kba

I recently posted a thread on Garmin GPS devices here: https://www.bikeforums.net/electronic...ps-advice.html

I know comparing the 500 to 800 is like apples to oranges..
After the thread discussion and reading other threads.. I thought the garmin 520 would be nice with the new features if it was not so buggy, but if it went on sale, down from it's $299 price.

I read good things about the 500 also, and one can be purchase new on nashbar, with coupon, for $144 and a refurb 800 for $239 - I figured these models because they seem to give the best bang for the buck.. where the 800 has the extra features of maps and touchscreen.

Im leaning towards a used 500 via ebay or similar to spend less than $144 and out of pocket to have something decent for now, that should hopefully last long enough till I get a newer model with more features. On the other hand, I am still shelling out money for unit, might as well get one that is better now.

I read some complaints about the Garmin warranty service that makes me wonder if it does not make a difference whether I buy new or used.

I do carry a cell phone with me on my ride that I have been using with Strava, so if need be, I can carry a small power source as backup and use the cell phone for navigation if I get lost from a group or am on my own.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

EDIT: any feedback on a refurb 800 vs a new 520 (for $90 more)

Seattle Forrest

I think refurbs come with the same warranty as new units; you should confirm but if that's true I wouldn't let that be a factor.

I've had my 800 since it came out, just shy of 5 years ago. Never had an issue with the touch screen. You can swipe across pages instead of having to touch specific places. The rain doesn't confuse it. Works fine with the gloves I wear.

Think about how often you'll use the maps (you can get free ones from OSM). You can use your cell for navigation, but it can be nice to explore without navigating, I like having the map on my stem where I can always see it, and I ride a lot in places without reception. For me, it obviously makes sense. For you? Only you can say. But if you're not going to use the mapping features you should go with the 500.

How to download free maps to your Garmin Edge 705/800/810/1000 & Touring

kba

That is a good point about cell reception. I have tmobile, and its not 100% in the few places I have biked, and I hope I could venture out. Those I bike with have better cell reception but will think of having a device of my own I can rely on. I will think more on this factor of mapping needs and reliability.

What do you think about the refurb 800 for $240 vs the new 520 for $299? $55 more for a newer model, and the difference of no touch screen and smaller screen:
The new Garmin Edge 520: Everything you ever wanted to know | DC Rainmaker

Ghazmh

I have a 500, it has been pretty good. Long battery life. I use a speed sensor on my front wheel as it looses GPS signal under minimal tree cover. I had a 605 with a dead battery. I requested an RMA, a Garmin rep called me and explained that the no longer service the 605. They offered me a trade up for a refurbished 705 for $60.00. I was happy win the service I received.

kba

That is pretty cool!

This help, I think to get closer to narrowing down the decision.

For the 800, this is the best deal on a refurb I have found ($209) so far
Refurbished Garmin Edge 800 - Cycling - Sport & Fitness GPS - Products
and it comes with the warranty. so I think for me, that would be better than the 520, which is $90. I don't need the strava live segments, and I don't think I will spend $300 on the Garmin Varia radar stuff (though it looks cool)

I won't use a heart rate strap, so I thought about purchasing a component separately. I think the speed/cadence sensor and/or power meter would be of interest.

Which speed sensor do you have?

Thanks

Ghazmh

I'm not sure of the model number but it's the latest and greatest offering. It's also available with a cadence sensor as a combo.

a1penguin

I recommend the non-magnet speed and cadence sensors. The speed sensor wraps around the hub of rear wheel and the cadence sensor wraps the crank arm. No alignment necessary! Probably $70 for the pair unless you can find a good sale.

I got my Garmin in 2009 and have been happy with it. I had an issue a couple of years back where it would take almost 10 minutes to lock on to satellite signal when I turned it on. This was fixed by initializing the unit. Twice. i don't require maps, so the 500 is a good choice. It's more compact size appeals to me as my frame size is small and real estate is valuable.

Seattle Forrest

I paid $450 (?) for mine, in 2009, which is about $500 today. I know it's a long time later, but $209 is still a killer deal.

Works great with a power meter, I'm using my 800 with a Vector 2. There are bike shops that rent power meters out, a place in Seattle charges $75 a week, you might have one near you.

I've got the magnet speed and cadence sensor. Had trouble with speed on two of them, it would work most of the time but cut out and show 0 mph occasionally. Could have just been the magnets not being aligned, it's been a while, but it was intermittent and I think I checked. I'd go with the newer accelerometer ones, you don't have to get them aligned perfectly. Also, unless you're using it indoors on a trainer, GPS speed works pretty well, I gave up on the sensor personally.

kba

Thanks for the info. I have decided to go ahead and get that 800.

That vector 2 looks nice, but lol I will definitely try it out with a rental before thinking of a purchase. I am in Atlanta, GA

I will probably never (I guess I shouldn't say never ) use the bike on a trainer. I don't have a trainer but I see how it is a good idea to have one for testing and trying out things. Then in that case, I could just purchase the cadence sensor and skip the speed one.

Between the one you mentioned you have and the one (quoted below) that a1penguin has:

This is the newer one (Combo) with no magnets? a little cheaper ($63) here at amazon.
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/prod146897.html

Just the cadence sensor for $40

And this is the older model with the magnet?
Amazon.com: Garmin GSC 10 Speed/Cadence Bike Sensor: Garmin: GPS & Navigation

thanks

a1penguin

Yep, the GSC 10 is the old school sensor. It sits close enough to the wheel that I worried about hitting a pothole and having it crash into the spokes.

RidingMatthew

I know that this thread is a little old but it helped me decide to get a refurbished Garmin 800. I loaded the free maps on it and they are pretty descriptive.. I also bought the speed sensor and cadence off of Amazon. I have a wealth of cycling information now at my finger tips.