Garmin Edge 200 or 500?

Hi all
I am after some buying advice on either the Garmin Edge 200 or 500 and the pros and cons of each computer.
do they both display your speed and distance traveled while you are riding? if so, how do they do it? is it done via GPS or do they have a sensor on the front wheel? do you have to select your wheel size in order for the devices to display accurate speed and distance traveled? I have found that most of the edge computers will work with a chest strap for the heart rate monitor and also a cadence sensor, but do you really need either of these?
all I want is to be able to see how far I have traveled and how fast while I am riding, I also want to be able to upload my efforts to strava afterwards. currently I am doing this with an android phone in my jersey pocket. I haven't really looked but I don't think the android app allows you to use the phone as a bike computer, just as a GPS recording device which then allows you to upload your ride once you get home. plus it does tend to drain the battery rather quickly, I would also be a bit worried about having my phone fixed to the bars in case the worst should happen.
have I made the right choice with the edge 200 or 500?
also, do either devices display your maximum speed? do you need anything extra to make each device do this?
I am after some buying advice on either the Garmin Edge 200 or 500 and the pros and cons of each computer.
do they both display your speed and distance traveled while you are riding? if so, how do they do it? is it done via GPS or do they have a sensor on the front wheel? do you have to select your wheel size in order for the devices to display accurate speed and distance traveled? I have found that most of the edge computers will work with a chest strap for the heart rate monitor and also a cadence sensor, but do you really need either of these?
all I want is to be able to see how far I have traveled and how fast while I am riding, I also want to be able to upload my efforts to strava afterwards. currently I am doing this with an android phone in my jersey pocket. I haven't really looked but I don't think the android app allows you to use the phone as a bike computer, just as a GPS recording device which then allows you to upload your ride once you get home. plus it does tend to drain the battery rather quickly, I would also be a bit worried about having my phone fixed to the bars in case the worst should happen.
have I made the right choice with the edge 200 or 500?
also, do either devices display your maximum speed? do you need anything extra to make each device do this?
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It comes with 2 mounts and can be transferred between bikes in seconds.
It requires no sensors or wires as it works off GPS so it records real time where you are and all the data you have stated.
Speed, Average Speed. Distance, Calories burnt, There is also a lap function. You can download courses as a breadcrumb trail. And you can record a course you have ridden to remember it or race against it next time.
You download data to Garmin Connect and it will keep all your stats and over lay it onto mapping.
For around £100 its a great piece of kit and has really motivated me to get out and ride more often.
The advantages of the 500 are you can add additional sensors such as heart rate and Cadence and other ANT compatiable devices, but its over twice the cost for the basic unit and more for the add ons.
If you want heart rate or cadence you'll need the 500 but if those things don't bother you the 200 will do everything else, I have a 200 and its great, plus it's cheaper.
Both are then easy to upload to Strava etc and you can download a route onto them to follow as a 'bread crumb' trail.
Either would be a far better bet than a mobile trying to do the same thing in my opinion
seanoconn
I got my 500 bundle for £160, prices seem to be a bit higher atm. Not sure I would of gone for the £190 Wiggle and Amazon are doing it for atm. An extra £100 for a bit of data is different to the £50 when I was looking. I've probably not helped at all lol
Come on! You call this a storm? Blow, you son of a censored ! Blow! It's time for a showdown! You and me! I'm right here! Come and get me!
Regards
Alan
Alan
Uploading rides couldn't be easier with strava/garmin connect, all you have to do is download the plug-in and it sorts itself out.
And the added bonus of being able to use a HRM and Cadence sensor with it
Also you get 2 mounts with the 500 also.
Took it to the till only expecting to be told its a pricing ever but low and behold its the last one on display and was indeed fifty quid.
Even came with heart rate and cadence sensors.
Not sure if this is nationwide as I noticed they are not on halfords web anymore.
Might be worth popping into your local branch and having a look.
it should have been £100 in store, but I reserved it online and got it for £87.
after using it I can honestly say I don't see the point in the cadence sensor and the heart rate monitor. riding with the a chest strap can be uncomfortable and unless you buy another cadence sensor you can only use the unit on one bike.
I think the 200 is fantastic and i know ill never use the 500 to its full potential but im very glad i did buy the 500. I bought just the unit first and the additional sensors made for excellent birthday present from relatives who usually buy the wrong things!
If you want to record your HR or your cadence they are essential. You may not ... others do. I use a chest strap HR monitor and if you adjust it properly it's not at all uncomfortable.
I think there was another thread about the Garmin bargains in Halfords. From that thread, I think every unit in the country at that price is now sold!
Various Boardmans, a Focus, a Cannondale and an ancient Trek.
the 200 are £87 but with the british cycling discount you can get em with 10% discount
http://app.strava.com/athletes/881211