Ready for a GPS - Just decided.

Is the Garmin 500 bundle currently a good buy or is it almost out of date in terms of new stuff being just about to be released on the market?

Performance is offering the bundle @ $300 -

https://www.performancebike.com/webap...0GPSTeamBundle

Only in orange, I think. And it's not clear to me if that includes the cadence sensonr and HR monitor and straps and all that good stuff. And is this 500 a good buy right now? Better stuff coming?

Pls help!
Thanks!!!

Also why is it a SPEED/cadence sensor ? if it's a GPS, shouldn't the speed be calculated by the GPS and not by a sensor?

Using the sensor the speed is more accurate not completely depending on gps for an accurate signal.. The garmin mount this on the rear wheel so you can still gauge workouts when using a trainer.. If you want to just use the gps for your bike it works perfectly fine, you will see some drop offs under trees and tunnels..

The bundle includes HR strap and cadence/speed sensor.. Otherwise it is 249.00 for the basic 500 unit.

Thanks socalrider!! Do you think it's wise to buy this now or is it almos obsolete since it's been around for a while and there are probably new units coming out?

I would look at getting a real gps unit like the 705, still a good solid unit but since it has been replaced recently there are some deals on them. This is a little bigger unit but has full gps capabilities and not just a bike specific computer. Ebay selling new units for 339.00, I've seen some for a little less..

https://cgi.ebay.com/New-Garmin-Edge-...item45f751f27a

Thx again. You're right. I'll weigh my needs for maps vs compact lightweight etc.

FNG:

The 500 has only been out a year - it's far from being obsolete. The 705 is actually closer to obsolescence with the intro of the 800. It all really depends on what you want from your cycling computer. the 500 is lighter weight, smaller and has superior UI to the 705/305 series. It picks up satellite signals faster and doesn't get as wonky under trees. The 705 offers maps but costs significantly more. So if you don't need maps, get the 500, if you do need maps, get the 705 or 800. I've used the 305 for years, had the 500 for close to a year and ride with several that use the 705 - all are good for their intended purposes. And to your question on the speed/cadence sensor - as socalrider mentioned - works great indoors on a trainer when gps isn't available. I use it all winter long.

$300 for the whole bundle on a 500 isn't a bad price at all, especially when you get Performance team points.

Thank you so much; your post was very helpful.
Great to know that the 500 is " up-to-date" and is fast at getting the signal and etc. Along with its light weightness and other features and given I don't care much for the maps especially when it implies on a bulky, heavy unit, I'm pretty convinced to get that bundle.

Thanks again.
By the way. I returned my travel track adjustable fluid trainer. Tried it for 5 minutes (of course that's not enough time to get used to it), but decided to just battle the cold. took it back and got some neoprene toesties. ehhehe.

i might add that if you are on the fence, the 500 does have the ability to pre-load routes into the gps that oyu can follow. its not like the 705/800 (which is full on gps maps, think what the gps in your car is like), instead you can follow a bread crumb trail. the 500 gives you directions about how to stay on the pre-loaded course.

unless you are 1000% set on needed i full topo, turn-by-turn nav style map, the 500 will getcha done in the vast majority of cases.

also: picks up signal super fast/ the 500 "remembers" where the sats are if you are typically starting from the same place each day. mine boots up in less than 5-10 seconds.

Oh even better then!! I'm decided. Thanks!

With respect to the speed/cadence sensor, is there a magnet one places on the wheel? If not, I don't see how it would know how fast you're going. It might know the cadence but without knowing what gear you're in or how fast the wheel is rotating it can't know your speed if you're using it on a trainer.

Watchdog-yes, there are magnets that you mount on both the rear wheel and your crank arm. The sensor goes on your non-drive side chain stay and picks up both magnets.

FasterNearGirls-one more bonus on the 500 is that seems to have better batter life and faster charging than any other Garmin unit that I have used.