karungguni

Destroyed my last computer in a crash, Cheap one. Still thinking of a 810 if I am doing some touring in the future. In the meantime is there any reason not to buy a used 500 than the usual buyer beware on used goods. Going forward am planning on heart rate monitoring and possibly getting a power meter. Use Strava and have not had battery life issues with my iPhone 5. Do like to have time and occasionally speed on view in front of me.

johnny99

Biggest problem with used Garmins is that the battery deteriorates with use and is not easily replaced (just like with iphones).

hammond9705

Mine is years old and the battery still works great. I dont see any problem with a used one

chaadster

Another option to consider, based on what you've said, is the Wahoo RFLKT. For about 1/3 of the cost of used Garmin E500, you can get the RFLKT head unit and a Bluetooth speed/cadence sensor bundle that will allow you to view sensor and GPS data on your iPhone while it's tucked safely away. For about $200, you can the the RFLKT, spd/cad sensor, and a BT heart rate monitor.

I'm thinking it may be a good alternative to the 500 particularly since it sounds like you'd like to get something with turn by turn navigation in the future and are happy using Strava and the iPhone now anyway.

Athens80

New Garmin 500s are widely available for $200. As long as you're getting a reasonable discount from the new price, and the unit is working, I'd be happy with a used one. In fact, I'm happy with my 3+ year old 500. It performs fine. None of the newer models are so improved to persuade me to "upgrade." It gives me the numbers I want and having a street map displayed in front of me is not worth the extra money.

znomit

Yeah mine is fine after 4 years. Note some users report buggy units with frequent crashes and losing data so do ask if the unit is working properly.

chaadster

Ah, they have come down in price quite a bit since I got mine; I did not realize that. Still, it looks like a RFLKT bundle (spd/cad+hr) is about $100 cheaper, which may be worth saving if if the OP really plans to get an 810 later.

i should add that I'm not advocating for a RFLKT, just pointing it out as an option. I've never used one and don't know anything about them other than that they're designed to work with iPhones.

Dunbar

If you're going to buy the 810 eventually just buy it now. No reason to get a 500 in the interim.

karungguni

Thanks for the input. Got a good deal on a used one locally. A guy bought it to do tris and decided to stick with running after his first one. Need to economize a bit these days and cannot afford an 810 at the moment.

Looigi

Batteries seem to last 3-4 years with regular use (2-4 times/week). They are replaceable if you have a modicum of mechanical aptitude. Kits that include the battery and necessary tools are available on the web for ~$25.

The buttons can become intermittent with a lot of use. There's no easy or reliable fix for this.

Amazon has GSC10 wheel/cadence sensors for ~$35. For HR, I would recommend the original Garmin hard strap, not the newer more expensive and less reliable deluxe soft strap. IMO, there's no difference in comfort between the two.