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I have an Edge 500 already but as I have a load of miles to burn on my airmiles account, I found that I can get an Edge 800 for free more or less.
My main concerns are:
Battery life - the 500 is fantastic but I expect the 800 isn't
Maps - is mapping (both topo and streets) expensive? I know it was for my Garmin eTrex
I have no reason to doubt the claimed 18hour battery life if you're careful. Even with plenty of screen use, I've had well over 12 hours with charge to spare on mine.
Maps - If you're using it for mtb then I suggest you get the OS map package from the off. If solely road use, then you can use free OpenStreetMap maps.
If you're not bothered about the training aspects, it may be worth a look at one of the other bigger non-bike specific models since they have a larger display.
The 800 is my single best bike-related purchase ever - it's brilliant.
800 lover here. Bought recently with OS maps. Price is fair if you get maps at the outset. For road use, you can get plenty of free maps as noted above. Very useful for big days out where you plot a route in advance and just want to get your head down and follow it.
Battery life is sufficient for most rides - following a route the other day, I was out for around 5hrs and still had well over 50% battery life left. It will drain more quickly if you are actively using it though (pressing the screen a lot, as opposed to just following the route and occasionally looking at stats).
I love my 800 -
Battery life about is about 15h ([url= http://connect.garmin.com/activity/220324460 ]14h41 ride[/url]) had 0% battery showing at the end.
I got the OS maps with it when I bought it and an very happy. It's great for road bike with turn-by-turn directions if you head into the unknown. You can define routes on Garmin Connect and load them into the device very easily. Mountain bike is nice to see where you are occasionally but I don't use the mapping so much.
Only complaint is that the screen isn't that big to view maps- but I wouldn't really want a bigger bike computer so I guess I can't have it both ways. Definitely recommended.
Is this UK airmiles (now Avios)? Can't see anything Garmin related on their website!I have an Edge 500 already but as I have a load of miles to burn on my airmiles account, I found that I can get an Edge 800 for free more or less.
I got mine cheep too, I leave the backlight on in everything other than direct sunlight and never flattened the battery in a day. Get the bundled 1:50k mapping, it's not much extra and better than nothing. Screen's to small to be really usefull for anything other than following a pre-set route.
I prefer the 500. Mainly because it's nice and small and has taken a right battering. There is something about the 800 which just doesn't feel quite as right, like the way the usb port is sealed which isn't as good. I have no need for maps, prefering a proper map or mapping out a route before hand. However, if you really want maps and don't want a seperate unit, then I guess it's worth it.
There are also the new units to look at, if you have some cash you want to spend.
I cannot ride without my Garmin - my very favourite gadget!
like the way the usb port is sealed which isn't as good.
Mine's been out in biblical conditions and never had an issue with water ingress.
Is this UK airmiles (now Avios)?
Nah, Lufthansa miles and more. It's "discounted" but only by 10 euros. However I have enough miles to buy it outright anyway