Garmin Edge 500 Team Review

**warning** · 07-02-2010

I tried searching for reviews on this product but didn't really get much reviews. I was wondering what your thoughts were on this product? Pros? Cons? Problems? How is it compared to the 305 or the 705?

The main reason I am thinking of buying one is because I want to be able to download trails from geoladder or other sites and import them to the device. I don't feel like getting lost when I'm out riding by myself. I don't need a street by street direction, I basically just need to know where the trailhead is and how to get back.

This is a pretty good price and it comes with a Free Jersey
Garmin Edge 500 Team + FREE Jersey From $317.63

**MnMDan** · 07-02-2010

I've been using the Edge 500 for over 6 months...mostly on road but with about 1k miles on the mountain bike.

The data format used by the Edge 500 is not the same as the other Garmin devices (it uses a .fit format that is configurable and customizeable to accepte different types of data). Geoladders and other sites need this information converted before uploading to their site, and the unit needs to convert it before reading it.

Imported data, like maps, are known as "courses" on the Edge 500...one of the buggier aspects of the Edge 500. Works about 80% of the time, but when it fails...you can pretty much forget about using the unit until you reset it or recover any data from that ride. Also, the Edge 500 does not have a true "map"...the course is shown as a squiggly line without any context. If you're not on course, it lets you know. Its more of a representation of where you are on a pre-set course. And since its still a new file format, some of the mapping sites that are pretty tuned into the other Garmin devices don't work so well with this one.

That being said, it looks like this is a pretty good deal, as the jersey alone will set you back $95. The speed/cadence sensor is vulnerable to water...i'd open it up and encase the wires in some silicone jelly. Also, make sure the heart strap is the premium soft strap...they've in the past labeled their premium strap as the one that's almost entirely plastic across the front of the chest instead of the soft strap.

I'd wonder with this deal if they're getting ready to roll out an updated 705?

**warning** · 07-02-2010

Awesome. Thanks for the input Dan. I have a few questions though.

I understand that the 500 uses a different file extension but was wondering what program I would need to convert the format?

Do you think it is still worth buying with a buggy "courses" feature?

Also the squiggly line with a warning would work. I don't really need a true map.

**dubjay** · 07-02-2010

This guy goes pretty in-depth on the 500.

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2009/11/g...th-review.html

**Abui** · 07-02-2010

Originally Posted by warning

Awesome. Thanks for the input Dan. I have a few questions though.

I understand that the 500 uses a different file extension but was wondering what program I would need to convert the format?

Do you think it is still worth buying with a buggy "courses" feature?

Also the squiggly line with a warning would work. I don't really need a true map.

Then the 305 is the one to use. The courses always work. It's 100% compatible with geoladders and many other programs.
With the 305 you can create waypoints, not with the 500.

**MnMDan** · 07-02-2010

+1 on Abui's advice.

I looked in on the weblink before I bought mine...was pretty in-depth but didn't seem to use all the features that came out of the box...and a few (like workouts, but I don't use them) weren't around but were upgrades to the 500's capabilities.

The file translation to the .fit format occurs when you upload to the device via Garmin Connect's website...the translation the other way is via that website as well. A couple of other methods exist, but this is the cleanest method for it.

**warning** · 07-02-2010

I also thought about the 305 but I've read of it having issues shutting off when hitting a bump. I read that it had something to do with the battery contact. Anyways, I don't think I want any part of that.

**Abui** · 07-03-2010

If it happens Garmin will replace the 305 on warranty. Once a problem is reported on the internet it never leaves the internet

, your actual chance of a problem is nil.

From the review above it seems the 500 was made for (pro) roadie weight weenies. An ounce is nothing for me. I use a 705 on the road with maps and sometimes a power meter loaner.

**Salespunk** · 07-03-2010

I have ridden the 305 for the last year without a single issue. I highly recommend it.

**warning** · 07-03-2010

Thanks guys for your reply. You've been very helpful.

I'm looking at an Edge 305 right now on ebay and I asked the seller this:

Does this have any problems shutting off when hitting a bump? How is the battery life?

And he replied with this :

It would shut down on some occasions but I had it RMA'd and replaced a year ago. This one has shut down also, but only if I don't download the rides to my computer. I usually put in 45~85mi every other day, sometimes I forget to download the rides it becomes full and won't hold any more data with out shutting down, on the next two to three rides. It has not never shut down due to ruff terrain. It last about 8 hours after every recharge. Thx.

Does the device shutting down due to full memory make sense? I was thinking that maybe it gives you a warning, rather than shut down. I thought I'd ask since it sounds kind of odd. Also, does 8 hours of battery life on a charge sound right? Thanks.

**Abui** · 07-03-2010

^^ Utter nonsense from the seller. The 305 will erase old tracks automatically when it needs space. Note: It erases the track data points but not the summary of the data. Thus when you see the menu option to "keep data 3 months" it means keep the summary of each ride (miles, time, etc.). Battery? I've recorded rides over 10 hours (without HRM).