Garmin Edge 500 v. 705

[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.

[Catrin]

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.

Good points - and as a geographer and someone who makes her living with maps and data - I could never divorce myself from paper maps! The problem is my sunglasses don't have a bifocal Oh well, I have to stop to look at a bigger map anyway - will just try and use a larger font size for cue sheets... I think the answer will be both/and.

[Aggie_Ama]

I can program specific workouts (intervals, etc.) through Garmin Training center and download them to the 500 to run. I can do this with courses too. I think this is what you mean, right?

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.

Catrin- That is what I am basing my opinion on. I can think of times the full map would have bailed me out of a sticky situation but probably 99% it would be overkill.

[OakLeaf]

Good points - and as a geographer and someone who makes her living with maps and data - I could never divorce myself from paper maps! The problem is my sunglasses don't have a bifocal Oh well, I have to stop to look at a bigger map anyway - will just try and use a larger font size for cue sheets... I think the answer will be both/and.

Larger font size for cue sheets (I think I'm up to 36 pt on the moto now - but those, I have to be able to read a lot faster), and also a credit card-sized magnifier or pair of compact reading glasses in the jersey pocket.

I can handle the legs and lungs I have now. I want my 18-year-old eyes back.

[Aggie_Ama]

I got the 500 today but not the bundle since I don't need cadence (or won't use). I will just order the chest strap off the internet. The 500 seemed like a better fit for my short stems and love affair with mountain biking in rocky Texas. The mount is different and looking at the two possibly more secure. Can't wait to get playing with it.

[OakLeaf]

Unless you have really sensitive skin or a really tiny ribcage (smaller than a 32 bra), get the old style "hard" chest strap. Lots of people have been complaining about both the sensitivity and the durability of the "premium" soft straps.

Even if you do have really thin skin, you can mostly keep the hard strap from chafing with a combination of tape and Body Glide. And it's much less of an issue cycling than running, anyway.

[Catrin]

Unless you have really sensitive skin or a really tiny ribcage (smaller than a 32 bra), get the old style "hard" chest strap. Lots of people have been complaining about both the sensitivity and the durability of the "premium" soft straps.

Even if you do have really thin skin, you can mostly keep the hard strap from chafing with a combination of tape and Body Glide. And it's much less of an issue cycling than running, anyway.

This is good to know. My Polar HRM has a nice soft fabric strap that is great...pity Garmin's is not.

[Aggie_Ama]

Thanks for the information on the strap, I found the hard one for about $30 on the internet so I am trying that.

Does anyone know how to get a Gpx file on the Edge 500? I have one with coordinates for the South Boundary Trail in NM but I can't figure out how to program it. The ones I have uploaded before weren't a GPX after all.

FWIW - It appears the 500 now supports workouts. I am not sure how they work but they are in the training center, maybe I will investigate for fun later this week. I don't do workouts for training but DH does so that may be a factor if he wants one.

[OakLeaf]

When you plug the 500 into your computer, does it appear on your desktop as a removable drive, the way the 705 does?

On the 705, there's a folder called Garmin and inside that, a folder called GPX. I just drop the route in the GPX folder, then when I turn the unit on, it comes up under Where To>Saved Rides.

Not sure if the 500 is the same, though.