Garmin Edge 500 v. 705

[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.

[maillotpois]

Here's a great review of the new 500:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/reviews/g...500-gps-review

[BikeDutchess]

And here's another in depth review: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2009/11/g...th-review.html

I must say I'm really tempted...I'm so tired of my 305 powering off all the time.

[Aggie_Ama]

What about the 605? Garmin lists it as a cycling computer. DH and I are hoping to buy Garmins, leaning towards the 500 because the 705 is a little steep for the mixed bag reviews.

When you say mapping do you mean like a car GPS where you won't get lost? Or the little downloads that show your course?

[OakLeaf]

Both.

I've never used mine to navigate on the bici, but I've used it a couple of times in the car. The user interface is essentially the same as the Garmin car GPS's my DH uses. You have the option to set it to navigate by car, bicycle or walking; and under that, you can choose to avoid unpaved roads (not entirely accurate, but some help), toll roads and/or limited access highways. (obviously the bicycling and pedestrian options eliminate limited access roads by default).

Mostly I use it the other way, to guide me along a route I or someone else has already mapped on mapmyride or ridewithgps.

Either way, I would hate to be without it.

But I don't know what the 605 does that the 500 doesn't?

[feral1]

I have a 500 and love it I got mine on E-bay for $250....a lot cheaper than other sites. As for getting it wet...I got soaked in 2 downpours the other day and it seems very water tight.Kinda wished I got the one with the GPS too since I get lost leaving the driveway.....but that's what my husband is for

[Aggie_Ama]

Looks like the 605 has a lot of the functions minus cadence and HR. I never liked cadence on my Cateye, so much I didn't put the censor on my new bike! I have a Polar. DH will want these features so the 500 is likely better for him.

The local mountain bikers share gpx files, does that only show the elevation? How about the coordinates of the trail? I am a gadget dunce but I did upload some custom POIs to my Garmin Nuvi. I was hoping these files they share were like that?

[OakLeaf]

A .gpx plots coordinates on a map to generate a route. If you have a 705 or one of the non-cycling computers with mapping capability, it'll plot those on a street map or on whatever mapset you purchase. A 605, 305 or 500 will use whatever basemap it comes with.

I wouldn't have a clue how to upload POIs to a GPS. But you would have to use the navigation feature to get from where you are to the POI. To use a route that you, not the computer, have planned, you need a .gpx or a .crs (course file, which contains some other data like target speed - they're also supposedly more accurate for routing).

[Aggie_Ama]

I think the POIs are a gpx file. It is awesome because I now have GPS to every mountain bike trail in Texas on a website that has pretty much every mountain bike trail in Texas! I only ran into a problem getting to Lance's Ranch, Garmin wanted you to cross a field. But using the street it is on didn't work either.

Ok, I think Bluebug can do everything I want. I don't care about a map of the road, but like the beep for turn idea. The 500 looks more practical since I will be taking it on the mountain bike too and the people I have seen with the bigger ones it just looks awkward. Doesn't seem as big an issue on the road. Still pondering though, it is such a big investment no matter which you choose!

[Blue_Fedora]

I have a 500 and use it for cycling AND for running. I also am very addicted to the information it provides when I upload to GarminConnect. I have all my runs and rides loaded and have never once regretted getting it... nor have I ever regretted not getting the 705 which is physically bigger and has more bells/whistles than I need.

[Catrin]

So the 500 does maps and GPS? For some reason I did not think this one did. Time for more research, I need something to take exploring with me...

[OakLeaf]

Nothing's as good for exploring as a paper map. The screen on any GPS is just too small to get the big picture, or to be able to scroll around while maintaining reference to where you are.

Laptop, or paper map... which one fits better in your jersey pocket? The GPS is terrific for navigating pre-planned routes, locating yourself on a map, or bailing yourself out when you're really lost, but I wouldn't rely on it for exploring.