Garmin Edge 810
The predecessor to the Garmin Edge 810, the 800, was released in 2010. This high-end, touch-screen GPS computer provides all the tools needed to create goals and boost your fitness, so as not to look out of place in the peloton. Owning the 800, I was pretty happy with the bike computer and its performance, but something was amiss.
I, along with the rest of the cycling community, had found another means to map and record road achievements. We’ve found the world of bluetooth, digital apps and online social networking and welcomed giants such as Strava.
Thankfully, the people at Garmin have followed the trends, so along with the existing 800 GPS tools of maps, power, speed, heart rate and cadence (to name a few), the new 810 boasts Bluetooth technology that, when paired up with the Garmin connect app, means information can be transferred wirelessly to your social networks.
Its new features are not only useful, they make getting out on your bike more enjoyable. At the end of each ride, the display lights up with any new personal records achieved, such as furthest distance and most ascent gained.
I’m always happy to view and share these at the end of a ride. There’s also now no need to worry about the weather as with a few swipes of the screen you can get hold of real-time weather conditions, meaning there’s no excuse not to attempt that mountain pass.
Maps and routes can be wirelessly uploaded to the device with a click of your mouse at the Garmin Connect website. The library of fellow cyclists’ routes introduced me to new rides in the Sydney region, a welcome change from roads I ride every week.
On top of all this, there’s also a live follow feature, activated through Garmin connect. Add your friend’s email address before you leave the house and they will be prompted to follow your exploits on the road.
At first you might think this is pretty pointless, but it comes into its own if you are racing or entering endurance events and want to show your progress to your fan club. And with 17 hours of battery life in that little black box you could be out on your bike all day.
This all might sound overly technical, but thankfully you don’t have to be Bill Gates to use the 810. To set it up, enter a few simple details and you are ready to ride at a push of a button. It is probably one of the most expensive bike GPSes on the market, but let’s be honest, you are buying much more than a bike computer. Garmin has created something that is inviting, well thought out and perfectly reflects the digital needs of today’s cyclist, whatever level you ride.
One final word of advice: if you do throw a sick day to go cycling, make sure you’ve not invited your boss to track your ride live.
RRP $749.95 www.garmin.com.au
