Garmin Edge,worth it?

bustercherry

Starting to build up the kilometres (greater than 60km average, 100km + at least once a week) and have been tracking my rides on my smart phone. Been thinking of getting an edge but not sure if it is worth the cost over my smart phone and cateye cycle computer. Bar the map functionality and virtual racer (possibly the battery); I'm not sure if it worth buying one. Anyone have one and have any thoughts on the benefits?

godtabh

I used my phone to track rides when I started. Switch tomannedge before Christmas. Wouldn't go back it's just more practical than my phone

Zyzz

On my iphone the GPS killed the battery and could only get 2/3 hours max before it died, not only that it was a pain in the arse to hook up to the handlebars. Got an edge 500 and haven't looked back.

Battery will never be an issue (has something like 8+ hours, if not more), screen is clear and easy to read along with the stats being a lot more accurate! There are so many options available aswel, from speed to vertical climb speed etc etc etc so if you are taking your training relatively seriously then I would really recommend it! I also use it for routes which I plan online and throw them onto the device to use during the ride!

If you don't have the money for it, a good cateye wouldn't be a bad option..any more Q's just ask

bustercherry

I haven't had to much issues with my iPhone battery; and I have had a quite a few 4 hour plus rides. I think the main issue is I don't want to hook the phone up to the bars.
I have the phone and a cateye at the moment, including Bluetooth heart rate monitor; so I'm not sure what other benefits it will have bar the fact I don't have to mount my phone. Do people rate the virtual racer functionality? It would be one main reasons for my purchase.

MediaMan

I think the main reason to go for an edge is to get heart rate monitoring. For me that has been the single biggest help in training and in pacing myself on rides.

There are lots of posts here and elsewhere on the net about training with heart rate zones - well worth researching. And it's not just for those who want to race - anyone who wants to improve their cycling fitness can benefit.

Then later you'll get the urge to acquire a power meter, but that's for another day...

nanorunner

bustercherry wrote: »

Starting to build up the kilometres (greater than 60km average, 100km + at least once a week) and have been tracking my rides on my smart phone. Been thinking of getting an edge but not sure if it is worth the cost over my smart phone and cateye cycle computer. Bar the map functionality and virtual racer (possibly the battery); I'm not sure if it worth buying one. Anyone have one and have any thoughts on the benefits?

Iam using a nike+sportswatch with gps, HRM, and lots of other cool stuff. you should check that one out!

bustercherry

nanorunner wrote: »

Iam using a nike+sportswatch with gps, HRM, and lots of other cool stuff. you should check that one out!

Yeah I will but that's exactly the suggestions I'm after. I want to know what other solutions people are using. I hate the idea of mounting my phone, so I that's why I'm looking at the edge (even though it does everything I want).

ericzeking

First off I had a cheapo Cateye + Smartphone, then Polar CS200 (with HR + Cad) + Smartphone for gps, then one day I just said I'd cut all the sh!t and just got a Garmin 500... there is no comparison in my opinion, particularly if you are structuring your training or if you are looking to do particular climbs and routes.

tibor

nanorunner wrote: »

Iam using a nike+sportswatch with gps, HRM, and lots of other cool stuff. you should check that one out!

Err. Great sale price.

ashleey

The garmin is in a different class of battery time and ease of use. If you are looking at a watch on your wrist while riding in a group you may get some level of disapproval. The garmin heart rate straps are sh!t though. After 9 months they give up ( not the transmitter). Garmin support is outstanding though as I have a new one on its way in the post for free. The advantage of a watch is they are mostly multisport for if you are into duathlons and triathlons. Just don't turn up for the club ride in a sleeveless top and long socks.

Pdoghue

Got a Garmin Edge 200 just before Christmas and very happy with it. Entry level Garmin, so no heart rate or cadence monitors. But does the job well. Can import rides into Garmin software or other apps like Endomondo. Only quibble is not displaying a clock on the main interface when in ride mode.