Garmin Edge 500
Earlier this morning Garmin announced a new GPS in their cycling lineup, the Garmin Edge 500. In comparison with other recent GPS devices in the Edge line, people should take notice of what was left out of the new Edge 500 rather than what was added– and I mean that in a good way. The new Edge 500 is much lighter than other Edge models, coming it a mere 2 ounces.
Similar to most other cycling devices, the Edge 500 will track speed, distance, time, calories burned, as well as climbing and descent statistics. Using the internal GPS the Edge 500 can also track GPS position, record a tracklog, and measures elevation changes with a barometric altimeter. (Though people in our forums have recently been questioning the accuracy/value of the barometric altimeter.) Other features include ANT+ for wireless connections with other power meters as well as optional hookups to Garmin speed/cadence sensors.
Garmin also worked with a company called Firstbeat to produce more accurate calculations of calories burned based on “micro changes in a user’s heart rate”.
“Since becoming our title sponsor, Garmin has guaranteed that we have the best technology available,” said Team Garmin’s Christian Vande Velde, fresh off his top-8 finish at the Tour de France. “At training camp we made requests: we wanted a smaller device with a big screen, easy-to-use buttons and sturdier mount. Garmin listened. The Edge 500 reflects our requests and then some, adding vertical speed, accurate calories and temperature readings.”
Expect to be able to grace the bars on your bike with a Garmin Edge 500 in December… or at least grace the bottom-side of your Christmas tree. The Edge 500 will retail for $250, or $350 when bundled with a heart rate monitor and cadence sensor.
I used to have one of these units but decided to upgrade to the garmin edge 705 which I found to be a lot better, however it is also costs a lot more.
How is it that you “used” have a GPS device that hasn’t yet been released for sale?
I currently have an Edge 305 and absolutely love it. Since I am considering a power meter and have no use for the maps in the 705, the 500 seems to be perfect. One question, do you know if the cadence and heart rate sensors that I currently use with my 305 will work with the 500?
For the Edge models with cadence/speed sensor, the speed reading is based on that sensor and not on the GPS, correct? I’ve seen (old) reports of Garmin units reporting crazy inaccurate speeds.
Mark – the speed/cadence sensor on all of the Edge units is only used as a backup to the GPS if you are in a location where you get poor/no satellite reception, i.e. a tunnel. I’ve used the 305 for over two years and have been very happy with the speed accuracy. Keep in mind though that the Edge units are probably optimized for cycling speeds and that you may not get the same results using an older or other purpose-specific device while cycling. No, I am not a Garmin shill, just a very satisfied user of this particular product.