+1 for the garmin 500

i'm gonna take it Garmin is pretty popular around here. Had to throw in some love for my Node 2. GPS comps are a bit too expensive for me right now.

800 is amazing. weve had a few run through the shop. awesome!

Cateye. My experience has been excellent.

I recommend something w/cadence, also something compatable w/ your rear wheel (trainer) I have a vetta vl100 which fits that bill and its awesome. I also have a cateye strata double wireless which is also plenty functional but Im not crazy about the neck mount and mode change action.

Despite all the cries for Garmin Edge 500 (which is perfectly good), I think the Garmin Forerunner 305 + Cadence sensor is a much higher bang for buck option. It'll cost nearly $80-100 less, and does pretty much everything the Edge does, PLUS it can be used for running. The only drawback is that it has a smaller screen (which can be a good thing, actually.)

You get GPS, cadence, HRM, all watch features.

The main reason to NOT get a Forerunner 305 over the Edge is if you have a PowerTap. The Forerunner will not pick up powertap data. But if you've got enough coin to sport for a PT, you probably don't need to worry about the $80 difference.

I have fought the Garmin craze for years, always relied on Cateye's. They are cheap and effective for most things. This year I caved and purchased the Garmin 500 and wish I had done it years ago. Where I live and cycle I have absolutely no need for maps and opted for the 500 for that reason. Purchased the bundle with speed/cadence and heart rate monitors. I love it. If you are really into riding it is just great.

+1 more for the Edge 500

The only advantage the 800 has (other than the mapping if you need it), is interval training. That would be nice, but alone isn't worth 41g to me.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare....eProduct=36728