The Edge 500 if you don't need maps, Edge 800 if you do. The 500 screen is more visible in sun-light than the newer computers, the software is more stable, the battery lasts longer, it's smaller for less interference with mounting lights/cell phone, and it costs less. Unlike the Edge 810 the Edge 800 doesn't spontaneously power down or crash when you're navigating. The 1000 is more power hungry, new Garmin devices have historically experienced a lot of software problems, and it is a lot more expensive.

The ELEMNT screen is more readable than the Garmins, especially color units through the 810/520. Some day the ELEMNT should be better over-all, but it still lacks the Edge 500's basic navigation features, gets less battery life, is bigger, and cost about double what I paid for my Edge 500. I prefer its buttons over the newer Garmin's touch screens which pickup my greasy finger prints, although it's farther behind those with no street names, no panning on the map screen, and no navigation.

After returning my ELEMNT I bought an Edge 810 to replace my Edge 500 which lost the lap/reset/down button after 21,000 miles and didn't support maps. I've had issues with spontaneous power-downs and .FIT files Golden Cheetah won't read. I ordered a refurbished 800 to replace it, and am probably going to send it back.

The 810 adds to the 800 with

• Integration with your cellular phone for wireless upload to on-line services. I don't find that useful because I still need to plug it in for charging, and primarily use Golden Cheetah locally.
• Activity profiles with separate screen sets. I've done OK with one with a main just riding screen, interval screen, and summary screens. One is fine on the 810 with an additional screen.
• A nicer user interface.

You lose the per-bike odometer on the 800 some people like.