Garmin Edge 500 Series

Description

When we first heard the expression, "paralysis by analysis, " we weren't sure what to think. We knew how to sift information during a bike ride. Then we saw the SRM PC V computer. Four lines of data at all times, plus a fifth line that toggles between two different metrics. Brain pain. You were supposed to look at all that and still ride? We're not piloting a passenger jet. Garmin made the Edge 500 for people who were overwhelmed by the 705. Some were overwhelmed by all the data; some were overwhelmed by the size. The 500 is a nice size that can give you plenty of info but can keep it in check. The 500 is a great stand-alone bike computer that allows you pretty tremendous flexibility in terms of what you track on your ride. There are three fully-customizable ride screens, each holding up to 8 lines of data. You can run one or two or three, and so on if you want. The 500 isn't telling you what data should go with other data. You can choose it on your own. You want to run temperature and cadence? You can do it. As the unit comes, you can get times, temperature, altitude, gradient, speed, cadence, and all the combinations you can think of in terms of averaging. You can pair up the 500 with any ANT+ enabled powermeter, which at this moment means iBike, PowerTap, Quarq, and SRM, and add power data as well. The 500, while GPS-enabled, does not have mapping capabilities on the computer, so you can neither see a map nor have it dictate a route. The unit also doesn't have a virtual training partner feature. It will, however map your coordinates so you can see the ride after it's over. The unit works with Garmin's own Garmin Training Center program. The program is a free download from Garmin's website and is compatible with PC's running Windows XP or newer and with Intel-based Macs running OS X 10. 4 or later. The data can also be uploaded to the Garmin Connect website for free, and to both WKO+ and TrainingPeaks. The Edge 500 measures 1. 9in wide by 2. 7in high by . 85in ...