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 List Price: $262.48 Sale Price: $219.99 
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Garmin Edge 500 Bicycle GPS Unit / Cycling Computer. Garmin Edge 500 Cycling Computers. Sharpen your cycling performance with Edge 500, a lightweight GPS-based cycling computer for performance-driven cyclists. Loaded with data, Edge 500 tracks your distance, speed, location and elevation with high sensitivity GPS. Heart Rate: Optional. GPS-Enabled: Included. Cadence: Optiona.l Wireless: Yes. Color: Gray.
- Add an ANT+ compatible heart rate monitor, speed / cadence sensor or compatible power meter for a finely-tuned analysis of your ride.
- High-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix
- Easy-to-read display
- Advanced heart rate-based calorie computation
- ANT+ power meter compatible
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The Garmin Edge 500 is just what I expected it to be. I think it was the most anticipated GPS/cycle computer from Garmin. It’s small and pretty does the all the things (and some more) that you expect a cycle computer to do. To begin with the size of the computer was a little larger that what I expected it to be, but having said that, it fits perfectly fine on my handle bar stem and note I have a short stem (80 mm). I did my first ride with it a while ago and it was pretty much ready to go from the box it arrived it in. It did not have any difficulties acquiring sattelites, and easily paired with the Garmin Heart Rate monitor and the Bontrager Duotrap cadence/speed sensor. Did not see any drops in signal during my ride, something that I would see with the previous Garmin that I had. You have three screens which you can 8 fields of data per screen. So you can monitor 24 data sets real time during your ride. There are far more options than I can list here, just to keep it short it’s a plenty.
I personally am upgrading from a Forerunner 50 and I think this is just great! I think that everyone will be pleasantly surprised by the capabilities of this device except for the Edge 705 owners who will feel it is a downgrade for the lack of maps (which it is).
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Great Product!
Instructions leave a lot to be desired for novice computer people. Very unclear instructions about downloading data to computer and which program is best to use. . vague at best and inadequate at worst.
Thanks
gary Johnson
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This little GPS system takes all the best elements of a bicycle computer and puts it into one small, easy-to-use device. It’s basically ready to go once you get it out of the box and put it on your handle bars, and it being a GPS system is much more accurate than any bicycle computer. Plus it allows you to use garminconnect where you can store all your data and previous routes and rides, as well as see your routes on google earth. This is an excellent way to analyze your progress and reach higher goals since you can set goals on the website where it’ll give you a percentage of your goals completed.
Any information you would like to know while on your ride is equipped on this device (traveling time, distance, time of day, speed, average speed, cadence, HR, elevation, percent grade, temperature, calories, elevation gained, elevation lost, vertical climb speed, and a couple dozen more), and it’s fully customizable to allow you to place on the screen what information you want to see during your ride. This is what bicycle computers were supposed to be like all along.
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I was looking for a reliable, water resistant, bike computer that has no wires and actually works. I have used a variety of wireless units in the past with mixed results. I bought two of these to put on a new, high-end, tandem. We didn’t want wires hanging on the bike. The functionality of a GPS can be difficult for many. I understand that. If you want maps and route guidance and such, you might want the 605 or 705. I have some experience with the Garmin screen technology on those units. I cannot see the screen well enough. For me the software is intuitive, but I hate to say it will be easy for anyone else. I have been using hand held and automotive GPS units for years. This is just another evolution. In the end this one is the right size and gives me the features I want. I got the one without the cadence sensor and without the heartrate. I just need a few basic functions. This one does it without too much bulk.
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This is a great bike computer with tons of amazing features. My only complaint about the unit itself is that the screen quality could be improved. It is not clear and easy to read – especially when you just want to glance down and see information. You really need to take your eyes off of the road for a moment or two to figure out what fields you are viewing and what they say.
I have not had any problems at all with the function of the unit. It easily found satelites and is pretty obvious how to configure. I really like the ability to connect this to my computer after rides and keep a detailed log of my rides. I gave the software three stars because it is very buggy and still quite rough around the edges.
I purchased the Garmin Heart Rate Monitorseparately. I do not have the Garmin GSC 10 Speed/Cadence Bike Sensor- it seems unnecessary for me. I don’t really have a need to monitor my cadence and the speed measurements from the gps are very accurate – even on trails under pretty heavy foliage. I don’t use this on a trainer.
I would strongy suggest that anyone who is considering this purchase make sure they visit the Garmin Edge 500 Forum on the Garmin website. You will learn more there than you ever wanted to know about the device. The DC Rainmaker blog also has an excellent detailed write-up.
As far as size, it is roughly the same size as my old Planet Bike Protege 9.0 9-Function Bike Computer with 4-Line Display and Temperature. The mount couldn’t be easier. It uses two rubber bands to attach the base to the handlebars or stem. The unit locks into the base with a 90 degree twist – very easy and secure. It comes with tons of extra bands and I threw an extra set in my seat bag – just in case.
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I have used many cycling computers over the years and I am delighted with the Edge 500 after five months of use. I felt that the Edge 705 was too big and bulky — and I did not need the 705’s map features. The unit was easy to set up and worked correctly from the outset. It took me a little time to figure out which of the many displays was best suited to my needs. What I really enjoy beyond the standard speed, cadence, length and ride duration features, is the ability to capture the vertical feet I have climbed as well as the percentage grade of every climb. While not essential, the temperature feature is a nice plus. I have never had a unit with a heart rate monitor and now I don’t know how I lived without this feature.
Best of all is the Garmin Connect software where I can download every detail of every ride and store it in a handy calendar format. The software also shows your route in Google Maps or Google Earth — a very cool way to view your ride. And, you can send a link of your rides to your friends.
I have read some criticisms regarding the small size of the monitor and its lack of contrast but I had no problems with visibility. Not a great unit for low tech people or those that are not interested in the minute details of each ride.
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I’ve owned the Garmin Edge 605 and 305, and this is the best yet. The color screens are just hard to see in the sunlight, so I prefer the B&W mapless models, and this does much more and works better than the previous Garmin biking products.
As always, Garmin’s technical writing is too sparse, so you have to just feel your way around to find out how to use the system. Mine kept shutting down in the middle of the ride until I found out how to turn off the automatic shut-down feature. However, this model is easier to see, the battery lasts longer, it has an accurate built-in THERMOMETER, it is lighter, smaller, and has fewer buttons. Also, I was able to upload all my rides that were saved on Garmin Connect.
A good change is the fact that they just provide one mapless model, and if you want the extras (heart rate, cadence, power) you simply buy the add-ons (not a new unit). And other brands of heart-monitor straps work with it!
Two problems:
1. So far I’ve been unable to set up my desired readouts (mph and distance) when following a training course (I could do that with the 305)
2. I’ve been unable to download courses that I created through Map My Ride.
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Just picked up the unit yesterday from the LBS in Carrboro NC. Setup was easy…the unit acquires satelites in a flash.(about 15 seconds) Purchased the unit as a stand alone and not the bundle. I ordered the chest strap with monitor from amazon for $30.00 as i saw the bundle package a rip-off at one hundred dollars above the base unit price. I have no need for the cadence at this point but may purchase it later. Love the climbing statistics…I knew one hill around my house was steep and the unit rated it at 11%. I have not uploaded any ride data as of yet but will do that once i am home. First impressions “I like it!”
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I was a little hesitant to stray from Cateye. However, when I found this Garmin Edge, I knew I had to have it. I have several other Garmin GPS products, so was very comfortable with the purchase. I’m a mountain biker in Tucson, AZ.
It tracks your route, altitude, change in altitude, temperature, speed and much more. After your ride, you simply hook it up to your USB port, and go to [...], and within 30 seconds, you are presented with a screen full of information about your ride, mapped in satellite view, map view, or Google Earth view. I did not get the HRM with mine, as I felt it would interfere with the Camelbak that I ride with, plus I’m not too concerned about my heart rate when I’m on the mountain trails.
From a very, very picky electronics fanatic who only buys the best, I HIGHLY recommend this cycling computer. Feel free to contact me if you like.
Jim
Jim@JMartinHarris.com
[...]
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I ordered the Garmin 500 including the heart rate monitor and cadence sensors. It arrived from Amazon early, was easy to install, and simple to use. The installation of the cadence and wheel sensors took no more than 10 minutes. The unit attaches and detaches to a mount banded to the handle bar stem with a quick quarter turn, and has no rattling parts like other computers I’ve used. It also connects to a laptop with a USB input and the internet based software is pretty much a one touch operation. Just logon to the Garmin connect website, hit ‘upload’ new activity, and you are provided with full detail of your ride including elevation changes, heart rate, speed, temperature, cadence, distance, ride time and calories burned. You also have access to ride information that other people can publicly post, which is a nice way to share route and ride info. The heart rate strap is comfortable as well. I love this thing and feel that the cost is well worth the quality and ease of use. Great product!