I need a new Garmin for my bikes, but which one, I have a 705 at present,but would like something that doesnt resemble a cell phone from 1992.
Start here: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=160
Then go here: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/product-reviews/garmin
.
Start here: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=160
Then go here: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/product-reviews/garmin
Agreed on DC rainmaker. Great reviews, honest. He’s single handed costs me money.
Socks
Indeed. Whenever I use his reviews to guide purchases, I’m happy to use his affiliate link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&tag=dcr07-20
In short, from a pure-Garmin perspective (what you asked about), your current generation models are:
- Edge 500: Smallest unit, most widely used, about $200-$250US
- Edge 510: Just released, bigger than Edge 500, adds cell-phone connectivity and live-tracking via cell phones. About $320
- Edge 800: Mapping unit, like a car GPS.
- Edge 810: Mapping unit like Edge 810, but with the new cell-phone connectivity features of the 510 (they both came out in January).
If you always ride the same rides, and/or know your routes - save the cash and go with the Edge 500/510. If you like exploring new places, go the Edge 800/810.
Between the 500 and the 510, I’d generally go the route of the 500 unless you believe live tracking is worth $100-$120 for you (for some, it may).
Between the 800 and 810, a similar decision around live tracking is made, but the cost differential is less.
For non-Garmin options, you’d want to focus on the new Joule GPS, the Timex Cycle Trainer GPS, and the Magellan Switch being the most relevant cycling computers today in the market.
Enjoy!
since my 705 bit the dust in San Juan (well under a car in traffic when it flew off the handle bars on the “smooth” roads) I read through all of your reviews.
I need maps (go lots of places I don’t know) and decided on the 810 so that I can use the tracking feature when I want to - as a woman like the safety idea of that.
Trying it out for the first time this sunday on a 200K randonneur ride.
Given what we can do with cell phone apps now, I’m actually having a hard time believing that the bike computer will used much outside the realm of racing. Why buy a separate toy for a bike when I have a cell phone just as capable and a more justifiable purchase?
Does the 500 have all the same metrics as the 510 (Pedal Balance, TSS, NP etc…)?
Does the 500 have all the same metrics as the 510 (Pedal Balance, TSS, NP etc…)?
Yup. They were all added back about a year ago in a firmware update.
Given what we can do with cell phone apps now, I’m actually having a hard time believing that the bike computer will used much outside the realm of racing. Why buy a separate toy for a bike when I have a cell phone just as capable and a more justifiable purchase?
I do generally agree, and I think (as I noted in the review) that the implementation within the 510/810 of cell-phone connectivity leaves a lot to be desired in terms of what the product could be.
That said, I will say that I’ve toyed with a fair number of cell phone live-tracking apps, and none are as clean a solution as the 510/810 (including live broadcasting of ANT+ data like HR/Power/Speed/Cadence). I’m optimistic that Garmin will continue to improve the app and firmware.
In short, from a pure-Garmin perspective (what you asked about), your current generation models are:
- Edge 500: Smallest unit, most widely used, about $200-$250US
- Edge 510: Just released, bigger than Edge 500, adds cell-phone connectivity and live-tracking via cell phones. About $320
- Edge 800: Mapping unit, like a car GPS.
- Edge 810: Mapping unit like Edge 810, but with the new cell-phone connectivity features of the 510 (they both came out in January).
If you always ride the same rides, and/or know your routes - save the cash and go with the Edge 500/510. If you like exploring new places, go the Edge 800/810.
Between the 500 and the 510, I’d generally go the route of the 500 unless you believe live tracking is worth $100-$120 for you (for some, it may).
Between the 800 and 810, a similar decision around live tracking is made, but the cost differential is less.
For non-Garmin options, you’d want to focus on the new Joule GPS, the Timex Cycle Trainer GPS, and the Magellan Switch being the most relevant cycling computers today in the market.
Enjoy!
Well the man himself has chimed in. And he’s on the mark. 99% of the time I know exactly where I’m going or I don’t mind getting lost. So the 500 is perfect for me.
If you guys ever get the chance read this link of Rainmakers. He cycled in Jordan. Prob one of my fav written cycling oriented articles:
http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2011/01/cycling-in-jordan-and-other-adventures.html
Be safe.
Socks
Thank you.
Given what we can do with cell phone apps now, I’m actually having a hard time believing that the bike computer will used much outside the realm of racing. Why buy a separate toy for a bike when I have a cell phone just as capable and a more justifiable purchase?
The first step would be phone getting ant+ or more bike accessories using bluetooth. After that, there is still waterproofing the phone and being able to use the touch buttons with gloves. Finally, battery life. My phone (admittedly old) will only track for 3 hours before losing 75% of its battery. My 910 is still at 80% in the same amount of time.
On the software side, of course, there is no limit to a phone’s usability, but unitasking solutions have the benefit of uncompromised hardware decisions. That will keep them relevant for a long time.
GPS upgrade
.
Wahoo makes an ANT+ sensor for the iPhone, as far as battery life goes there’s a solution for that too. I think Garmin is in very real danger of losing the athletic market segment to smart phones inside of 5 years. I know of a number of people that have completely passed on sports watches in particular in favour of their phone as the single solution. Happily living with glitches just to save a few dollars.
GPS upgrade
Yeah, but does it have BLTE or ANT+?
See, didn’t think so. Last year’s tech. 
I just got the 510.
It’s tits.
know of a number of people that have completely passed on sports watches in particular in favour of their phone as the single solution. Happily living with glitches just to save a few dollars.
I’ve noticed the total opposite here.
Depending on the type of riding you do and where (and cell tower/signal/batter strength) one may be better or worse for your general needs. However, I doubt the Garmin will lose a market because there are plenty of tech whores out there that want the latest/greatest/lightest/bestest of X. I can easily use the Wahoo app with my phone, but I prefer my Edge or 910. They all cost about the same, but destroying my Garmin in a fall or wreck doesn’t mean I’m SOL in terms of my phone connectivity (it’s my business phone and we don’t own a land line).
Different toys for different boys (and gals).
I’ve been using the 510 for almost a month. I like the touchscreen functionality. However, the unit is huge and the glare is just as bad as that on the 800. Plus, there is so much wasted plastic around the actual screen. I wish the 510 was slightly smaller.