In late 2009, Garmin introduced their new model, the Edge 500, and soon after, it became a top contender of the bike computer market. It stands as our second choice on our list of best bike computers because of its lower price point, high quality features, and small, lightweight design.
The Garmin Edge 500 Cycling GPS is very similar to our number one spot (the Garmin Edge 500 with cadence and heart rate monitor). The only difference between the two is this model lacks the cadence and heart rate features. It’s a slight exclusion, which is why the two Garmin models hold such high places on our list.
Garmin Edge 500 Cycling GPS Review
Like its product-brother, the Garmin Edge 500 Cycling GPS is one of the smallest cycle computers on the market. It weighs only 2.1 ounces and has a 4.5 centimeter diagonal screen. You don’t have to worry about the product’s weight or size slowing down your ride in any way. It also includes a lithium ion rechargeable battery with about 18 hours of battery life to it.
This model has all the important features you need in a GPS-enabled cycling computer. It shows your speed, ride trip time, distance traveled, elevation, and even more, all in real time.
You can also pair the Edge 500 Cycling GPS with ANT+ power meters and use it to detect your power output in terms of wattage. This means you can train smarter by constantly monitoring your training levels and making sure you are working at efficiently.
The Garmin Connect feature is a helpful tool to track progresses pre-ride and post-ride. You connect your Edge 500 Cycling GPS to your computer with the provided USB cord, and it automatically uploads all the recorded data it has collected over your training sessions.
With the Garmin Connect feature, you can also join a worldwide network of fellow cyclists. Share your progress with a click of a button, compare your adventures to other cyclists’, and set new goals for yourself.
When it comes to price, this product is currently listed on Amazon.
What Can be Improved
With the Garmin Edge 500 Cycling GPS, some current users complained of the mount not fitting their bike, even though they were told it would. It wasn’t as secure as they were led to believe and had to be held on with tape or wire-tires.
Some users also said they experienced instances where the data collected was mysteriously wiped off the device. They were unable to recover the information afterwards.
Product Overview and Features of Garmin Edge 500 Cycling GPS
- High-sensitivity GPS receiver
- Easy-to-read display
- Barometric altimeter
- Lithium ion battery included with up to 18 hours of battery lift
- Small in size: 0.9 x 1.9 x 2.7 inches
- Lightweight: 2.1 ounces
- Sale on Amazon
- ANT+ power meter capabilities
- Garmin Connect
- Twist mount
- USB cable included
The Verdict
The Garmin Edge 500 Cycling GPS hold the second place spot because of its strong similarity to our top contender and because of its included features and small, lightweight design. If you want the basic GPS inclusions in your bike computer, this may be the product for you.
Because of its concentration of the much needed features and its lack of more luxurious ones, such as color options and heart rate monitoring, the price of the Edge 500 Cycling GPS is lower than its competitor. This product is for the serious cyclist who just needs the basics in their bike computer and doesn’t need frivolous add-ons.
