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While the Edge 520 and 820 GPS computers - as well as the further developments with the addition of "Explore" - were tailored more towards racing cyclists and hard-training bikers, Garmin now wants to have a perfect product for mountain bikers of all classes with its new Edge computers. The two new Edge models 530 and 830 The biggest difference is that the Edge 530 has buttons, while the Edge 830 is operated via a touchscreen. And of course the price: the 530 costs 300 euros, the 830 costs 400 euros. Both models have been on sale since mid-May 2019.
New processor, larger display
Even though the new Edge models are only slightly larger than the 820, they have a 13% larger display. The processor inside is also said to be significantly faster. Maps load more quickly when zooming and route calculation is twice as fast as on the previous devices. Also new are the contacts on the underside, which can be used to connect an additional external battery via the holder. This roughly doubles the battery life, which is usually around 20 hours in GPS mode. Other new hardware on board includes an accelerometer and a magnetometer. Connections can be established with the smartphone and other sensors via ANT+, Bluetooth and WLAN.
Navigation: "Popularity Routing" and Trailforks data
The Edge 530 and 830 use the GPS, Glonass and Galileo systems for navigation. When calculating routes, the Edge models use "popularity routing", i.e. the route calculation is primarily based on routes and sections of routes that are travelled by many other Garmin users. This is made possible by the extensive database from the Connect platform. In addition, the Edge 830 in the MTB bundle (price: €470 including handlebar remote, mount and speed sensor) has pre-installed data from the Trailforks app. This means you can access the trails in the app directly during navigation.
New functions and MTB key figures
A brand new feature on board is the "ClimbPro" function, which visualises climbs on a route with an elevation profile and thus illustrates what lies ahead. Another new indicator for mountain bikers is the "Grit" value, which converts the difficulty of a trail into a scale based on altitude metres, GPS track and acceleration values. It is supposed to be independent of personal riding ability. The "Flow" value, which the new Garmin devices can calculate, is much more individualised. The flow value is displayed on a scale of 0-20+, the lower the value, the smoother the ride. The Edge 530 and 830 can also provide jump analyses and you can see how high and far you jumped in the evaluation after the tour. However, accurate values for these new functions can only be obtained with a speed sensor. Garmin has also revised this. It costs 40 euros, is attached to the rear wheel hub with a rubber strap and communicates with the GPS computer via ANT+. It is also Bluetooth-enabled and has a battery life of one year.
Another new function is aimed at marathon and touring cyclists: the hydration and nutrition analysis. It provides recommendations for regular eating and drinking during the ride. You can also programme your own alarms to remind you when to reach for your water bottle. Anyone who has ever lost a Garmin off-road will be delighted with the new "Find my Edge" function. The device automatically sends a message from the last recorded location to the smartphone and can thus be roughly localised. If you are then within Bluetooth range, an acoustic alarm helps you to find the device in the bushes. For cyclists in high mountains, Garmin has equipped the Edge with an acclimatisation function. It indicates graphically and in text form how well the body has adapted to the altitude and temperatures (especially heat).
