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Launched back in 2015 the Garmin Edge 520 is probably the most popular option in Garmin’s cycling line-up, offering a good combination of features at an attractive price point. It was refreshed last year with the Edge 520 Plus which introduced full-blown routable maps while leaving most of the rest the same.
With the Edge 1030 launching in the second half of 2017, people have been eager for a proper upgrade for the 520, and it has finally landed.
As I currently have the Edge 520 I have been contemplating upgrading, I am a bit of a fair-weather cyclist, but during the summer months I do like to go on relatively long bike rides of 60-100m and I am not particularly good at making my own routes. So an option with routable maps sounds great for me.
Normally when I replace a device, I don’t like to just get the new model, but move up a level so I have been pondering if it is worth getting the Edge 830 over this, or other options in Garmin’s range.
Price Differences
As always, the largest factor in my decision is price. Unlike the watch range which has the flagship Fenix 5 Plus cheaper than the new Forerunner 945 or the FR645 being the same price as the FR245, the choice with the bike computers is a little less confusing.
The original 520 appears to be discontinued so the only current options are for the Plus model.
The current pricing options available are:
- Garmin Edge 520 Plus – £197.12
- Garmin Edge 820 – £228.99
- Garmin Edge 530 – £259.99
- Garmin Edge 830 – £349.99
- Garmin Edge 1030 – £399.99
I threw in the Edge 1030 as a choice, because it is currently only £50 more than the 830 so if you were thinking about the 830 then I would be tempted to shell out the extra cash for the flagship model.
Where things get a little confusing is the decision between the newly launched Edge 530 or the older Edge 820 which is currently £30 cheaper.
Edge 530 vs Edge 520
If you are on the older Edge 520 then the Edge 530 has routable maps and this will be the biggest upgrade for you which I think makes the upgrade worth it. If you are on the Plus version, there are still plenty of additions to sway you towards the upgrade.
- Increased display size 13% from 2.3” to 2.6”
- Increased battery life from 15 to 20 hours, and to 48 hours in battery saver mode
- Significantly increased processor speed: Results in much faster route calculation
- Maintained complete on-board turn by turn map database for your region
- Added WiFi: Used for syncing of activities/metrics/routes (not during ride)
- Added ClimbPro: Automatically shows how much distance/elevation remains for each climb on route
- Added Mountain Bike Metrics: Shows Grit, Flow, and Jump details on both unit and Garmin Connect
- Added Trailforks maps to unit: Added global Trailforks data/maps to baked-in data on unit (no downloads required)
- Added ForkSight: Automatically shows mountain bike trail options when you pause at fork in trail
- Added Heat Acclimation: Will automatically take into account heat/humidity for performance/recovery metrics
- Added Altitude Acclimation: Will automatically take into account (high) elevation for performance/recovery metrics
- Added Training Plan API support: This includes a redesigned structured workout execution page
- Added Hydration/Nutrition Smart Alerts: When using a course/route, it’ll automatically figure out how much water/calories you should be taking
- Added Hydration/Nutrition Tracking: It allows you to record this data in ride summary screens and log it on Garmin Connect
- Added Edge Battery Pack Support: You can now attach the Garmin integrated battery pack to the Edge (you can still use generic USB power too)
- Added Bluetooth Smart sensor support: You can now pair Bluetooth Smart sensors like heart rate, power, and cadence
- Added Performance Power Curve: This shows you your mean maximal power over different durations/timeframes (like many training sites)
- Added Bike Alarm Feature: Used for cafes/bathroom stops, emits loud alarm if bike is moved
- Added ‘Find my Edge’ feature: Automatically record exact GPS location on your phone if Edge is disconnected (in case unit pops off)
- Added Training Plan Weather/Gear Tips.
Edge 530 vs Edge 830
If like me you like to step up a model rather than replace for the new version, you may be wondering if the Garmin Edge 830 is worth the extra £90.
- Edge 830 has a touchscreen (which is improved from the Edge 820 touchscreen)
- Edge 830 has can do address-specific routing, whereas on the Edge 530 you can’t enter a street address
- Edge 830 has searchable points of interest database, for finding food/monuments/hotels/etc…
- Edge 830 has four less buttons than the 530, since it’s a touch screen (and also has some slight differences in user interface, since you can touch it – most easily seen in the mapping pages)
For me, I would say these features don’t quite justify the extra cost. The touch screen could be useful for the mapping features, but it is something I think I could live without.
Overall
Based on my requirements, I think the Edge 530 is currently the best option, offering all the features I need while not being too expensive. The 820 being £30 cheaper is tempting, but I think the Edge 530 offers everything that has, minus the touch screen, but the improved performance will be worth the extra expense. I am also quite interested in the heatmaps and hydration/nutrition tracking.
Garmin Edge 530 vs 520 vs 830 Features Table
Comparison table is generated via DC Rainmaiker
[table id=73 /]
