If you are in the market for a cycling computer, look no further than the Garmin Edge 500. Cyclists new and old benefit from using a computer while cycling. The advantages are many. You can keep track of important information and continue to progress as a cyclist. Here is why the Garmin Edge 500 may be the bike computer for you.
The Garmin Edge 500 is ultra-lightweight, coming in at a mere 2.1 ounces. It is also water resistant, so you don’t have to worry when riding in the rain. It runs off of one lithium ion battery (which is rechargeable), which is included with the device. The battery lasts 18 hours, so you don’t have to worry about it dying when you are out in the wild. The device is available in three colors – neutral (black and gray), regular (blue and gray), and special edition (black and red).
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Tracking your Ride
You can use the Garmin Edge 500 to track your distance, speed, time, location and elevation as you ride. It is equipped with a barometric altimeter that tracks changes in your climb and descent. The device is equipped with both a clock and a timer. You can use the Garmin with other devices, such as a heart rate monitor, to track your physical output and calories burned. You can also use the heart-rate monitor to train in a certain heart-rate zone in order to get the most out of your workout. You can actually define which statistics you want on each screen. Other statistics include grade, gradient, air temperature, minimum speed and maximum speed. It also has a total odometer and can tell you your average pace and current pace (both in real time).
As you ride, the Garmin Edge records your data for your review after your workout. It also works with third party power meters (ANT) and can display you power output wattage as you ride. You can use this data specifically to determine how hard you are working in spite of condition affecting your ride, such as weather, hills, and traffic. This allows you to train better and smarter (check latest prices at amazon.com).
Using the Garmin Edge 500
The Garmin Edge 500 attaches to your bike stem or your handlebars on the mount that comes with it in the box. There are two bands that keep the mount in place. Once attached, it’s ready to be used. It’s easy to pick up a GPS signal with its high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix satellite prediction. The screen has a 128 X 160 resolution that can be seen even in the bright sun. There is also a backlight function, so that the device can be seen and used during the night. The device is used through a side button; the device is not touchscreen. There are six different pages that you can configure to show the stats of your choice. You can change between the screens during your workout.
Check Your Improvement with Courses
Another great addition of the 500 is the Courses feature. Using this feature, you can compare multiple rides over the same route to determine your improvement. You can create your own courses and upload them from Garmin Connect. The Garmin 500 Edge connects to your computer with a USB cable, which is also included with the device. (The device does not have any Bluetooth capability.) With your device you can connect to Garmin Connect, a website filled with cycling data from users all over the globe. On Garmin Connect, you can see other routes in your area, and upload these routes to your device. This makes it easy to train for a race or ride in a new area.
Overall, the Garmin Edge 500 is a solid cycling computer with advanced GPS features. It is awarded 4/5, and makes for a great all-rounder.
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