Garmin Edge 800 Bundle Wireless Bike Computer

Comments about Garmin Edge 800 Bundle Wireless Bike Computer:

Buyer beware.

** The calorie count is way off -- too low. Not sure if it's due to a software glitch or problems with new heart rate monitor, but it is unacceptable. An 18mi mtb ride with 2000 ft of ascent should not register as 58 calories!!!

** The touch screen allowed the device to be sleeker, but the screen itself is not very bright/contrasty and looks fuzzy due to antialiasing. Why they would want to antialias numbers/txt on the device is beyond me. There is no way that I can tell to turn antialiasing off.

** The flexible weather flaps that cover and protect the usb/sd connectors takes a little bit of skill to close correctly.

** Finally, Garmin Connect (their website for uploading rides) has decided to change from Google maps to Bing maps. Big mistake. Lower resolution, and lack of terrain maps when zoomed in make the use of Bing a big step backward.

Unless Garmin fixes these problems soon, you can pick up my Edge 800 at REI's used gear sale.

Comments about Garmin Edge 800 Bundle Wireless Bike Computer:

I got this as a present to replace my Edge 705. I couldn't be happier. It is easier to read, easier to change functions, lighter and the mount is quick to remove and less likely to break. My 705's mount had the unpleasant habit of breaking off the release tabs. The 800's mount is cheap, comes in pairs and you can remove it in a second with the O ring rubber bands. The downside to the mount was it does not have the wedges like the 705 to adjust the angle. Personally, I made a quickie wedge from a piece of 3/4" PVC pipe cut at an angle.I like the touchscreen, you can use it with full finger gloves. The 705's buttons where ambiguous when wearing gloves. It is really easy to change fields by pressing and holding on the field to customize the display in an instant. The other big plus to the display is its ability to show Birdseyeview satellite images. These are a big plus up here in Northern Arizona, with all the kind of deep canyons and such.It is just a slick update to a great bike computer system. I've put over 1200 miles on it now and am still impressed. It works well even if you use it on your rollers. It has USB 2.0 now, so workouts upload faster to the Garmin Training Center. It can also access much bigger micro SD cards, so you can have several types of maps in the unit at once. Personally I have the 24K Topos for the region and the City Navigator maps for when I go down to the more urban part of the state.[...]. They made it easy for my wife to give me a present I use at least 5 times a week.

Comments about Garmin Edge 800 Bundle Wireless Bike Computer:

I upgrade from a 305 and WAS very pleased initially. Worked fine for about 18 months, then could not connect to satellites. I did some research and discovered this to be a very common issue. So, I called Garmin with the hope that they would make things right. Well, I was shocked to hear complete denial of any problem and was given one "option" of sending the unti back and paying $100+ for a refurbished unit. I asked if I could send my unit for testing and repair rather than going through their refurb program and was promptly told that is not an option. To top it off, she went on to explain that their refurb process was part of the way they identify product problems and make future improvements and software upgrades. Really? This thing has a known software problem and I have to pay for the research? Sorry Garmin, this approach does not bode well for your future.

Comments about Garmin Edge 800 Bundle Wireless Bike Computer:

They've updated the firmware for the calorie counter, so it's accurate now. That bodes well for any future problems I might discover, as they seem to be paying attention to customer concerns.

I was able to use Garmin Mapsource to create a course I'd never ridden. On the road, it took me right down the course. When it was time for a turn, it would jump to the map page and beep. A quick tap and it would go back to my speed/hr screen.

Comments about Garmin Edge 800 Bundle Wireless Bike Computer:

I only used this unit four times before returning it. I can't offer any comments on the cadence sensor or heart rate monitor.

The handlebar/stem mount is great. It was great for just getting on my bike and riding, then using the unit to see where I went. I did not use it for "finding my way." The touch screen was pretty easy to use, even while riding. The screen was sometimes difficult to read in the sun, but I expected that. Uploading rides to Garmin's Connect website and others was very easy. The GPS locations shown were very accurate. The altitude seemed to be generally pretty good, but I don't really have a good comparison.

One ride was in the city, around tall buildings. The unit took forever to acquire satellites, even after riding for 1/2 mile - away from tall buildings. Maybe it could be blamed on the buildings, but the unit held the signal at the end of my roundtrip ride. And, my Garmin Nuvi 205 & 350 have no problem getting a signal in the area. Maybe it was just a fluke thing.

Be sure to check the map coverages on Garmin's website. For my area (Western PA), it would be necessary to buy 3 electronic or 2 DVD topo maps to cover a 35-mile radius of trails that I ride. The 2 DVD's would save a little money, but some people might not be as fortunate. Add the also high cost of road maps to that and I'd end up paying nearly as much for maps as I did for the device. That makes this device far too expensive for me - and makes other options a lot more appealing. It might be a great choice for someone who isn't faced with buying multiple additional maps or doesn't care about that added cost.

Comments about Garmin Edge 800 Bundle Wireless Bike Computer:

I bought the 800 to use for a combination of structured training and for its GPS capability, as I do a lot of long-distance touring.
It took awhile to become familiar with all the endless possibilities on this beast - I'm probably still not there totally. Now after a couple of weeks, I'm pretty used to it and absolutely love it.
The feature that allows you to configure 7 different screens, each with 6-8 different variables is great. It will even scroll through them automatically. For example, I have one set up for climbing workouts and another for intervals on the flats.
Installation of the Speed/Cadence sensor took about 15 minutes; had to do some modification to get the sensor 5mm away from both the crank magnet on one side AND the spoke mag on the other.
The touch display works better than any touch screen I've ever tried - even when I'm wearing 2 pair of gloves. Luckily it responds to pressure, not heat. And it's plenty big enough to read easily - even when it's snowing.
The main unit I installed in a couple of minutes on the stem. Terrific and simple mounting system. Plus it's very easy to remove the unit from the mount after a ride. The 800 collects and uploads tons of data - finally gives me an objective way to measure progress.
The only problem I've seen so far is with the Speed/Cadence unit. About 3 times it has failed to register either cadence or speed, and the only way to fix it seems to be to get off the bike and manually reset it. That's a pain in the middle of a timed workout. Tried calling Garmin for advice (no help in the forums) and there was a 60 minute wait. I'll try replacing the battery in the sensor unit to see if that helps.
It's not yet an adequate instrument for the multi-day touring aspect, as it requires a charge every couple of days, which isn't workable if you're riding all day and camping at night. Also not yet enough memory to hold a more than 200 waypoints (a route that's only 2-3 days long).
Can't wait for that one to come along.

Comments about Garmin Edge 800 Bundle Wireless Bike Computer:

As a caveat, I use the unit strictly for casual recreational biking so I have not used the extensive training capabilities.

The computer and the remote sensor for cadence and wheel speed were very easy to mount. The rubber band mount on the handlebars seemed a little cheesy at first, but it's actually quite solid and can be easily installed or moved.

The unit locks on to GPS fairly quickly and seems quite accurate.

While you can upload and download files to and from the device, Garmin doesn't give you much information about it in their (64-page!) manual. The device uses a file format that is incompatible with Garmin's MapSource program.

You can plan routes and use the 800 to navigate them, but there are a couple of considerations. As far as I have been able to figure out you have to use a computer to plan a route (unless you are re-using an old route already in the 800), and the planning has to be done on Garmin's "Connect" site or on a 3rd-party Web site and then downloaded to the 800.

After a ride, you can review the numbers on the 800 (distance, time, vertical climb, etc.) or you can upload the ride to Garmin's "Connect" site and see a map of the route along with statistics and plots of speed, cadence, heart rate, altitude, and so on.

The map chip that comes in the bundle seems pretty complete, but it's generally limited to established roads and bike trails. Updates are not available for the maps, so if you want to update them you have to buy a new chip at a steep price each time.

Within the small physical size of the unit, the displays are generally well laid out and you can customize all of the data fields. In daylight the screen contrast seems fairly low to me, especially when I'm wearing my polarized sunglasses. The data fields are OK, but the maps and especially the planned route are sometimes hard to read.

By the way, it's easy to pocket the 800 if you want to use it for something else. I have carried it along on a couple of ski trips and it was fun (after uploading to Garmin Connect) to see a map of the runs I took and to be able to plot speeds, altitudes, total vertical feet, and even heart rate if I wore the transmitter.

After one month of usage, it's a great unit so far; just don't expect the sort of large, brilliant display of a (plugged in) car GPS.

Comments about Garmin Edge 800 Bundle Wireless Bike Computer:

Very easy to use, particularly with the automated parts of the setup. Will sense movement and ask if you want to record the ride. Mapping is handy and touch screen is convenient and accurate.

It is more costly than MapMyRide + Wahoo Fitness sensors but, having tried the Wahoo Fitness equipment (including extra battery pack), I'm very satisfied with my choice of this Garmin equipment. The battery life is VERY satisfactory. It took less than half of the battery for a leisurely 100 mile ride. I had none of the irritating glitches I experienced with MapMyRide announcing "zero" speed while displaying the speed value and vice versa.

In short, I like using the dedicated device for constantly displayed cycle computer info (lots more data options than MapMyRide) and using my iPhone for music, calls, notifications, etc. It takes so little space everything fits together very nicely.

I know the price point may discourage some buyers. I strongly recommend you seriously consider saving up a bit longer for a little more outlay and get the Edge 500 or 800. I'm confident you won't be disappointed.

Comments about Garmin Edge 800 Bundle Wireless Bike Computer:

I've had several polar and garmin products and the Edge 800 is by far the best. The touch screen is easy to navigate even with fingered gloves on. I have not had issues with the unit itself, but I did have some problems with the heart rate monitor. Garmin had to send me 3 units before it worked. But garmin expedited the shipping free of charge every time. I've been very happy with the unit and Garmin's excellent customer service.

Comments about Garmin Edge 800 Bundle Wireless Bike Computer:

So far so good I have no complaints. Easy to use and set up. It is expensive but if you can afford it get it. I love the touch screens and it is easy to move from screen to screen even when climbing hills! The only set back is there are a lot of options with this product and it will take a little time to figure it out. Other than that it is awesome.