Garmin Edge 500 vs 510

Triathlon Forum
1

Is the 510 a notable upgrade over the 500? Looking to see if the difference in cost (approx. $150) is justified.
Thanks

2

Depends on your usage. The big feature for my interest is the ability to track workouts remotely, so that when my wife goes for a ride and isn’t back when expected (Shes forgotten her phone a few times) I know where to go look.

3

I thought you needed a phone to use that feature. So, if your wife forgets her phone you are in no better situation with a 510 than a 500.

4

and if you have your phone, there are a ton of apps that will already do that for free (e.g. find my friends, iOS)

5

It can only provide live tracking if you have a phone for it to connect through, so that wont help if she forgets it.

I bought a 510. It has a slightly bigger screen which helps. I like the ability to upload the workout through garmin connect mobile. For me the biggest reason I went that way is because it is a matter of time before the stop selling and supporting the 500. They will more likely spend more effort on enhancements for a new product than something designed a few years ago. I hated to spend the additional money but so far it works well.

6

Also, if you’re looking to really save money, check eBay and the classifieds. Lots of 500s are on sale because of the release of the 510. I was able to snag an edge 500 premium package (red/black unit, speed/cadence sensor, and Premium HR strap) for $300 shipped, brand new, on eBay from a bike shop. I’m sure similar deals can be found on the base unit.

7

The biggest difference for me was more recent satellite technology and a nicer screen. I’d say the athlete tracking functionality isn’t that revolutionary because it still requires a phone and you could just use a native phone app (tons) to let someone track where you are. If one doesn’t have a bike computer, def go for the 510. If you already have the 500, its hard to justify it unless you get a deal on the 510.

8

Thanks. I figure if I’m going to consider the 510, I might as well think about getting a 910XT - same price. Trying to determine the benefit of that option too.

9

DC Rainmaker has an awesome comparison of the 510 vs the 500 on his site.

10

I’ll check that out now. Thanks

11

I bought a 910 last summer and it works great. Just had trouble seeing it due to positioning when in aero. Still plan to use when racing or running, but I added the 510 for training rides. Much easier to view.

12

Thanks. I am leaning toward the 510 right now, just because I found a good deal on a speed/cadence and HRM package.

13

The one big advantage I see of the 510 tracking has over apps is that your phone doesn’t need to have GPS enabled - just Bluetooth. So if you go for a 6 hour ride, your phone battery isn’t dead.

14

That may be true for apps like mapmyride, but find my friends remains passive and only updates location at a set interval or whenever someone attempts to track you. I leave it on everyday and have found no difference in battery life

15

Ok I am trying to decide between the following:

Garmin 510 with Speed/Cadence and premium HRM = $320
Garmin 500 with Speed/Cadence and premium HRM = $275

I think I should go with the 510 but figured I’d get opinions.

Thanks

16

Simply for use as a bike computer, I would probably go with the 500.

But I think that the 510 has some cool possibilities on race day. If a company like my athlete live can create a transponder that can communicate via bluetooth with your Garmin 510, then it could not only relay location, but speed, power, HR, etc. That would be awesome for live tracking of not only AGers, but pros.

17

I have a 500
I cant see it being worth it for the extra but if you want to sell it then your return will prob be better from buying a 510 I assume.

18

go to wiggle, the red garmin 500 is $250 delivered, i got one a few weeks ago
.

19

Look at the review by DC Rainmaker here. The 510 is substantially larger than the 500 if that is a consideration. I tend to agree with Ray who found the size of the 510 in a no man’s land. Would have been better to design the 510 around the existing size of the 500.

20

go to wiggle, the red garmin 500 is $250 delivered, i got one a few weeks ago

And probikekit.com (where my cycling group and I all buy our tires) now sells the 500 for $206:

http://www.probikekit.com/us/garmin-edge-500-gps-cycle-computer-neutral.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=google_base_usd
.