I. Materials Coordinated

The Garmin Edge 500 represents a choice for serious and competitive cyclists.

This device jettisons GPS navigation maps present in the Edge 705 in favor of lighter weight (0.28 oz/ 7.9 gm), smaller size and lower cost. What remains is still a water resistant computer with many useful functions displayed on a 1.25 x 1.5 inch screen and made possible by wireless compatibility with (1) a heart rate monitor, (2) cadence and speed measuring devices, and (3) GPS satellite signals. A barometric altimeter (detecting changes in air pressure) built into the device further enables measurement of elevation changes.

The device thus shows measurements of heart rate, speed, distance, time, intervals and laps, calories and watts, and elevation (42 measurements in all) and sounds a number of possible kinds of pre-programmed alerts to give the cyclist a variety of indicies for tracking and maintaining bodily fitness and competitive readiness.

One can purchase the unit alone or "bundled" with the heart rate monitor and speed/cadence sensors if one does not have compatible units already. The unit itself easily attaches to and unattaches from the specialized mount on the bike's handlebar with a quarter twist.

The Lithium-ion rechargeable battery maintains its trip charge according to conditions like temperature and amount of use. For example, a light enables screen visibility in dark conditions.  

The manual otherwise suggests a three year lifespan for the battery. Care must be taken to avoid corrosion at the the recharge USB port under the weather proof cap.

II. How the device is used

Training courses (those repeatedly used) can be facilitated by the device memory for comparisons and ease of use, with "off course" options. Between training or exercise sessions, the device can be plugged into the manufacturer's "Garmin Connect" site for graphing and analysis.

A major basis of training is heart rate zones. An attending physician should be consulted initially and as needed to establish safe heart rate maximums (beats per minute) and stress times depending on one's age and health condition. Caution should especially be exercised by those with select health conditions or with those taking certain prescription drugs.

Once rest and maximum heart rates have been established, heart rate zones from warm up to maximum to cool down can be mapped out and intervals for greater and lesser cardiovascular exercise. Intervals with alerts can be programmed into the Edge 500 for training courses and exercise routines.

Data from trips should regularly be downloaded and stored on a PC or Mac and deleted from the device. If the device memory becomes full, it will stop recording.

III. Possible downsides

Downsides? One has to be technically savvy and patient enough to learn how to set up, use, care for, and maintain the complex device. There can be software problems like corrupted files. Temperature readings can be off when the device is in direct sunlight on a hot day. On long day trips, maintaining battery charge may sometimes become an issue. Discrepancies in speed and distance can arise from the speed/cadence assessory readings, probably due to imprecise wheel circumference measurement. The screen can be hard to read and manipulate while riding.

But all in all, the Edge 500 deserves a "really cool" rating.