Cycling computers are getting more advanced every day.

It’s a competitive market, which is good for the consumer.  More bells and whistles are being added every day.  I want to look at the iBike Newton and the Garmin Edge 500.  We carry both these products and I’ve had a chance to research and use both of them.  We’ll compare 4 categories:

Functions:  Both have the usual cycling stuff…distance, speed, ect.  Both can read power.  The Newton can record wind speed, temperature, and hill gradient.  Hill gradient is a debate-able feature and I was skeptical.  However, think about a long climb where you know it has steep pitches.  By looking at the Newton I could see those hard sections and put in a dig.

Ease of use:  Both are simple to use right out of the box.  The Edge 500 is a little bit more intuitive.  The basic functions and screen setup are great for your first introduction to using a new generation cycling computer.

Looks:  This is obviously in the eye of the beholder.  The Edge 500 is small.  It’s very similar to your dad’s original cycling computer  The Newton isn’t much bigger then an old school cell phone.  It’s surprisingly compact for a power meter, and the all white look is pretty sharp.

Price Point:  This is probably the biggest factor.  The Edge is right around $370 for the full bundle…HR, cadence.  The Newton is around $600, however it’s an all in one device.  You do not need a wheel, pedal, or crank that reads power.  The Newton does everything on it’s own.  This makes the Newton the most affordable way to get into power.  I still like the Edge for non power related cycling.  It’s small, affordable and has simple functions.  The Newton is perfect for someone who’s looking to get into some more serious training but doesn’t want to spend 2k.