This past week we had the chance to test out the Garmin Edge 500 GPS-based cycling computer. With this on my bike I’m feeling like I’m ready for the Tour de France – that is if women actually were allowed to race in the most famous of cycling classics. But it helped me on my way for my local training rides.
The very first impression was that this one could be difficult to setup and calibrate. The problem with technology is the more it can do, the more complicated it is to use. But I was more than pleasantly surprised with the ease of the set-up and the versatility that this device offered out of the box. While not the most notable, but certainly appreciated is the fact that this device comes with several rubber loops for securing the computer’s mount to the bike. This is such a small thing, but it is so welcome, especially for anyone who can’t decide the best placement for the mounts, and only realized this after tightening the zip ties.
But the more notable point is that this is a wireless device. So there is no wire to run, making for a cleaning line on the frame, and more importantly making for one less thing to worry about. The Edge 500 can be used without a heart rate monitor, without the sensors. But the version I’m testing came with those items, and all this set up very easily and quickly too.
The Edge 500 can track distance, speed, location and elevation – all without the sensors. But add in the sensors and you can monitor heart rate, and speed/cadence, as well a power meter. So far I’ve only had a chance to ease into all the functionality, but I’ll be sure to report back on this over the next couple of weeks. What I can say in the meantime is that this device allows you to do exactly that, as in ease in the functions. I’ve been getting used to monitoring my speed, heart rate, distance and location. This is a lot of information to manage, but as this device can be synced to my computer the management shouldn’t be a problem.
Where to buy:
Check back later for my follow-up when I tackle the connectivity with my PC.