I’m debating buying a Garmin Edge. I currently use the Garmin 910XT on the bike and run of a triathlon with the quick release kit. I don’t swim with a watch. I’m thinking I may just buy a Garmin Edge and put the 910 on in transition for the run or maybe sell it and buy the Garmin 220 run watch. I don’t know yet. Regardless, which Garmin Edge is worth getting? The 1000 looks like overkill, the 810 looks perfect, and the 510 looks like it would do everything I need as well.
If you need turn-by-turn directions, go with any of the 8xx series. If you do club runs or you pretty much know all the routes you are ever going to ride (or can read cuesheets or don’t mind using your phone on these occasions!) save your money and go with a 5xx series.
(I ride in the UK where road directions are really not obvious)
I always ride with my cell phone unless racing of course. the 810 is only $60 more I think so I would most likely go with that option. Is the 1000 worth the extra money over the 810?
I don’t know, sorry. I haven’t really bothered to look into it as my old 800 keeps truckin’ on…
500
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I’m a fan of the 500. Does everything I need for $200. Anything the edge 500 doesn’t do, my phone does better than any garmin.
I just bought a 500 as well and do not need anything more than that. As mentioned, if I need more my phone is with me on every ride.
I’m debating buying a Garmin Edge. I currently use the Garmin 910XT on the bike and run of a triathlon with the quick release kit. I don’t swim with a watch. I’m thinking I may just buy a Garmin Edge and put the 910 on in transition for the run or maybe sell it and buy the Garmin 220 run watch. I don’t know yet. Regardless, which Garmin Edge is worth getting? The 1000 looks like overkill, the 810 looks perfect, and the 510 looks like it would do everything I need as well.
Why not use it in Multi Sport mode for the swim, T1, bike, T2 and run? I do that with my 310xt at every race, worked great.
I now have a PT so I will have my Edge 800 on the bike for power pacing, but will still have the 310 on for all five segments.
I already do that. I just want a bigger screen
Actually you said you didn’t swim with it where as I do. Anyway I have an 800, mostly for the maps and turn by turn directions when I want to ride a route I’ve never been on before and map it out before hand. If you don’t need that capability, I would go with the 500.
I had a 910XT now a Fenix 2, soon to be 920XT and I also had an Edge 500 and now an Edge 810. I use both during races, The Fenix in Multisport mode and the Edge 810 on the bike. The Edge 500 is the best value, if you want live tracking and auto uploading of your ride from your cellphone then get the 510, if you want that plus turn by turn navigation then get the 810. I love live tracking for training rides and I wanted to start going on new routes which is why I went 810 over 510. I personally didnt see a need for the 1000 but you may be different.
I totally feel you on the better screen. I use my 910 throughout the race on my wrist. I leave my 510 on my bike because the screen is bigger and in a better position to view being on the bike. Auto-pause handles the start and stopping automatically. Works great.
Considering price and features the accepted order is:
Garmin 810 → Garmin 500 → Garmin 510 → Garmin 1000
If you want mapping, get the 810. If not, get the 500. I love the mapping for longer bike trips and going into unexplored routes. However if you don’t want/need that, the 500 is totally bulletproof and will last forever.
Are the bike mounts the same for the edge and forerunner (910xt)?
I have a 910xt for swim/run and the 500 on the bike. 500 is nice and simple: Up to 8 data fields and has a decent battery with the backlight turned off. I do love the 910xt for counting laps in the pool. No plans on upgrading to the 920xt. Triathlon gets too expensive when trying to get the latest/greatest.
This. I’ve abused the crap out if mine. Been through the washer/dryer combo at least 6-7 times. Flawless. The only niggle I have with it is that the little dust/water cover over the USB port came off one laundry cycle. 
Considering price and features the accepted order is:
Garmin 810 → Garmin 500 → Garmin 510 → Garmin 1000
If you want mapping, get the 810. If not, get the 500.** I love the mapping for longer bike trips and going into unexplored routes.** However if you don’t want/need that, the 500 is totally bulletproof and will last forever.
Do you find this to be advantageous over using your smartphone mapping capabilities w/ a handlebar mount?
The bike mounts are similar for the Edge bike computers and the 910/920XT with quick release kit, but not exactly the same. The Edge computers have the ears at 3 and 9 o’clock while the Forerunners are at 12 and 6 o’clock to clear the charging contacts. The standard Garmin mount can accommodate both, but must be rotated if you’re switching between the two types. The Barfly TT mount is built to take both types without changing the mount by going to a 1/8 turn to lock instead of 1/4.
I have an 810, which I like very much. As to 510 vs. 500 and 810 vs 800, I actually like the bluetooth connectivity much more than I thought I would. I always have my phone with me except for when riding, and the rides are uploaded as soon as I stop it, often before I actually even stop moving. Also, it’s great for sending a route to my bike computer last minute. I can map it out on anyone’s computer on the garmin connect desktop site, and then send it to the edge via my phone. I thought it wouldn’t be much of a factor, but I love it!
I’ve owned Edge 500 and now have a 510. The 500 was great and I only moved to 510 due to a great deal. Since moving to the 510 I’m happier that I no longer have to plug in my unit to sync my rides. Having the auto upload Bluetooth connectivity is great. I also like being able to dynamically change the display fields by holding down on one at anytime. No menus to fiddle with if you want to change something mid rid. The downside is after I’m coming out of the water wet I sometimes have troubles getting the 510 touchscreen to be responsive. It’s only happened a few times but it is something to consider. I also believe battery life on the 500 is better due to it’s simple nature.