An interesting entry from Garmin today: the Edge 500 series of cycling computers. Unlike previous versions of Garmin’s GPS-enabled cycling gadgets (both high- and low-end), this one doesn’t do waypoints or routes; the GPS portion of this device is essentially a track logger. So what does the suggested $249.99 price tag get you? A nice cycling computer replete with a built-in barometric altimeter; for an additional hundred bucks you get a speed/cadence sensor and heart-rate monitor. That puts the unit in a comparable price range with other high-end cycling computers, with the added benefit of GPS track logging.

Now, you may be thinking, “But Jeff, what good is having GPS if you can’t navigate with it? Why would you want this?” Well, if you’re not some variety of cycling geek, you don’t, frankly. If you’re a casual cyclist and riding more than 100 miles a week sounds like overkill, then the Edge 500 is overkill. But if you paid more for your spandex bib shorts than you did for your business suit, if the new groupo you want for your cross-country mountain bike rig costs more than it would to replace the clutch in your truck — if you know what the word groupo means — then you probably would like the Garmin Edge 500.

Aside from the usual cycling ‘puter stuff — distance (with up to 1,000 laps/circuits), speed, average speed, calories burned, and even temperature — the device can record and track elevation changes. Even a sensitive GPS receiver is not as dependable as a barometric sensor when it comes to tracking climbs and descents, hence the air pressure sensor. The Edge 500 will also record your track using GPS, which you can download to a PC via a USB cable. Throw in the optional heart rate monitor and speed/cadence sensor, and you can really get your bike nerd on, recording nearly every possible performance metric. The device can also work with third-party power meters that are compatible with ANT+ wireless technology, recording power output data approximately once per second.

Now, on top of geeking out on all your stats, you can also view your routes, impressing others with the Deathride-quality grade you banged out over the weekend. Garmin doesn’t say, but I’m guessing 500 units use the proprietary format that other Edge units do (tcx and/or crs). In which case, you have two options: use Garmin’s training software and website, Garmin Connect (which get so-so reviews among cyclists), or find some third party software on the Intertubes to convert Garmin’s format into something standard, like gpx. I can’t personally vouch for these, but others report success with GPS Visualizer and GPSies. If anyone has experience with converting Garmin’s tcx or crs files, please comment below.

To be honest, the whole proprietary format thing that Garmin has going on is a bit of a drawback, in my humble opinion. But not a deal-breaker; for the price the Edge 500 looks like a nice piece of kit as the British say, if you’re a serious cyclist. Just a year ago, I spent more than $300 on a computer with a speed/cadence sensor and heart-rate monitor without a barometric altimeter and GPS. It’s a great system and I’ve been very happy with it (the speed sensor is on the back wheel, so it can keep track of distance on the trainer), but had I known that the Edge 500 was coming, I might have waited and made do with my older, cheaper ‘puter (sans cadence) and old Polar heart rate monitor.

But let me stress again — if you want to do any sort of mapping or navigation on top of keeping track of your fitness and cycling stats, you’ll want to opt for a different Edge. You can compare the Edge 305, 605, and 705 with the Edge 500 here on Garmin’s site. If you just want the cycling computer with the added ability to display GPS track logs, then Edge 500 is an option.

When the cycling question comes up, I always point out that as much as I love GPS navigation, most cycling enthusiasts, unless they are trekking or mountain biking in places that they aren’t familiar with on a regular basis, the Edge 605 and 705 are overkill, if money is an issue. If you’re hardcore enough to spend more than 300 bucks on a cycling computer system, odds are you already know all the roads and trails around your house within a 100 mile radius like the back of your hand, and just want to keep track of your stats; GPS is superfluous. On the other hand, adding mapping and navigation is pretty cool if the additional cost isn’t an issue; it can come in handy when you head out of town for a cycling trip.

And for you gram geeks, don’t worry: the 500 weighs in at two ounces. For more, info here’s the Garmin Edge 500 product page.

Not a cycling geek but a running geek? Or better (some might say worse) yet, a tri-geek? Not to worry. Check out the Garmin Forerunners, including the latest models, the 310XT and 405CX.

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