DGonzalez

I really need a new bicycle computer. Does anyone have experience with the various models that come with this technology? It seems very versatile. I am thinking of the Bontrager Node series.

Unfortunately, I don't find too many reviews of the Bontrager Nodes online.

Thanks in advance.
David

pdedes

Garmin 500

mrflip69

Bontrager Node is great. I've got the Node 2. Only difference between the models is elevation I believe. Nice display, the revised 2.1 model looks to have better controls though. That said, it doesn't have any GPS or way to save/offload your data which is a bit of a shame like the Garmin models, but for the money, it's a great computer for full ANT+ compatibility.

DGonzalez

how many things can you see at once on the Node 2? Also, can the HR be displayed in %?

mrflip69

Looks like you can have up to 3 main sensors at a given time, with speed as the largest, and any combination of 2 of the following: cadence, power, HR, trip; I'm typically riding with cadence/trip split; Clock and temp are static. I'm pretty sure that's a negative on the HR being displayed as %, but I remember reading something about setting zone threshold.

https://bontrager.com/support/full_computer_comparison

I took some time researching Ant+ compatible computers and haven't really had or seen any complaints with the device either.

Garmin firmware/gps can be spotty, so I decided to forego that route;

soma5

I think this might be based on old information. A friend and I recently got Garmin Edge 500 bundles and went through the firmware updating process. It worked pretty well, but you had to be patient. The computers and GPS are quite good and the setup is pretty easy. We are enjoying our purchases. If the unlikely happens and I get a power meter, I will be pleased to have that capability. For now, Strava and Garmin Connect work really well for both of us and it's fun.

That said, it's an expensive toy so I can't really make a general recommendation for it. Individual circumstances apply.

sbxx1985 

If you can wait, Saris seems close to releasing two new Joule computers, including one with GPS. Similar in size and price to the Garmins.

Granted, they were supposed to be released last year.

lungdoc

Very happy with new Garmin Edge 500 bundle, the ability to plan routes on ridewithgps.com and upload to the Garmin so the turns are visible is a big positive, as is the ability to review the information after a ride.

ChrisM2097

I thought only the 800 had that ability?

I purchased a Garmin 500 in March, and have been very happy with it. GPS has been very accurate. Occasionally the elevation can be a bit off, such as on this ride that was very flat:

https://app.strava.com/rides/10851399

dayday82

get the garmin 500 and call it a day.

charbucks

I've got a Garmin 310xt with the bike mount kit and speed/cadence and heart rate sensors. The ANT+ stuff works great - it picks up on the sensors right away, even if I've been off the bike for months. Having the speed/cadence sensor in addition to the GPS is really nice for indoor training.

If you are considering GPS and you do other activities (running/hiking/skiing etc), the multisport Garmins (310, 910) are totally worth it. They're a bit more than the 500, but they include the heart rate strap so if you want that then the price is the same in the end.

DGonzalez

I mountain bike, road bike and ride indoors. When mountain biking, I lose GPS signal often on my Iphone apps. Therefore, I am not really looking for that capability.

From these postings, doesn't seem like there are too many Bontrager Node users out there...

lungdoc

The 800 has an actual road map. The 500 allows uploading via TCX files to create a course, which you can see as an outline but more importantly there are several different views of pending turns. Very well explained at ridewithgps.com - here's an example https://ridewithgps.com/routes/1335199 and if you select the export tab on the right side of screen there's instructions. Beeps at the corner though a bit late, you know for sure if you missed it though.

ChrisM2097

Thanks for letting me know about that. I had no idea I could do that with the 500. I just uploaded a TCX file to the Garmin for my commute home to test out this feature. This would be great for exploring areas that I'm not familiar with.

ChrisM2097

Yeah, it sure does. There are 24 turns on my commute home. On all but one, it beeped about 100' after passing through the intersection. You'd think they'd program it so that it'd beep about 100 yards prior to reaching the intersection. The one time it beeped early, it was about 20' before the intersection.

lungdoc

The screens that show the distance to the turns are more useful. I believe if you upgrade to the paid version of ridewithgps the warnings come earlier.

hokie cycler

I have the Node 1 on my Madone 3.1 and it's ok. I don't use a heart monitor so the split screen with trip/cadence and then speed in large numbers is all I need. Anything more is a distraction.