Garmin Edge 800

On August 26 Garmin announced it is releasing a new cycling computer. Not just any bike computer. The first touchscreen bike computer -- The Garmin Edge 800. This is exactly what I have been waiting for. The Edge 800 now incorporates a backlit touch screen and the GPS-enabled cycling computer featuring satellite navigation, a large full -color screen, a heart rate monitor and heart rate monitor strap, mounting accessories, and wireless speed and cadence sensors. Garmin is also selling the unit stand alone unit (see below).

You can pair it with a third part ANT+ enabled power meter and get your Lance Armstrong on to display your power output in watts as you ride.

Not only is this GPS enabled, not only is it the first touchscreen gps-enabled cycling computer, it also comes with a barometric altimeter so you can calculate your ascent and descent data with remarkable precision. It also records temperature.

Why not just get a gps enabled smartphone that also does all this? It will likely not stand up to the elements if you are a mountain biker or if you get caught in the rain during a ride. The Edge 800 is waterproof and built to withstand knocks and bumps from hardcore mountain biking. Not only that, but the battery life of a smart phone using gps will not be anywhere near the battery life of the Edge 800 - 15 hours with a lithium ion rechargeable battery. Last thing, does your smartphone monitor your heart rate?

The Edge 800 has a bigger display than any previous Garmin Edge models. The Edge 800 utilizes the touch screen to so there are only three actual physical buttons. The screen is 37mm x 55mm and can display up to ten pieces of information at once. There is no calibration necessary but the unit does come with a wireless speed and cadence sensor.

You can easily insert topo maps or Garmin's City Navigator chips in the hidden, gasket protected microSD card slot or, if you subscribe to Garmin's BirdsEye Satellite Imagery.

The new bike mount allows the unit to be attached and detached easily but also it is tree-limb proof - the unit fastens securely so it won't get knocked off by random overgrown brush that you mountain bikers ride through.

The heart rate monitor is improved and can have the electronic bit removed so you can easily throw the strap part in the washing machine. 

The stand alone version comes with the Edge 800 unit, bike mount, batter charger, manual, and USB cable.

In addition to this, the bundled version also comes with a heart rate monitor, wireless speed & cadence sensor, and a data card with maps U.S. and Puerto Rico.