Garmin, Garmin, Garmin... Which one to buy...

[PlymSlimCyclist]

Hey all,

I've happened to come into some money this month (four years of battling has finally come to an end), and as I have two sportives coming up, I'm looking at changing from my iPhone as a computer to a Garmin.
Only question is, which one?!

I've narrowed it down to the Edge 500, Edge 510 and possibly the Virb (stay with me here).

I believe both Edge's allow GPX files, however the 510 comes with bluetooth compatibility, allowing (I assume) instant uploads of my ride data, whereas the 500 would mean connecting to my laptop each night (feel free to correct me where I'm wrong?).

The only downside is (as I type), I'm hoping to buy one "does it all out of the box" which is where the 500 comes into play. As a new entry to cadence monitors etc, I'd like to get the 500 because it has the Heart Rate Monitor (not currently important, but ok), the Cadence Monitor (yep, can monitor and improve) plus the unit and mount, whereas the 510 comes with the unit itself and mount only (I'm about to hammer Wiggle, Amazon and CRC to see if there is a bundle pack out there).

However, the Virb comes into play in all this, as it removes my current Bullet HD camera for my commute, integrates the speed and other info (albeit sold separately), plus allows me to overlay my speed and map once connected to my PC.

Personally, I'm thinking the 500 is the way to go, the Virb being unsuitable for GPX, won't sync via the phone, doesn't come with the cadence and heart rate monitors out of the box.
(Now I've looked), The 510 has the HRM and Cadence, but only really has the benefit of having the bluetooth as the additional functionality along with the touchscreen (not that important, especially in the cold), unless the RHB allows you to stop/pause your ride?

So basically folks, money aside (yes, the 500 and 510 have about £100 difference) which would you choose and why?

 

[cosmicbike]

I went with the 500 'premium' as it serves my purpose and the colours matched my bike

 

[derrick]

I would put a bit more money into the 800, my other half has the 510 although it's good the 800 does mapping so much better. would not be without my 800.

 

[Nick Stone]

510 is great, great battery life, good features and the upload is quick to my iphone once finished. The garmin website has a segments section now as well which the 510 supports ( I think) like strava only garmin so you can test your self or others. Unit is well built comes with a good out front mount instead of looking at your stem. I got the bundle and use the ant stuff heart rare mostly but cadence is good to try keep me pedalling and keep it up. But each to their own I prefer my 510.

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

@derrick / @uclown2002 , does the 500 not do directions?

I don't necessarily need mapping, but might be worthwhile having for doing audaxes, which is something I'd like to get into.

@cosmicbike , my colleagues both use the 500 and are happy with them, but a quick look says the 500 and 510 does turn by turn info. Is that correct?

 

[MikeW-71]

Unless you need full mapping, don't bother with the 800.

The 500 does everything you will ever need and will still do route guidance by breadcrumb trail. It will also give turn-by-turn directions if you set up the route with them.

 

[Hacienda71]

They all do breadcrumb trails but the 500 and 510 don't do full mapping.

 

[cosmicbike]

I use Navfree for my maps, free app suggested by someone on here, so no need for the 800/810.

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

Ok, so excluding the 800+ sets, and bringing it back to the 500 and 510, is the only benefit of the 510 the bluetooth?

Regarding the breadcrumb turn-by-turn, is it reliable? I aim to buy a cyclocross bike for audaxing and other sportives, and it would be ideal to have the directions. I don't think I need full mapping, and when I do eventually start touring (by tandem or solo bike) I can always use my iPhone.

@Nick Stone , how have you found yours in bad and cold weather?

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

Thanks for all your help guys, it's very much appreciated! Still no further forward with which to sink money into though.

 

[Nick Stone]

Thanks for all your help guys, it's very much appreciated! Still no further forward with which to sink money into though.

@PlymSlimCyclist it's fine, never a problem not used in extreme cold, but around 1-2degrees worked fine, wet weather fine, bought a rubber cover as well for a couple of quid gives it a bit insulation if needed keeps the excessive water out, have a 200 as well for commuter love them both. As they say all roads lead to garmin.

Good luck with the choice

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

Haha, thanks Nick, more than appreciated.

Thinking for the sake of £75, I might go for the 510, get myself the silicone sleeve and then when I buy the tandem and CX I'll buy additional mounts.
I always carry my iPhone, so syncing isn't an issue.

Does the unit pause/stop when you stop pedalling? And does the RHB allow you to stop the ride completely?

Decided to RTFM, and yep, answers my question there hah.

 

[MikeW-71]

Regarding the breadcrumb turn-by-turn, is it reliable? I aim to buy a cyclocross bike for audaxing and other sportives, and it would be ideal to have the directions. I don't think I need full mapping, and when I do eventually start touring (by tandem or solo bike) I can always use my iPhone.

Yes, it is. However, what you will find is that every so often the track will disappear and then find itself again in a few seconds.

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

I can live with that.
I usually research before doing unknown things (such as buying new lights, Garmin's and bikes haha), plus I always have my iPhone if in doubt Google maps is always reliable (for me).

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

The following order will be confirmed and despatched as soon as possible:

10+ In stock, ready for despatch now
£262.48 1 x Garmin Edge 510 GPS Cycle Computer with Cadence and HRM Black
£7.19 1 x Garmin Edge 510 Silicone Case Black

£4.99 Delivery
£274.66 Grand Total

Thanks for all your help folks! What tipped the scales was reading a review on BikeRadar and all of your help too.
Will get this installed on the bike as soon as it arrives, and hopefully have it running next week for my commutes.

Now all I'm hoping for, is my cashback to track properly, so I have some funds back, and I'll be happy