Hasta La Gadget!

Garmin probably realizes that as more and more cellphones pack GPS, less and less people will be buying units for their cars. Luckily, the company has a big hand in the outdoor market, where people want something more rugged and, more importantly, something that doesn’t rely on a monthly contract or weigh a ton.

The Edge 500 is an in-bike GPS, and while it won’t give you turn by turn directions to the nearest Dunkin’ Donuts, it will replace your cycle computer and do a whole lot more, all in a lightweight two ounces. It has all the expected measurements: speed, distance, altitude, but it will also connect wirelessly to compatible (ANT) power meters and cadence sensors, and will track your heart-rate for calorie counting purposes (so you will know the exact moment you can head to Dunkin’ Donuts).

When you get home the unit hooks up to a computer and charges via USB, and of course lets you upload all the data and study it the form of maps and charts. The Edge 500 will be $250, and $350 in a kit with a heart rate monitor and speed/cadence sensor. Available in the fall.

Press release [Garmin]