I have use a Garmin 500 for quite some time in my cycling . my main issue with the unit be that I consider the display to be less than adequate . I have try all manner of adjustment to the contrast , but alas , my cheap Cateye Strada mount alongside the Garmin shine brightly in all light situation - unlike the Garmin that cost many multiple of the Cateye computer . stupidly , have not see a 800 , and with idiotic assumption that Garmin would assuredly upgrade the display for something north of 600 buck -lrb- for the model with extra -rrb- , I have my dealer order I one . Surprise today on my first useage - it be worse than the 500 if that be possible . the only lighting that show the display clearly be when sunlight shine directly on the face of the unit . for most of my ride , I turn the back light on to illuminate constantly which help when ride in the shade , but of course just a 3 hour ride use up half the battery . I think the worst display be when ride in sunlight not directly shine on the unit - probably the most common situation . I would almost love this unit have Garmin find a way to offer a bright , easily read display . I say `` almost '' in that I stupidly think that perhaps Garmin would listen to user prior to release a new model . I have discuss the fact with they that I think that with all of the heart parameter that can be read in display window , a very important -lrb- to I -rrb- reading be the reading of maximum heart rate . of course like the 500 , that can be finally read in the comfort of you house after you stop the activity , reset the computer and then read the result of you activity . I want to be able to read it anytime I want to on the fly . I have plan to put this on my new time trial bike , but alas with the considerable effort of a all out tt , and the sometimes tunnel vision that result from such a drastic effort , I would guess that the 800 will be all but impossible to read . will Garmin EVER get it right ? I now believe that the answer be `` NO. '' between these two unit and my Garmin 305 watch -lrb- the most frustrating piece of gear ever -rrb- , apparently I be as bad as they - I do not learn very easily . __________________ Sandy Scott