Garmin

[tel]

My wife asked me did I have any thoughts what I might like for an Xmas pressie.

I think a Garmin might be a good idea but what model would be best for me.

Bearing in mind that I`m a bit of a technophobe being an old git.

I won`t be getting a power metre any time soon, but I would like heart rate, cadence, etc.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Terry

[MattR]

So I think it's pretty simple. If you're wife is very generous you want a Edge 1000. If you want a map background on your courses you want an 810 or 1000, but if you don't then a Edge 520 would be a good choice (I think some pro teams use this because it's 20g lighter).

Saying that if you do decide on an 810 (I have one of those as do lots of others) it seems like it can't be too long until a 820 is announced, maybe in time for Christmas, so potentially wait for than to either get an 820 or an 810 for even less money.

If budget is an issue a second hand 510 would be a good choice with similar specs to 520 but missing some of the more advanced training features and connectivity features, which might not be important to you if you're like you say a technophobe.

There's even some other manufacturers producing some competing devices now so maybe don't restrict yourself to Garmin, perhaps after that it isn't quite so simple

[Alan C]

the 510 and 520 have GLONASS support (ie double opportunity to pick up GPS) which the 800 series don't. This was my rationale for choosing a 510 when upgrading from a 200, when it failed to pick up one of my rides up Box Hill.

The 510 (and therefore I presume the later 520) does have the ability to follow a course with Cue sheets and breadcrumb - just no map.

You can get the 520 in a package which includes heart rate monitor and cadence and speed sensors. It took me ages to find out that the later 510s (and I therefore presume the 520) has inbuilt (ie no proximity magnet needed) speed and cadence sensors. Important for me, since the gap between pedal crank and stay on which I could mount the sensor had been too large for it ever to work.

These extra sensors are so good and reasonably priced that I bought a spare set. When on holiday I hired a bike for several one day stints and was able to mount both the garmin and them each time I took the bike out in a few seconds (the Garmin comes with a rubber band attaching mount).

[mlocke]

I believe the 520 does have a mapping function.

It is not as detailed as the 1000 but is more detailed than the breadcrumb trails on other Garmin Models.

DC Rainmaker has a very detailed review including pics showing the maps.

I am in themarket for a new one and this is what i will buy.