garmain edge 500/800

[snowdude2910]

For christmas my parents are buying me an edge 500 but have said if i out the difference to it i could have an 800. Is it worth the difference? I don't often go on rides where i don't know where i'm going but it's not unknown, i did get lost the other week after forgetting a step on the route i'd planned putting us about 10miles off course. Is the route mapping the only benefit over the 500? Or are there other benefits to the 800?
Thanks. ... Matt

[TonyHetherington]

Though I've no direct experience (yet), I asked a similar question recently and simply it was the navigation which was the difference (and the colour screen).

The summary was; if you don't need navigation, the 500 is great.

[mikee boy]

I've got an 800 with GB OS mapping and it's brilliant. But, as said above, if you don't need mapping then a larger colour screen is all you're getting for the extra cash.

Whatever you go for, get a screen protector

[okgo]

Isn't the 200 now doing everything the 500 does?

[samwilliams]

okgo said:

Isn't the 200 now doing everything the 500 does?

The Edge 200 doesn't do heart rate or cadence. For a bike computer that records where you go, the Edge 200 is fine but, for any training purposes, you'd want the 500.

[itsnotarace]

You can do a breadcrumb route on the 500

[rhinochopig]

Don't underestimate how useful mapping is. As you say, it is VERY easy to miss a step when route planning, and often a path moves over time and no longer reflects what's on the map. At least with an OS map (even in 50 thou scale) you can work out where you are and which track you should be taking by contour or feature referencing.

That said, it's also cheaper to carry an OS map with you as well...

I have an old GPS60csx with Garmin's own (crap) mapping, and whilst I'm never without an os map, it is very helpful to see where you are in relation to topography and features. Saves you getting the map out of your rucksack for one thing.

[TonyHetherington]

samwilliams said:

okgo said:

Isn't the 200 now doing everything the 500 does?

The Edge 200 doesn't do heart rate or cadence. For a bike computer that records where you go, the Edge 200 is fine but, for any training purposes, you'd want the 500.

Correct - the edge 200 can't connect any additionals to it (heart rate/cadence)

[matt-ITR]

I'm lucky enough to have both. The edge 800 gets more use.
The screen is bigger and clearer, more information available to view.

That said, if you never use mapping then there might not be much point. I use it with road mapping more than the OS maps I have.

[snowdude2910]

I've watched some videos on youtube and seen the "breadcrum" type routes and it looks to me to be exactly what I need. On the rare occasions I ride where I don't know I plan a route in advance so i think the 800 would probably be wasted and I could put the difference towards some shoes + spd's.
Thanks for all the help people much appreciated :-)

[hurstg01]

mikee boy said:

I've got an 800 with GB OS mapping and it's brilliant. But, as said above, if you don't need mapping then a larger colour screen is all you're getting for the extra cash.

Whatever you go for, get a screen protector

I'd like to echo this.

My 800 is fantastic; the ghost rider is ace, the OS mapping is great especially if you are going on long treks over and above what you originally planned / going more off the beaten track than you thought possible; it just opens up more routes for you and the reporting once uploaded to garmin connect is pretty special.

Also, much to my workmates ire, you can share your routes on facebook

[snowdude2910]

hurstg01 said:

'd like to echo this.
the reporting once uploaded to garmin connect is pretty special.

Also, much to my workmates ire, you can share your routes on facebook

is this not the same for the 500 it's been ordered now but still good to know if i find myself wanting the 800 features I will sell it at a small loss and upgrade

[Nigel H]

I like mine a lot, it allows me to go places I've not been before, and I don't have to keep getting out the map from my pocket which is either sweaty or muddy.

I'm going to get the HRM for Christmas I hope so I can satisfy the geek in me.