Garmin 500 best for HR and cadence???

[AZchick]

I've been told I really need to upgrade my cyclometer to help me maintain my cadence. But I've heard heart rate is also important to monitor. So I found the Garmin 500 for like $349 bundled with both. Is there anything better or less costly?? Or is this my perfect choice?

[zoom-zoom]

I've been told I really need to upgrade my cyclometer to help me maintain my cadence. But I've heard heart rate is also important to monitor. So I found the Garmin 500 for like $349 bundled with both. Is there anything better or less costly?? Or is this my perfect choice?

Garmin Forerunner 305 will do both. This is what I use for my bike computer. I think you can get them for about $140 (including the HRM) or less on Amazon. You would only need to add the cadence sensor, which I think was maybe $40. So for <$200 you should be able to do what you need.

[AZchick]

Sweet!! Thanks Zoom!!!

[zoom-zoom]

You bet! You lose some of the fancy bike-specific navigation features, but it still gives you real-time data and records your ride so that you can view the route and elevation profiles and lap splits later. :)

[Becky]

Another option would be something like a Cateye Double Wireless for cadence and a separate wrist-worn HRM, if you don't need GPS features.

[nscrbug]

Sigma also has a model (BC1909) that does cadence & HR for about $120 and can be found at REI.

[Tiffany_S]

Another option would be something like a Cateye Double Wireless for cadence and a separate wrist-worn HRM, if you don't need GPS features.

I did this for a while before I got my Garmin. :)

[AZchick]

Thanks everyone... I have a lot of choices now!

[ehirsch83]

Garmin is also coming out with the Edge 200.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/reviews/garmin-edge-200-gps-computer-first-ride-review

Less money and has HR and you can upload your rides. What it is lacking is the ANT capability(no cadence or power meter)

[ehirsch83]

Oops forget that- no HR capability:( silly garmin! bad idea. that won't sell very much

[Blueberry]

Garmin is also coming out with the Edge 200.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/reviews/garmin-edge-200-gps-computer-first-ride-review

Less money and has HR and you can upload your rides. What it is lacking is the ANT capability(no cadence or power meter)

Really interesting device - but my understanding (and the link you posted agrees) that there is no HR capability. Garmin uses ANT for HR, in addition to cadence and power.

If only - it's a really cool little computer!

ETA: Saw you just posted too. I guess it's to replace the regular old bike computer?! Can't imagine there's a huge market, but I've been wrong before!

[TsPoet]

I feel like I should post in defense of the 500 :rolleyes:
I had a hard time deciding between it ant the 800. The 500 may give you more than you want, but the GPS-linked odometer, ability to put in breadcrumb maps and use of the training center to look at your elevation profile, distances, pace, etc, is really nice.
I really like the 500 for its HR and cadence features, which I use on 3 different bikes easily as well. The other features are a bonus, to me.
I use the breadcrumb maps to find my way following my SO, who's training for a 12 hr TT. Since I'm not, I put his planned route in my 500, and I sort of follow him and try and plan to finish his ~60 mile ride with him while riding ~20 miles myself. So far that's worked pretty well. We missed each other once, when I stopped for a latte :o

[ny biker]

If you want GPS capability, pay more for the Garmin.

If you don't need GPS, you're overpaying to get cadence and HRM with a Garmin.

[Blueberry]

Or look at the FR 60 - much less expensive than the GPS versions, and supports cadence/speed/distance sensor and HR.

[TsPoet]

If you want GPS capability, pay more for the Garmin.

If you don't need GPS, you're overpaying to get cadence and HRM with a Garmin.

+1
this is really what it comes down to.

[AZchick]

You've all helped me to look at this decision from different POVs. I feel much more informed!I will probably go the 500 route... I like the GPS. I'm kind of a tech nerd, so I'm sure I will love all those features.