Garmin Edge 520
Comments
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I think the 520 has a place, but it is not an evolution of the 500 series - it sits between that and the 800 series. The 500 was relatively cheap and cheerful but fully featured. This is certainly not cheap. The 20/25 are more like an evolution of the 200 - i.e. hobbled but useful if you just want basic features. The successor to the 500 still doesnt exist.
I think the 520 looks quite nice but I think the 800/810 have more features I would want and would rather those instead - that is a personal appraisal though, for others they may have different needs, especially if they a big on segments. The battery life on the 520 does sound like it could be very promising though.0 -
How does that work? 500/510/520?
How much was the 500 and when it came out, and when was that?0 -
I think the 520 has a place, but it is not an evolution of the 500 series - it sits between that and the 800 series. The 500 was relatively cheap and cheerful but fully featured. This is certainly not cheap. The 20/25 are more like an evolution of the 200 - i.e. hobbled but useful if you just want basic features. The successor to the 500 still doesnt exist.
I think the 520 looks quite nice but I think the 800/810 have more features I would want and would rather those instead - that is a personal appraisal though, for others they may have different needs, especially if they a big on segments. The battery life on the 520 does sound like it could be very promising though.
I agree with this entirely- the Edge 500 as it stands has no real rivals from Garmin atm. The new ones are either over specced with a colour screen that will be more difficult to read in daylight, and the 20/ 25s are hamstrung edge 500s.0 -
You will see one day young Padawan.Personally though I think I would want/need a few things the newer models do, and if I felt that way I would not click on a three titled 'Garmin Edge 520', yet alone comment on one.The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
I am not sure. You have no chance.Veronese68 wrote:PB is the most sensible person on here.0 -
I agree with this entirely- the Edge 500 as it stands has no real rivals from Garmin atm. The new ones are either over specced with a colour screen that will be more difficult to read in daylight, and the 20/ 25s are hamstrung edge 500s.
So what would you update the 500 with then? Or was it just perfect?
Wife is probably going to get a 520, and as she has my old 500 currently I will look forward to doing a comparison (after waiting for the 500 to locate satellites off course) ;-)0 -
Whilst I like my 500 I'm finding satellite drift more and more irritating. I would expect the 520 to be better in that respect.“You may think that; I couldn’t possibly comment!”
Wilier Cento Uno SR/Wilier Mortirolo/Specialized Roubaix Comp/Kona Hei Hei/Calibre Bossnut0 -
Whilst I like my 500 I'm finding satellite drift more and more irritating. I would expect the 520 to be better in that respect.
My 510 is much more accurate than my 500 was. GLONASS?0 -
Whilst I like my 500 I'm finding satellite drift more and more irritating. I would expect the 520 to be better in that respect.
My 510 is much more accurate than my 500 was. GLONASS?
Yes, I think I'm going the have to bite the bullet before too long. Whilst I don't get wound up about Strava segments and really only measure against myself, it's a bit galling to having "had a go" at a segment only to find it hasn't been recorded. There's a couple of segments nearish to me that keep getting missed out.“You may think that; I couldn’t possibly comment!”
Wilier Cento Uno SR/Wilier Mortirolo/Specialized Roubaix Comp/Kona Hei Hei/Calibre Bossnut0 -
You can ask Strava to reinstate them if you can be arsed. Usually, they will give you the segment.0
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You can ask Strava to reinstate them if you can be arsed. Usually, they will give you the segment.
I've never bothered but occasionally I might use SNAP. However, whenever I've used that it's given me a pretty poor time on the "fixed" segment... worse than my seat of pants calibarated timer suggests I managed.“You may think that; I couldn’t possibly comment!”
Wilier Cento Uno SR/Wilier Mortirolo/Specialized Roubaix Comp/Kona Hei Hei/Calibre Bossnut0 -
So what would you update the 500 with then? Or was it just perfect?
Wife is probably going to get a 520, and as she has my old 500 currently I will look forward to doing a comparison (after waiting for the 500 to locate satellites off course) ;-)
I wouldn't say the Edge 500 is perfect in every way, but the screen certainly is for general riding.
For my use (i.e. where I only infrequently use maps and more want to see speed, time, hr etc) then I would say the perfect unit would be the edge 520 with the same screen as the 500 (forgoing the maps) but retaining glonass, smartphone connectivity etc.
If my Edge 500 broke tomorrow (I hope it doesn't!!) I would probably buy another 500, possibly second hand. I wouldn't be against getting a mapping garmin such as the 800/810, but I wouldn't use it all that much.0 -
So what would you update the 500 with then? Or was it just perfect?
Wife is probably going to get a 520, and as she has my old 500 currently I will look forward to doing a comparison (after waiting for the 500 to locate satellites off course) ;-)
I wouldn't say the Edge 500 is perfect in every way, but the screen certainly is for general riding.
For my use (i.e. where I only infrequently use maps and more want to see speed, time, hr etc) then I would say the perfect unit would be the edge 520 with the same screen as the 500 (forgoing the maps) but retaining glonass, smartphone connectivity etc.
If my Edge 500 broke tomorrow (I hope it doesn't!!) I would probably buy another 500, possibly second hand. I wouldn't be against getting a mapping garmin such as the 800/810, but I wouldn't use it all that much.
So its basically just the screen?
Sounds a bit like saying the perfect phone would be an iPhone with the screen of a Nokia 6210.
Sorry to push the point but the perfect unit you describe sounds a lot more like the 520 than the 500 to me.
I assume that you have not seen/used a 520, so how do you know how good the screen will be?
The 800's resolution is pretty poor so I would not be surprised if the 520 is actually easier to see.
Would have thought the layout/options/usability have been improved to make the information displayed better.
You might be right though and I look forward to having both on my bars to evaluate.0 -
For me it looks likes the perfect upgrade from my 500.
The 500 having the functions I need. I also like the size of the unit as well as the fact it isn't touch screen. If the 520 has an improved screen, as well as faster uploading via bluetooth and better satellite pairing, then it's the ideal computer for me. I think a lot of people while considering upgrading may question whether the new features justify £230. Personally I don't use mapping but if I did I think I'd prefer a larger screened model.Cannondale caad7 ultegra
S-works Tarmac sl5 etap
Colnago c64 etap wifli
Brother Swift0 -
I think the interesting thing will be to see how reliable the software is.
If you look at Garmins last few cycling specific (higher end) devices, the 510, 810 and 1000, the software glitches/issues have clearly put many people off.
As an 810 user i am fed up of the livetrack almost never working consistently (which has been proven to have nothing to do with the phone signal). I also get very annoyed by the gradient readings being highly erratic.
There are also well documented issues with route directions failing and crashing the device. Garmin seem at a complete loss to solving any of these.
I have been looking closely at the 520 since it was announced and the reviews do seem very positive (although worth noting these have only been initial reviews).
Edit: my earlier question over the position of the start/stop button possibly being awkward if using an outfront mount has been answered by DC Rainmaker. So this really does look like an excellent bike gps (if the software is as strong as the spec).0 -
Maps
I've read a few comments on here that suggest the 520 is going to be good because of maps.
I have an 800
And the maps are absolutely f'ing horrendous!
A lot of the quiet unclassified backroads I cycle on are not even marked on their map, I reckon they took the maps from their car sat nav. Then I'm forever having to zoom in to get small roads appear on the 800 but then lose perspective of where I am in the grand scheme of things (in relation to towns or villages) so then have to zoom out again.
In all honesty Ive completely stopped using the 800's maps and prefer my iPhone with the OS MapFinder app. Ok you do have to pay £1.50 to £2.50 per OS map but if you get the 1:25 000map the scale changes fantastically from 1:25k to 1:50k to road atlas, when you zoom in and out using a quick pinch on your Iphone. A quick swipe scrolls around. And no you don't need a phone signal to use it, the full maps are saved on your phone. If you move off a OS map you bought and onto one you don't have you can still use the road atlas. The OS maps have a much better detail than the Garmin maps and I find stopping and getting my iphone out much quicker and easier interface than the confusing faff with the 800."The Prince of Wales is now the King of France" - Calton Kirby0 -
Maps
I've read a few comments on here that suggest the 520 is going to be good because of maps.
I have an 800
And the maps are absolutely f'ing horrendous!
A lot of the quiet unclassified backroads I cycle on are not even marked on their map, I reckon they took the maps from their car sat nav. Then I'm forever having to zoom in to get small roads appear on the 800 but then lose perspective of where I am in the grand scheme of things (in relation to towns or villages) so then have to zoom out again.
In all honesty Ive completely stopped using the 800's maps and prefer my iPhone with the OS MapFinder app. Ok you do have to pay £3 per OS map but if you get the 1:25 000map the scale changes fantastically from 1:25k to 1:50k to road atlas, when you zoom in and out using a quick pinch on your Iphone. And no you don't need a phone signal to use it, the full maps are saved on your phone. The OS maps have a much better detail than the Garmin maps and I find stopping and getting my iphone out much quicker and easier interface than the confusing faff with the 800.
Just use the opensource maps. I use them on my 810 and the detail is fine (its following a route the device struggles with).
The basemaps are just that, base maps.
http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/05/download-garmin-705800810.html
The 520 does not support any external memory card, so the size of map you load to the device will be limited, but as the reviews have stated, should be enough for cycling needs.0 -
Maps
I've read a few comments on here that suggest the 520 is going to be good because of maps.
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The 520 isn't a mapping GPS. It has a basic basemap, an in only the major roads for orientation. You can put a very limited amount of detailed maps on. The routing feature is basically just following a line on a screen, for most people that's going to be good enough. I don't need routing and planning on the device itself, I've got maps on my phone if I need to find my way around.0 -
Just use the opensource maps. I use them on my 810 and the detail is fine (its following a route the device struggles with).
The basemaps are just that, base maps.
http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/05/download-garmin-705800810.html
The 520 does not support any external memory card, so the size of map you load to the device will be limited, but as the reviews have stated, should be enough for cycling needs.
I did get the Talkie Toaster maps that are advertised as "OS map style" Yes the scale is an improvement with the open source maps, as it increased the detail as you zoom in. However they look like something off a Commadore 64 or ZX Spectrum and looks nothing like an OS map, I still don't know what some of the open source symbology means now? The problems with the 800's interface remain and it's still easier and quicker to use my iPhone with the real OS maps."The Prince of Wales is now the King of France" - Calton Kirby0 -
How does following a trial work on the likes of the 510? I often plan out a ride before I start but half the time end up doing a route slightly different than planned, will it still pick me up and start following the route again if I leave it and join it again further down the line?0
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The 520 isn't a mapping GPS. It has a basic basemap, an in only the major roads for orientation. You can put a very limited amount of detailed maps on.
That is the very problem as I don't cycle major roads, just B-roads and single lane unclassified roads.
Some types of map are just not as good as others. And the Garmin road map falls into the not very good cat when I'm at a 4 way junction of unclassified country roads in a rural area and wondering which way to turn."The Prince of Wales is now the King of France" - Calton Kirby0 -
That is the very problem as I don't cycle major roads, just B-roads and single lane unclassified roads.
Yes of course, they aren't there so you can cycle on them, just so that you can see that the track you've plotted is at least in the same county as you're expecting it to be.Some types of map are just not as good as others. And the Garmin road map falls into the not very good cat when I'm at a 4 way junction of unclassified country roads in a rural area and wondering which way to turn.
But the track you've already plotted will give you that info? If that's a big problem then something like the Garmin 1000 is going to be better for you.0 -
Quite simply I don't want to sit at a computer and plot out each waypoint on Garmin Connect then plug the 520 in and transfer the file across. Every time I go out on my bike.
Also, as someone mentioned previously on here. Sometimes we don't stick to the plan and change the route mid ride. Some of my best rides have be improvised as we went along.
What I want is... when I'm at a junction in the middle of nowhere, is the map to show where I am and what's down the road to the left and where does the road to the right take me? Have an overall situational awareness of where I am in the area and what roads I can take."The Prince of Wales is now the King of France" - Calton Kirby0 -
There is a setting on the 800 which governs the amount of detail shown at a given zoom - I have upped mine slightly. Not too much otherwise you get overload. It now shows smaller roads without having to zoom in too far.
Ben - your main problem with the 800 is easily fixed.0 -
There is a setting on the 800 which governs the amount of detail shown at a given zoom - I have upped mine slightly. Not too much otherwise you get overload. It now shows smaller roads without having to zoom in too far.
Ben - your main problem with the 800 is easily fixed.
Thanks. That's something I did not know."The Prince of Wales is now the King of France" - Calton Kirby0 -
Maps
I've read a few comments on here that suggest the 520 is going to be good because of maps.
.
The 520 isn't a mapping GPS. It has a basic basemap, an in only the major roads for orientation. You can put a very limited amount of detailed maps on. The routing feature is basically just following a line on a screen, for most people that's going to be good enough. I don't need routing and planning on the device itself, I've got maps on my phone if I need to find my way around.
Exactly. I reckon this will be more than enough for most riders. I know in the few months I have had the 810 I have only used the turn by turn a handful of times (mainly because it simply doesn't work).
The 520 will display a full map. It might not have the capacity to store the whole of the UK, but i believe there is enough space to store a good sized area, down to minor roads.
From what I have read it only differs from the 810 & 1000 mapping by not giving you turn by instructions. You can plot a route like he 510/500 but the difference is the breadcrumb trail is actually over a map.0 -
I use turn by turn every time I use a map because that means I can leave the unit on the stats page, which I like to see and more importantly extends the battery life by about 25-30%. It works for me 99% of the time, but occastionally does no turn by turn alerts - I think this may be when I have told it to follow the course before it has got a satellite lock and just telling it again to follow the course then restores the turn by turn alerts.
Having the maps on display constantly recalculating drains the battery - I think the effect of this is even more significant on the 1000 because of the extra info it has to redraw and display. Thankfully, it looks like the 520 has the best battery life on any Garmin unit for years though.0 -
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Having the maps on display constantly recalculating drains the battery - I think the effect of this is even more significant on the 1000 because of the extra info it has to redraw and display. Thankfully, it looks like the 520 has the best battery life on any Garmin unit for years though.
Are you sure?
The specs show it as 15hours, whereas the 510 and 500 are 20 hours and 18 hours.0 -
ah- ok, I never looked at the quoted battery times for 500 & 510 as I never considered a unit without mapping.
Still the 520 has the best battery life on any Garmin unit with some form of mapping for years...0 -
Evans has updated my dispatch date to 1st August.0
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Evans has updated my dispatch date to 1st August.
+10
