Garmin Edge 500 v. 705

[brodymom]

I currently have the Forerunner 450cx and use it for running and cycling but when it comes to longer rides, it doesn't hold a charge. I am thinking about investing in a GPS device that is designed for cycling and would like to know if anyone has the Edge 500 and what you think about it. From what I can tell, it does basically what the Forerunner 405 does but holds a charge longer. The real question is whether the 705 is worth the extra money? Any insights will be appreciated.

[OakLeaf]

The main differences are (1) mapping and (2) training modes.

If you use the computer primarily for training, and you want the ability to set up interval workouts, have pace alerts, etc., then the 500 isn't your best choice. But you can probably still find a 305 that does have that ability. If you do multiple sports and don't require a barometric altimeter, you could look at a 310XT or any number of computers from other manufacturers.

What distinguishes the 705 from all the other fitness computers is the mapping capability. If you like to ride in unfamiliar places; if you're a ride leader or a participant in a lot of group rides; or if you're like me and can get lost on a football field, then the peace of mind from the 705's maps is worth every penny.

When you say "longer rides," what kind of times are you talking about? If you're talking about overnights, you can recharge any Garmin with a USB battery pack. If it's just that your battery is worn out on your (did you mean 405?), it might be worth it to find out what it would cost for them to replace the battery in it.

[maillotpois]

I have a 500 and love it - miles better than the old 305. I do not use it for mapping, however. I have not yet tested it on a more than 6 hour ride, though, so I don't know how long it would last. I am hopeful that it will not need a battery pack for 12 plus hour rides like the 305 did.

[Miranda]

I have the 705 and one deciding factor for me was the built in altimeter.

When I have ever went to buy something, and as soon as I am purchasing the whatever... and I am already having thoughts of "when can I upgrade and get the next up?". Well...

Time to just bite the bullet and get what I really wanted to start with and be done with it. Saves re-sale lose $ that way.

It's not a season trendy designer jersey that I may love one year... and hate the next. I use it every ride as a gear staple. Big diff. Kinda like an investment.

So the voices in my head tell me anyway.

EDIT: Just as Oakleaf is saying, it is also nice to be able to say to the unit: "find nearest gas station convenience store"... and have something come up when you are lost bonked in BFE to get fuel to drag it in home.

[maillotpois]

I have the 705 and one deciding factor for me was the built in altimeter.

FWIW, the 500 also has an altimeter.

[marni]

I was worried about my 205 running out of charge on the cross country distances and riding times last year and went to radio shack and bought a charger that I could plug it into on the bike. Took along a bunch of zip ties and on the longer days, zipped to the aerobar plugged in the garmin and bingo.

You might want to get it checked because they are supposed to be good for about 8 hours, if yours is fading faster there may be a problem.

marni

[OakLeaf]

Marni, I've wondered about that (although it's never been an issue for me) -

did you have to rig a different mount? It doesn't seem like the USB port is accessible when the computer is in the OEM mount.

and, is there a danger of water getting into the USB port?

[Pedal Wench]

Marni, I've wondered about that (although it's never been an issue for me) -

did you have to rig a different mount? It doesn't seem like the USB port is accessible when the computer is in the OEM mount.

and, is there a danger of water getting into the USB port?

I do this all the time. It's very easy on a handlebar mount, and just a bit tight on the stem. Yeah, if it's raining, there's no way I would do it, but then again, I lost a 305 on a rainy ride, so if it's sprinkling, the whole thing is in a ziploc.

Edit: and I LOVE my 705. I do brevets, so having the maps to see if there's food around, or to see the surrounding area if the map and cue sheets don't jibe. I love preprogramming a ride, and having the turns and map detail pop up before a turn, with a beep. I love the adjustable backlit, so I can keep it on, but really dim at night. Love it all!

[Jiffer]

I have a 500 and love it - miles better than the old 305. I do not use it for mapping, however. I have not yet tested it on a more than 6 hour ride, though, so I don't know how long it would last. I am hopeful that it will not need a battery pack for 12 plus hour rides like the 305 did.

Just curious ... how is it better? Dh and I have the 305. He upgraded to ... I think the 500 and decided it wasn't worth the extra money. It actually may have been the 705, I'm not sure now. Anyway, he only used it briefly and went back to the 305, which is pretty shocking since he usually has to have the latest and greatest of everything. He "intended" to sell the newer one on eBay, but apparently lost it!

Anywho, I'm just curious what's miles better about the 500 than the 305. As for mapping and/or finding a gas station, etc., we have an iPhone for the rare times we need that, but you don't even use the mapping.

[maillotpois]

Just curious ... how is it better? Dh and I have the 305. He upgraded to ... I think the 500 and decided it wasn't worth the extra money. It actually may have been the 705, I'm not sure now. Anyway, he only used it briefly and went back to the 305, which is pretty shocking since he usually has to have the latest and greatest of everything. He "intended" to sell the newer one on eBay, but apparently lost it!

Anywho, I'm just curious what's miles better about the 500 than the 305. As for mapping and/or finding a gas station, etc., we have an iPhone for the rare times we need that, but you don't even use the mapping.

The 500 is a completely different animal than the 305. If his new unit looked anything like the 305, then it is the 705 and not the 500. If you think you are able to use your Garmin for mapping then you also do not have the 500.

Why do I prefer the 500 to the 305? The 500 is smaller with a larger brighter display; the battery will last MUCH longer than the 305, which required me to run a battery pack for rides over 12 hours; it doesn't short out and completely shut down as the 305s were known to do (even my newer one started to do this); it is a better looking unit (IMHO).

[bluebug32]

I had the 305, now have the 500. My fiance has the 705.

The 500 has an altimeter and supposedly measures vertical climbing speed (though I have no idea of its accuracy at doing this)

You can program workouts into the 500 just like the 305.

You can also program in courses (ie: maps, but without the actual road names). I'll map a route using Bikeroutetoaster.com and upload to the 500. It beeps when I need to turn and tells me which direction to go. There's no actual map, but I've never gotten lost using the 500 this way.

I also like the 500 becuase it's a little more streamlined than the bulkier 305 and 705. It's easy to program and seems to have everything I need. My only gripe is that I haven't figured out how to display maximum speed on one of the three display panels. Anyone know if I can or if Garmin screwed this up? I can download it after the ride, just can't see it during.

[brodymom]

Thanks for all the feedback. I ended up exchanging my Forerunner 405 for yet another one (kudos to REI for taking it back!). I also went for the Edge 500 based on price and size. From what I could tell, the 500 captures the same data that the Forerunner does plus more. It looks like you need to actually plug it in to upload the data- right? Does the ANT Agent work with it? I will see when I have time to play with it. Looking forward to using the Edge on my next ride...Again, thanks!

[OakLeaf]

Here's Garmin's own comparison page among the 305, 500 and 705.

Bluebug, it's weird you say you can program workouts into your 500 when Garmin says you can't. Do you have to "trick" it somehow?

[Catrin]

This thread has been greatly interesting - it seems apparent that each model fills a different need and that is a good thing. So far I am still focusing on the 705...but we will see what I get when I actually have the money and skills to justify it

[Pedal Wench]

Here's Garmin's own comparison page among the 305, 500 and 705.

Bluebug, it's weird you say you can program workouts into your 500 when Garmin says you can't. Do you have to "trick" it somehow?

*I think* Bluebug is programming in courses, which it can do, not workouts, which it can't. You can create a route online and then use the Garmin's to "beep" at you when to turn. I still love that the 705 beeps and shows a detailed image of the turn as it approaches - nice when it's a three-way intersection and you're not sure exactly which left turn to take.