Garmin Edge 500: First Ride
Latest GPS computer goes compact
The Garmin 500 is the latest addition to the Edge range, the company's performance orientated computers aimed at cyclists who like to be armed with all the data. It squeezes most of the guts from the larger 605/705 computers into a slimline, stylish and compact device.
Garmin has achieved this feat of miniaturisation primarily by removing the mapping facility that was a key aspect of its bigger brother, thus enabling Garmin to meet the requests of its sponsored Team Garmin-Slipstream riders who wanted most of the functionally of the larger Edge models but in a smaller size. They succeeded.
It's also a fair bit cheaper. Just £199 and it's also loads lighter, down to a featherweight 60g. Battery life is also improved by a considerable sum too, Garmin claims some 18 hours. There's also a new and far simpler bike mount as well - slot the Edge in at roughly a 30 degree angle, twist, and it locks into place.
All sounding good so far, but how is it to use? We had the chance to take a unit for a test ride recently to discover. Here’s our thoughts.
From the outset, the immediate difference is just how quickly the 500 grabs hold of a satellite reception, meaning no delay to your riding. The screen, despite its smaller size, clearly displays data and it's easy to read while riding. The available data the 500 offers can be scrolled through by the two buttons on the right hand side of the unit, with a nifty transition fade between modes. As you'd expect, there's all the data a performance cyclist could ever need, and what's better the amount of data available at any one time is customisable, more or less, whatever suits you
For those familiar with the 605/705, it's a very similar interface, but there are a few key differences. As we mentioned, there's no mapping facility, but the 500 does still record your route and this data can be accessed once you've uploaded to Garmin Connect, it just doesn't show it when you're riding. Holding the Enter button takes you into the main menu where there's a plethora of options. Experienced users will notice the addition of vertical speed, temperature readings and more accurate calories burned.
In use it's a very simple device to use and for those cyclists put off by the relative bulk of the 605/705 or who just don't want the mapping/navigational features, the Edge 500 is perfectly suited. It's small, light and stylish and is packed with all the essential features most cyclists could ever need, and at a price that is more appealing.
www.garmin.com
No Mike, not the user fail ones. Buttons stop working, battery drains itself, won't switch on etc. Rode Woburn Saturday & only went up that trail once and now know how I missed the cheeky little path I was looking for.
Posted: 23/02/2010 20:34
The whole point is I don't want it for navigation which is why I still have the 305 - if I did I'd get the 705. Te old 'un has been spot on as a training aid. I also can't see why you'd attach something as delicate as an iPhone to your handlebars & ride off through rain, mud snow & general cack.
Posted: 24/02/2010 12:50
It doesn't have the virtual training partner. It's basically a highly glorified cycle computer, the only thing it can do is follow 'courses'. Which, if I understand it correctly, means you can save a route you've done before and do it again. It does not have, not does it support, mapping or routes, so you can't 'design' a route on't computer and then follow it point by point. I'm not sure I'm convinced by it. And yes, phones are going that way, and what's the battery life on an iPhone with GPS on? How tough are they with the constant vibrations, let alone the mud and water, and they can't do HR, speed, cadence and aren't ANT+ compatible, so can't talk to your PowerTap. Otherwise, they're a great alternative 
Posted: 24/02/2010 12:56
It doesn't have the virtual training partner.
Page 16  http://www8.garmin.com/manuals/Edge500_OwnersManual.pdf
Posted: 24/02/2010 13:03
Aah, this says not.
Posted: 24/02/2010 13:26
So who do you believe, the people who make it or a reseller? RCUK review: "Garmin had laid on a day of riding with a few challenges, including a time trial up the twists and turns of Box Hill against a Virtual Partner, to demonstrate the functionality of the 500."
Posted: 24/02/2010 13:31
Obviously Garmin, was just pointing out the reasonining behind my thinking. So... what is the difference between a route and a course?! The virtual training partner thing's good, I race myself home from work every day!
Posted: 24/02/2010 13:32
So I'm right - it's a shrunk down 305. The 'course' thing is the same as the 305 Nick - you may remember how easy it was to follow a thin black line & small arrow round Woburn  It is useful for riding stuff you know or have ridden before simply to use the virtual partner malarkey.
Posted: 24/02/2010 13:39
So I'm right - it's a shrunk down 305. The 'course' thing is the same as the 305 Nick - you may remember how easy it was to follow a thin black line & small arrow round Woburn It is useful for riding stuff you know or have ridden before simply to use the virtual partner malarkey.
Oh yes, I remember, we knew that trail like the back of our hand after the 4th try So what can the 705 do that's different? Is it just that it bleeps at you and actually tells you to turn off, rather than just following a line.
Posted: 24/02/2010 15:10
Aye, but what's the difference between a route and a course? I really ought to play with mine a bit more, it's sat beside me right now in fact!
Posted: 24/02/2010 15:16
It's not a shrunken down 305. If it was, I'd get one! The 305 has basic navigation options. You can plot a route out on a computer before hand and it will give you turns. Apparently the 500 won't. I am also unclear if you can setup the intervals which you can on the 305. It's a shame the 500 is missing these features as this would really set it appart from normal computers and I don't think it would add much to the bulk. I certainly aren't bothered about the full mapping of the 705.
Posted: 25/02/2010 09:11
there needs to be some clarification on this, page 33 suggests you can load a course and then page 14 suggests you can then follow them  .
Posted: 25/02/2010 09:21
Aye, but what's the difference between a route and a course? I really ought to play with mine a bit more, it's sat beside me right now in fact!
routes are for waypoint based navigation, courses are recorded "tracks". So a little like the difference between tracks and routes in Memory map. The problem seems to be there is no waypoint memory in the 500 so you would have to convert a memory map route/gpx to crs which you can then load into Garmins training center and then to your unit. Which is, as far as I'm aware, the only way to get a "created" course into a 305 too.
Posted: 25/02/2010 10:00
RE: iPhone apps The iPhone GPS receiver seems to be a bit less tolerant of bad reception conditions than my Garmin (eTrex Vista HCx) At least the TomTom app chews through the battery and is not suitable for use other than in a car where you have access to external power. MemoryMap seems to be less hungry, but the maps are expensive. Main point against the iPhone though, is that it is very expensive, not waterproof, and seems more fragile than the Garmin. The newer Garmin touch screen models (Dakota & Oregon) will take a heart monitor & speed/cadence sensor, and as a bonus use AA batteries, so you can carry spares for those long days out.
Posted: 03/03/2010 03:18
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