Garmin 500, the real deal?

Bobbinogs

So, I am a bit cheesed off with Brytons as I am on my 2nd warranty replacement Rider20 and, to be fair to Bryton, it looks like they have cracked consistency. Unfortunately though, the consistency means that unit has exactly the same features as the other 2 in that it resets fairly frequently for no reason, laptop connectivity is hit/miss and whenever it even looks like raining I have to cover the unit with some plastic to stop it getting wet (or else the unit gets all foggy).

So, the 500 looks to be a much better bet but does it have any 'features' that I don't want? Can I trust it in the rain, etc??

ivanoile

For the rain,my survived few races with heavy rain(I think 2 races with about 3h of constant rain and one training with about 2 hours of heavy rain).It works today without problems.

Franks2788

I have the red and black 500 been using it in all weather and its been faultless, i did play up the first time i had it(bought 2nd hand) but after a factory reset and new battery in the cadence sensor its been faultless. best garmin i have had (previous ones 600,705)

Cupras

My 510 has pretty much been swimming and it doesn't care.

sparklehedgehog

my 510 is fine after being abused in all weathers too

elderone

The weather wont hurt a 500 at all.They are designed to get wet and still function perfectly.

bernithebiker

My Garmin 500 has been great - been using it for about 18 months now.

But it has developed a fault; the upload no longer works properly, the connection between Mac and Garmin.

With the original Garmin USB cable there's clearly a poor connection - the Garmin would charge, then stop, then charge, etc.

So I used another non-Garmin USB cable and that charges fine. But the computer still can't 'see' the Garmin. If I push hard on the cable into the Garmin, I can make the Garmin appear on the computer but Strava still doesn't see it, so I have to pick out the ride manually and upload it like that.

So I'm assuming that somehow the USB connectors in my Garmin are knackered. But it's never got wet or abused....

Bobbinogs

Thanks chaps. Garmin 500 it is then. Hopefully it will be here in time for the w/e

Shtukka

there's a little-advertised feature on the 500 too. It takes some getting used to, but despite not having the full navigation of bigger brothers, it's got a neat Course feature. Basically upload txv/gpx files to the device and you can follow breadcrumb trails.

THis gives you an idea: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAEM26w0bgg

francis666

Work in the rain?
Never thought about that, yep it does and mud wipes off it too.

Shtukka as absolutely right about the course thing, great as very rudimentary nav aid.
save yourself loads of hassle on how to do it and use this:

www.bikeroutetoaster.com

works really well for uploading /creating courses and doesn't cost a penny!

Shtukka

one other thought - worth shelling out a couple of quid on some screen protectors.