Background and Identification
Garmin Ltd. (often shortened to Garmin, stylized as GARMIN, and formerly known as ProNav) is an American technology company that specializes in GPS technology for automotive, aviation, marine, outdoor, and sports activities. The Garmin Edge 500 is a GPS-based bicycle computer designed for performance-driven cyclists. The Edge 500 tracks the bicyclist’s distance, speed, location, and elevation with a high-sensitivity GPS. The device also includes an ANT+ compatible heart rate monitor, speed/cadence sensor, or compatible power meter.
The Garmin 500 is designed to attach to the stem or handlebars of a bicycle with a bicycle mount. The 500 can be attached to the mount with a quarter-turn. To use the Edge 500, power it on, acquire a GPS satellite signal, and begin riding. The Edge 500 measures speed, distance, time, calories burned, altitude, climb and descent, and records this data for the user’s future review. The device uses a barometric altimeter to track changes in elevation. All Edge 500 variants use third-party ANT+-enabled power meters to display the user’s power output in watts as they ride. Some versions were sold with a digital heart rate monitor and a speed/cadence sensor. Other features include a ‘Courses’ feature (which is designed to allow the user to compare successive rides over the same route), Auto Pause, Auto Lap, and temperature readings.
The Garmin Edge 500 includes a 1.2-inch by 1.4-inch display with a resolution of 128 by 160 pixels. It includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can last up to 18 hours. The device is also IPX7 rated, meaning that it is waterproof when submerged in water at a depth of one meter for 30 minutes.
Technical Specifications
General:
- Physical Dimensions: 1.9" x 2.7" x 0.9" (4.8 x 6.9 x 2.2 cm)
- Display Size: 1.2" x 1.4" (3.0 x 3.7 cm)
- Display Resolution: 128 x 160 pixels
- Weight: 2 oz (56.7 g)
- Battery Type: rechargeable lithium-ion
- Battery Life: up to 18 hours
- Water Rating: IPX7
Maps and Memory:
- Waypoints/Favorites/Locations: 0
- Routes: 0
- History: up to 180 hours
Sensors:
- GPS: Yes
- Barometric Altimeter: Yes