Garmin 510 or 810???
I'm planning to buy a new Garmin bike computer, and I'm deciding between the 510 and 810. Looks like the 510 might have most of what I need, except a nice display of turn by turn directions.
- Is that an accurate assessment of the differences? Recommendations?
- Is the front mount helpful for a tri-bike set up?
- Can I easily switch it from a tri bike to a road bike if I have two mounts?
- If I can switch it to my road bike, do I need an additional front mount, or is it easy to attach to traditional road bike handlebars?
Thanks!
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I use the 810 on both road and tri bike. I use the Speedill Z4 set up for on my tri bike and have the garmin mount which comes with the unit set up in the middle of my handlebars on my road bike. Switching the unit between bikes is easier than tying a shoelace. All it takes is a quarter turn. However I would recommended having a mount set up on both bikes. Personally I found it hard to use the mount it comes with on my tri bike. I like have the BTA bottle and the Garmin was in the way when switching bottles, but I am sure others do use it. There is a very good thread on bottle and computer set up somewhere in the forums.
As for the difference, I have the 510. I have had zero use for the mapping as I ride local 99% of the time so I know my way around. All I want is my 4 screens to tell me how I am doing during the ride. If you are a data geek the mapping may be useful. Not sure. Either one you get will be a great add to your bike tech arsenal.
Stark
Santa came through with the 810. Haven't used it yet but I'm excited! I sometimes get dropped from group rides and don't always know where I'm going so the nav was the driving force for the new computer. (Currently use the Joule)
Also, got a combo mount that holds the Garmin AND a GoPro so really excited about that!
I have the 810 and one of the main reasons I got it, besides the turn by turn option, is the connectivity to my phone. I can send out an e-mail before I leave and others can track me while I'm out. I know other apps will do that, but I found that it makes the battery on my phone last longer because it's not doing the tracking. It gives me and my wife a little extra peace of mind when we head out for a bike ride knowing that we could have a clue where someone was if something happened.
The other thing that's nice is that the ride is uploaded before I can even get the bike put away so everyone can see that I did the workout!
@Mark - I don't ride with my wife and if she wants to know where I am she will just call.
Not sure anyone would really care where I was on my ride. Though I would hope they are watching my every turn. But I doubt it. 
I do really dig the syncing to Garmin Connect on my phone and having it sync to Web so I can review once in the door. That is pretty cool.
Stark out.
When racing and most outdoor training I use an Edge 500...it is the predecessor of the 510 but it is a lot smaller and personally I think a lot better than the 510. I would never buy a 510...I'd go on eBay and find a used 500 which is a bulletproof unit, very small for racing and an outstanding computer.
I have a 510, that I use on both my road and tri bikes. For me, mounting my 510 on a self-made "strap" between the aero bars is a pain, because I can't turn it the 1/4 way to mount it. I just don't have enough space between the bars. So I have to mount it, then place it on the "strap" and attach the whole thing via the rubber bands that it comes with. A pain, but luckily I don't have to do it too often.