Bike Computer

2ndeffort on 18/02/2014 - 14:27

Need a new Bike computer for my road bike (bicycle, not motor bike). I have a reasonable bike (Trek Domane 5.2) and I like to be able to keep my training data and look at it when I get back then upload to strava. I already have a Garmin 410 watch and at the moment I am using it on the bike with one of the cheap handlebar mounting things for GPS watches but it doesnt work very well. I already have a Garmin soft HR strap and I've mounted the cadence sensor on my bike as well. All I need is the actual computer. My stuff uses ANT+. I thought about using my iPhone but I am worried about having it on the handlebars and I would also have to buy new accessories that worked with BT.

The standard at the moment seems to be the Garmin 510. I like the idea of being able to navigate or get some basic navigation instructions but not sure I would pay the extra for an 810. I know you can use map my ride to config the 510 for basic nav instructions.

I also know that Garmin just hiked their prices by 30%. I know there are other brands that make very similar kit for much less money. Any ideas/help for a bike computer? I am keen to download the data to my PC and upload to Strava, a little Cateye cheapie that show me my speed/distance for $20 isnrt what I am after.

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • evol on 18/02/2014 - 14:51

    Get the base 810 (i.e. without the HR and cadence sensors as you already have them, without preloaded maps too) from somewhere cheap like Wiggle and then download free openstreetmaps onto it for navigation.

    If you're competetive with Strava and always try to get top 10 segment times, the 510/810's Virtual Partner feature is really cool as you can load up other riders segments into it and see in real time if you're about to get KOM or not! :D

  • ChickenTalon on 21/02/2014 - 13:31

    Your need for HR rules out the Garmin 200. So garmin 510 would have to be the clear winner IMO. I own a three and a half year old edge 500 which is still going strong. There is nothing similar to the Garmin for usability, reliability and price.

    When you say handlebar mount for watches, is it one of these?
    http://www.bikebug.com/computers-heart-rate-garmin-forerunne… because that might do the job ok.

    Here is the best price i could find, from a shop i've used and rate highly:
    http://www.bikebug.com/computers-heart-rate-garmin-edge-510-…

  • 2ndeffort on 21/02/2014 - 15:36

    Thanks guys, unfortunately I am a fair way off the pace for most of the KOM's that matter out my way. I'm afraid that little training partner would be off the screen for me! I like Strava just to keep track of it all and to compare with how well I'm doing relative to the others around my same level.

    Yes Megaamaid, I currently use the garmin handlebar mount for my 410 watch, same one you have the link to. Mount is OK but the watch is not meant to be a bike computer. It works OK sometimes but other times switches itself off (despite me setting it to stay on), screen is smallish to see through a sheen of sweat etc 1/2 way up a climb. Birthday next week and I want a new bike computer. I also have to spend 10 mins setting all the custom screens for it to be a bike computer then set them all back again when I want to go for a run.

    My LBS mechanic on a recent shop ride was complaining about Garmin, calling them arrogant for putting up their prices by 30% with no justification. He was saying that there were plenty of others waiting to knock Garmin off for less $$. He was also complaining that big shops like Wiggle etc would have pallet loads they could still sell at previous prices but that local shops would be stuck with new pricing. I'd love to help him out and buy from him as he maintains my bike and I love going on his organised rides etc but as an OzB I'd be remiss not to explore cheaper options. Some of the Bryton etc look pretty good online for 100's less.-

  • ChickenTalon on 02/03/2014 - 14:21

    Bike bug is local, I know them well. Top service, storefront in North Sydney, prices generally better than chainreaction.

    There may be competitors waiting to knock garmin from their perch, but none are even close, unless you want some specific powermeter. Polar was in a similar position few years ago, quality stuff but high prices, then garmin stepped up with GPS and superior connectivity.

  • ChickenTalon on 04/03/2014 - 09:09

    cyclingdeal.com.au and 99bikes.com.au both have the garmin 510 (basic pack) for $299.

    I'm asking bike bug to price match as I'd prefer to buy from them.

    • 2ndeffort on 04/03/2014 - 09:39

      http://www.gps-are-us.com/product_info.php?products_id=1669 GPS are us have the 510 for $269 including free shipping. Never bought from them before though.

      I am getting the Edge 500 today. Local Bike shop is selling me one for $200. Should maybe go the extra $69 for the 510 but I'd like to support the local shop as I enjoy going on their Sat morning rides and not sure the Bluetooth and touch screen will give me much more in the 510.

      • 2ndeffort on 04/03/2014 - 10:54

        These guys also have the 510 head unit for $269 http://www.cycleogical-online.com.au/index.html?cPath=343_71…

        • ChickenTalon on 05/03/2014 - 08:00
          +1

          well, i'll have a second hand edge 500 shortly i'll be selling for much cheaper than $200 ;p where abouts are you?
          It works fine, i just want the extra conictivity and i don't like the colour of it (blue)

          I don't know if I'd trust that website you've listed, something "feels" a little off about the site. lists a mobile as the contact number, only has a PO box in qld.

        • evol on 05/03/2014 - 12:44

          +1 for those sites looking dodgey. Stick to your reputable stores.

      • ChickenTalon on 05/03/2014 - 08:26

        That's actually your best bet, i didn't realise they still sold the old Edge 500. It will do the job perfectly.

  • 2ndeffort on 05/03/2014 - 15:06

    Bought the edge 500 from my LBS last night. Might have been able to get it cheaper but like I said, the mechanic/guy that owns the shop there is a great guy and I go every week on their shop ride (Berwick, Melbourne). Every time I buy something mail order for my bike I feel a pang of guilt for not helping Dave out but what's an OzB to do??

    Immediately stuck the 500 on the wheels and cranked out a ride. Very easy to setup. Will need a bit of time to work out what I want/need to see on the default screen. Messed around with it after I got back and easy to change though. Will try programming it one night this week with a course to see how hard it is to navigate via the 500.

    500's are still available but he couldn't get me an 800.

    Maybe I am a risk taker but if I was not helping out Dave I would definitely have bought the $269 edge 510 from gps-are-us.

    • ChickenTalon on 05/03/2014 - 18:12
      +1

      I think you made the right choice. I certianly wouldn't have ordered from one of those sites you listed.

  • ChickenTalon on 06/03/2014 - 07:47

    another tip to get the most out of your garmin. Spend a bit of time setting the screens up the way you want them. I have 4 screens.

    Main screen (5 values)
    - big current HR
    - Small total ride time
    - small total ride distance
    - small current speed
    - small time of day

    Home trainer / rollers (3 values)
    - Big total time for intervals
    - med/Small current HR,
    - med/Small avg HR

    Hill Climbing
    - med/Small HR
    - med/small incline %
    - small total ascent
    - small total descent
    - small current elevation
    - small Vert speed

    Lap/splits screen
    - Lap Distance
    - Lap avg speed
    - Lap avg HR
    - Lap counter

    Save your min/max values for the post ride analysis at your pc.

  • 2ndeffort on 11/03/2014 - 15:54

    Thanks guys for all the advice. Tried setting up the screens but what I am finding is that at the times when the most interesting data would be available, I am usually too busy either trying to get air into my lungs or trying to hang on at 65 km/hr etc. Loads of info to analyze at home post ride though!!

  • ChickenTalon on 11/03/2014 - 19:11

    no worries. i'm trying to work out my Garmin 510.

    I actually prefer the 500 for usability and size, didn't realise the 510 was so much bigger and the touch screen a little difficult. will be interesting in winter with full finger gloves on :/ Shame my 500 was the wrong colour and didn't have the phone connect.

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