When I decided to go GPS this year for my bike computer, it had to have HR function along with reliable readings. I first tried to go cheaper with a nearly identical in size, features and function computer that is probably made by the same manufacturer for that big-name company as makes the Garmin 500. It looked clunkier, but had identical screens, screen functions, modes and features as the Garmin, and the HR strap was included for less than the price for the 500 alone.
The HR function stopped working within two months, and the replacement that company sent was acting up in just weeks (erratic readings or no numbers at all). The computer itself and all its functions worked perfectly--both units--and the only issue was the HR would stop functioning, so, the big name company had a good product except for the HR part. But, no savings compensate for something that doesn't work, and three months later I'm still trying to get a refund from the big name company.
In the meantime I bought the 500 Edge and set it up. Since I was already familiar with the features and functions, there was no learning curve with the unit (some with the Garmin Connect), and it took more time to install the easily installed handlebar mounts than it did to set up the unit. And, from the first day, it has functioned perfectly...except for the HR part.
I like the HR strap and user-replaceable battery (I used Polar HR monitors for 18 years, and their latest version of the transmitter is this nice), but on these coolish mornings it can take up to 2 miles for the HR readout to register consistent HR readings. As stated, I've used the Polar product for almost 2 decades, and a quick lick of the electrodes and it reads out instantly; the now-gone big name unit's HR strap (too, nearly identical with the Garmin's), when functioning, functioned immediately.
Still, once I sweat enough that the transmission is consistent, the unit locks onto the signal and it's good till the end of the ride. And that it functions so well, once it connects, I find it difficult to criticize the overall function of both the HR and the computer itself. I like this unit a lot, and hope for some years of good use.
Oh, and their customer service tends to be quick, informative, and nice.
For the HR part, I'd really give this a 4.5 and not a 5, but it would be unfair to give it a 4.
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Product description
Color:Blue
Product Description
Sharpen your cycling performance with Edge 500, a lightweight GPS-based cycling computer for performance-driven cyclists. Loaded with data, Edge 500 tracks your distance, speed, location and elevation with high sensitivity GPS. Add an ANT+ compatible heart rate monitor, speed/cadence sensor or compatible power meter for a finely-tuned analysis of your ride.
Amazon.com
Sharpen your cycling performance with Edge 500, a lightweight GPS-based cycling computer for performance-driven cyclists. Loaded with data, Edge 500 tracks your distance, speed, location and elevation with high sensitivity GPS. Add an ANT+ compatible heart rate monitor, speed/cadence sensor or compatible power meter for a finely-tuned analysis of your ride.
 Sharpen your cycling performance with Edge 500. |
 A barometric altimeter provides extra-precise climb and descent data. |
 A high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix satellite prediction calculates your position faster. |
Jumpstart Your Training
The Edge 500 attaches easily to the stem or handlebars of your bike with its low-profile bike mount. The Edge attaches easily to the mount with a simple quarter-turn. When you're ready to ride, just power on your Edge, acquire GPS satellites and go. Edge 500 features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix satellite prediction to calculate your position faster.
Get the Data You Need
During your ride, Edge 500 measures your speed, distance, time, calories burned, altitude, climb and descent, and records this data for your review. For extra-precise climb and descent data, Edge 500 also incorporates a barometric altimeter to pinpoint changes in elevation.
All Edge 500 versions work with third-party ANT+-enabled power meters to display your power output in watts as you ride. This valuable data shows you how hard you're working, regardless of conditions affecting your ride, so you can train smarter. Some versions also ship with a digital heart rate monitor and speed/cadence sensor.
Other helpful training features include a Courses feature, which helps you compare successive rides over the same route, as well as Auto Pause, Auto Lap and temperature readings. Edge also alerts you if you're moving, but the timer is not running.
Track Your Heart Rate
When paired with a Garmin heart rate monitor, Edge 500 tracks heart beats per minute and uses your heart rate for advanced calorie computation, so you know how many calories you're burning. Train in a certain heart-rate zone to improve your fitness level or compare your pace and heart rate to past performance over the same ride.
Analyze Your Ride
Once your ride's done, connect Edge 500 to your computer with the included USB cable to analyze your performance. With a simple click, you can join a worldwide network of cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts through Garmin Connect, a one-stop site for data analysis and sharing.
What's in the Box
Edge 500, Bike Mount, AC Charger, USB Cable, Owner's Manual on Disk, Quick Start Manual
Customer Questions & Answers
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