Garmin unveils new Edge 500

Garmin today unveiled the aerodynamic Edge 500, calling it "an evolutionary leap in cycling technology".

Weighing less than 60g, the Edge 500 features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, requires no calibration, can be switched quickly and easily between bikes and connects wirelessly with ANT+ compatible third-party powermeters.

Using feedback from the Garmin-Slipstream team, the company has developed a lightweight cycling computer that it says is powerful enough for the pros, and simultaneously simple enough for beginners – and is also competitively priced.

With a redesigned handlebar mount, the GPS-enabled Garmin Edge 500 tracks speed, distance, time, GPS position, elevation, calories burned, altitude, climb and descent. For extra-precise elevation data, the Edge 500 incorporates a barometric altimeter.

Team Garmin’s Christian Vande Velde said: “At training camp we made requests: we wanted a smaller device with a big screen and easy-to-use buttons. Garmin listened. The Edge 500 reflects our requests and then some, adding vertical speed to accurate calories and temperature readings.”

Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of Slipstream Sports, said: “It’s the perfect tool for training and racing for every facet of the sport – time trials, climbing, all-out sprints and breakaways. Downloading data to Garmin Connect helps us replay the ride time and again to study the statistics, looking for any room for improvement for the next day. It also allows our fans and the media access to the riders’ data for any given day.”

Featuring a USB interface for easy charging and data transfer, the Garmin Edge has a suggested retail price of £199. When bundled with a heart rate monitor and speed/cadence sensor, that rises to £249.

For more on features and availability, go to www.garmin.co.uk. For info on Team Garmin Slipstream visit www.garmin.com/teamgarmin and www.slipstreamsports.com.