutes rendering any analysis or graphing worthless. There is also an intermittent issue with the unit remaining "on" when it appears to be shut off. This tends to happen after you download your data to a computer and the unit automatically powers up. Occasionally the unit will not shut off despite appearing to do so and the screen being blank. The next time you want to go for a ride you will receive the gift of a low battery. For $350, save your money and buy a good Cateye.
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great but?, April 14, 2012
By the old guy (texas)
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love it for map my ride and strava. love the percent grade feature. got one for christmas as a gift. But now the page button does not work. it's kind of expensive to replace after only 3 months use.
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Just Great, April 12, 2012
By Sports & Tech Fan (Buenos Aires, Argentine)
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I've using the Polar CS200 CAD for some years. I decided to go for the upgrade since it's not much $ difference between the two.
I'm glad I did. Very easy to install, no tools. Replaceble batteries :). Easy and good, software to upload you workout
Thanks
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Great piece of equipment for cycling, February 27, 2012
By Zain M. Khan (Atlanta, GA)
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I am new to cycling and wanted something that could log my workouts so that I could visualize my progress. The GPS works great and I love the fact that I can create my routes prior to riding and follow the course on the Garmin.
Easy setup. Easy to use with intuitive menus. Great product.
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Very good GPS, January 16, 2012
By Vic
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Very good GPS, locks on quickly and doesn't loose signal, even when inside a canyon, under heavy tree cover or in the city between buildings. I use it for my daily commute to work and 3-4 times a week on single track MTB. The mount is very sturdy and come with plenty of extra rubber bands. I've taken some good falls and it stays on, and not a single scratch on the device. Battery life is pretty decent I charge it about once a week with daily use on short commutes and 2-3hr MTB rides. Garmin Connect is also pretty good web based program that's easy to use.
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THE FASTEST ORDER I'VE EVER RECEIVED, April 26, 2012
By J. Harrison (Pottstown, PA USA)
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If only every thing I ever bought online came from Brands Cycle and Fitness, I would have no need to shop anywhere else. I ordered my item and received it in not even two days! In fact, it wasn't even supposed to ship until a week later and it arrived faster than my credit card cooled off. Thanks so much and I highly recommend this seller. In a time when supposedly businesses are battling for customers, these guys are clearly not taking their customers for granted.
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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