I have been looking at posts here that show a link to a Garmin link that displays details of a ride. With evrything from Distance, Speed, Cadance, Elevation, Heartrate. Route travelsed (GPS) etc.
I have looked at a Garmin Edge 500, I also see an Edge 705 and an 800.
Can anyone recomend which is the best buy. I know people that use iPhone apps for this, but it is not very accurate, plus I do no use an iPhone. I however like the idea of tracking all these details.
Thanks in advance, see you all at the start/Finish Lines in June.
I have a Garmin 705, which I like, but would no longer recommend as it has been superceded by the 800.
There are a few differences between the 500 and 800. Cost and the ability to display maps are the big ones.
I rarely use the map display on the 705. It is just a little too small to be useful, and while riding I just want to take a furtive glance at 1 or 2 key indicators, like cadence or speed. The 500 does that well. Occasionally, when an unexpected detour is encountered the ability to stop and see a map does come in handy. You need the 800 for that.
The 500 does most of what I need. But I would still go for the 800, just for the benefit of being able to see where you are when out on a long ride. Plus it`s cooler.
And I too would go with the 800 if I was buying a new GPS today.
There are lots of options: http://www.labicicletta.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=gps http://www.wiggle.co.uk/cycle/gps-cycle-computers/
How many details do you want to track? Heart rate requires an ANT+ monitor. As does Cadence and Wheel Speed (GPS devices can track speed without a wheel sensor). Power require an ANT+ power meter either in the hub, crank or new this year, in the pedals. (ANT+ is a wireless technology that transmits the info from the monitor to the GPS computer.)
The various GPS computers vary in what stats they track, and what accessories they come with - be sure to read and compare the specs before snapping up a deal.
Bang for your buck the EDGE 500 can't be beat... If you are technically savy you will love the Garmin Connect web-site which allows you to sync, track, analyze, and share you data. It's small and does the job... you really won't use the map functioning screens in some of the bigger units (and in my opinion, not worth the extra money). The 500 is sleek, easy to use, and gets the job done!
The 500 is definitely the rational choice. If you tend to ride the same routes over and over the extra cost of the 800 & 705 would be hard to justify. But if you like to explore and make up a route as you go along, then having the safety net of the mapping feature can come in handy.
Thanks for the advice. I have been going between those two for s while now. I thought I may like to hand the maps although I mainly ride iny area and know where I am going. I want to track speed cadence and heart rate along with all the other inputs these devices monitor. I looked on EBay and at the local bike and sport shops. Not a great selection locally. I will also get a speed and cadence sensor, I already have a heart monitor which should work. I am not sure I will use the map feature after realizing the. 500 did not have them. I guess I will need to decide of I want to spend the extra $150 foe future options. I was looking at posts people on the ride posted that showed all the stats each day. That is amazing and what started me searching for a cycling gps. I just use a giant wireless speedometer now to track distance and speed. I want to start concentrating on cadence as I am new to longer distance rides as of this past summer. I could use the cadence feature on the trainer this winter as well because it runs from rear wheel and crank rather than front wheel like the speedometer.
Thanks again for the advice and links to a few sellers. The wiggle site looks like an option I will look in to.
I will post which one I decide on, see you guys in June.
Peddle on
Bill
I just picked up The Garmin Edge 500, Got a 20% off Boxing Day sale. I did not want to spend the extra $200 since I already know where I am going before I head out. Thanks again for all the advice.
Hi, think about the garmin 800. They have come down in price, offer full coloured maps, heart rate monitor and cadence. I love mine and the battery is great up to 10 hrs of charge. Plus the other great thing is its totally wireless.
