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Garmin Edge 500 Question
Hi All,
I'm thinking of getting the Garmin Edge 500, after doing some reading online I have a question on the course function, can you load up a GPX file to the device and then follow the course ? The manual says you have to set it up using the garmin training tool.
I know that it's mapping capabilities are quite limited but if I can do the above, I can research the area first load up some points/tracks on the computer and then load it into the GPS and go for a ride. In case I get lost I can always follow the course back to my starting point.
thanks in advance.
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The Edge 500 allows you to follow a course. If you are just out riding and not following a course it doesn't allow you to see where you started etc. Even following a course it doesn't allow you to pan or zoom on the map page which is really annoying. It actually builds the bit of course you need to follow as you are using it so you can't zoom/pan to see when a turn is approaching.
My old edge 305 allowed zooming and panning so you could see where you had ridden and when turns were coming up
If you are planning on any type of exploring then don't get the 500, get the edge 800.
Cheers
Brian
Being able to retrace your path is very handy. That capability on my 705 has got me out of trouble a couple of times while exploring solo at night.
thanks guys.
Kinda makes me think to get the 800 instead of the 500.
That re-tracing function would be useful in-case I get lost in the bush
Just trashed my 500 in an OTB incident. Thinking of the replacing it with the 800 due to the map and other functions the 500 does not have. However, I wont be fitting it to the handlebar but to the top tube behind the steering head where it is less open to damage in an off.
One of my riding buddies mounts his there. seems to work fine.
how's the GPS reception for these units when your deep in the bush ?
Perfectly fine as its relative to satellites, not mobile phone towers.
Smashed my 800 in an OTB with it mounted to my top tube. Nothing is safe.
Just don't crash.
Disclaimer: Easier said than done!
Seems to have been OK so far, except for the perennial 305/705 crap mount problem. That has now been resolved with an automotive O-ring and a cable tie to stop it coming loose..
I recently bought a garmin edge 500 and went out to kalamunda and did the kalamunda circuit plus some of the older tracks.
Now it was a very overcast day and my final distance was 33.4kms and my mates cateye wired computer was 40.4kms, i know my mates is more accurate due to my iphone reading 38.4kms a few weeks back
so i was wondering if anyone has had issues with their Units?
Check the settings. You can usually set up Garmins to take a reading every second or some other time unit, or you can set it to some sort of memory saving mode where it only records a largish direction change.
If you haven't, set the wheel size to auto. Wheel sizes are always a bit iffy. Change the pressure and you change the wheel size. On auto the computer will continually assess distance travelled from the GPS and work out wheel size. I've found this to be acceptably accurate.
HTH
You need to have the wheel sensor fitted for accurate distances especially on mtb tracks with switch backs etc.
I thought the wheel sensor is cadence only and Distance is measured by the GPS only.
Is this right?
No, it has 2 functions. To use both you have it positioned to line up with the wheel magnet and crank which I have on the road bike. On the mtb I just use it for the speed sensor.
You will get problems in trees and foggy/overcast days. My edge 500 struggled in the convict with the mist and fog one year.
I use a wheel sensor but some days sticks etc cause problems and it doesnt report anything like the correct distance.
I know it has 2 functions....but was I just saying I thought the wheel sensor reports cadence only and has nothing to do with reporting the distance traveled. Please correct me if im wrong.
When riding single track I always get shorted changed on the distance.
If you have the wheel magnet lined up with the sensor and the GPS set up paired with the sensor then distance and speed is just done through the sensor and not the GPS.
ah cool.....i didn't know that . Thanks for the info