Garmin for cycling

[leftcoaster]

I'm planning on getting a Garmin for cycling and I'm trying to figure out which one to buy.

There seem to be a lot of features out there - Garmin Connect, speed, lap training, cadence, heart rate monitor, altitude, etc. and I'm wondering if I could get some feedback on the relative strengths and weeknesses of the various models, what features are used most often, which ones aren't used at all?

- David B

[Roland]

I think the Garmin Edge 500 is the one to buy. The Edge 605/705 are more expensive and I don't think they really offer any features to make them worth while. The Edge 205/305 are obsolete. The 305 is still worth getting if you can find it for a deal.

The forerunner series are also worth a look if you run and want a watch gps. You can also get handlebar mounts for them.

The heart rate monitor strap is a must get accessory. The cadence sensor I don't use much.

Garmin Connect is fun for sharing data, but after that it's not so useful.

On my mac I use Ascent and on my PC I use SportTracks (which doesn't work with the 500 yet)

[4827north]

I bought the Edge 500. It's awesome for training .It's ANT+ compatible so you can use it with any ANT+ capable sensors: HR, speed/cadence, power. If you need a map to look at while riding then pop for the 705. Otherwise, strictly for training at $280.00 at MEC, the Edge 500 rocks.

Here's today's club ride, courtesy the Edge 500 and Garmin Connect:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/3047 ... s_ss=email