Garmin Edge 510 Review

For just under a year now I have been using the Garmin Edge 510 as my computer of choice for when I'm cycling. It's been a nifty little device that's super easy to use. Here are my top 5 pros and cons about the Garmin Edge 510.

PROS:

1. Unlike the Garmin Edge 1000, the 510 is small enough to not block half the road when you are riding. In saying this the 510 is not oversized and I feel like it's the perfect size for anybody to looking to race. Have a look at the pros for example, you don't see them riding around with the 1000 and that's because it's too big and maps are unnecessary. The screen size is perfect and you have the ability to customise how many types of data you displayed on the screen.
2. The touch screen I feel is an awesome added feature which steps up from the Edge 500. Although some people argue they've had problems with this feature, in my time using it I've never had anything to complain about even in wet weather.
3. What I find simply amazing about this device is how quick it charges. After coming home from a ride and almost running it dead, it is back fully charged in about half an hour (if that in some cases). As well as the speed of charging, being a micro USB means you can charge it out of the wall and also a computer, which makes great convenience when travelling and you may not have your laptop or home computer.
4. I like that the mount can be turned in any direction so that it can either fit on the stem or handle bars of your bike.
5. For anyone that uploads to popular websites such as Strava or Garmin Connect, uploading is made easy. All that's required is plugging it into your computer and with he feature of Garmin Express it uploads automatically.

CONS:

1. If you're looking to have built in maps on your device this is not the device for you. If you're planning on travelling to somewhere where you need maps to get around I recommend the 810 or 1000 products as this is not a feature on this device.
2. Despite being a really good computer I think it is a little bit over priced. After checking the Garmin Website it comes in at $449. There are plenty of other computers that are cheaper than this including the Pioneer system which can also do the same things as well as power for $100 less at $349 without the actual power system.
3. A big problem I found was that to access some features I had to google how do it because the manual didn't state it. This is really annoying especially in the set up because I just wanted to get out and use it.
4. When going to remote places I've found that it sometimes loses satellite connection. I think that this is quite bad because Garmin claim to have a fantastic connection to GPS satellites. Thankfully the computer is still connected to the cadence and speed sensor so data is not lost, only maps when an activity is uploaded.
5. I know I said the screen works good in all conditions but if there is something on your hands e.g. a gel or a sports drink it can smudge the screen and make it hard to read. It's not really a problem and it can be avoided really easily and it's mainly something to just watch out for to make viewing the screen clear.

Overall I think this a great product for racing and training but it's not the best for travelling. Uploading and manoeuvring around the device is super simple. Unfortunately I think the price is a bit too high for what you get and I think the price should be dropped by about $100 so that it matches it's competitors who are providing you with the same standard computer for a cheaper price.