The StormCruiser is a all-encompassing iPhone mounting system for bicycles (or anything with bars), and the kit includes a heavy-duty handlebar mount and a protective case for the iPhone 4/4S for a reasonable $50. The rugged case is water and dust proof, and provides protection for your precious and expensive commodity, and the mount fits a wide range of bike and motorsport bars with diameters less than 1 1/8 inches. When the system is mounted on your handlebars, you can use your iPhone for cycling GPS apps and normal mobile and music usage, greatly extending your smartphones functionality, right at your fingertips.

Mount
The mount and case are made from a tough high-impact resistant plastic, for excellent protection and robustness. The mounting system consists of the handlebar clamp, and a swivel ball mount and lock nut. The clamp comes with two pieces of padding, which protects the bars, offers diameter fine-tuning and keeps things from moving around. The clamp’s clamshell design is pretty simple, and it squeezes down onto the bars using two large screws, and the two halves are kept in place with an alignment groove. Once the clamp is on the bars and tightened down sufficiently, insert the ball mount with its lock nut into the clamp’s socket, and tighten everything down. The clamp is fairly wide, so you might have trouble squeezing it between the stem and where you handlebars rise or bend starts, and in addition, where the oversized diameter section changes sizing. Fiddling with the padding, getting the screws engaged and the groove aligned is painful, and it was not my favorite clamp system to use, and it certainly isn’t easily removable for swapping on and off. Once the clamp is in position, and the screws are cranked down, it never budged out of place, and it provided a rock-solid platform.

Case
Installing the iPhone in the case is an extremely easy task, and only requires opening the case, plopping the iPhone in (oriented properly), shutting the case and snapping the two clasps closed. Simple is as simple does! The bottom of the base and the top of the swivel mount, have a three-pronged interface, which wasn’t overly tough to engage, and only required a simple tap to get it on and off. On rare occasions while doing hike-a-biking and just moving the bike around, I would accidentally hit the case, and it would partially come out of the mount. Fortunately, it never gave me any issues while riding. To adjust the case’s orientation on the mount, just loosen the lock nut, and move the case around to its desired location, and then tighten it down. Once it was cranked down, I didn’t have any movement issues, and it was sufficiency stable.

I found the case’s touchscreen a bit thick and floppy, and it takes some additional effort to get the icons to work, as they can be less responsive and sometimes not work, and overall I didn’t like the tactile feel of the screen. I didn’t find the screen too glossy or shiny, and it worked fine in any light, and didn’t give me any glare issues. Although the side and top buttons felt squishy and soft, they functioned properly, although there was no button to turn the vibrate mode on/off?  One great features of the case besides being able to quickly snap it off the mount, is that you can easily pop the phone out of it to use it in a normal manner, since the two side claps were simple to open. Some issues that I had with the case besides the screens dull tactile feel, was the earphone port was deeply recessed and not all plugs would connect properly, and the case was bulbous and fat, so it wasn’t a very pocketable case for carrying around.

Measured Specs:

• Mount weight – 69 grams
• Case weight – 96 grams
• Total weight – 165 grams

Bottom Line
The Joy Factory StormCrusier iPhone system, includes a protective case and a handlebar mounting system, and offers a rugged and stable environment for your smartphone.  The mount was somewhat difficult to install and isn’t easily removable, but the ball swivel system allowed multiple orientations of the case, and once tightened down it offered a very stable platform. It was simple to pop the iPhone in and out of the case, as was snapping the case onto and off the mount. The case’s buttons worked fine, but the screen had poor tactile feel, and the deeply recessed earphone port didn’t work with all jacks, and I found the case was slightly bulky for everyday use.

The StormCrusier is a good rugged system that provides a iPhone 4/4S case and mount for a reasonable $50 price point, and has enough functionality and features for bicycling, offering GPS, music or mobile usage on your handlebars.

Strengths

• Durable and rugged
• Case was easy to snap on and off of mount
• Easy to remove phone from case
• Mount was secure and stable

Weaknesses

• Case screen has poor tactile feel
• Handlebar clamp is difficult to install and not easily swappable
• Earphone port is deeply recessed and not all plugs connect
• Case is fat and bulbous and not very pocketable
• Case doesn’t have a vibrate/silence button

Overall Rating: 3.5 Flamin’ Chili Peppers

StormCrusier Specs:

• MSRP: $49.95
• Visit the Joy Factory StormCrusier website
• 6.1″ x 3″ x 3″
• .41 lbs
• Attaches to bars  up to 1 1/8″

LifeProof recently released a bike and bar mount for their iPhone LifeProof case, which is a waterproof, snowproof, dustproof and shockproof case. The new mount fits a wide range of bike and motorsport bars, so you can take your iPhone on and off road, and into adverse conditions and environments. The synchronicity of the case and mount, allow you to use cycling GPS apps and normal mobile usage while riding a bike, extending the usefulness of your iPhone.

LifeProof Bike & Bar Mount
The mount is made from a tough high-impact resistant plastic, and it snugly cradles the iPhone case on its back, corners and top edge, without any undue movement. It clamps down with an easy to use handlebar clamp that has three rubber size adapters for varying bar thickness. The thinnest adapter will allow it clamp to fit onto most stems, though I was unable to use it on any of my oversize or irregular shaped stems, as it was too narrow for them. It pivots and locks down using a ball and socket gimbal system, much like a RAM mount, so the angle can easily be adjusted for personal preferences.

It was simple to pop the iPhone in and out of the unit using the top clip-in clasp, as well as the handlebar clamp, making for easy swap outs. It also didn’t need to be over tightened to keep it from moving, but the mount and iPhone aren’t that heavy, so nothing was really torquing things around much. I banged it around on some ugly heinous terrain, through teeth jarring rock gardens, in which the unit was subjected to some severe oscillations, and the iPhone remained rock solid and stable in the mount. Although the mount is designed specifically for their case, other rugged and durable iPhone case types might also fit, but I didn’t test them for sizing constraints nor fit.

Measured Specs:

• Bar mount – 69.6 grams + 10.2 grams or 8.4 grams or 3.7 grams for each adapter band

Conclusions
The unit is robust, easy to use and adjust, and held their iPhone case in a secure and stable manner, though it would be nice to have a way to attach it to oversize mountain-bike stems. I liked how simple it was to pop the case out of the unit, and that it went right back in and remained sturdy and immobile. I crashed a number of times and hit the mount pretty hard, and although it tweaked it out of position, it didn’t cause any damage. I was truly amazed how freakin’ secure and bombproof this held the case, even on the most rugged and gnarly trails, and it never seemed to waver out of place and remained stable, and it retails for a decent $39.95.

Strengths

• Durable and rugged
• Easy to use – bar clamp and case
• Adaptable to multiple bar sizes
• Secure and stable

Weaknesses

• It won’t fit irregular and oversize stems
• Designed for their iPhone case – not tested with other cases?

Overall Rating: 5 Flamin’ Chili Peppers

LifeProof Bike and Bar Mount Specs:

• MSRP: $39.95
• Website: http://www.lifeproof.com/lifeproof-store/apple-accessories/bike-mount
• Light weight honeycomb construction with premium high-impact materials for optimal strength to weight ration
• Accepts LifeProof iPhone 4 + iPhone 4S case
• Use your performance and navigation apps in real-time
• All buttons and features accessible in mount, including speaker and microphone.
• Fits wide range of bars and bar-stems
• Adjustable for portrait or landscape orientation
• One-handed release latch for fast insertion and removal of LifeProof case
• Integrated lock switch to prevent unwanted removal of iPhone.
• Rear camera compatible – can be adjusted to vertical angle suitable for video recording activities
• Accepts phone facing in or out
• Compatible with Bluetooth headsets
• Gimbal ball-head allows for the fine adjustment of viewing angle
• Suitable for any use in any weather, seawater, dirt, and snow, including high vibration environments

LifeProof iPhone Case
The LifeProof iPhone 4/4S case is waterproof, snowproof, dustproof and shockproof, and protects the iPhone from abusive encounters with the environment and anything else you can toss at it. The case is around 1/16 inch thick, so it adds a tad more thickness than most other brands, but offers far more robustness and durability. The iPhone inserts tightly into the case, and then gets squeezed in snugly when the halves are closed together, and it takes some decent compression to get all the edges snapped completely shut and seal the waterproof gasket. Once everything is closed up tight, the case is immune to the average hazards tossed at it. To reopen the case, use a quarter or nickel to pry it open, and then it can be peeled apart, and the phone can be popped out. I opened and closed the case quite a few times, and it’s a pretty simple affair to do, just make sure the gasket is clean for complete waterproofness.

Using the touchscreen works pretty well, though on occasion, it takes additional effort to get the icons to work, as they can be less responsive. My kids could still play games on the phone, so I know that the interface was working decently enough for them to be entertained. It’s supposed to work with another screen protector underneath it, but I found the two protectors would stick together and cause clarity issues. In really bright light conditions, out in the full sunshine, the screen is a bit too glossy, and can make it more difficult to view things. The speaker and microphone covers utilize a Gore-Tex membrane, and they work surprisingly well, while still retaining their water and dirt protection qualities. While listening to music the back of the case works as a bass reinforcement device, and you can feel it slamming along like a mini subwoofer, and I thought that was a pretty trick feature. The buttons for volume work well, and the silence switch does its job, though it felt slightly stiff when used. To interface to the headphone jack, there is a watertight screw port, and a special adapter to run accessories, such as waterproof headphones. To use the power or docking port, you just flip the bottom closure flap down, and it’s accessed, although when inserting the plug, the flap gets in the way and there isn’t much maneuvering room due to the tolerances. I ran into an issue when trying to use my car power plugs to charge up the phone, as none of them would fit into the case’s tight recess, so I had to take the case apart to charge the iPhone. It was mildly annoying, but only took a few moments to take the case apart, as long as you had a large coin handy. I finally got a simple USB car charger that just allowed me to use the default iPhone plug, which fortunately doesn’t have any connection issues into the case.

I dropped the phone from 3 feet in the air, and it certainly seemed to offer considerable protection, but I didn’t test the extreme waterproofness (take it under water), so I’ll take their word on it. I got the unit into some hefty rain and snow storms, and plenty of dirt and mud have been thrown up on it, and it has been none the worse from the abuse.

Measured Specs:

• iPhone Case – 31.7 grams

Conclusions
The slim case is rugged and abuse proof, and can offer some serious protection from drops, dirt and water, while still offering full access to the buttons, touchscreen, camera and phone. The touchscreen is too glossy, making it somewhat difficult to view in bright light conditions, and it can be tougher to engage icons and text, but the additional protection is worth the compromises, especially if you use the phone in adverse environments. It’s not cheap at $79.99, but I liked the case, and really appreciated that I don’t have to worry about babying my precious iPhone, as I know it’s well protected.

Pros:

• Durable and rugged
• Back of case offers sound reinforcement
• Slim and light
• Waterproof, snowproof, dustproof and shockproof

Cons:

• Glossy screen can be difficult to view in bright light
• Touchscreen can be less responsive
• Power port recess is tight and might not fit all plugs – especially car chargers
• Expensive

Overall Rating: 4.5 Flamin’ Chili Peppers

LifeProof iPhone 4/4S Case Specs:

• MSRP: $79.99
• Website: http://www.lifeproof.com/lifeproof-store/apple-cases/iphone-4-g2
  
• Colors: black, pink, purple, white
• Case Dimensions: 2.6″ (W) x 5.08″ (L) x 0.42″ (D) inner, 0.52″(D) outer edge (66mm (W) x 129mm (L) x 10.8mm (D), 13.3mm (D) outer edge)
• Case Weight: 0.98 oz. (28g)
• Operational Depth: 6.6 feet (2 meters) underwater maximum
• Drop Height: 6.6 feet (2 meters) maximum
  
• Protection
  • Protects against every-day hazards—full IP-68 rating against water and dust, and designed to Military Specifications
  • High degree of shock and impact protection—tested to Military Specifications MIL-STD-810F-516.5 (2 meters/6.6ft drop on all surfaces and edges. 26 tests)
  • Fully sealed protection against minute dust particles
• Freedom
  • Ability to swim and take underwater (2 meters/6.6ft depth). Optional adapter allows use of waterproof headphones underwater
  • Mil-Spec protection that allows you to go anywhere, anytime, and do anything with carefree freedom
• Beauty
  • Ultra-slim and adds only 1/16” (1.5mm) when measured from the center of the phone
• Convenience
  • Weighs less than an ounce (28g).
  • Unique combination of materials that will not stick to your pocket
  • Compatible with all iPhone 4′s and 4S’s (International, AT&T and Verizon).
• Full Functionality
  • Double AR-coated optical glass lenses provide unprecedented crystal-clear photo and video quality
  • All phone features are operational while maintaining a high level of protection
  • Improves the bass and mid-frequency speaker response by utilizing the back of the case as a sub-woofer for a richer, fuller sound.

I had read about the new Garmin Edge 500 just before the Interbike 2009 show, and was very fascinated by the features of the unit. It is more comparable to my Edge 305 then the Edge 705, since it doesn’t have the 705′s maps and routing capabilities. What it does have is a lot of the newer technology that has evolved from the Edge series engineering and knowledge base, and it has been rolled into a lightweight and small package. I was intrigued by the unit, since I have found that I rarely use a GPS’s visual mapping capabilities on a ride, and much prefer the raw number data, such as mileage, heart rate, speed, time of day, elevation, etc., which, in a nutshell, is the Edge 500.

For comparison, the Edge 500 is about 2/3 the weight and size of the Edge 305. Mean and lean!

Edge 500
The Edge 500 is a light and compact GPS, that was made specifically for cycling. The performance oriented receiver, can track distance, speed, location and elevation using a highly sensitive GPS chipset and a barometric altimeter. The displayed data is highly configurable, and has multiple customizable alerts and a course feature for training. Recorded data is easily downloaded to a PC using a USB cable, and the data can be analyzed with Garmin’s training software. The receiver comes equipped with a new mounting system for stem or handlebar attachment, and uses HotFix™ technology for faster satellite acquisition. The Edge 500 can synchronize wirelessly using the ANT+™ network protocol with compatible third-party power meters, and it pairs with Garmin’s speed/cadence sensor and heart rate monitor. The unit can store up to 180 hours of history, and has a 18 hour battery. The receiver comes in two basic versions, the Edge 500, and the Edge 500 with heart rate monitor and cadence sensor.

The kit comes with the Edge 500 (obviously), a USB connector, a CD, quick start manual (in a slew of languages), USB to wall power connector (with multi country plugs), and the new mount system (which includes 2 mounts and extra attachment bands).

Features
- HRM (heart rate monitor): optional, new calorie calculations
- Speed/Cadence sensor: optional
- Power Meter: optional, compatible with 3rd party ANT+
- Training Software: Garmin Connect and Garmin Training Center
- Course: train against a previously recorded activity (needs to be uploaded to the receiver)
- Barometric altimeter: accurately calculate elevation
- 4 multiple function buttons: 1) Power/Light and Back, 2) Page/Menu and Enter, 3) Start/Stop and Up, 4) Lap/Reset and Down
- Alerts: customizable alerts for specific Time, Distance and Calorie amounts, and optional Heart Rate, Power and Cadence.
- Auto Lap: customizable auto mark and alert, triggered by either Distance or Position, repeatable, starts a new lap
- Auto Pause: pause data recording when motion stops or customizable speed threshold
- Auto scroll: cycles through the 3 pages of data, at 3 different speed (slow, medium, fast)
- Start Notice: Motion Detector, customizable Off, Once Repeat
- Backlight: timeout and contrast customizable
- History: recorded in .fit files, storage capacity of 180 hours of data , can be viewed or deleted in the field
- Storage: 50MB or 180 hours ride data
- Customizable display: eight fields per page, 41 data fields, three pages of data, 1st page critical info, 2nd and 3rd for additional/secondary data
- Battery: 18 hours, 700mAh rechargeable lithium-ion
- Water resistant: IPX7, accidental immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes
- GPS: SiRFstarIV chipset

Measured Specs
- Weight: 57.3 grams (2 oz), mount 7.9 grams, total 65.2 grams
- Size: 70mm x 48 mm x 22 mm (2 3/4″ x 1 7/8″ x 7/8″)
- Screen size: 29mm x 35mm (1 1/8″ x 1 3/8″)
- Screen resolution: 128 x 160 pixels

Set Up
I turned the unit on, and it walked me through some basic configuration, such as language desired (English and Bad English), age (old), sex (Often), etc. The screens are very intuitive, and the 4 multi-function buttons which were easy to use and comprehend. After the initial configuration, you can set up the data fields that appear on the screen in any layout you desire. There are 41 data fields that can be chosen, and they run the whole gamut of information from speed, distance, time, heart rate, etc. Some of the data fields are only pertinent to the optional input devices, such as power meter, heart rate monitor and speed/cadence sensor. Another great new feature is having 3 pages of data screens with up to 8 data fields each, so you put lower priority data on the secondary screens, and access them if needed. The multiple page feature prevents cluttering up the screens with too much information, since I personally find more than 5 pieces of data hard to read and focus on. The screens can easily be paged through using the buttons, or the Auto Scroll feature can be enabled for automatically rolling through the pages.

In regard to ANT+ sensors or devices, I predominately used the heart rate monitor, and on rare occasions used the cadence sensor (power meters are more roadie specific). The devices need to be paired (synced) up with the unit, which entails enabling the device within the menu system, and then scanning for the device. After the initial pairing, the device will automatically be recognized.

The included CD is just a user manual (60 pages) and doesn’t contain any software, so you need to go to the Garmin web site and download any of the required software. I downloaded and installed their WebUpdater software, and plugged the Edge 500 in when prompted, and it loaded the latest firmware. I next installed their training and data gathering software, which consists of Training Center (locally based) and Garmin Connect (web based). The USB connector port is on the back of the unit, behind a small rubber cover (it can be a pain to slip back into its slot). One thing I really liked is that there is a charging counter, that shows the current percentage of battery storage.

Installing the new mount system was a breeze. You simply place the mount on your stem or bar (notches pointing forward), clip the rubber band on the mount’s hook, wrap it around to the other side and hook it up. The industrial strength rubber band, come in 2 sizes, and there are quite a few extras in case they get old, broken or lost. This past week I lost a band while I was on a road trip, while the bike was on the rear bike rack. I rode the unit with one band on a bone jarring trail, and it did not fall off! I didn’t have an extra with me, but a normal rubber band seemed to work just fine as a temporary stop gap.

To install the Edge 500, push the back tab into the mount’s slot to engage it, and then rotate it 90 degrees.

GPS 101
The US NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS) is operated by the U.S. Air Force, and is a space based global navigation satellite system. It consists of three parts, a space segment which is 24 to 32 satellites in medium Earth orbit (20000 kilometers), a control segment which comprised of five monitoring stations (Hawaii, Kwajalein, Ascension Island, Diego Garcia, Colorado Springs), three ground antennas (Ascension Island, Diego Garcia, Kwajalein), and a Master Control station (Schriever AFB in Colorado), and lastly a user segment which is the receiver such as the Edge 500.

The satellites send out a microwave signal at the frequencies of 1.57542 GHz (public) and 1.2276 GHz (military), which includes the time the message was transmitted (via onboard atomic clock), precise orbital information (the Ephemeris), and the general system health and rough orbits of all GPS satellites (the Almanac). The signal (30 seconds long with 1500 bits of encrypted data) is encoded with high-rate pseudo-random (PRN) sequence, which is unique among each satellite. Each receiver knows the PRN codes, so it can decode the signal and distinguish between different satellites. Each of the satellites is in an orbit that allows a receiver to detect at least four of the operational satellites from any spot on Earth.  The receiver utilizes the data to determine the transit time of each message, and computes the distances to each satellite using the time lag, and along with the satellites’ locations it uses trilateration (intersection of 3 spheres) to compute the position of the receiver.

Usage
To start the unit up, press and hold the Power button. The unit loads its software, locates the satellites and then displays the timer page.  Acquiring the satellites is wickedly fast in comparison to the Edge 305, and it usually pulled them in around 15-30 seconds, even indoors in my house. The new HotFix™ technology uses predictive calculations of satellite positions for faster acquisition. The unit senses the heart rate monitor (if wearing one), and a simple pressing of the Start button initiates the data recording of a ride. If you forget to press Start, it then beeps and the screen states ‘Movement Detected’ after riding about 50 feet. I really like this feature, since I have had rides where I look down after some distance and realize my mistake. Press the Stop button when the ride is completed. You can save the ride data by pressing and holding the Reset button, or wait until the unit is hooked up to a computer.

The new mount system has proven to be strong, easy to use and install, although sometimes when fat fingering the buttons or accidentally hitting the unit, it rotates slightly out of position. The buttons can be a tad tough to push when wearing thick gloves, so it takes a decent push to engage them. The menu system is very simple, and intuitive, and most anything can be done after some practice. The user manual is effective, and goes into just enough detail to not be overwhelming nor too technical. It’s easy to change the data fields on the screen to any customized setup that is desired. The display shows the numeric value and title for the enabled data field, and the values size is dependent on the number of fields and positions on the screen.

I really enjoyed having the 3 pages of data, which keep the main page less cluttered (only important data), while allowing secondary data on the other pages (example: Total Descent, Temperature, etc.). The accuracy of the temperature is in the ballpark, but the readings can sometimes wildly vary. I found that most of the time the elevation reading was right within its accuracy (+/- 15-20 ft), but since it uses a barometric altimeter for its calculations, weather and pressure differences can give occasional erroneous values. You can set up to 10 known elevation points within the menu system, to provide more consistent and accurate readings. The GPS SiRFstarIV chipset has location-aware architecture and has enhanced sensitivity, reduced time-to-fix and improved positional accuracy.

I added a protective cover over the screen (like for a phone), just to save it from scratches and normal abuse. It also helps out with an overly shiny screen, which can be tough to read in bright light conditions. I haven’t had any battery issues, and I have done 6+ rides, and it seemed fine. I always seem to recharge and download my activities after each ride, so I haven’t bumped into the 18 hour battery limit. The backlight was a nice feature, especially at dusk (I am never up that early in the morning), and the timeout and contrast level is customizable.

Alert Features
You can set up Alerts for the unit, such as distance, time or calorie, and when the limit is hit, the unit beeps and the Alert is displayed. I liked using the distance one myself, and usually did it for 5 or 10 miles, and found it a handy way to remind you how far you have been. There are also some advanced alerts for heart rate, power and cadence.

Auto Features
Auto Lap automatically marks a lap (alerts with a beep and display) at a customized distance or position, and it will repeat whenever the criteria are met (like every 5 miles). I use this regularly as a marker for my mileage.
Auto Pause pauses for data recording when motion stops or reaches a customizable speed threshold. I tried this once, but it isn’t very applicable to a mountain biking situation. Frequently, you go slow on some terrain, almost to a standstill, and the Auto Pause goes on and off (it goes berserk), which I found really annoying. I think the addition of a time threshold (like 1 minute), would make this a nice feature to exclude long stops or breaks.
Auto Scroll will automatically cycle through the 3 pages of data, at 3 different speed (slow, medium, fast).
Auto Power Down is a 15 minute timer, which will automatically power down the unit, if it has not been started or has been stopped after a ride. It gives you an Alert with a beep and display, and allows 10 seconds for manual intervention before shutting down. This is a nice utility for those times you toss it into your bag and forget to turn it off.

ANT+ Sensors
HRM’s (Heart Rate Monitor) are great for training, are useful for keeping oneself in the proper heart rate zone, and when taking a breather it allows you to start when your HR reaches a plateau. The Garmin HRM comes with the full kit, or can be bought separately, and consists of an elastic strap that attaches to the flexible HRM, and is worn across the chest. Once the HRM is paired with the unit, you can keep track of your HR with a quick glance at the screen (if displayed). You can customize zones (1-5) or take the default (age related), and you can set a max and min Alert. I always set the max Alert (185 bpm for my age), and the unit beeps if you hit that mark, and when that happens you’re definitely in a hurting zone!
Speed/Cadence Meter (SCM) is really useful for indoor riding, since the GPS would be turned off, it will record speed and distance data, even though you aren’t going anywhere! Garmin’s SCM is the GSC 10, and it comes with the full kit, or can be bought separately. It consists of a pedal and spoke magnet, and the GSC 10 sensor/transmitter. The sensor can be problematic to attach to full suspension chain stays, and tends to work better on hardtails, and I only use the GSC 10 on my commuter bike.
Power Meters (Garmin doesn’t make one) are really more applicable to the roadie world, so I never tested one with the unit, though it’s compatibility with any third party ANT+ power meter on the market.

History
They changed their file format from .tcx to .fit, which is more flexible and has a smaller footprint. The file format may cause issues since it cannot be read by 3rd party software without first doing a file conversion from within Garmin’s training software. Unloading data is an easy task, just hook up the USB connector to the back of the unit, and the other end to a PC. Data can be uploaded and viewed from Garmin’s Training Center (GTC) or Garmin Connect (GC). The GTC is installed locally on a PC, and is their old school software. It has been around as long as I can recall, and really hasn’t changed much over the years, it’s primitive, albeit effective. I use it to backup my history to my PC. The most important feature of the GTC is setting up and uploading a course to the receiver. GC is Garmin’s web based activity and training management site. You connect to the site, and upload your activities, which can then be viewed and analyzed. Data can be drilled down for finer details, maps can be changed from topos, Google 3-D, satellite or city, and a much broader swatch of information is displayed. I liked the calendar, and activity tabs, so I could get a macro overview of my data. I do wish you could save the map to a graphic file?

History can also be viewed, and deleted from the unit’s menu system, although it is a bit slow accessing the data. The unit can save up to 180 hours of data, before a memory full message is received, so backing up the data to GTC, GC or a local computer is always a good idea. The unit appears as a mass storage device when hooked up to a computer, and you can manually upload .tcx, .fit and .crs files.

Courses
This feature allows you to train against a previously recorded ride, in which you battle against a Virtual Partner, following the course on a rudimentary map or elevation profile. You can load an existing ride that is already on the unit, or create a course within GTC or GC, although only GTC allows the addition of course points, or breadcrumbs. When you are following a course, it pings you with a ‘Off Course’ if you stray off the path. Being somewhat primitive, prior knowledge of the course helps, since it doesn’t inform you in real time of upcoming directional changes. Through some trickery, you can also load rides as courses from friends, the internet and other 3rd party software. I really never used the Course feature, so I can’t comment in depth on its usefulness, after all you get there when you get there?

Bottomline
The Edge 500 has been used 3 days a week since the winter, and it has proven to be a pretty hardy GPS. It has been through snow and rain storms, bashed down rock gardens, and enough gnarly terrain to tucker me out, and it has run just fine. It has some great features and functions, such as Alerts and Auto settings, and 3 pages of customizable data. My favorite is the Start Notice, which beeps if you absently mindfully forget to start it. The combination of the SiRFstarIV GPS chip and the barometric altimeter, gave accurate readings, and data was well within tolerances. It’s nice to have the abilities to use the different ANT+ devices, but I personally only used the HRM. The new mount system is easy to install and swap between bikes, and it’s very strong (ran it with only one band). The long term issues I had were a slight crackly area on the bottom of the unit, and the small rubber USB port on the back was a pain to get seated properly.

I have really enjoyed the Edge 500, it has been durable, accurate, with excellent usability and intuitiveness, and has given me all the needed data I required for my bike rides. I never found the lack of mapping capabilities to be an issue.

Strengths
- Compact
- Light
- Customizable data: 3 data pages, up to 8 per page, 41 data fields
- Superb mounting system
- Backlight
- Compatible with heart rate monitor, cadence/speed sensor, and third-party power meters.
- Barometric altimeter
- Temperature monitor
- Start Notice and Auto Power Down

Weaknesses
- Shiny screen (hard to view in the bright sun)
- No max altitude
- No true mapping capabilities
- Auto Pause needs a customized timer
- Back USB port cover tough to seat

Overall Rating: 4.5 Flamin’ Chili Peppers

MSRP
Edge 500 $249.99
Edge 500 $349.99 (w/ heart rate monitor and speed/cadence sensor)
HRM $60
GSC 10 $60

Garmin Edge 500 url