This is my second 530 and given the good and not so good, I still chose to buy this again. I like that it is simple to use and I get enough data to keep me happy with what it records. I mostly use it to track miles and other statistics of my daily commute. That said, it still does a nice job on century rides where you might upload a course. There are a few things that could be better. I think the integration with my Apple phone could be better. For instance, you can't reply to a simply text message with an iPhone. It also seems to struggle with uploading data through the interface. Earlier models would just work when you pushed the save button. Now I have to try a few times before it uploads. Sometimes the 530 doesn't pick up the GPS satellites without rebooting the 530. Fortunately this only happens about 1 in every 10 times I want to start a ride.
I've had older GPS units, this one captures satellite data quickly, and never errors. It is very easy to navigate through, has many functions I love. I have it connected to Power crankset (SRAM), wheel speed sensor, and with those I get cadence as well. I love all the data through Garmin Connect using heart rate and power, such as fitness level, freshness, estimated FTP, etc. Also easy to look at a glance. I have used the map to get me home when in areas I'm unsure of and it chose great cycling routes vs. major streets/difficult areas.
The Garmin 830 was a last minute purchase before a gravel race which required on board navigation. I am not a techie. But the 830 set up and mounted easily, was very easy to interface with my computer to download the course map, and performed flawlessly the day of the race. Conditions were snowy and right at freazing which caused no issues at all. Glad I bought the 830 and looking forward to using it next spring.
Great computer with many functions I am still learning to use. I bought it to sync with my rear radar/tail light. Works well on both MTB and Road bike using the mount with rubber connector bands. I still have to try mounting the extender on the road bike. Not certain if the extension mount will fit the larger oblong carbon road bars. I like the audible beep for the sharp curve notifications because I typically am not looking at the screen notifications when approaching a sharp switchback! the touch screen is great!
After 6 years of using my Garmin Edge 500, I decided to upgrade to the 520 bundle. Excuse - my son needed my 500 ) So... wht an upgrade! The GPX function is awesome. I took a trip to Belgium, used the Knooppunt website, uploaded route into my Edge 520 and voila - instant navigation expertise! Compared to Edge 500, HR strap is better, GPS connection better, all faster, great battery life. Overall, no complaints. Was considering the 800, 1000 series... 520 is definitely the best for me. Love it.
Had the 810 before this. I really liked it but once I connected the Varia radar unit to it the seven year old battery showed it's age. The 830 stunned me with its battery life .. still had 70 to 75 percent of a charge after more than 100 miles of riding. Multiple devices connected including power meter, radar, and electronic shifters. I love the incline grade feature and the screen customization. And the display is a dramatic improvement from the 810.
Going from a Garmin Edge 200 to the Edge 530, is like BC to the Jetsons. Yes, I know 90% of you are probably laughing. Reason I hadn't upgraded, was the old one was sufficient. Since I have upgraded to the 530, its easier download rides, keep better spreadsheets of all the statistics of every ride. Absolutely love the Edge 530 and all of their products.
I use this every race in conjunction with my Garmin 255. It provides more detail and real time data.
Perfect! Used a 1030 for >3 years thinking I needed its large screen. When it died (Blue Halo screen) I was going to replace it with a 1030+, but then the 1040 came out. Suddenly realized I don't need all the data-obsessed features Garmin includes (which are a pain to have to shut off if that is even possible!), and thought I'd try the 830. Love it:
(1) its screen is just enough bigger than the old 820 screen that data displayed in the 10-window data screen is easily readable
(2) its alert beep is loud enough, though perhaps not quite as loud as the one on the 1030+
(3) about half the weight of a 1030/1030+/1040
(4) fast processor for quick performance
I've been using my Garmin Edge head unit since it was first released, and I recommend it to anyone that will listen. The battery life is exceptional (especially if you decide to use the battery saver mode and turn off your screen). The features are extensive, maps and navigation work great, and it easily pairs with loads of accessories and sensors. Of all the Garmin head units, I truly believe this is the best one for the money.
Sure, computers from Wahoo and Hammerhead offer some compelling competition (thats a great thing), but you can't go wrong with the Edge 530.
I've owned several Garmin EDGE models and this is the best one I've had so far. What sets this apart from others is the shear amount of available features. Some would argue that one would never use all of the features but at this price point you get a lot of bang for your buck. One feature in particular that I love is the Climb Pro. I find it very useful to know when I am approaching a climb and how much is remaining until I get to the top. Super helpful. The live Strava Segments are cool as well. The processor speed on the 530 is incredibly fast. A notable improvement over others I've had. This makes the user experience so much better overall. If you are trying to decide between an 830 and a 530 they are essentially the same except that the 830 has a touch screen. My previous Garmin was a touch screen and I find that I am missing it's ease of use. While the buttons on the 530 function fine its just a little bit tedious to navigate the system using buttons. You will have to decide if the extra $100 is worth it to enjoy the ease of use that the touch screen on the 830 provides.
This is a quality product specific to bicycling. Garmin makes some of the best aviation navigation avionics in the industry and we're talking precision instrument landing guidance that leaves nothing for error. You can see this expertise bleeding over to their line of biking GPS'. The 830 is a compact touchpad biking tool for guidance and training. It's hard to imagine they left any features out. If you want a bigger screen for guidance that will be more like your smart phone, then step up to the 1030. But, it appears the 830 does all that the 1030 but in a smaller package. Expect a learning curve.
I've had many Garmin devices over the years. In my opinion, sometimes Garmin gets it right and sometimes they don't. I think that they got it right with the Edge 830 - although it's too early to know about true durability yet. First, a gripe: Coming from the Edge Explore, going back to a smaller screen seemed a step backwards. However, that being said, the basic cycling information is well displayed and the screens can be customized for just the information I want to see at a glance. I really like the way it integrates with the Varia radar taillight and headlight. It seems that the alert for approaching cars is more noticeable on this unit than the Explore. I have not used all of the included features of the 830 - and one's like the crash alert - I hope I never will! However, the 830 seems like a keeper. Tip: buy the silicone case to avoid damage.
I've owned many Garmin devices over the years and navigating the functions / settings hierarchy with buttons mostly intuitive. The touchscreen feature on the 830 makes it that much easier. I read a lot of articles debating the incremental value of that feature since it has a higher price point. Certainly an end user decision / preference. Pairs easily with Powertap, SRAM, and Assioma Favero power meters, plus iPhone and Garmin heart rate straps. I find the safety features and training analytics useful.
Having owned many Garmin products, I can say that this device (Edge 530) is just like every other other - rock solid engineering built to last. Garmins have never let me down. HOWEVER, just like every Garmin I have owned, the documentation (both provided in the box and on-line) is HORRIBLE. If you have owned a Garmin in the past, you know what I am talking about. If this would be your first Garmin, be prepared to spend several hours BEFORE YOU USE IT ON YOUR BIKE learning all of the menu choices and button combinations. If the documentation was written by an athlete instead of a database manager, I would have given it 5 stars.
I'm still figuring it out and expect to be figuring it out for the foreseeable future. It's challenging to get TrailForks to talk to Garmin or vice averse. I spend more time trying to get the right screen to appear than actually using it for navigation.
I needed to upgrade my 520 that I've had forever and the 530 far exceeded expectations. I use this thing on many organized rides and the thing I love the most is the auto switch to elevation profile view and when you start a climb (I'm sure there is a tech term for this). Of course the easy connectivity with Strava is a winner too. Great value and I wouldn't hesitate to get the same thing if I needed to replace mine anytime soon.
The Garmin Edge computers are second to none. They just work. The only complaint is the fragility of the locking tabs. Even given this weak point, this is still my bike computer of choice.
Mostly have used it on the trainer, but a little bit mountain biking.
Mostly have used it on the trainer, but a little bit mountain biking.
