New GPS & loving it.
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New GPS & loving it.
My old Garmin Edge 305 died last season, and I was reluctant to replace it. Sunday, however, I cashed in some Christmas gift cards and my member points at REI and purchased the Garmin Edge 500. I've used it Sunday, yesterday and today. It's very quick at start up, allows me to put the information on the screen that I want to see when riding, and downloads to my laptop efficiently.
Being somewhat skeptical about the accuracy of the mileage, speed, etc. I used my smart phone's My Track program, my cars GPS and the 500, and took a short 16 mile drive around a route I've cycled for years. All three devices and the car odometer were reading the same distance, and all three devices were reading the same speed.
Another cool thing is that the heart rate monitor and cadence sensor for the old 305 will work with it. And, while the unit will gather much more data than I'm likely to use, one of the strong points for me is the new easy mount system. It's a snap to move the unit from one bike to another. By the end of the week I should have a mounting system on all of my bikes. One computer for eight bikes.... I'm really loving that part.
I just hope it's more reliable than the 305 was.
Being somewhat skeptical about the accuracy of the mileage, speed, etc. I used my smart phone's My Track program, my cars GPS and the 500, and took a short 16 mile drive around a route I've cycled for years. All three devices and the car odometer were reading the same distance, and all three devices were reading the same speed.
Another cool thing is that the heart rate monitor and cadence sensor for the old 305 will work with it. And, while the unit will gather much more data than I'm likely to use, one of the strong points for me is the new easy mount system. It's a snap to move the unit from one bike to another. By the end of the week I should have a mounting system on all of my bikes. One computer for eight bikes.... I'm really loving that part.
I just hope it's more reliable than the 305 was.
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Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
#2
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I went through two 305's, the first one flew off at 25 mph because the mount broke, the second just cuts out frequently. I got the 500 last year. I agree the 1/4 turn quick mount is the best! I have mounts on all 3 of my bikes and move the 500 from bike to bike.
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thanks for sharing
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I got a 500 when Nashbar had the basic unit (no HRM, no cadence sensor) on sale for an insane price last December. I've used it 4 or 5 times now, and compared to the distance data from my old computer, and from MapMyRide, it's plenty accurate enough for me. Max and average speeds seem pretty much spot on as well.
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I'm still using my 305. I get a kick out of letting it warm up while I'm preparing for a ride and I watch the elevation change 50' while sitting still. REI is a favorite LBS, and I still have my dividend and 20% off to use, hmmmmmmm.
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I wish I hadn't read this thread. Now I'm saving for one.
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I really like my Edge 800. I suspect your 500 is quite good also.
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But you can't use the 20% on any GPS device.
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A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
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I've seen mine adjust as much as 200 ft during this procedure.
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My wife uses a Garmin Forerunner CX405 with HRM and cadence unit for cycling. I was thinking of going with a 305 or a 500, but was concerned about the battery life. Her Forerunner last about 3 hours when the GPS is turned on. My daily rides are just below or right at two hours, but my charity rides are, most often, over three hours. How's the battery life on the 500?
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My wife uses a Garmin Forerunner CX405 with HRM and cadence unit for cycling. I was thinking of going with a 305 or a 500, but was concerned about the battery life. Her Forerunner last about 3 hours when the GPS is turned on. My daily rides are just below or right at two hours, but my charity rides are, most often, over three hours. How's the battery life on the 500?
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A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
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I'm still hooked on moving map displays and route calculation having used a GPSMap60Cx for 6+ years and a similar Magellan unit for many years prior to that. I upload touring maps into it prior to starting a trip. And I can always calculate routes to specific addresses anytime I want.
I became hooked on the moving map thing when I used to go out exploring for new routes. I could always tell whether I was heading into a dead end or convoluted subdivision circles with a quick glance at the GPS.
(And don't suggest smartphones to me. Those displays are ridiculously poor in bright sunshine and their batteries are pathetic for long days in the saddle.)
I became hooked on the moving map thing when I used to go out exploring for new routes. I could always tell whether I was heading into a dead end or convoluted subdivision circles with a quick glance at the GPS.
(And don't suggest smartphones to me. Those displays are ridiculously poor in bright sunshine and their batteries are pathetic for long days in the saddle.)
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https://gps.about.com/od/sportsandfit...500-review.htm
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Advertised life of a charge is 18 hours and I believe it.
https://gps.about.com/od/sportsandfit...500-review.htm
https://gps.about.com/od/sportsandfit...500-review.htm
The really nice thing that I like about the Garmin is that you can set it up to see more than just 2 or 3 readings on how you are doing. Currently, with my Cateye Double Wireless, I have to flip from mode to mode to see what my cadence, total miles and ride times are. It would be nice to be able to see all of it on the same screen.
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HCFR Cycling Team
Ride Safe ... Ride Hard ... Ride Daily
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2012 Colnago Ace
2010 Giant Cypress
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Ride Safe ... Ride Hard ... Ride Daily
2017 Colnago C-RS
2012 Colnago Ace
2010 Giant Cypress