I purchased the 820 to replace my 800 with map card. It is a little smaller and I like the new features like how it links to my iPhone. It came with an out front mount which was a nice touch. I like lots of data as I helps me focus on something other than how tired I am.
I previously owned a Garmin Edge 1000. I use the computer for training rides and racing - occasionally venturing out on long exploring rides. The map on the 820, although smaller, works just as well as the 1000 ever did. Sharp resolution. And the control buttons on the 820 are much more crisp and positive. I also prefer the smaller size.
I really like this unit so far. It has a nice, compact size that blends nicely with the front of my bike, it picks up gps signals almost instantly and has been very reliable so far.
The mapping works well but don't buy this unit if you're big on mapping because it is simply too small. Go for the Edge 1000 instead.
I also have an old Edge 500 (bombproof!) and an Edge 1000. The new 820 has a longer battery life than the 1000. The navigation is of course not quite as visible, given the 820's smaller screen size, however, it still navigates well...even on dirt trails. They have improved the software, with the latest update allowing 3 different 'sensitivity' settings for the touch screen.
I love the Edge 820. This has to be the best bike gps on the market. It's calculates everything, gives u a map of ur rides, and when ur friends get 1 u can challenge and have fun with them. I never thought my friends would get one because there so expensive but one did and now we try and beat each other's times when we're not riding together. So, If ur thinkin abt getting one, get it. U won't regret it.
I was apprehensive about getting this due to Garmin's track record of having software bugs that take multiple version upgrades over a year or so to work out, however this one so far seems to be right on arrival. Mine came with version 2.4 which worked fine the first few rides. A new version was available (3.1) and I allowed the upgrade and it still works great. Zero issues. The mapping is nice and the touch screen while perhaps a little more sensitive than the 510 is not an issue for me, and it's actually bigger than the 510 while the body is smaller. Being smaller is possible due to the location of the buttons for startstop and lap being on the bottom edge, not the screen plane bottom like the 510. The location of the buttons with a KEdge mount does make it a little tighter getting to them because there isn't much room between the bar and button to stick your finger in, but you just need to bump the switch lightly so it's not an issue for me. I like the auto dimming screen too. Auto upload is nice. It will be interesting to see what IQ apps are available in the future for this. There are some interesting ones with quite advanced training metrics to use during a ride. Some are free and some you will need to pay for. Right now, very happy camper. I'll update if I have any issues as I get more use with it - right now I've had it a week and have about 200 miles over 6 rides on it so admittedly limited data.
A great garmin at a good price. Replaced my 810 with this 820 and the only new feature that I use is the ability to sync over WiFi. Overall a great unit at a decent price.
I use it for countryside riding and really like the pacer mode, maps, and the plethora of usual (time,speed,distance...) stuff. I like the terrain mode but dont know where I am in the screen.
I upgraded from the Edge 500, which I've been using for years - mostly I was looking for map capability for taking off into the country to chart new territory.
This is a worthwhile investment - tons of available information, easy to program and easy to use.
The only complaint, minor as it may be, is battery life seems to be about 12 of the Edge 500. I understand the additional capabilities eat more juice, but I'm used to recharging every 12-15 ride hours...now battery is low after 6 hours of saddle time.
Other than that, it's got a great display and lots of features and options. I considered the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt, but I don't regret the decision to stick with Garmin.
Once set up properly, which took a bit of studying, the unit works fine. I like how easily the head unit is Integrated with the sensors. The software is so so in the user interface department, which is SLOW, for 2019, standard. This is really annoying, and distracting, when you are riding.
My biggest complaint has to do with the screen. It is basically as good as my Palm Pilot from about 2004! The color and resolution on the screen are not acceptable in todays standards. Garmin, for charging $400, you can do better than that.
The few times I was caught in the rain when I was riding the screen when crazy! The rain drops randomly changing my screens and settings. I guess I could have changed the touch sensitivity then but I was too busy to not cause a crash in the pace line.
My 820 is out of warranty now so I will be replacing it with one of their competitors when it dies.
Transitioned from Garmin Edge 510 to this 820. Hasn't been a smooth transititon. Syncing via BT to iphone is clugey and inconsistnt, syncing with Garmin Connect, much the same. Have twice satarted a ride after pulling 820 off charger, only to have it die 3 minutes into ride. Apparently when synced to BT, it may not power down, or apears to power off then doesnt fully, so continues to run down-even connected to charger! Calling Garmin service support has been a nightmarish experience as well. In the past, customer support has been GREAT, but current hold times are in the hours. They may or may not call you back with experienced support. Thank goodness for google and you tube. Unless the 820 improves, likely my last Garmin device.
Very user friendly,easy to download routes and the turn by turn instructions are easy to read and follow
Traded up, finally, after years with the 500. Works well but with two minor quibbles. First, the screen is more difficult to see in bright light. And secondly, when wiping sweat droplets off the screen, I sometimes inadvertently change pages, which can then be difficult to swipe, especially on the fly. That alone makes me almost prefer buttons instead. A little pricey compared to competitors, but okay if you catch a sale.
Returned the Edge 520 go the Edge 820, both worked fine, however I wanted the touchscreen. This was an upgrade from the Edge 500.
Saving your data when paired to your cell phone is fast, getting you kudos from friends on Strava.
Im still figuring out all of the features it did cause an alert to my emergency contact when I stopped for an adjustment.
Love my Garmin.
I use(d) the 820 Edge (and previously a 520) to plan routes on my computer using Ridewithgps and then transferring them to my garmin device. Also to log my rides by transferring data back to my computer. Unfortunately, the Garmin devices have a persistent problem communicating with PCs, which is well documented in online forums. After a while, the PC will not recognize the Garmin when it is plugged in. I returned my 520 twice ($99 each time) for replacement refurbished ones. The 820 is approximately 6 months old and I have already returned it once for a replacement. The support page has a procedure for fixing the problem, but it does not work consistently. I really like the thing when it works, but it is useless to me when it doesn't.
Great product features. Good size, combines touchscreen functionality of garmin 1000 with the size of the 520. Rides upload immediately to StravaGarmin Connect via your phone or WiFi, you can see incoming texts and calls. Touchscreen though was abit of a setback. Abit difficult to use especially when riding. Does not perform like the smartphone screens to which so many of us have become accustomed. But overall, Im very pleased with the product, still a recommended buy.
Great product from garmin
Like the graphs the way ot looks on the bike
Plus easy to navagate.
All computers seem overpriced since upgrades are needed more often than I would like. Watch for sales. Others have complained about the sensitivity of the touch screen but it seems just right to me including when using gloves. The stop and onoff buttons are located on the bottomside to prevent accidental touches. Garmin seems to continue to lead all others in the field.
I've had the 820 for about a year now and here are my thoughts.
Things it does well
Connect to a bunch of sensors flawlessly and easily, connect to phone via BT much better than my Garmin 510, group connect works well, navigation works well and workout screens are ok. Connect IQ apps for training peaks is very nice to have.
What I don't like
The touchscreen sensitivity annoys the hell out of me and if the 520 had group connect I would never have bought the 820.
