Today Garmin announced their latest bike computer, the Edge 520 – priced at $299USD. This GPS-enabled unit instantly becomes the most advanced bike computer that Garmin has ever released, adding support for a flotilla of new features. But fear not, owners of the Edge 1000/810/510 and even last week’s Edge 25 are getting some of these new features too.
In addition to the Edge 520 announcement, Garmin also announced a new bike radar and bike light system, which I’ve covered in a separate post. Further yet, they’ve announced deep integration with Strava for a number of devices (including the new Edge 520). I talk about the Strava integration later in this post, but also in more detail in a separate dedicated post.
As I noted earlier, this is without question the most new features we’ve ever seen come to a bike computer – Garmin or otherwise. It’s like they’ve been saving up for the past 6 years since the release of the original Edge 500, and decided to cash out in one big swoop. Some of the below have been added to other product lines (i.e. the Edge 1000), yet others are new altogether. So I’m sorta using the Edge 500/510 as the baselines, and noting when and where there are variances.
Here’s the skinny:
– Added on-device Strava Segment integration
– Added basemap to device
– Added ability to download 3rd party detailed maps
– Added Bluetooth Smart Text & Call Notifications (previously on Edge 1000)
– Added Recovery Advisor metrics (previously only on some Running/Tri units)
– Added VO2 Max Estimation (previously only on some newer Garmin units)
– Added FTP tracking and testing
– Added Personal Records
– Added Cycling Dynamics metrics (previously only on some newer Garmin units)
– Added ability to control Garmin Varia bike lights
– Added integration with Garmin Varia bike radar system
– Added ANT+ FE-C Trainer Control
– Addition of GLONASS support (was in Edge 510, but not 810 or 500)
– Time in zones (first seen on the FR920XT/Fenix3)
In addition to the above, when compared to the Edge 500, you’ll find these new features that have been added to most Garmin devices as of late. These are all present/added on the Edge 520:
– Integrated Live Tracking with phone
– Integrated Bluetooth Smart uploads to your mobile phone (and then sync’d to Strava/Training Peaks/Sport Tracks/etc…)
– Ability to download courses and workouts from phone to Edge 520
– Sensor pool concept & Activity Profiles (no bike profiles)
– Support for Edge Remote Control accessory
– Support for Shimano Di2 integration
– Support for Garmin VIRB control/integration
– Added Training Calendar support
– Added Auto Sleep option (turns off if not used for a while)
– Added Lap summary page (seen on Edge 510/810/1000, but not Edge 500)
– Support for ANT+ sensor types: Cadence sensors, Heart Rate Sensors, Power Meters, Speed Sensors, Speed/Cadence Sensors, VIRB action cams, Weight Scales
Now, there are a few things that have been missing from various recent Garmin units, so I double-checked to see if those were there. They are as follows:
– ANT+ Weight Scale support was kept
– Sharing of files between units directly was kept
– Auto Lap by Position is present/kept
Phew, I think that about covers it. Well, I hope it does anyway, if not, just drop a specific feature into the comments section and I can clarify.
Before we get into all the details, here’s a video walk-through I’ve put together of the Edge 520. It covers pretty much all of the major new features and lets you see how you interact with the device:
From here let’s dig into some of the major features. I’ll of course go into much more detail in my eventual In-Depth Review, which is typically about 30-45 days after the unit starts shipping – once I have final production hardware and firmware.
Basic Use and Menus:
Let’s start off with a few of the basics on use of the Edge 520. First is that the unit has a slew of buttons, and is not touchscreen. The buttons are as follows:
Upper left: Light & Power button
Middle Left: Up selection button
Lower Left: Down selection button
Bottom left: Lap button
Bottom right: Start/stop button
Upper Right: Select button (for menus)
Lower Right: ‘Back’ button (for menus)
It’ll take a tiny bit of time getting used to the different buttons if you’ve come from other devices (even Garmin devices), most notably the lap and start buttons being on the bottom of the device.
Next, the home screen is aligned vertically in that you go up/down to the various functions. In the middle you’ve got ‘Ride’, which is where you start a ride. Down one option is all of the training and settings functions – such as following a course, doing a structured workout, or controlling a trainer. As well as the settings menu.
Meanwhile, if you scroll up you’ll get to the ‘Status’ menu. This menu shows aspects like screen brightness, GPS signal strength, sensor connectivity and mobile phone status.
To start a ride, we’ll just select the ‘Ride’ button. From here it’ll ask us what Activity Profile to use. Activity Profiles were introduced with the Edge 510/810, and were designed to allow you to group settings such as data page configuration into a tidy bundle. In my case, I’ve got a default Train option, and then a custom one I created called ‘Strava’.
After selecting a profile you’ll be brought to the familiar data screen page. Meanwhile, the GPS chip goes off and finds satellites.
You can of course customize these pages with up to 10 data fields per page, and up to 5 pages (+ the Map, Compass, Elevation, Lap Summary, Virtual Partner, and Cycling Dynamics pages). Here’s a few pages:
New to the Edge 520 is a bit of a quick access menu, which is accessible by pressing the upper right button. This will bring up options for configuring in-ride settings, such as alerts, data fields and the elevation. As well as the Status menu/page we talked about a few paragraphs ago.
In addition to the regular data pages, you’ll also have pages you can enable for Garmin Cycling Dynamics (Vector/Vector2 users), as well as the new map page:
Post-ride there are some new metrics that haven’t previously been seen or offered on the Edge series. For example, you’ve got recovery time. This started with the Garmin Forerunner series and has expanded to the triathlon watches:
In addition, within the training options you can now automatically track your FTP levels, as well as perform an FTP test. Pretty cool.
When it comes to riding the Edge, it’ll act pretty much like any other Garmin Edge device from a basics standpoint. The unit has a quarter-turn mount on the back of it, so it’s completely compatible with any other Garmin Edge mount out there (including 3rd party ones):
Looking at 3rd party out-front mounts, some of you have asked about how well it might fit with the bottom buttons and pressing them. I grabbed three random mounts from my collection to try out: The Garmin forward mount, a K-Edge mount, and a Barfly mount. Below are photos in a small gallery of all of them.
Now – here’s what actually matters: Whether or not the mount is set ‘down’, or is ‘level’. For example, in the K-Edge mount you’ll see it puts the unit down lower, which means the buttons get closer to the handlebars. Whereas with the Garmin mount it’s equal in height to the bars – so there’s no button issues.
That said, in all three that I tried, I didn’t have any real issues with pressing the buttons. It might be a tad bit trickier with the sunken mounts in a sprint or something to press it, but overall not hard. Of course, there are tons of mount variations from each company (meaning a dozen each from Barfly, K-Edge, etc…). So you’ll kinda have to use a bit of testing on any given specific model and your bike to see whether/where it fits.
Additionally, Garmin has gone with a micro-USB port for charging and data sync. Note that the unit does NOT have an additional Micro-SD card slot though, so you can’t expand the storage.
But you can also sync via Bluetooth Smart to your mobile phone (iOS/Android). With this additional phone connectivity you gain the ability to see text messages and phone notifications directly on the Edge 520.
You can of course turn this functionality off as you see fit. Finally note that the Edge 520 doesn’t have WiFi within it, compared to the Edge 1000 which does.
Strava Segment Integration:
If past posts are any indication, the most desired sports tech feature out there is the ability to have Strava segments display live/real-time status on one’s Garmin Edge device. And now, that’s possible. With the Edge 520, Garmin has enabled the ability to race against various Strava leaderboard records directly on the Garmin Edge device itself.
This means you’ll get status updates as you ride the individual Strava segments, such as how far ahead and behind the record your chasing:
You can specify a number of different records, be it in the KOM (King of the Mountain aka Course Record), or records of your friends, or your personal best. Additionally, you can also race against your goals for a given segment.
These leaderboards are automatically updated anytime your Garmin device syncs via Bluetooth Smart, USB, or WiFi (on Edge 1000), though it won’t sync mid-ride. Only before/after. It’ll sync various segments based on specific conditions and preferences.
Now, to be clear – Garmin is not the first company to introduce this. Others (primarily apps) have had functionality like this previously. For example, 4iiii introduced it two years ago. Still, for most people it’s having it on the Edge that they’ve been waiting for.
In order to give you a bit more detail on this feature – I’ve put together a standalone post where I walk through the entire process step by step of how it works. You can view that here.
Oh, and one last thing: This is coming to not just the Edge 520, but also the Edge 510, Edge 810, and Edge 1000 – with a firmware update planned for Q3 (by the end of September).
ANT+ Trainer Control:
Next up we’ve got another new feature, the ability to control your electronic trainer directly from the Edge 520. This allows you to set the resistance of trainers that support the semi-new ANT+ FE-C standard. The FE-C (Fitness Equipment Control) standard enables trainer companies to allow apps and devices to set the wattage and other parameters on a bike trainer. Only certain trainers support this functionality today, with the first units being the Tacx Smart Trainers that enabled support about three weeks ago (you can read all about that here).
Since then numerous apps have added support, including Zwift, TrainerRoad, Kinomap and others. Additionally, other companies including Elite have stated plans for supporting it within their trainers.
As for the Edge 520, it allows you to search for and pair to an ANT+ Trainer:
Then from there you can go ahead and complete tasks such as the normal calibration/roll-down that’s usually done by most trainer apps:
This would then report back a success or failure:
After that you’ve got a few options when it comes to your rides. These are as follows:
– Follow an activity: This takes a past workout and allows you to re-ride it, simulating the elevation/incline in real time
– Follow a course: This allows you to ride a downloaded course (such as a race, route, or anything else), and changes elevation/incline in real time
– Follow a workout: This allows you to ride a downloaded workout (created on Garmin Connect), where it’ll automatically change the resistance for each segment of the workout
– Specify Resistance: This will specify a given resistance level
– Specify Target Power: This is simple: You set a wattage value (i.e. 250w) and the trainer will keep that wattage
The cool thing about this is that it’ll mean you can easily re-ride a given workout or race course. That’s often ideal if you’re trying to learn pacing of effort on a specific route. And no additional software is required to do so.
Same goes for riding a workout, it’ll instantly change the power to whatever you’ve specified within the Garmin Connect workout file:
Here you can see the same thing on the Garmin Edge 520:
In talking with Wahoo Fitness, they have confirmed they will add supporting the ANT+ FE-C standard to the development roadmap for the Wahoo KICKR and KICKR SNAP. Given the announcement just happened, they are working to narrow down an exact date for implementation of that profile. But from their perspective they noted they are super-excited about this.
As for other trainer companies, I’ll update this page/section here once companies confirm additional support of the FE-C profile.
(Update: Garmin has confirmed the Edge 1000 will receive FE-C support/control in/by Q4. It will not be added to the Edge 510/810.)
Mapping Included:
The Edge 520 includes what is known as a ‘Basemap’. For those that have been around the Garmin block a few times, you’ll know that this map is fairly sparse. But a map it is. For example, in all of Paris it only shows about…well..three streets. Oh, and the river (seen above). The main goal of this map is to give you some rough perspective on where you are compared to the Edge 500/510 where it’s just a blank page/canvas.
Now at first you might be in the camp of not wanting to look a gift horse in the mouth, but wishing for a bit more. Well good news, through the same steps that I’ve outlined in in the past, you can download free (and highly detailed) maps of your choosing to the unit (note: I’ve updated that post with the Edge 520-specific instructions). These maps are from Openstreet, and are community sourced. They are the exact same maps you’ll find on the Garmin Edge 1000 and Edge Touring units (as well as on Polar’s V650). Again, this isn’t done on the Garmin website, but a 3rd party – but it’s silly easy to follow and works beautifully.
Due to the available space on the Edge 520, you won’t be able to download a massive map area, but you can cover your usual riding territory and if you were touring you could easily cover a day or two and then reload. On a stock Edge 520 there’s approximately 54MB of free space. For reference, the area of Paris and most of the surrounding areas is 21MB:
Or, looking at Washington DC, this area is 35MB:
And the (much greater) Sydney, Australia and area is 37MB:
All of these easily fit within the 51MB of free space, plus have plenty of space for ride files afterwards. The back of the napkin calculation for activity file space is .1MB per hour of riding (with GPS & ANT+ sensors). So 10 hours = just 1MB. You can use the site to figure out how much space is needed, just follow the instructions in my original post and manually select tiles.
With this said, it’s important to note that the unit does NOT do routable directions though. Meaning, it won’t tell you to ‘Turn left on Maple Street’, but rather instead give you breadcrumb style tracks overlaid onto these maps. Additionally, because it’s not routable, it won’t be able to give you directions across town. Thus there is no point of interest database or similar.
The best way to think of this is that if you’re looking to be able to create directions on the fly during your ride, the Edge 810/1000 are far better options. But, if you just want to know where you are on the map and be able to zoom around to figure out where you’re going – this will work quite well.
Product Comparison Charts:
I’ve added the Edge 520 to the product comparison database, which means you can compare it against any other GPS bike computer I’ve reviewed. For the purposes of the below, I’ve added the Garmin Edge 500, Edge 510, and Edge 520, since that’s likely the cross section of products people would be comparing against.
Remember, you can mix and match any products you’d like within the product comparison database, allowing you to create your own comparison charts.
Summary:
For those of you that are regular readers, you’ll know well that I’ve been pretty hard on the Garmin Fitness team when it comes to the Garmin Edge devices over the past few years. In my review of the Edge 510 device two years ago, I noted how the device fell far short of expectations. And with the Edge 1000 unit, I noted that it was largely a device that nobody asked for. Today however, I think it’s a case of ‘3rd time’s the charm’, and the Edge 520 is almost exactly what folks have been asking for.
The features are precisely what I and many others have wanted, in terms of aspects like Strava integration, direct trainer control, and baseline mapping. Plus a smaller size than the existing Edge 510.
Now there’s no doubt always room for improvement. For example, I’d really like to see Bluetooth Smart sensor support, and I think this might have actually been the rare case where touch screen support might have made sense (due to aspects like controlling trainer wattage). Or the lack of WiFi is a bit peculiar, as is the lack of Connect IQ support. But on the whole, for most users this device will hit the spot.
For me personally, assuming the final software and hardware isn’t buggy – I expect this device to become my mainstay bike computer, replacing the large number of Edge 810 and Edge 1000’s that I use on a day to day basis on my handlebars in various tests (most notably power meter tests where I run concurrent units). The size being the most appealing aspect, combined with the connectivity.
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Support the site: Found what you read above useful? If so – then you can support the site here by ordering the Edge 520 via Clever Training. They’re accepting pre-orders for the unit, which Garmin says will ship in “Q3” (between now and Sept 30th) – though its expected to likely start shipping much sooner in late July. They have both the base unit, as well as the bundle unit available, which can be selected from the drop-down list. In addition, if you’re a member of the DCR/CT VIP Program – you’ll save a bundle as well!
I’ve bought the 520 and can’t find anywhere in the profiles section to input data on the bike being ridden, for example, the bike weight, tire circumference etc. has this been omitted on the new 520?
It’s all activity profiles now. If you have more than one bike then set up a profile for each one.
You can enter circumference one you have your spreed sensor attached and detected.
Very little of this is explained by Garmin – so welcome to Garmin
Hi Ray
Do you know of a way I can use average power in the workouts?
I may be missing something, but the option to set average power as a target doesn’t seem to be available on Garmin Connect.
I bought a 520 off the back of the review on here and really like it. I love the ability on my daily commute to highlight 4-5 strava segments and then have them light up when I am about to hit them. It has really stepped up my training.
My question is whether the training partner over/under times shown are average pace for the segment or related to the realtime pace data for the segment?
If it’s a course created from a ride you did previously TP is using the actual variable speeds you did that day. If you create a course from scratch and set an average you want to achieve it goes at that constant average.
Hi Ray,
Recently bought edge 520, and now looking forward into trainer. (currently for MTB/ non roadie)
Got my eyes on Taxc Booster, but i know from your earlier blog about Taxc ANT+ FE-C standard.. they curently implemented it only into Vortex smart and Bushido smart. Can you give an advice on picking trainer? should i go for simplier Booster or definetly pick up at least Vortex? or other trainer?
I picked up a 520 recently, and I’m having some issues with my HR zones. In workouts I’ve created in Garmin Connect and sent to the 520, I want to spend a certain amount of time in zone 2 or zone 3. For some reason, I keep getting alerts telling me I’ve hit my max HR or my HR is too high even when I’m still in zone 2 and can see on my 910XT that my HR is only 150. I never had this problem when using workouts with my 910XT and Garmin Training Center. Has anyone else had this issue with their 520? Is it a Garmin Express issue? Thanks!
Not sure if this is related to your HR problem, but the unit when it first arrives, or if you do a factory reset, defaults to setting the max HR as you go along (a learning mode) which is most frustrating (a) because it starts out way too low and thinks you are riding at ridiculously high % of your max heart rate (b) because your HR zones are set way too low and (c) it keeps changing as it discovers you exceeding your previously achieved max HR. The cure is simple, you have to set the max HR to a specific value.
Thanks Graham. My max HR was set when I downloaded my profile from Garmin Connect, so I think that’s not the issue. Looking at those settings, though, made me notice one called “Auto Detect Max HR” which I wouldn’t otherwise have known about. I toggled that off and hopefully that will make things function as I expect them to.
I’ve create a workout on garmin connect with target power. Even if Min/Max alert was disabled for every zones, it kept beeping because of too high/low power. So I’ve enabled alerts for power lower than 0w and higher than 4000w. No more problem about this issue…BUT
…Let’s says the target power is 250w, EVERY time the current power is 250w I have an alert at the bottom of the screen telling me I’m in the zone (Not sure about the exact phrasing). This is very annoying because chaces are you’ll hit the target power every few seconds…Not sure how DC didn’t have this problem with his workouts.
I didn’t go through all the comments above, so I preliminary apologize if this was already commented, however:
Ray,
What is the sense to limit the unit so much in terms of storage capability (be it a decent internal memory or a simple port for micro sd)?
Is it only to force users to get another Garming GPS if they want real mapping capability, or there’s a good technical reason why this could not be implemneted inside the unit?
It’s really a spank that finally everything is there, but if I want to go on the Alps for some nice MTB trail raiding I need to switch to another unit (or load the local maps……………………….)
Garmin recently rolled out a software update for the Edge 520 – unfortunately I get an error message stating that there’s not enough internal memory available to perform the update. I have about 15Mb of available memory and recently deleted all the stored rides I had on my device, yet still no luck. I did upgrade the baseman with a local map of where I ride, which coincidently is smaller than the base map I replaced, so I don’t t think that could be the problem.
I’d like to upgrade the software if possible and would appreciate any suggestions you can come up with.
Anyone else experiencing significant ant+ dropouts (garmin HR, stages PM, Garmin speed sensor) as well as BT (with phone) following the new 3.0 firmware update?
I do have a Mac but what would emptying the recycling bin (I assume you mean the trash, right?) do? The internal memory problem resides on the Edge 520.
On Mac, each external storage device has its own hidden trash folder. If you have been deleting the activities using your Mac, instead of deleting them using the Edge 520, then you will need to empty the trash.
@ Don S. – what @Changren Yong said. I’ve done it a ton on my mac, when I ran into this problem (most times when I was trying to replace the maps). You need to empty the trash bin :)
Got it. Thanks for the clarification. BTW, Garmin Support told me to empty the ride, segment, etc folders and the OpenStreet map I loaded before trying to update. That worked as well, but next time I’ll remember to empty the trash folder on the Garmin.
I was trying to figure how to get 3-month premium strava account which is coming with Edge 520 bundle, however when I go from garmin connect segment page to strava, there is nothing about 3-month, one month/1 year purchase.
Can somebody point me, please?
Otherwise device is great, mapping could be better, and like possibility to create and follow workout, screen is great too.
First, thanks for your very detailed reviews – much appreciated!
I’ve been using a FR 305 for ages – it’s worked great for years. Battery question: I’d charge the FR after use and it would stay charged, no need to remember to charge it before running/cycling. Any recommendations for how often/when to charge the 520, whether it’s ok to charge it after an activity even if it isn’t low, and general recommendations for battery health? Thanks –
p.s. love the 520. Only issues I’ve seen so far are (1) temperature readings considerably lower than outdoor temps, and slow to react to change; and (2) couldn’t connect Strava to Mac Garmin Express, but got it to work via iPhone Strava settings. Great device; first I’ve seen that I’d swap the FR for.
@Linda: The Edge 520 has a published 15-hour battery life. The device itself tells you the percentage of battery life remaining, so you can make the decision on when you should charge it.
Thanks Changren!
It doesn’t seem to lose charge very quickly when it’s off — much better than a FR 405 I tried a while back, which had a watch function that wouldn’t turn off and depleted charge when I wasn’t using it.
Have the P1 Pedals and a Garmin 500. Thinking about upgrading to the Garmin 520 now that there’s a firmware update out that allows setting the crank length. Since the 520 doesn’t use bike profiles like the 500, how can I setup the 520 to save different crank lengths for my different bikes (three of them)? This is super easy on the 500, but I just want to make sure that even using the sensor pool with the 520 I can still somehow create profiles for each individual bike that stores the different / specific crank lengths. Thanks!
I think it’s not going to be possible to set up different crank lengths for the same power meter (aka sensor in the Edge 520). I used to have just one Garmin speed sensor (the newer version that uses accelerometer instead of magnet). Each time i moved the speed sensor between my road bike (700x25c tire) and cross bike (700x33c tire), i had to change the wheel size for that sensor. I got tired of changing the wheel size so i bought a second speed sensor.
Can you not setup different “activities” on the 520, and associate each with a different bike (road, track, tri, etc) and the set the crank length within each? That’d obviously be ideal. With the 500, you can simply have it set different crank lengths for each bike profile. Unfortunately, my wife uses different crank lengths across her four bikes. Would love to get a 520, but if it means having to manually change the crank length on the head unit each time she changes bikes (often), this is probably a deal breaker.
Can anyone with the P1 Pedals, Garmin 520, and the latest firmware update, please check into this? Thanks so much!
There isn’t any bike profile in the Edge 520. Only activity profile. All the sensors go into a sensor pool to be shared among various activity profiles (if you have more than one). Sensors are not tied to any particular activity profile so when you configure the wheel size for a speed sensor, that wheel size is tied to that sensor, not to the activity profile. I expect that to be the same for P1’s crank length setting. I find it interesting that this is a deal breaker for you. Your wife is willing to spend more than a few minutes to swap the pedals among her bikes but spending less than 30 seconds to configure the crank length in the Edge 520 is a deal breaker?
@Christopher: You may have to stick with your current bike computer then. I seriously doubt Garmin is going to reintroduce the bike profile back in its newer devices.
ok…trying to decipher your message :-))) – that means – you already know about a beta product :-). I’m asking because I’d rather wait instead of buying into an Edge 520, as the 500 (besides the FE-C) works fine, and I really don’t care about Strava or OSM…:-)
Hi Ray,
Curious if you have ever tested/tried or have a point of view on the accuracy of the neodymium magnets (Icarus or any magnet from Home Depot?) vs the magnet that comes with the Garmin GSC10? Seems like a no brainer—I dont understand why thy are not more prevelant vs the using ties/etc to attach the unsightly magnet GSC10 to your crank arm. Appreciate any insight or thoughts.
while not ray and not speaking for ray my opinion is the magnet makes no difference at all. I have been using ones like you describe from ac moore, michaels, home depot etc for years. I run speedplay stainless pedals and ultegras and while there is enough non stainless in those speedplay pedals for the magnet to remain attached I use a little clear silicone adhesive to make sure it sticks. On my ultegra pedals even though it sticks fine I still use the silicone. sure if i need to remove the ultegra pedal i have to pry the magnet out but even with the silicone it comes out very easy and I re-apply the silicone when I put the pedal back in but so what, it ads a whopping 30 seconds to the process. I hate those zip tie on the crank arm magnet setups. The little button magnets are more than strong enough to operate the read switch in the gsc10’s
I’d agree. I’ve often toyed with other magnets, never seen any issues. Both cycle specific and various rare earth ones stuck on the back of the pedal spindle.
Thanks for all the feed back—two quick follow up questions, (1) someone mentioned that some non cadence specific magnets maybe too strong or “calibrated to the wrong frequency” and be inaccurate—is this true or BS? and (2) I have a Giant TCR Advanced SL frame with the integrated cadence/speed in the chain stay—so my question is whether the magnet on the spindle will be too far away or not a match given that it is not a Garmin GSC10 (usually the magnet goes on the crank arm and can be moved etc?
Again thanks and appreciate all the insight or thoughts…apologize if these are rudimentary questions…
answers in reverse order. unless you can position the magnet in the correct location to pass the opening in the chainstay where it needs to pass by at the required spacing then no. as to question 1 for all practical human purposes you are correct it is BS.
let me qualify that…can you install a magnet of sufficient strength that will close the reed switch early and release it late? i’m sure. can you do it with a dime sized magnet the type of which we are talking about here no. if you could close the reed switch early and release it late “closed duration” it still would only happen once per pedal stroke correct? so maybe as the clock ticks by a minute and it didn’t open yet and only showed you pedaled i dunno oh say 84 times that minute instead of 86 or 88..would this matter to you in the grand scheme of things?
After I have installed the more detailed map I can’t update the unit to software version 3.0. I have removed the gmapbmap.img file. But when I try to install the old gmapbmap file I got the file message the unit is full.
Please HELP!!!!!!
I’ve been rocking the new 520 for nearly a month now. With fall coming, I’ve noticed that in the morning and later in the evening, the screen is switching to an inverse display (white text on dark background). Is this a normal feature or do I need to send my device in on warranty?
It does this at night to make it easier to see, so it’s not this gigantic bright blob on your handlebars. I believe you can turn it off in the settings (don’t have a unit in front of me at this second to triple-check).
Hi Ray, you’re right. I poked around and found in the Menu > Settings > Display > Color Mode section you can select from Auto, Day, & Night options. Auto is set based on time of day I found out, not some built in light sensor. Pretty cool
I used the 520 for the first time today and I didn’t like how the map kept zooming in and out. Is there a way to zoom in and leave it there so I know where I’m going?
On the map page, if you press the key on the top-right, it will take you to a menu. From there, you can manually adjust the zoom level by turning off auto zoom and then choosing “Set Zoom Level.”
Have you or anyone else noticed HR drops? It has happened to me e v e r y bike ride – HR rate drops to 63 (!) every now and then during the ride for no reason. Tried running with the Edge, same problem. Brought the 920 on the bike (with the Edge) – same reading in the 920 file. Garmin doesn’t know what’s happening …
Does anyone know if there is a way to delete missed text / call notifications on the edge 520? I’ve searched every menu for a delete option with no luck, had the device forget my phone, had my phone forget the device.. nothing seems to work and cant find anything in the manual or on google either. Hope I’m missing something
ps, DCRainmaker your reviews are awesome… from this Edge 520 review to your Eurobike RV review to your Varia review to your…. you get the point, great job and thanks for taking the time to put them together!!
Correct, you only have to read it on your phone and the notification will disappear.
I am quite frustrated with this feature. If you get more than one txt, all you will be able to see on the Garmin is a screen that says “n text messages received” and you cannot see the contents – you have to read them from your phone before the notification will disappear. Garmin certainly has this one wrong, It would be much more useful, and safer, if a txt was displayed on the screen until you hit the back button.
Totally agree with this. The Magellan Cyclo allows you to view the message on-screen. The Garmin just “notifies” you. Kinda lackluster to say the least…
think I figured it out.. once you clear the notification on your phone, it disappears from the edge… so basically it’s just mirroring what’s on your phone for notifications and not really storing anything locally
great review. I have an Edge 810. Is it worth to up or downgrade to the 520? I mostly use the Edge to train and not to navigate. I am interested in controlling my tacx vortex.
What do you think?
Hello DCR, again, having not read every single comment above would you know if it is a Garmin issue or a G3 power tap issue with my sensor not being picked up? Had no problem with any other of the sensors but everyone seems to think it’s a connection bug between the 2 devices that is yet to be rectified. Maybe when they release an upgrade? My 500 has never had problem reading the G3.
No issues at all for me any two different G3 hubs with four different Edge 520’s, over the last 3 months. It’s a mainstay of my fleet.
I’d go in and triple-check the sensor listing and see if perhaps it’s there but toggled to be ‘off’, so it wouldn’t show up. Or, try resetting the Edge 520. I’ve heard of nobody else with any PM pairing issues (on any devices).
I’ve had exactly this happen with my Pioneer dual sided PM. The PM works (will pair with my old 500 and is all good). But it won’t pair to the 520. 520 is picking up other ANT+ signals no problem.
The whole point of getting the 520 was to see the dual sided options – so bit disappointing at the moment. Did Victoria sort her issue?
I needed some help on how to turn on text notifications and incoming calls, i have not found hoot turn on the option on my 520. Any idea on how to make this work with my iPhone 6.
1. Are you on the latest 520 firmware (version 3.0)? If not, update to the latest firmware.
2. On your iPhone 6 go to Settings –> Bluetooth. Do you see “BLE_Edge 520” and “BT_Edge 520” under MY DEVICES? If you are only seeing “BT_Edge 520”, you need to pair with the “BLE_Edge 520” device. This is the device pairing that allows text/call notification be sent from your iPhone to the Edge 520.
3. If you are having problem pairing “BLE_Edge 520” to your iPhone, then unfortunately at the moment, the only way to fix this is to reset the 520 to factory. To reset the 520 to factory, go to Settings –> System –> Device Reset –> Factory Reset. Remember, if you do this, you will lose ALL your settings and activities. After doing the Factory Reset, when the 520 is powered on again, you will be prompted to enter your profile again. At some point, it will ask if you want to set up your phone. Just go through the guided steps to pair it up with your iPhone again.
In relation to the live strava segments, do you need to have a mobile phone with it’s mobile data running in order to utilise the live strava segments?
Basically, in other words. Do you need to have internet to have live segments running. Or does it run without the need for internet running?
I have tested a backup battery during a driveway ride and it worked fine. I was concerned about charging it during a multiday ride and having it reset. However if you plug it into a live USB port (other end in PC) it will reset. Of course, you wouldn’t be plugging it a handle bar mounted laptop, I assume.
I scanned comments and couldn’t find anything about the integration to the Di2. I’m so glad I read your review before I committed to the 1000. I’m feeling pretty confident that the 520 is the way to go. I have the 500 and love it except I wish I can see a map under the breadcrumbs. Thanks so much, can’t wait to read your in-depth review of the 520.
I need help with picking out a bike computer. I am avid cyclist that race once a weekend in college. On that note I have the Garmin edge 500 and I think it is time to upgrade. Which Garmin or bike computer would you suggest to get. I do not really have a price budget right now. Thanks for your suggestions.
1. Autozoom seems to cycle the map continuously through zoom settings. Not sure whether this is a bug or a feature but I find it very distracting. Do other 520’s work like this?
2. If I begin to ride a course but am not at the start the 520 gives me the option of navigating to the start. Taking this option introduces a thick pink line on the map in the direction of the start. This is useful, except that the 520 never notices when I’ve actually reached the start (even though it will announce that I’m arriving) so the pink line never goes away and the Distance to Destination never starts counting down. (I’ve twice now confused the line that won’t go away with the course I should be following.) Is this how all 520’s behave or is it a problem just with mine?
3. Zooming into the map takes 6 button presses (7 if you need to skip over the option to view texts that have arrived). This seems unnecessarily awkward. Perhaps Ray you could suggest to Garmin that as a shortcut, pressing the UP or DOWN button at the same time as the button opposite causes a zoom in or out. Pressing opposing buttons at the same time is if anything easier than pressing just one so this wouldn’t be difficult for the user
1) You can turn off auto-zoom.
3) Hmm, interesting idea. I suppose this goes to auto-zoom. Or probably more to just not being an ideal zooming unit. But even just a long-hold option would be nice too. I’ll mention it.
I have just recently started using the 520 and have found that even when using m old Edge 500 you could change the zoom level by just holding in the brightness button, which would put up the change zoom level field. Would be awesome if Garmin put this on to the 520! It would save a lot of fumbling around. I have tried and dont like the auto zoom, would like to be able to set it myself with a couple of button presses.
I followed your instructions in order to get some maps on my 705 and 520. This works just fine! What’s not working is the lack of elevation profile on tracks copied to Edge 520 via Base Camp. Copying files into the NewFiles folder doesn’t lead to any new courses uploaded to the Edge. I tried to convert the gpx file into a fit one, which my Garmin gratefully accepted. It was there, under Courses. What wasn’t there was the elevation profile at the beginning and during the ride. Afterwards the device sent the right data to Strava and GC as well as TP, but still I didn’t know when the summit is going to finish Any ideas, folks?
Ray:
Another suggestion to Garmin for firmware update.
Include backlight duration in profiles. Indoors I ride in a dimly lit room and keep the backlight “always on”. I would also like to create a “night” profile where backlight is always on. On occasions when I ride during day after a night ride, I’ve occasionally overlooked the always on setting and the battery has drained on a longer ride. Including this in profiles would fix this issue.
Please forgive my innocent question but I currently use my Garmin 920, and Garmin speed and cadence sensor on my Bike. Today I just bought a Stages power meter and was thinking of buying the Garmin 520 computer. Since I am training for an Ironman is it possible for data from the Stages power meter to be sent to both my 920 watch and the Garmin 520? I am fairly new to all the gadgets out there but my coach wants me training with power instead of just heart rate. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks in advance :)
i had similar question…. i have fenix 3, and not sure why i would get 520 instead of using the fenix 3. i get the bigger screen. and maybe the ability to control a trainer or more cycling dynamics… curious to what people think
Hey Ray when do think we should expect he in-depth review of the Edge 520 or did I miss something? Thanks and keep writing and snapping pics, love the blog.
520 is for sure very nice, now did someone find a way to have the live segment working while following a course?
It seems like a non-supported feature and for sure it would be nice to have.\
Thanks
Hi! Thanks a lot for this great review.
I’m a bit struggling in chosing between the 520 or the 810. My reasonning is that a GPS without routable directions is not a GPS…but on the other hand, i’m not sure whether i really need to have routes indicated. Probably only a high level view can do the trick…
Don’t you think an edge 820 will be release as well? as the 810 is already more than 2 yrs old…
thanks!
I have an Edge 510 that I use to control front and rear Garmin Virb video cameras. Using the touchscreen, I can either take a picture or record a video. The Edge 520 is listed as Virb compatible, but I cannot find any information on how it is accomplished. Since the 520 doesn’t have a touchscreen, perhaps there is a dedicated Virb page (like the 510) that is controlled by buttons. Can you confirm that the 520 can be used to take photos and videos with the Virb, and how it is done? Thanks!
I’m looking at upgrading my Edge 500 to the 520 and I’m pretty sold.
I was wondering if anyone could clarify the following regarding live tracking:
Do I have to invite someone every time I use it, or can I leave an outstanding invite for each time the device is being used?
Eg, I want it possible for the wife to have a quick check when I’m out on a night ride, and make sure that I’m not stopped in a ditch. Would I have to invite her at the start of every ride, or can I leave an open invite, eg invite once, view repeatedly.
I believe you would have to send an invite each time, as it creates a link when you start the live track.
You should look into Road ID and their app. Your wife could track you in real time, and it can be set to send a notification to her if you’ve stopped moving for more than 5 minutes.
That’s a shame. I’ve seen RoadID, and have actually bought one of their bands and had it sent to the UK.
The same issue arises with the RoadID app, in that I have to activate it each time I ride.
Ideally, the Garmin would broadcast to people that I’ve invited as a recurring option (in the same way “find my friends” does on the iPhone), but this doesn’t seem to be an option.
I’ve got into the habit where each time I’m on the way out the door, as part of booting up the Garmin, I get into Connect on my phone and issue the invite for livetracking, and then it’s just when she has a chance to check her mail or she wonders where the hell I am, she just loads up the google map (well, it always defaults to Bing for me, haven’t worked out out to make it go straight into google maps) and she where I am at that point.
Mind you where I am, mobile coverage is patchy in some places a little further from home and this upsets the live tracking, sometimes it doesn’t recover. Somewhat annoying. It would be more effective if the connect app remembers the route that it hasn’t been able to send successfully, and sends it when it can.
Hello, is worth of what it is going to be a matter of me have it from no edge of 520 gives of investing in the shame no one foot of power? manufactured is still on edge of 500? to replace the came from the 520?
Hello, is worth of what it is going to be a matter of me have it from no edge of 520 gives of investing in the shame no one foot of power? manufactured is still on edge of 500? to replace the came from the 520?
My neo just shipped– sweet! Ok so what else do I need to purchase to make this work? Just a cassette or do I need some tools and whatnot? Sorry this thread is so long it’s hard to find everything we need…..
I read your posts on a weekly basis and find them very helpful and insightful. I have a question regarding the type of unit I should purchase next.
I’m 68 and do alot of recreational cycling (about 5800 kms per year), currently I have a Garmin 500 and would like to replace it, I’m torn between the 520 and the 25. I like the price of the 25 but I really like all the info from the 520 although it is a little scary for me as I don’t feel a need for all the features. The key areas of interest for me are, HR, Speed, Cadence, ability to compete against myself, will the 25 give me all these things.
Do not buy. There is a major issue with the gradient lag. Very frustrating and Garmin refuses to acknowledge the problem. Wait until they fix (if they ever do)
I am very interested in being able to switch from my GPS60CSX to the 520 given its ability to charge during ride. I was pretty convinced I was going to stay with battery devices that take the lithium AA batts, but this could do that.
For those who have tried the charging during riding, how much external battery and time is required to charge? I am planning to do a 420 mile off road bikepacking race w/o being able to charge conventionally, so this would be most helpful to know to understand how much battery/weight I would need to carry to see if it is worth it.
Hi Rai,
Excuse my bad english, I´m from Spain.
I have a Edge 520 and a Tacx Bushido, and I can´t conect them. my suposition is that they have any problem with the Vector, becuse I also have it. The edge 520 read of the Bushido velocity and cadence, but not trainer. and read power too but I put the preference of the Vector. when I go to the option “trainer ant+” the Edge don´t detect nothing..
what can I do?
thank you in advance from Spain!.
Have a feeling this may be somewhat niche given my device, but has anyone else been seeing BT connection issues with the 520 and a Google Nexus 6P phone?
I already have an iPhone 6+ paired and haven’t removed it yet …
When I first paired the 6P, it connected the 520 as an input device and added a floating mouse pointer to my phone which was very confusing to say the least. It took clicking on the options icon for the 520 in BT settings to find there was a check-box I could uncheck. The device itself is also connecting with a “cross-hair” icon different from other devices in my list … been a while since I had an android connected to a Garmin so I don’t know if this is standard or not.
Anyway I can’t get the Phone to stay paired with the Garmin at all … I’m seeing constant prompts on the phone about disconnect issues and how to troubleshoot (device help) which all lead to starting the process over. I’ve done that a few times … it’s rather annoying and remains unresolved.
Interesting. I have a similar problem. Had an LG G2 with an older version of Android which worked without a problem other than not getting consistent message alerts but connection never dropped. Just got a Samsung S6 with Android 5.xxx and had constant disconnects and reconnects. So bad it wouldn’t stay connected long enough to upload a ride. Its not a Garmin issue as I had a similar problem in my car. The problem seemed to go away for a 24-48 hours after a phone reboot. I rode last night with solid Garmin connection. However in my car today, connect/disconnect every 2 minutes until I reboooted. Looks like more of an Android problem in my case.
Regardless of phone or operating system, Garmin’s bluetooth pairing is unreliable. I was even sent a new unit recently and same issue as soon as I pair BLE_Edge 520 it starts loosing connection with my PM, HR, and speed sensor. I find the problem is exacerbated the minute I add the Garmin Varia headlight to the equation. Come on Garmin!!!!!! You very well know there is a problem here so stop releasing meaningless GC updates before you fix the connectivity issues. It’s the reason I bought the device (text messages and live track for the wife) and have invested heavily into the Garmin ecosystem!
Tried finding this answer myself with no luck – Can I control my new Kickr Snap with my 520 – can I ride a course from my 520 controlling the Kickr’s resistance? This is a big reason i purchased the 520, but I can’t seem to get it to work.
I have the same question. I have both devices. When I went to pair on the 520, the SNAP appeared up as a power meter and not a trainer. I deleted it, searched specifically for trainers and it was blank. Curious if you got it to pair as a trainer. I think the issue so on the Wahoo end, but not sure.
Anybody else getting truly horrible battery life on this baby?
In theory, it should be “up to 15 hours” – in reality, I get nothing like that. For example, I went on a ride today with a fully charged battery and after 3 hours, it was down to 3%.
Now admittedly I use several features that drain the battery e.g. display at 100%, backlight always on, Bluetooth – but that’s the way I like it and I accept I probably will not get the full 15.
But surely I should be getting more than 3 hours??
Backlight on and at 100% is HUGE tax on the battery. Add in a few other features, and I would think that’s about right.
I’ve gone on 3-4 hour rides, backlight off, BT off, no maps…basically just gps+GLONASS, HR and speed/cadence sensors and still have 80-85% battery left.
Not really clear to me: will it calculate distance on a dumb indoor roller if paired with a speed sensor (that is a magnet on the wheel like in the 1980’s dumb bicycle computers I suppose?)
I suppose there are cheaper options for just that (like, euhm, an eighties dumb bicycle computer), but this would double the Edge as an indoor and outdoor computer.
Just read on another DCR article that the Wahoo Elemnt is delayed in 2016 so looking at the Edge 520 now. I’ve been struggling on with a very dodgy Edge 500 for months now, but that finally died couple of weeks back (dead USB connector won’t charge or sync, tried multiple cables).
I travel a lot and at each new place use the Strava course creator to find the most popular local roads (love heatmap) and plot a course. Without a GPS on the handlebars I would get lost just about every ride.
Trouble is I can’t find described anywhere an easy way to get courses from Strava to an Edge 520. The Elemnt is just meant to sync automatically through a smartphone or WiFi & that is one of the reasons I was hanging out for it. I specifically do not want to have to download, plug in the device, transfer, etc, etc. as wear and tear on the USB port is what lead to my Edge 500’s death.
Now that Garmin acknowledge the existence of Strava do they have any plans to make courses sync across? And if a course is in your Garmin Connect account, can you get that into an Edge 520 wirelessly?
BTW, what is the screen on the Edge 520 like in very bright sunlight (can’t find that mentioned here)?
So… given the delay I decided to stump up for the Edge 520. Paid full RRP at my local bike shop.
Big mistake!?
As mentioned, I specifically got this unit because I want to transfer stuff wirelessly to avoid wear and tear on the USB port which is what finally did for my old 500.
I’ve got a Samsung Galaxy S3 (i9300) running Android 4.4. Installed the Garmin Connect App on it. Followed the pairing instructions. I can see the Edge 520 in the phone’s list of paired bluetooth devices.
Now, whenever I turn the Edge 520 on, it detects the phone and tells me it’s connected, then shows the solid bluetooth icon top of the screen. However, when I open the Garmin Connect App on my phone and visit the ‘Garmin Devices’ screen all I see is my old Edge 500 device. It says there are no devices paired, despite the fact the Edge 520 is shown in the O/S’s list of paired devices.
I hit the ‘+’ sign on the ‘Devices’ screen in the Garmin Connect App thinking I can add the already connected Edge 520. Instructions tell me to perform the bluetooth pairing process again. So I unpair, and re-pair. Doesn’t help.
Given the Garmin Connect App (and also online via the website) doesn’t know about my new Edge 520 I cannot send any courses wirelessly to it. What?! This was a major incentive in buying this thing!
What appears to be a bug in the Android App is preventing this device from working as it should. This is not a good look for Garmin. I have asked for help on the forum (because their support is hopeless) here:
I didn’t realise at the time, but I actually had the same issue. I remedied it by connecting the device to my computer and adding it to Garmin Express (which I did to see if there was a firmware update for the device).
Since then I’ve not had any problems with the device showing on my phone or in Connect, but it doesn’t show notifications on from my phone when riding the same way my Forerunner 25 does.
Thx for the heads up… but I don’t have a Windoze PC. You aren’t meant to need one to sync/update firmware with the Edge 520, right? It’s all meant to happen through your smartphone… if only the app knew that! :(
Rob: I would remove all references to the Edge 500 in both the GC app and GC website. Ensure you get the “welcome” notification box in GC that confirms the 520 is correctly registered to your GC account. At least on my 920, without using Windows/Garmin Express, I can only update firmware after sending to device via GC web and manually forcing a WiFi connect on the device. If the 520 is anything like the 920, then I haven’t been able to update fw using the GC app.
Can’t get my HR belt to hook up. All new Garmin. When i connect the sensor page, it finds the HR belt (i assume as it has a code) but no HR on the screen. Tried wetting the belt etc. Faulty belt or am i doing something wrong ? Once its found the belt on the sensor connect screen i hit the back button. Correct ?
Hi
Have an issue with my 520.. every now and then it won’t boot up.. have to reset device every time that happens.. really frustrating. Please help.. why is it doing this.
Hi Ray,
Thanks for another good review:) I just ordered one. I have one question, what about the screen? is it better more clearer and more readable at dusk compared to the 510?
I found the 510 screen to be grainy. Appreciate the feedback,
I am looking into getting a new bike compute and wondering which one is a better investment the Garmin edge 520 or the 1000? Currently I have the 500 and love it. I’m a starve user but don’t care that much about it. I do bike touring and races with my university.
Yes. Those are all functions of power. No power meter, then no readings. The only possible exception is TSS which uses power to calculate but can be somewhat estimated using heart rate but Garmin devices currently do not do that estimation for you.
Yes you can. But… this involves plugging the unit into your PC and saving the file you download to the ‘NewFiles’ folder. A big feature of the Edge 520 is that it it suppose to transfer wirelessly but that only works for courses on Garmin Connect.
It is possible to get a file from one planning service to Garmin Connect courses, but that is convoluted (you have to upload as activity, create course from that, then delete the activity).
Garmin really should just create an ‘import’ function on their course creator or even better, make it sync with Strava (their creator is so much better). Then you could use any course planner you like and still ‘send to device’ wirelessly once that course was in Garmin Connect.
Wouldnt it be nice if you could see a screen of what the virb xe is videoing and what will be the next model from the 520 garmin will be introducing next
The snapshot thingie. Got it figured out that you need to press the lap button, but what if you DON’T want to start a new lap? I cannot believe the stupidity. I though I was missing something obvious. So, now, every time I start a lap, it takes a screenshot also? How difficult would it be to make it a two button press?
The 500 only read ANT+ belts & speed/cadence. The 520 also handles these, so yes, you can upgrade your head unit and use your old ANT+ sensors & HRM. This is exactly what I did & worked flawlessly.
Can two riders share one edge 520? As in I go for a ride, get home and upload data via my iPhone and then later that day my wife goes for a ride, comes home and uploads data via her iPhone.
Is it capable of pairing to two iPhones separately essentially?
Pairing to more than one should phone should not be an issue, however, if you have separate GC accounts, each account will attempt to upload all the rides recorded that haven’t been uploaded to the account currently connected. This means you both would end up with each others rides. Not be big deal since you can delete the activity from the 520 or the GC account, but a bit of a pain.
I’ve scanned through this review and searched for references to setting crank arm length–but I haven’t found anything that directly answers my present concern.
I’m getting set to purchase a power meter–most likely a Stages. I’m also planning on upgrading my Edge 500 to something that will handle mapping and have other newer features. Very strongly considering the Edge 520 and in doing some basic research I ran across this thread. Am I correct that Garmin does NOT SUPPORT setting the proper crank arm length for Stages and other non-Garmin products?
If so, the absolute arrogance of this company just astounds me. I have 175mm cranks and apparently need to change the default on whatever head unit I end up with.
I hope I’m wrong, but if I’m not, this is close to pushing me out of the Garmin “family” for good. TIA for any data on this.
I’ve done more reading and see that Garmin has rectified the problem with not allowing crank arm length setting on the 520 and 1000. Hard to keep on top of all this stuff!
Hi! New to garmin edge.. i am having trouble, maybe you can help.. my garmin express on my mac is sying that that my edge 520 is up to date with 2.6 version.. but i keep reading in forums that there is a 3.0 available.. why is this??
The Garmin Support page says
Updates & Downloads
Edge 520 software version 3.10 is available
as of December 7, 2015
Use Garmin Express to install this file.
I use Garmin Express but it still says Version 2.6 and then it says YOU ARE UP TO DATE.
What’s going on here? How do I install version 3.10?
The Garmin Support page says
Updates & Downloads
Edge 520 software version 3.10 is available
as of December 7, 2015
Use Garmin Express to install this file.
I use Garmin Express but it still says Version 2.6 and then it says YOU ARE UP TO DATE.
What’s going on here? How do I install version 3.10?
The second post on this thread. I live in India but wife and I got our Garmins from Italy and US. Both have updated to version 3. Not tried the latest upgrade yet.
I just purchased a Garmin Edge 520 and installed it. My one concern thus far is that in bright sunlight its very hard to see the displayed data fields. I assume that the Brightness button only apples to the so-called Backlight when depressed and not to the brightness factor otherwise. Is anyone having the same issue? Thanks for all the valuable info on your Web Site.
It would be nice if Garmin also allowed to modify the workout screen so you can add datafields. Like cadance and heartrate. Now I have to switch back and forward to know how I’m doing wrt the right cadance and if the HR correspondence with how I feel during the workout.
I’m also missing that you can’t configure data field power readings like Peak Power 3s, Peak Power 30s, Peak Power 1min, Peak Power 5min and Peak Power 60min.
Do you think it is easy for Garmin to add these with a planned firmware update?
So, I have an old Garmin 305 that I’m still using, but I would like to get this new 520. Looking at the bundles on both Amazon and Clever Training, they both include a chest strap which I don’t need. Will the HR sensor from my old 305 work with the new 520 (I’m thinking it will, but thought I’d ask)?
I seem to have resolved most of my earlier concerns with my Garmin Edge 320. However, the calorie expenditures reflecting my 40 to 50 mile bike rides are obviously wrong. Some of my rides reflect that I used about 500 to 600 calories on a 45 mile bike ride. No way. The numbers seemed far more accurate on my old Garmin 305 Edge. Is anyone having similar issues the calorie numbers? I’ve spoken with Garmin Reps. and they are essentially stumped about this. Thanks in advance.
Robert A. said: The numbers seemed far more accurate on my old Garmin 305 Edge. Is anyone having similar issues the calorie numbers? I’ve spoken with Garmin Reps. and they are essentially stumped about this. Thanks in advance.
I don’t know if this is something you have tried, or is even relevant, but I had really bad (low) calories readings from the Vivoactive when I had that watch. Didn’t line up with the 610, Edge 500 or Fenix 3–was MUCH lower. All of these devices supposedly used Firstbeat technology to calculate calories. I have no clue about whether they use DIFFERENT Firstbeat algorithms or not.
I got the Vivoactive to improve greatly when I went to Garmin Connect to make sure that I had my profile–weight and HR zones set correctly. I thought they were all identical and that my profile was a global set of parameters used by ALL devices. Apparently not–the Vivoactive was set a little differently and when I set it up to use the same profile as the Edge and 610, the calories burned went up quite a bit. They were all still different with the Edge being the highest and the Vivoactive the lowest, but the gap wasn’t nearly as much.
When the 920XT went on sale, I returned the Vivoactive and got it and currently use it and the Edge 500 on bike rides. Calories are within 10% or so on those two, so I’ve stopped obsessing about it. If I feel like I need it, I’ll give myself an extra snack if the Edge shows higher ;-),
I with Garmin were a bit more transparent about how all these things work, but I’m also kind of resigned to the fact that they are a BIG company and it’s just not how they roll. I do appreciate their forums and, frankly, I don’t see anything that is leaps and bounds ahead of them either.
Yep, I have that problem too. It is really my only complaint about the 320. I have a ticket open with Garmin about this. I am still to fully migrate from my 310XT. For me, the 320 does everything better, except for the calories, which averages about 60% of the calories quoted by the 310XT, with some variation depending on whether it is a hard ride or a light one. Garmin support said the two devices use the same algorithm, and since I am using both devices until they produce the same figures, I supplied Garmin with the ride data from each one to assist in their in investigation. Well, some months have passed and still they are being very coy about whether they (a) can identify the problem (b) can develop a fix (c) have a fix which will come out sometime or (d) have no ******* idea.
I am somewhere between the Edge 1000 and the Edge 520. I guess its easy to get sucked into the features but in essence, I only need the following core functionality:
1) Ability to load routes that I have created manually in BaseCamp onto the unit and use them for offroad Enduro riding (Without having to jump between Google Earth, BaseCamp and MapSource). I am not worried about having a “streetmap” ability, but it will be nice to see the map on which I currently travelling in the background as opposed to a blank background such as with the old ForeTrex 201 etc.
2) Ability to integrate the metrics of my heartrate, speed and the (GPS) course that I am following on the Virb Video Editing software from Garmin – and which uses G-Metrics as a format/standard?
3) Ability for my movement and heartrate to be tracked using Live Tracking.
4) I guess as I am doing a lot of solo offroad riding, the Edge 1000 emergency transmission of position to contacts in case of an impact sounds like a nice feature…did you test it specifically?
Based on the above – what would you recommend between these two?
Yes. You can pair it to all sensors as part of a sensor pool, and it’ll automatically recognize which ‘bike’ your on based on those sensors that are activated.
You can further create activity profiles, that allow different data screens and name them as you wish.
Can I upload the .fit files from the 520 to my laptop (mac) via bluetooth, or do I have to use the USB cable to get them on to my computer? I use Golden Cheetah on my laptop and am looking for the easiest way to get my data from the 520 to Golden Cheetah without any cables. I got a watch with the wireless sync and now I never want to have to connect a garmin to my laptop again if I can avoid it ;)
Another nice review by DCR. Now being very honest about my experience with Edge 520 I must say I absolutely hate it. I do miss the touch screen. It was so much simple than having to press many buttons. IMHO, this product is a downgrade compared to Edge 510. Unfortunately mine died after I stupidly disconnected it during an upgrade.
So, in my view, don’t waste your money in Edge 520. Maybe wait for a Edge 820 which will hopefully stick to touchscreen,
For the failed firmware update, you can actually do a forced re-set of the device and get it back to full factory defaults. The Garmin forums have the workaround there. Even works for cases like yours most of the time.
Anyone else suffering from all ANT+ devices disconnecting (and reconnecting seconds later) at the same time from the Edge 520 during an activity after upgrading to the latest firmware (3.10)?
Yes, and it drives me crazy! When I first got my Edge 1000 in August 2015, the pairing was perfect. Then, with the latest updates (or whatever) the thing has been doing this spontaneous connect/disconnect with no cause or solution. Trash!
I bought the 520 for the gradient function, so that I could help my brain appreciate the subtle extra % increases on the hills that the eyes cannot make out.
I have had the same issue with my Edge 520, it is happening since the first day of use. I can be for example on a 7% climb but the device shows something ridiculous like -1%!! I am happy others are having the same issue because it shows this issue is on many devices. I am trying to get a response from Garmin Customer Care….
I just bought the Garmin Edge 520. Ive used it twice already. Im not sure what i did wrong whe i set it up but one those 2 rides I used it, the mileage was off. First ride was a 30+/-miles but when I look at my Edge 520 after the ride it say I only rode 10 miles or so. Today I rode with a group and we average aroung 51miles but on my Garmin it says I only rode 17.5 miles. I already updated it before I started using it. Does anyone have this same problem? How do I fix it to get the accurate mileage?
>Sounds like you have a speed/cadence sensor installed that has incorrect wheel diameter, only about 1/3 of what it should be.
I thought all the Garmin Edge products used GPS to determine speed/distance. Not true? If so, is there a setting to switch between using GPS or an installed speed/cadence sensor?
>>Stephen, are you using the Edge 520 with a speed sensor?<<
No. I have an Edge 500, and a Bontrager/Trek "Duotrap" speed/cadence sensor. I've always assumed that distance measurements came from the GPS. In fact, when I'm on a trainer, I get distances that MUST be coming from the GPS in the Edge — very short for the time spent.
Maybe the 520 is different? Are there any head units that do not have GPS? If so, then maybe they pick up distance from the wheel sensor. I am obviously not clear on how this works.
If you have not configured your Edge 520 with the Bontrager Duotrap speed/cadence sensor, then it’s just using the GPS for distance/speed calculation. The GPS is not as accurate as a properly configured speed sensor but i don’t expect the GPS inaccuracy to be as significant as what you described.
Changren Young said: >>If you have not configured your Edge 520 with the Bontrager Duotrap speed/cadence sensor, then it’s just using the GPS for distance/speed calculation. The GPS is not as accurate as a properly configured speed sensor but i don’t expect the GPS inaccuracy to be as significant as what you described.<<
My Edge 500 gets it's speed/cadence from the Duotrap sensor. I'm ASSUMING that it is getting distance from the GPS because when outdoors, it reports distances that are at least reasonably accurate. When indoors, it just reports total distance for a 1-hour ride as something like .1 mile and the track on Garmin Connect is just a bunch of squiggles all around the bike studio! I don't know if there is a setting in the 500 to either:
a) turn off the GPS for indoor biking. My 920 XT just has an activity called indoor biking that does this.
b) force the unit to use the sensors to measure distance. If there is, I guess it would be a good idea to do that if GPS distances are really less accurate than measuring wheel revolutions.
Just checked my Edge 500 and there is, indeed, a setting to turn off the GPS. So tomorrow, when I’m on the trainer, I’ll do that and see if it then uses the speed/cadence sensor to report distance. If it does, I should get a realistic “mileage” for the time spent on the trainer. If it doesn’t, then I’ll have to figure out if it’s possible to force it to do so.
Can anyone here comment on how the “di2 support” works with the 520? What does it actually do? Does it indicate what gear you are in? I’m riding a bike using the 1st generation Ultegra electronic (2012). I’m not clear if this version of electronic is considered “di2” or “ui2”. I just received my 520 as a Christmas gift, and I noticed a sensor setting for “di2”. I tried it, but the 520 just froze on the screen trying to find my di2. I suspect that since my electronic is older, it doesn’t have the capability to pair with the 520. Can someone please confirm this? What version of di2 is actually supported with the 520?
You will need a Shimano D-Fly adapter, which plugs into the e-tube bus, to have the Di2 talk to a compatible bike computer like the Edge 520. According to Shimano, the D-Fly adapter is “compatible with Dura-Ace 9070, Ultegra 6870 Di2 and Ultegra 6770 E-tube road shifting”. With the D-Fly adapter, you can see the the battery level and current gear (front and back).
I have an Edge 510 that I use to control front and rear Garmin Virb video cameras. Using the touchscreen, I can either take a picture or record a video. The Edge 520 is listed as Virb compatible, but I cannot find any information on how it is accomplished. Since the 520 doesn’t have a touchscreen, perhaps there is a dedicated Virb page (like the 510) that is controlled by buttons. Can you confirm that the 520 can be used to take photos and videos with the Virb, and how it is done? Thanks!
I would be interested in this too. I have spent a lot of time trying to find the answer to this issue. I can find no screen on the 520 that mentions the virb.
If your Virb is paired with your Edge 520 (and Enabled, of course), then on the Edge 520’s Status screen, you will see “VIRB”, and below that, “Record” and “Take Photo”. These functions are activated with the upper right button (button “7” in the Edge 520 manual).
When you hit “Record” you will see “Recording” next to “VIRB” and the timer will start. You end the video recording with the same button.
When you hit “Take Photo”, you will see “Photo Taken” next to “VIRB”.
Interesting how keeping track of everything during a ride or workout has become an exercise in itself. I’m not interested in keeping track of every detail but I am interested in not getting lost. As a 22 year Marine Corps vet I can read a topo map and not get lost but having a GPS for areas I’m not familiar with sound like a good idea..Headed to Moab, Sedona and Southern AZ in February…enough time to understand this or any unit?
I’m a loyal etrex 30 user, but now I’m considering making the jump to an Edge 520 for the better training features. On my Etrex 30, I can either uses routes or tracks for navigation. I prefer the latter one, where I just follow a breadcrumb trail on my screen, without my GPS device complaining or recalculating routes whenever I take a small detour or shortcut. I am not familiar with courses however, which seem to be the only option for navigation on the Edge 520. I did an internet search but still hasn’t find the answer on my following question: can I use a course as a breadcrumb trail, without getting directions of my GPS (like in a car)? Or is it inevitable that the Edge consider a course as a ‘route’ and recalculates whenever I get off-track?
Hi. I have recently invested in an Edge 520 and a Tacx Bushido smart trainer with Ant+ & FEC.
In your most helpful review you say:
– Follow an activity: This takes a past workout and allows you to re-ride it, simulating the elevation/incline in real time
– Follow a course: This allows you to ride a downloaded course (such as a race, route, or anything else), and changes elevation/incline in real time
– Follow a workout: This allows you to ride a downloaded workout (created on Garmin Connect), where it’ll automatically change the resistance for each segment of the workout.
However I cannot get the trainer to follow the elevation activity or course and change the resistance etc. It just says at the base level. I rang Garmin support and they it could not follow course elevation with an indoor trainer they say it needs GPS which is switched off when you sync to the Bushido? Have tried following a recorded cycle ride and a course built on Garmin connect without success. I also wondered if you can follow your posoition on the map (I have openstreetmap downloaded on the 520)? Very grateful for any advice . Thanks.
My trainer would not work either until i had updated the firmware on it via their app. Having done that it works. Unfortunately though the follow a previous ride/course really doesn’t feel anything like riding on the road.
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Hi there
I’ve bought the 520 and can’t find anywhere in the profiles section to input data on the bike being ridden, for example, the bike weight, tire circumference etc. has this been omitted on the new 520?
It’s all activity profiles now. If you have more than one bike then set up a profile for each one.
You can enter circumference one you have your spreed sensor attached and detected.
Very little of this is explained by Garmin – so welcome to Garmin
No bike profiles in Edge 520.
Hi Ray
Do you know of a way I can use average power in the workouts?
I may be missing something, but the option to set average power as a target doesn’t seem to be available on Garmin Connect.
Can you manually input Odometer for an old bicycle? Can’t see it or I am missing something…
I bought a 520 off the back of the review on here and really like it. I love the ability on my daily commute to highlight 4-5 strava segments and then have them light up when I am about to hit them. It has really stepped up my training.
My question is whether the training partner over/under times shown are average pace for the segment or related to the realtime pace data for the segment?
Thanks
Good question, the same question I’ve asked myself.
If it’s a course created from a ride you did previously TP is using the actual variable speeds you did that day. If you create a course from scratch and set an average you want to achieve it goes at that constant average.
Hi Ray,
Recently bought edge 520, and now looking forward into trainer. (currently for MTB/ non roadie)
Got my eyes on Taxc Booster, but i know from your earlier blog about Taxc ANT+ FE-C standard.. they curently implemented it only into Vortex smart and Bushido smart. Can you give an advice on picking trainer? should i go for simplier Booster or definetly pick up at least Vortex? or other trainer?
If you want the smart features then you’ll need at least a Vortex smart. I have a Bushido and it’s definitely worth the extra over the booster.
What would advice then? :) between Vortex and Bushido? pros cons?
Thnx for help !
Take a look at the Tacx website
Heads up everyone, Garmin Edge 520 firmware update released, crank length adjustment available for PowerTap P1 pedals.
I picked up a 520 recently, and I’m having some issues with my HR zones. In workouts I’ve created in Garmin Connect and sent to the 520, I want to spend a certain amount of time in zone 2 or zone 3. For some reason, I keep getting alerts telling me I’ve hit my max HR or my HR is too high even when I’m still in zone 2 and can see on my 910XT that my HR is only 150. I never had this problem when using workouts with my 910XT and Garmin Training Center. Has anyone else had this issue with their 520? Is it a Garmin Express issue? Thanks!
Not sure if this is related to your HR problem, but the unit when it first arrives, or if you do a factory reset, defaults to setting the max HR as you go along (a learning mode) which is most frustrating (a) because it starts out way too low and thinks you are riding at ridiculously high % of your max heart rate (b) because your HR zones are set way too low and (c) it keeps changing as it discovers you exceeding your previously achieved max HR. The cure is simple, you have to set the max HR to a specific value.
Thanks Graham. My max HR was set when I downloaded my profile from Garmin Connect, so I think that’s not the issue. Looking at those settings, though, made me notice one called “Auto Detect Max HR” which I wouldn’t otherwise have known about. I toggled that off and hopefully that will make things function as I expect them to.
Turning auto detect off didn’t work. Back to square one trying to figure this out.
Alerts is the biggest bug for me.
I’ve create a workout on garmin connect with target power. Even if Min/Max alert was disabled for every zones, it kept beeping because of too high/low power. So I’ve enabled alerts for power lower than 0w and higher than 4000w. No more problem about this issue…BUT
…Let’s says the target power is 250w, EVERY time the current power is 250w I have an alert at the bottom of the screen telling me I’m in the zone (Not sure about the exact phrasing). This is very annoying because chaces are you’ll hit the target power every few seconds…Not sure how DC didn’t have this problem with his workouts.
I didn’t go through all the comments above, so I preliminary apologize if this was already commented, however:
Ray,
What is the sense to limit the unit so much in terms of storage capability (be it a decent internal memory or a simple port for micro sd)?
Is it only to force users to get another Garming GPS if they want real mapping capability, or there’s a good technical reason why this could not be implemneted inside the unit?
It’s really a spank that finally everything is there, but if I want to go on the Alps for some nice MTB trail raiding I need to switch to another unit (or load the local maps……………………….)
thanks
Luca
Hi Ray,
Garmin recently rolled out a software update for the Edge 520 – unfortunately I get an error message stating that there’s not enough internal memory available to perform the update. I have about 15Mb of available memory and recently deleted all the stored rides I had on my device, yet still no luck. I did upgrade the baseman with a local map of where I ride, which coincidently is smaller than the base map I replaced, so I don’t t think that could be the problem.
I’d like to upgrade the software if possible and would appreciate any suggestions you can come up with.
Thanks,
Don
@ Don Schenck, do you have a mac? Try emptying the recycling bin.
hy,
one question, what will happen if i quit my premium account? will it be still be possible to use my downloaded segments or will it be erased?
thanks for your help
Anyone else experiencing significant ant+ dropouts (garmin HR, stages PM, Garmin speed sensor) as well as BT (with phone) following the new 3.0 firmware update?
@ RNH,
I do have a Mac but what would emptying the recycling bin (I assume you mean the trash, right?) do? The internal memory problem resides on the Edge 520.
On Mac, each external storage device has its own hidden trash folder. If you have been deleting the activities using your Mac, instead of deleting them using the Edge 520, then you will need to empty the trash.
@ Don S. – what @Changren Yong said. I’ve done it a ton on my mac, when I ran into this problem (most times when I was trying to replace the maps). You need to empty the trash bin :)
Got it. Thanks for the clarification. BTW, Garmin Support told me to empty the ride, segment, etc folders and the OpenStreet map I loaded before trying to update. That worked as well, but next time I’ll remember to empty the trash folder on the Garmin.
I was trying to figure how to get 3-month premium strava account which is coming with Edge 520 bundle, however when I go from garmin connect segment page to strava, there is nothing about 3-month, one month/1 year purchase.
Can somebody point me, please?
Otherwise device is great, mapping could be better, and like possibility to create and follow workout, screen is great too.
First, thanks for your very detailed reviews – much appreciated!
I’ve been using a FR 305 for ages – it’s worked great for years. Battery question: I’d charge the FR after use and it would stay charged, no need to remember to charge it before running/cycling. Any recommendations for how often/when to charge the 520, whether it’s ok to charge it after an activity even if it isn’t low, and general recommendations for battery health? Thanks –
p.s. love the 520. Only issues I’ve seen so far are (1) temperature readings considerably lower than outdoor temps, and slow to react to change; and (2) couldn’t connect Strava to Mac Garmin Express, but got it to work via iPhone Strava settings. Great device; first I’ve seen that I’d swap the FR for.
@Linda: The Edge 520 has a published 15-hour battery life. The device itself tells you the percentage of battery life remaining, so you can make the decision on when you should charge it.
Thanks Changren!
It doesn’t seem to lose charge very quickly when it’s off — much better than a FR 405 I tried a while back, which had a watch function that wouldn’t turn off and depleted charge when I wasn’t using it.
Have the P1 Pedals and a Garmin 500. Thinking about upgrading to the Garmin 520 now that there’s a firmware update out that allows setting the crank length. Since the 520 doesn’t use bike profiles like the 500, how can I setup the 520 to save different crank lengths for my different bikes (three of them)? This is super easy on the 500, but I just want to make sure that even using the sensor pool with the 520 I can still somehow create profiles for each individual bike that stores the different / specific crank lengths. Thanks!
@Christopher:
I think it’s not going to be possible to set up different crank lengths for the same power meter (aka sensor in the Edge 520). I used to have just one Garmin speed sensor (the newer version that uses accelerometer instead of magnet). Each time i moved the speed sensor between my road bike (700x25c tire) and cross bike (700x33c tire), i had to change the wheel size for that sensor. I got tired of changing the wheel size so i bought a second speed sensor.
Can you not setup different “activities” on the 520, and associate each with a different bike (road, track, tri, etc) and the set the crank length within each? That’d obviously be ideal. With the 500, you can simply have it set different crank lengths for each bike profile. Unfortunately, my wife uses different crank lengths across her four bikes. Would love to get a 520, but if it means having to manually change the crank length on the head unit each time she changes bikes (often), this is probably a deal breaker.
Can anyone with the P1 Pedals, Garmin 520, and the latest firmware update, please check into this? Thanks so much!
@Christopher:
There isn’t any bike profile in the Edge 520. Only activity profile. All the sensors go into a sensor pool to be shared among various activity profiles (if you have more than one). Sensors are not tied to any particular activity profile so when you configure the wheel size for a speed sensor, that wheel size is tied to that sensor, not to the activity profile. I expect that to be the same for P1’s crank length setting. I find it interesting that this is a deal breaker for you. Your wife is willing to spend more than a few minutes to swap the pedals among her bikes but spending less than 30 seconds to configure the crank length in the Edge 520 is a deal breaker?
I know I’d find it annoying after a few weeks. Especially when I don’t have that issue with my current computer…
@Christopher: You may have to stick with your current bike computer then. I seriously doubt Garmin is going to reintroduce the bike profile back in its newer devices.
Hello Ray & all,
what do you think – will the Garmin 920 receive the ANT+ FE-C trainer profile update? ;-)
Thanks,
Tudor
I doubt from Garmin, no. But I do expect to see something from 3rd parties via Connect IQ…
ok…trying to decipher your message :-))) – that means – you already know about a beta product :-). I’m asking because I’d rather wait instead of buying into an Edge 520, as the 500 (besides the FE-C) works fine, and I really don’t care about Strava or OSM…:-)
Hi Ray,
Curious if you have ever tested/tried or have a point of view on the accuracy of the neodymium magnets (Icarus or any magnet from Home Depot?) vs the magnet that comes with the Garmin GSC10? Seems like a no brainer—I dont understand why thy are not more prevelant vs the using ties/etc to attach the unsightly magnet GSC10 to your crank arm. Appreciate any insight or thoughts.
Thanks!
while not ray and not speaking for ray my opinion is the magnet makes no difference at all. I have been using ones like you describe from ac moore, michaels, home depot etc for years. I run speedplay stainless pedals and ultegras and while there is enough non stainless in those speedplay pedals for the magnet to remain attached I use a little clear silicone adhesive to make sure it sticks. On my ultegra pedals even though it sticks fine I still use the silicone. sure if i need to remove the ultegra pedal i have to pry the magnet out but even with the silicone it comes out very easy and I re-apply the silicone when I put the pedal back in but so what, it ads a whopping 30 seconds to the process. I hate those zip tie on the crank arm magnet setups. The little button magnets are more than strong enough to operate the read switch in the gsc10’s
I’d agree. I’ve often toyed with other magnets, never seen any issues. Both cycle specific and various rare earth ones stuck on the back of the pedal spindle.
Thanks for all the feed back—two quick follow up questions, (1) someone mentioned that some non cadence specific magnets maybe too strong or “calibrated to the wrong frequency” and be inaccurate—is this true or BS? and (2) I have a Giant TCR Advanced SL frame with the integrated cadence/speed in the chain stay—so my question is whether the magnet on the spindle will be too far away or not a match given that it is not a Garmin GSC10 (usually the magnet goes on the crank arm and can be moved etc?
Again thanks and appreciate all the insight or thoughts…apologize if these are rudimentary questions…
answers in reverse order. unless you can position the magnet in the correct location to pass the opening in the chainstay where it needs to pass by at the required spacing then no. as to question 1 for all practical human purposes you are correct it is BS.
let me qualify that…can you install a magnet of sufficient strength that will close the reed switch early and release it late? i’m sure. can you do it with a dime sized magnet the type of which we are talking about here no. if you could close the reed switch early and release it late “closed duration” it still would only happen once per pedal stroke correct? so maybe as the clock ticks by a minute and it didn’t open yet and only showed you pedaled i dunno oh say 84 times that minute instead of 86 or 88..would this matter to you in the grand scheme of things?
Is there a way to manually enter your ftp?
After I have installed the more detailed map I can’t update the unit to software version 3.0. I have removed the gmapbmap.img file. But when I try to install the old gmapbmap file I got the file message the unit is full.
Please HELP!!!!!!
If you are using a Mac – then someone else here with the same problem was advised to empty their recycle bin – and that fixed it
Hi Ray,
I’ve been rocking the new 520 for nearly a month now. With fall coming, I’ve noticed that in the morning and later in the evening, the screen is switching to an inverse display (white text on dark background). Is this a normal feature or do I need to send my device in on warranty?
Thanks for your help.
Ric
It does this at night to make it easier to see, so it’s not this gigantic bright blob on your handlebars. I believe you can turn it off in the settings (don’t have a unit in front of me at this second to triple-check).
Hi Ray, you’re right. I poked around and found in the Menu > Settings > Display > Color Mode section you can select from Auto, Day, & Night options. Auto is set based on time of day I found out, not some built in light sensor. Pretty cool
Thanks
Ric
I used the 520 for the first time today and I didn’t like how the map kept zooming in and out. Is there a way to zoom in and leave it there so I know where I’m going?
On the map page, if you press the key on the top-right, it will take you to a menu. From there, you can manually adjust the zoom level by turning off auto zoom and then choosing “Set Zoom Level.”
Polish review as always also on our website
link to goultra.pl
All the best
Jacek
Am I too late for the giveaway? Because I am going to test my Borgini this weekend after its first big check-up. :)
Sorry – too late indeed! It closed on Monday evening and I’ll announced the winner here in a few hour. Better luck next month!
Hi DC!
Have you or anyone else noticed HR drops? It has happened to me e v e r y bike ride – HR rate drops to 63 (!) every now and then during the ride for no reason. Tried running with the Edge, same problem. Brought the 920 on the bike (with the Edge) – same reading in the 920 file. Garmin doesn’t know what’s happening …
Cheers
Use Garmin Express to update the Edge 520’s software to version 3.00 – that includes a fix for this issue.
Known issue with HR monitor. I’ve replaced 3 already in last 5 years.
Does anyone know if there is a way to delete missed text / call notifications on the edge 520? I’ve searched every menu for a delete option with no luck, had the device forget my phone, had my phone forget the device.. nothing seems to work and cant find anything in the manual or on google either. Hope I’m missing something
ps, DCRainmaker your reviews are awesome… from this Edge 520 review to your Eurobike RV review to your Varia review to your…. you get the point, great job and thanks for taking the time to put them together!!
Correct, you only have to read it on your phone and the notification will disappear.
I am quite frustrated with this feature. If you get more than one txt, all you will be able to see on the Garmin is a screen that says “n text messages received” and you cannot see the contents – you have to read them from your phone before the notification will disappear. Garmin certainly has this one wrong, It would be much more useful, and safer, if a txt was displayed on the screen until you hit the back button.
Ray, does Garmin have any plans to fix this?
Totally agree with this. The Magellan Cyclo allows you to view the message on-screen. The Garmin just “notifies” you. Kinda lackluster to say the least…
think I figured it out.. once you clear the notification on your phone, it disappears from the edge… so basically it’s just mirroring what’s on your phone for notifications and not really storing anything locally
Don’t if this has been already covered: is it possible to see Gmail app notification (New email)?
Thank you
Hi Ray,
great review. I have an Edge 810. Is it worth to up or downgrade to the 520? I mostly use the Edge to train and not to navigate. I am interested in controlling my tacx vortex.
What do you think?
Hello DCR, again, having not read every single comment above would you know if it is a Garmin issue or a G3 power tap issue with my sensor not being picked up? Had no problem with any other of the sensors but everyone seems to think it’s a connection bug between the 2 devices that is yet to be rectified. Maybe when they release an upgrade? My 500 has never had problem reading the G3.
No issues at all for me any two different G3 hubs with four different Edge 520’s, over the last 3 months. It’s a mainstay of my fleet.
I’d go in and triple-check the sensor listing and see if perhaps it’s there but toggled to be ‘off’, so it wouldn’t show up. Or, try resetting the Edge 520. I’ve heard of nobody else with any PM pairing issues (on any devices).
I’ve had exactly this happen with my Pioneer dual sided PM. The PM works (will pair with my old 500 and is all good). But it won’t pair to the 520. 520 is picking up other ANT+ signals no problem.
The whole point of getting the 520 was to see the dual sided options – so bit disappointing at the moment. Did Victoria sort her issue?
FYI, the new 520 fits well on a 3T Integra Team Stem with Garmin mount.
I needed some help on how to turn on text notifications and incoming calls, i have not found hoot turn on the option on my 520. Any idea on how to make this work with my iPhone 6.
@Nicolas Londono:
1. Are you on the latest 520 firmware (version 3.0)? If not, update to the latest firmware.
2. On your iPhone 6 go to Settings –> Bluetooth. Do you see “BLE_Edge 520” and “BT_Edge 520” under MY DEVICES? If you are only seeing “BT_Edge 520”, you need to pair with the “BLE_Edge 520” device. This is the device pairing that allows text/call notification be sent from your iPhone to the Edge 520.
3. If you are having problem pairing “BLE_Edge 520” to your iPhone, then unfortunately at the moment, the only way to fix this is to reset the 520 to factory. To reset the 520 to factory, go to Settings –> System –> Device Reset –> Factory Reset. Remember, if you do this, you will lose ALL your settings and activities. After doing the Factory Reset, when the 520 is powered on again, you will be prompted to enter your profile again. At some point, it will ask if you want to set up your phone. Just go through the guided steps to pair it up with your iPhone again.
Hi Ray,
In relation to the live strava segments, do you need to have a mobile phone with it’s mobile data running in order to utilise the live strava segments?
Basically, in other words. Do you need to have internet to have live segments running. Or does it run without the need for internet running?
@Alexander Holbrook: Once the Strava segments are downloaded onto the Edge 520, the live segments do not use your mobile phone.
Hi Ray would you recommend a Garmin 1000 or 520 as the best choice if i mostly use it for training and only two times navigation a year?
Hi Ray,
Can it be charged whilst in operation?
I have tested a backup battery during a driveway ride and it worked fine. I was concerned about charging it during a multiday ride and having it reset. However if you plug it into a live USB port (other end in PC) it will reset. Of course, you wouldn’t be plugging it a handle bar mounted laptop, I assume.
I scanned comments and couldn’t find anything about the integration to the Di2. I’m so glad I read your review before I committed to the 1000. I’m feeling pretty confident that the 520 is the way to go. I have the 500 and love it except I wish I can see a map under the breadcrumbs. Thanks so much, can’t wait to read your in-depth review of the 520.
Hey Ray,
I love your reviews!
I need help with picking out a bike computer. I am avid cyclist that race once a weekend in college. On that note I have the Garmin edge 500 and I think it is time to upgrade. Which Garmin or bike computer would you suggest to get. I do not really have a price budget right now. Thanks for your suggestions.
Hi. Some comments on navigating with the 520 ..
1. Autozoom seems to cycle the map continuously through zoom settings. Not sure whether this is a bug or a feature but I find it very distracting. Do other 520’s work like this?
2. If I begin to ride a course but am not at the start the 520 gives me the option of navigating to the start. Taking this option introduces a thick pink line on the map in the direction of the start. This is useful, except that the 520 never notices when I’ve actually reached the start (even though it will announce that I’m arriving) so the pink line never goes away and the Distance to Destination never starts counting down. (I’ve twice now confused the line that won’t go away with the course I should be following.) Is this how all 520’s behave or is it a problem just with mine?
3. Zooming into the map takes 6 button presses (7 if you need to skip over the option to view texts that have arrived). This seems unnecessarily awkward. Perhaps Ray you could suggest to Garmin that as a shortcut, pressing the UP or DOWN button at the same time as the button opposite causes a zoom in or out. Pressing opposing buttons at the same time is if anything easier than pressing just one so this wouldn’t be difficult for the user
Thanks,
Paul
1) You can turn off auto-zoom.
3) Hmm, interesting idea. I suppose this goes to auto-zoom. Or probably more to just not being an ideal zooming unit. But even just a long-hold option would be nice too. I’ll mention it.
I have just recently started using the 520 and have found that even when using m old Edge 500 you could change the zoom level by just holding in the brightness button, which would put up the change zoom level field. Would be awesome if Garmin put this on to the 520! It would save a lot of fumbling around. I have tried and dont like the auto zoom, would like to be able to set it myself with a couple of button presses.
Apart from that, its great!
Hi everyone,
I followed your instructions in order to get some maps on my 705 and 520. This works just fine! What’s not working is the lack of elevation profile on tracks copied to Edge 520 via Base Camp. Copying files into the NewFiles folder doesn’t lead to any new courses uploaded to the Edge. I tried to convert the gpx file into a fit one, which my Garmin gratefully accepted. It was there, under Courses. What wasn’t there was the elevation profile at the beginning and during the ride. Afterwards the device sent the right data to Strava and GC as well as TP, but still I didn’t know when the summit is going to finish Any ideas, folks?
Need a new phone. Does anybody have any experience with a Samsung Galaxy S6 and notifications on 520?
Ray:
Another suggestion to Garmin for firmware update.
Include backlight duration in profiles. Indoors I ride in a dimly lit room and keep the backlight “always on”. I would also like to create a “night” profile where backlight is always on. On occasions when I ride during day after a night ride, I’ve occasionally overlooked the always on setting and the battery has drained on a longer ride. Including this in profiles would fix this issue.
Hi Everyone,
Please forgive my innocent question but I currently use my Garmin 920, and Garmin speed and cadence sensor on my Bike. Today I just bought a Stages power meter and was thinking of buying the Garmin 520 computer. Since I am training for an Ironman is it possible for data from the Stages power meter to be sent to both my 920 watch and the Garmin 520? I am fairly new to all the gadgets out there but my coach wants me training with power instead of just heart rate. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks in advance :)
Duane
i had similar question…. i have fenix 3, and not sure why i would get 520 instead of using the fenix 3. i get the bigger screen. and maybe the ability to control a trainer or more cycling dynamics… curious to what people think
Hey Ray when do think we should expect he in-depth review of the Edge 520 or did I miss something? Thanks and keep writing and snapping pics, love the blog.
Hi Ray,
Great review and apologies if you have answered this in an earlier post.
Is there a way to upload a strava segment on edge 520 without having a premium membership?
Thanks
Hi,
is it possible to see HR and speed datas while navigate? In the pictures is displayed speed and heading. Is the screen customizable in vagation mode?
Thanks
520 is for sure very nice, now did someone find a way to have the live segment working while following a course?
It seems like a non-supported feature and for sure it would be nice to have.\
Thanks
And i was wondering why none of the Strava Live Segments showed up when i loaded up a course. Now i know.
Agreed, this is an incredibly annoying lack of feature.
Hi! Thanks a lot for this great review.
I’m a bit struggling in chosing between the 520 or the 810. My reasonning is that a GPS without routable directions is not a GPS…but on the other hand, i’m not sure whether i really need to have routes indicated. Probably only a high level view can do the trick…
Don’t you think an edge 820 will be release as well? as the 810 is already more than 2 yrs old…
thanks!
I have an edge 510 and a garmin virb elite action camera.
Is the Edge 520 also compatible with the Garmin Virb Elite? Thank you
Yup, it’s compatible with all variants of the VIRB action cams.
I have an Edge 510 that I use to control front and rear Garmin Virb video cameras. Using the touchscreen, I can either take a picture or record a video. The Edge 520 is listed as Virb compatible, but I cannot find any information on how it is accomplished. Since the 520 doesn’t have a touchscreen, perhaps there is a dedicated Virb page (like the 510) that is controlled by buttons. Can you confirm that the 520 can be used to take photos and videos with the Virb, and how it is done? Thanks!
I’m looking at upgrading my Edge 500 to the 520 and I’m pretty sold.
I was wondering if anyone could clarify the following regarding live tracking:
Do I have to invite someone every time I use it, or can I leave an outstanding invite for each time the device is being used?
Eg, I want it possible for the wife to have a quick check when I’m out on a night ride, and make sure that I’m not stopped in a ditch. Would I have to invite her at the start of every ride, or can I leave an open invite, eg invite once, view repeatedly.
I believe you would have to send an invite each time, as it creates a link when you start the live track.
You should look into Road ID and their app. Your wife could track you in real time, and it can be set to send a notification to her if you’ve stopped moving for more than 5 minutes.
That’s a shame. I’ve seen RoadID, and have actually bought one of their bands and had it sent to the UK.
The same issue arises with the RoadID app, in that I have to activate it each time I ride.
Ideally, the Garmin would broadcast to people that I’ve invited as a recurring option (in the same way “find my friends” does on the iPhone), but this doesn’t seem to be an option.
I’ve got into the habit where each time I’m on the way out the door, as part of booting up the Garmin, I get into Connect on my phone and issue the invite for livetracking, and then it’s just when she has a chance to check her mail or she wonders where the hell I am, she just loads up the google map (well, it always defaults to Bing for me, haven’t worked out out to make it go straight into google maps) and she where I am at that point.
Mind you where I am, mobile coverage is patchy in some places a little further from home and this upsets the live tracking, sometimes it doesn’t recover. Somewhat annoying. It would be more effective if the connect app remembers the route that it hasn’t been able to send successfully, and sends it when it can.
Hello, is worth of what it is going to be a matter of me have it from no edge of 520 gives of investing in the shame no one foot of power? manufactured is still on edge of 500? to replace the came from the 520?
Hello, is worth of what it is going to be a matter of me have it from no edge of 520 gives of investing in the shame no one foot of power? manufactured is still on edge of 500? to replace the came from the 520?
Obrigado
My neo just shipped– sweet! Ok so what else do I need to purchase to make this work? Just a cassette or do I need some tools and whatnot? Sorry this thread is so long it’s hard to find everything we need…..
oops wrong thread….
I’d swing over to the NEO post for installation help (this is the Edge 520 post) – lots of people there willing to help getting that cassette on.
You’ll need a cassette, a chain whip, a cassette locking tool, and then some tool to hold the locking tool (i.e. channel locks).
Mornin Ray
I read your posts on a weekly basis and find them very helpful and insightful. I have a question regarding the type of unit I should purchase next.
I’m 68 and do alot of recreational cycling (about 5800 kms per year), currently I have a Garmin 500 and would like to replace it, I’m torn between the 520 and the 25. I like the price of the 25 but I really like all the info from the 520 although it is a little scary for me as I don’t feel a need for all the features. The key areas of interest for me are, HR, Speed, Cadence, ability to compete against myself, will the 25 give me all these things.
thanking you in advance
Larry
Do not buy. There is a major issue with the gradient lag. Very frustrating and Garmin refuses to acknowledge the problem. Wait until they fix (if they ever do)
I’m primarily a mountain biker and I love it. I ride in a lot of forested areas and I’ve not noticed any issues with signal.
I do have to say though, that I do not use the navigation features, so I can not attest to that.
would you recommend the 520 for mountain biking also??
I’m primarily a mountain biker and I love it. I ride in a lot of forested areas and I’ve not noticed any issues with signal.
I do have to say though, that I do not use the navigation features, so I can not attest to that.
Thank you. Awesome review and good info.
I am very interested in being able to switch from my GPS60CSX to the 520 given its ability to charge during ride. I was pretty convinced I was going to stay with battery devices that take the lithium AA batts, but this could do that.
For those who have tried the charging during riding, how much external battery and time is required to charge? I am planning to do a 420 mile off road bikepacking race w/o being able to charge conventionally, so this would be most helpful to know to understand how much battery/weight I would need to carry to see if it is worth it.
Thanks,
Gary
Hi Rai,
Excuse my bad english, I´m from Spain.
I have a Edge 520 and a Tacx Bushido, and I can´t conect them. my suposition is that they have any problem with the Vector, becuse I also have it. The edge 520 read of the Bushido velocity and cadence, but not trainer. and read power too but I put the preference of the Vector. when I go to the option “trainer ant+” the Edge don´t detect nothing..
what can I do?
thank you in advance from Spain!.
Have a feeling this may be somewhat niche given my device, but has anyone else been seeing BT connection issues with the 520 and a Google Nexus 6P phone?
I already have an iPhone 6+ paired and haven’t removed it yet …
When I first paired the 6P, it connected the 520 as an input device and added a floating mouse pointer to my phone which was very confusing to say the least. It took clicking on the options icon for the 520 in BT settings to find there was a check-box I could uncheck. The device itself is also connecting with a “cross-hair” icon different from other devices in my list … been a while since I had an android connected to a Garmin so I don’t know if this is standard or not.
Anyway I can’t get the Phone to stay paired with the Garmin at all … I’m seeing constant prompts on the phone about disconnect issues and how to troubleshoot (device help) which all lead to starting the process over. I’ve done that a few times … it’s rather annoying and remains unresolved.
Interesting. I have a similar problem. Had an LG G2 with an older version of Android which worked without a problem other than not getting consistent message alerts but connection never dropped. Just got a Samsung S6 with Android 5.xxx and had constant disconnects and reconnects. So bad it wouldn’t stay connected long enough to upload a ride. Its not a Garmin issue as I had a similar problem in my car. The problem seemed to go away for a 24-48 hours after a phone reboot. I rode last night with solid Garmin connection. However in my car today, connect/disconnect every 2 minutes until I reboooted. Looks like more of an Android problem in my case.
Regardless of phone or operating system, Garmin’s bluetooth pairing is unreliable. I was even sent a new unit recently and same issue as soon as I pair BLE_Edge 520 it starts loosing connection with my PM, HR, and speed sensor. I find the problem is exacerbated the minute I add the Garmin Varia headlight to the equation. Come on Garmin!!!!!! You very well know there is a problem here so stop releasing meaningless GC updates before you fix the connectivity issues. It’s the reason I bought the device (text messages and live track for the wife) and have invested heavily into the Garmin ecosystem!
Can the battery inside the computer be replaced when/if it dies?
Perhaps I’m missing something, but my 520 won’t sync up with my Kickr SNAP. Both units have the latest firmware. Am I missing something?
Recently bought the Garmin 520 Edge and I’m having problems syncing it with my I phone 6. I always get a message that says “reading Error”
Tried finding this answer myself with no luck – Can I control my new Kickr Snap with my 520 – can I ride a course from my 520 controlling the Kickr’s resistance? This is a big reason i purchased the 520, but I can’t seem to get it to work.
I have the same question. I have both devices. When I went to pair on the 520, the SNAP appeared up as a power meter and not a trainer. I deleted it, searched specifically for trainers and it was blank. Curious if you got it to pair as a trainer. I think the issue so on the Wahoo end, but not sure.
Anybody else getting truly horrible battery life on this baby?
In theory, it should be “up to 15 hours” – in reality, I get nothing like that. For example, I went on a ride today with a fully charged battery and after 3 hours, it was down to 3%.
Now admittedly I use several features that drain the battery e.g. display at 100%, backlight always on, Bluetooth – but that’s the way I like it and I accept I probably will not get the full 15.
But surely I should be getting more than 3 hours??
Backlight on and at 100% is HUGE tax on the battery. Add in a few other features, and I would think that’s about right.
I’ve gone on 3-4 hour rides, backlight off, BT off, no maps…basically just gps+GLONASS, HR and speed/cadence sensors and still have 80-85% battery left.
I’ve ridden for an hour and a bit this morning, GPS+Golnass, BT on and with backlight always on at 60%, and my battery is at 94%.
Not really clear to me: will it calculate distance on a dumb indoor roller if paired with a speed sensor (that is a magnet on the wheel like in the 1980’s dumb bicycle computers I suppose?)
I suppose there are cheaper options for just that (like, euhm, an eighties dumb bicycle computer), but this would double the Edge as an indoor and outdoor computer.
Yes it does.
Just read on another DCR article that the Wahoo Elemnt is delayed in 2016 so looking at the Edge 520 now. I’ve been struggling on with a very dodgy Edge 500 for months now, but that finally died couple of weeks back (dead USB connector won’t charge or sync, tried multiple cables).
I travel a lot and at each new place use the Strava course creator to find the most popular local roads (love heatmap) and plot a course. Without a GPS on the handlebars I would get lost just about every ride.
Trouble is I can’t find described anywhere an easy way to get courses from Strava to an Edge 520. The Elemnt is just meant to sync automatically through a smartphone or WiFi & that is one of the reasons I was hanging out for it. I specifically do not want to have to download, plug in the device, transfer, etc, etc. as wear and tear on the USB port is what lead to my Edge 500’s death.
Now that Garmin acknowledge the existence of Strava do they have any plans to make courses sync across? And if a course is in your Garmin Connect account, can you get that into an Edge 520 wirelessly?
BTW, what is the screen on the Edge 520 like in very bright sunlight (can’t find that mentioned here)?
So… given the delay I decided to stump up for the Edge 520. Paid full RRP at my local bike shop.
Big mistake!?
As mentioned, I specifically got this unit because I want to transfer stuff wirelessly to avoid wear and tear on the USB port which is what finally did for my old 500.
I’ve got a Samsung Galaxy S3 (i9300) running Android 4.4. Installed the Garmin Connect App on it. Followed the pairing instructions. I can see the Edge 520 in the phone’s list of paired bluetooth devices.
Now, whenever I turn the Edge 520 on, it detects the phone and tells me it’s connected, then shows the solid bluetooth icon top of the screen. However, when I open the Garmin Connect App on my phone and visit the ‘Garmin Devices’ screen all I see is my old Edge 500 device. It says there are no devices paired, despite the fact the Edge 520 is shown in the O/S’s list of paired devices.
I hit the ‘+’ sign on the ‘Devices’ screen in the Garmin Connect App thinking I can add the already connected Edge 520. Instructions tell me to perform the bluetooth pairing process again. So I unpair, and re-pair. Doesn’t help.
Given the Garmin Connect App (and also online via the website) doesn’t know about my new Edge 520 I cannot send any courses wirelessly to it. What?! This was a major incentive in buying this thing!
What appears to be a bug in the Android App is preventing this device from working as it should. This is not a good look for Garmin. I have asked for help on the forum (because their support is hopeless) here:
link to forums.garmin.com
… but if anyone here knows how to fix this would love to know! :(
I didn’t realise at the time, but I actually had the same issue. I remedied it by connecting the device to my computer and adding it to Garmin Express (which I did to see if there was a firmware update for the device).
Since then I’ve not had any problems with the device showing on my phone or in Connect, but it doesn’t show notifications on from my phone when riding the same way my Forerunner 25 does.
Thx for the heads up… but I don’t have a Windoze PC. You aren’t meant to need one to sync/update firmware with the Edge 520, right? It’s all meant to happen through your smartphone… if only the app knew that! :(
Rob: I would remove all references to the Edge 500 in both the GC app and GC website. Ensure you get the “welcome” notification box in GC that confirms the 520 is correctly registered to your GC account. At least on my 920, without using Windows/Garmin Express, I can only update firmware after sending to device via GC web and manually forcing a WiFi connect on the device. If the 520 is anything like the 920, then I haven’t been able to update fw using the GC app.
Can’t get my HR belt to hook up. All new Garmin. When i connect the sensor page, it finds the HR belt (i assume as it has a code) but no HR on the screen. Tried wetting the belt etc. Faulty belt or am i doing something wrong ? Once its found the belt on the sensor connect screen i hit the back button. Correct ?
Hi
Have an issue with my 520.. every now and then it won’t boot up.. have to reset device every time that happens.. really frustrating. Please help.. why is it doing this.
Regards
This is so good, congratulions this help me a lot! Keep with this amazing job and thank you!
Hi Ray,
Thanks for another good review:) I just ordered one. I have one question, what about the screen? is it better more clearer and more readable at dusk compared to the 510?
I found the 510 screen to be grainy. Appreciate the feedback,
Cheers,
Ralf sweden
I am looking into getting a new bike compute and wondering which one is a better investment the Garmin edge 520 or the 1000? Currently I have the 500 and love it. I’m a starve user but don’t care that much about it. I do bike touring and races with my university.
Do I need a power meter to use the FTP functions and the other stuff like to see my NP, TSS and watts?
Yes. Those are all functions of power. No power meter, then no readings. The only possible exception is TSS which uses power to calculate but can be somewhat estimated using heart rate but Garmin devices currently do not do that estimation for you.
Can you go to Map My Ride, create a route & download it to the 520?
Yes you can. But… this involves plugging the unit into your PC and saving the file you download to the ‘NewFiles’ folder. A big feature of the Edge 520 is that it it suppose to transfer wirelessly but that only works for courses on Garmin Connect.
It is possible to get a file from one planning service to Garmin Connect courses, but that is convoluted (you have to upload as activity, create course from that, then delete the activity).
Garmin really should just create an ‘import’ function on their course creator or even better, make it sync with Strava (their creator is so much better). Then you could use any course planner you like and still ‘send to device’ wirelessly once that course was in Garmin Connect.
Wouldnt it be nice if you could see a screen of what the virb xe is videoing and what will be the next model from the 520 garmin will be introducing next
Would it be nice to a screen that displays what the virb xe is recording
what is the next model garmin are working on with maps topo
Hello. Do foresee a plan to release an updated version with SD card capabilities?
Thanks Ray, fantastic review as usual.
The snapshot thingie. Got it figured out that you need to press the lap button, but what if you DON’T want to start a new lap? I cannot believe the stupidity. I though I was missing something obvious. So, now, every time I start a lap, it takes a screenshot also? How difficult would it be to make it a two button press?
Hello Ray
Is it possible to use the speed/cadence & heart rate belt of an Edge 500/510 on the 520 too?
Thank you
The 500 only read ANT+ belts & speed/cadence. The 520 also handles these, so yes, you can upgrade your head unit and use your old ANT+ sensors & HRM. This is exactly what I did & worked flawlessly.
Can two riders share one edge 520? As in I go for a ride, get home and upload data via my iPhone and then later that day my wife goes for a ride, comes home and uploads data via her iPhone.
Is it capable of pairing to two iPhones separately essentially?
Thanks
Pairing to more than one should phone should not be an issue, however, if you have separate GC accounts, each account will attempt to upload all the rides recorded that haven’t been uploaded to the account currently connected. This means you both would end up with each others rides. Not be big deal since you can delete the activity from the 520 or the GC account, but a bit of a pain.
I’ve scanned through this review and searched for references to setting crank arm length–but I haven’t found anything that directly answers my present concern.
I’m getting set to purchase a power meter–most likely a Stages. I’m also planning on upgrading my Edge 500 to something that will handle mapping and have other newer features. Very strongly considering the Edge 520 and in doing some basic research I ran across this thread. Am I correct that Garmin does NOT SUPPORT setting the proper crank arm length for Stages and other non-Garmin products?
If so, the absolute arrogance of this company just astounds me. I have 175mm cranks and apparently need to change the default on whatever head unit I end up with.
I hope I’m wrong, but if I’m not, this is close to pushing me out of the Garmin “family” for good. TIA for any data on this.
STP
I’ve done more reading and see that Garmin has rectified the problem with not allowing crank arm length setting on the 520 and 1000. Hard to keep on top of all this stuff!
STP
Hi! New to garmin edge.. i am having trouble, maybe you can help.. my garmin express on my mac is sying that that my edge 520 is up to date with 2.6 version.. but i keep reading in forums that there is a 3.0 available.. why is this??
It’s actually version 3.1 that’s out at present
What version of Garmin Express are you running?
I’ve got the same problem. My version is 2.6.
The Garmin Support page says
Updates & Downloads
Edge 520 software version 3.10 is available
as of December 7, 2015
Use Garmin Express to install this file.
I use Garmin Express but it still says Version 2.6 and then it says YOU ARE UP TO DATE.
What’s going on here? How do I install version 3.10?
Thats my problem, it always say its up to date even if my version is 2.6, do you know why?
…
Im running garmin express 4.1.12.0,
I’ve got the same problem. My version is 2.6.
The Garmin Support page says
Updates & Downloads
Edge 520 software version 3.10 is available
as of December 7, 2015
Use Garmin Express to install this file.
I use Garmin Express but it still says Version 2.6 and then it says YOU ARE UP TO DATE.
What’s going on here? How do I install version 3.10?
Read in the Garmin Forums that some regional models don’t get the update. The Asian is limited to 2.6 as of date apparently.
Thanks for that info. That applies here.
What Garmin forums are you reading? Can you post the link?
Thanks again.
The second post on this thread. I live in India but wife and I got our Garmins from Italy and US. Both have updated to version 3. Not tried the latest upgrade yet.
link to forums.garmin.com
I just purchased a Garmin Edge 520 and installed it. My one concern thus far is that in bright sunlight its very hard to see the displayed data fields. I assume that the Brightness button only apples to the so-called Backlight when depressed and not to the brightness factor otherwise. Is anyone having the same issue? Thanks for all the valuable info on your Web Site.
It would be nice if Garmin also allowed to modify the workout screen so you can add datafields. Like cadance and heartrate. Now I have to switch back and forward to know how I’m doing wrt the right cadance and if the HR correspondence with how I feel during the workout.
I’m also missing that you can’t configure data field power readings like Peak Power 3s, Peak Power 30s, Peak Power 1min, Peak Power 5min and Peak Power 60min.
Do you think it is easy for Garmin to add these with a planned firmware update?
So, I have an old Garmin 305 that I’m still using, but I would like to get this new 520. Looking at the bundles on both Amazon and Clever Training, they both include a chest strap which I don’t need. Will the HR sensor from my old 305 work with the new 520 (I’m thinking it will, but thought I’d ask)?
Yes, it will.
I seem to have resolved most of my earlier concerns with my Garmin Edge 320. However, the calorie expenditures reflecting my 40 to 50 mile bike rides are obviously wrong. Some of my rides reflect that I used about 500 to 600 calories on a 45 mile bike ride. No way. The numbers seemed far more accurate on my old Garmin 305 Edge. Is anyone having similar issues the calorie numbers? I’ve spoken with Garmin Reps. and they are essentially stumped about this. Thanks in advance.
Robert A. said: The numbers seemed far more accurate on my old Garmin 305 Edge. Is anyone having similar issues the calorie numbers? I’ve spoken with Garmin Reps. and they are essentially stumped about this. Thanks in advance.
I don’t know if this is something you have tried, or is even relevant, but I had really bad (low) calories readings from the Vivoactive when I had that watch. Didn’t line up with the 610, Edge 500 or Fenix 3–was MUCH lower. All of these devices supposedly used Firstbeat technology to calculate calories. I have no clue about whether they use DIFFERENT Firstbeat algorithms or not.
I got the Vivoactive to improve greatly when I went to Garmin Connect to make sure that I had my profile–weight and HR zones set correctly. I thought they were all identical and that my profile was a global set of parameters used by ALL devices. Apparently not–the Vivoactive was set a little differently and when I set it up to use the same profile as the Edge and 610, the calories burned went up quite a bit. They were all still different with the Edge being the highest and the Vivoactive the lowest, but the gap wasn’t nearly as much.
When the 920XT went on sale, I returned the Vivoactive and got it and currently use it and the Edge 500 on bike rides. Calories are within 10% or so on those two, so I’ve stopped obsessing about it. If I feel like I need it, I’ll give myself an extra snack if the Edge shows higher ;-),
I with Garmin were a bit more transparent about how all these things work, but I’m also kind of resigned to the fact that they are a BIG company and it’s just not how they roll. I do appreciate their forums and, frankly, I don’t see anything that is leaps and bounds ahead of them either.
STP
Yep, I have that problem too. It is really my only complaint about the 320. I have a ticket open with Garmin about this. I am still to fully migrate from my 310XT. For me, the 320 does everything better, except for the calories, which averages about 60% of the calories quoted by the 310XT, with some variation depending on whether it is a hard ride or a light one. Garmin support said the two devices use the same algorithm, and since I am using both devices until they produce the same figures, I supplied Garmin with the ride data from each one to assist in their in investigation. Well, some months have passed and still they are being very coy about whether they (a) can identify the problem (b) can develop a fix (c) have a fix which will come out sometime or (d) have no ******* idea.
Great Reviews – thanks!
I am somewhere between the Edge 1000 and the Edge 520. I guess its easy to get sucked into the features but in essence, I only need the following core functionality:
1) Ability to load routes that I have created manually in BaseCamp onto the unit and use them for offroad Enduro riding (Without having to jump between Google Earth, BaseCamp and MapSource). I am not worried about having a “streetmap” ability, but it will be nice to see the map on which I currently travelling in the background as opposed to a blank background such as with the old ForeTrex 201 etc.
2) Ability to integrate the metrics of my heartrate, speed and the (GPS) course that I am following on the Virb Video Editing software from Garmin – and which uses G-Metrics as a format/standard?
3) Ability for my movement and heartrate to be tracked using Live Tracking.
4) I guess as I am doing a lot of solo offroad riding, the Edge 1000 emergency transmission of position to contacts in case of an impact sounds like a nice feature…did you test it specifically?
Based on the above – what would you recommend between these two?
Thanks!
1) Yes
2) Yes
3) Yes
4) It’s not yet available on the Edge 1000, only the Edge 1000 Explore. There’s not yet a specific timeframe for the Edge 1000.
I have purchased sensors for my race bike and my secondary bike that is set up on my turbo. Should the one Garmin 520 I have work on both bikes?
Yes. You can pair it to all sensors as part of a sensor pool, and it’ll automatically recognize which ‘bike’ your on based on those sensors that are activated.
You can further create activity profiles, that allow different data screens and name them as you wish.
Can I upload the .fit files from the 520 to my laptop (mac) via bluetooth, or do I have to use the USB cable to get them on to my computer? I use Golden Cheetah on my laptop and am looking for the easiest way to get my data from the 520 to Golden Cheetah without any cables. I got a watch with the wireless sync and now I never want to have to connect a garmin to my laptop again if I can avoid it ;)
Hi. Another great review. Any further word from Wahoo and FE C? Thanks
Another nice review by DCR. Now being very honest about my experience with Edge 520 I must say I absolutely hate it. I do miss the touch screen. It was so much simple than having to press many buttons. IMHO, this product is a downgrade compared to Edge 510. Unfortunately mine died after I stupidly disconnected it during an upgrade.
So, in my view, don’t waste your money in Edge 520. Maybe wait for a Edge 820 which will hopefully stick to touchscreen,
For the failed firmware update, you can actually do a forced re-set of the device and get it back to full factory defaults. The Garmin forums have the workaround there. Even works for cases like yours most of the time.
Anyone else suffering from all ANT+ devices disconnecting (and reconnecting seconds later) at the same time from the Edge 520 during an activity after upgrading to the latest firmware (3.10)?
Yes, and it drives me crazy! When I first got my Edge 1000 in August 2015, the pairing was perfect. Then, with the latest updates (or whatever) the thing has been doing this spontaneous connect/disconnect with no cause or solution. Trash!
Hi,
I bought the 520 for the gradient function, so that I could help my brain appreciate the subtle extra % increases on the hills that the eyes cannot make out.
The grade reading appears to have a lag.
Does anyone know if there is a fix for this?
I have had the same issue with my Edge 520, it is happening since the first day of use. I can be for example on a 7% climb but the device shows something ridiculous like -1%!! I am happy others are having the same issue because it shows this issue is on many devices. I am trying to get a response from Garmin Customer Care….
I just bought the Garmin Edge 520. Ive used it twice already. Im not sure what i did wrong whe i set it up but one those 2 rides I used it, the mileage was off. First ride was a 30+/-miles but when I look at my Edge 520 after the ride it say I only rode 10 miles or so. Today I rode with a group and we average aroung 51miles but on my Garmin it says I only rode 17.5 miles. I already updated it before I started using it. Does anyone have this same problem? How do I fix it to get the accurate mileage?
Sounds like you have a speed/cadence sensor installed that has incorrect wheel diameter, only about 1/3 of what it should be.
>Sounds like you have a speed/cadence sensor installed that has incorrect wheel diameter, only about 1/3 of what it should be.
I thought all the Garmin Edge products used GPS to determine speed/distance. Not true? If so, is there a setting to switch between using GPS or an installed speed/cadence sensor?
STP
Stephen, are you using the Edge 520 with a speed sensor?
>>Stephen, are you using the Edge 520 with a speed sensor?<<
No. I have an Edge 500, and a Bontrager/Trek "Duotrap" speed/cadence sensor. I've always assumed that distance measurements came from the GPS. In fact, when I'm on a trainer, I get distances that MUST be coming from the GPS in the Edge — very short for the time spent.
Maybe the 520 is different? Are there any head units that do not have GPS? If so, then maybe they pick up distance from the wheel sensor. I am obviously not clear on how this works.
STP
If you have not configured your Edge 520 with the Bontrager Duotrap speed/cadence sensor, then it’s just using the GPS for distance/speed calculation. The GPS is not as accurate as a properly configured speed sensor but i don’t expect the GPS inaccuracy to be as significant as what you described.
Changren Young said: >>If you have not configured your Edge 520 with the Bontrager Duotrap speed/cadence sensor, then it’s just using the GPS for distance/speed calculation. The GPS is not as accurate as a properly configured speed sensor but i don’t expect the GPS inaccuracy to be as significant as what you described.<<
My Edge 500 gets it's speed/cadence from the Duotrap sensor. I'm ASSUMING that it is getting distance from the GPS because when outdoors, it reports distances that are at least reasonably accurate. When indoors, it just reports total distance for a 1-hour ride as something like .1 mile and the track on Garmin Connect is just a bunch of squiggles all around the bike studio! I don't know if there is a setting in the 500 to either:
a) turn off the GPS for indoor biking. My 920 XT just has an activity called indoor biking that does this.
b) force the unit to use the sensors to measure distance. If there is, I guess it would be a good idea to do that if GPS distances are really less accurate than measuring wheel revolutions.
STP
Just checked my Edge 500 and there is, indeed, a setting to turn off the GPS. So tomorrow, when I’m on the trainer, I’ll do that and see if it then uses the speed/cadence sensor to report distance. If it does, I should get a realistic “mileage” for the time spent on the trainer. If it doesn’t, then I’ll have to figure out if it’s possible to force it to do so.
STP
Can anyone here comment on how the “di2 support” works with the 520? What does it actually do? Does it indicate what gear you are in? I’m riding a bike using the 1st generation Ultegra electronic (2012). I’m not clear if this version of electronic is considered “di2” or “ui2”. I just received my 520 as a Christmas gift, and I noticed a sensor setting for “di2”. I tried it, but the 520 just froze on the screen trying to find my di2. I suspect that since my electronic is older, it doesn’t have the capability to pair with the 520. Can someone please confirm this? What version of di2 is actually supported with the 520?
You will need a Shimano D-Fly adapter, which plugs into the e-tube bus, to have the Di2 talk to a compatible bike computer like the Edge 520. According to Shimano, the D-Fly adapter is “compatible with Dura-Ace 9070, Ultegra 6870 Di2 and Ultegra 6770 E-tube road shifting”. With the D-Fly adapter, you can see the the battery level and current gear (front and back).
I have an Edge 510 that I use to control front and rear Garmin Virb video cameras. Using the touchscreen, I can either take a picture or record a video. The Edge 520 is listed as Virb compatible, but I cannot find any information on how it is accomplished. Since the 520 doesn’t have a touchscreen, perhaps there is a dedicated Virb page (like the 510) that is controlled by buttons. Can you confirm that the 520 can be used to take photos and videos with the Virb, and how it is done? Thanks!
I would be interested in this too. I have spent a lot of time trying to find the answer to this issue. I can find no screen on the 520 that mentions the virb.
If your Virb is paired with your Edge 520 (and Enabled, of course), then on the Edge 520’s Status screen, you will see “VIRB”, and below that, “Record” and “Take Photo”. These functions are activated with the upper right button (button “7” in the Edge 520 manual).
When you hit “Record” you will see “Recording” next to “VIRB” and the timer will start. You end the video recording with the same button.
When you hit “Take Photo”, you will see “Photo Taken” next to “VIRB”.
Mark, Thanks for the info. Do you know if the 520 is compatible with the original Virb models, or only the new Virb XE?
Compatible with original Virb models.
Interesting how keeping track of everything during a ride or workout has become an exercise in itself. I’m not interested in keeping track of every detail but I am interested in not getting lost. As a 22 year Marine Corps vet I can read a topo map and not get lost but having a GPS for areas I’m not familiar with sound like a good idea..Headed to Moab, Sedona and Southern AZ in February…enough time to understand this or any unit?
I’m a loyal etrex 30 user, but now I’m considering making the jump to an Edge 520 for the better training features. On my Etrex 30, I can either uses routes or tracks for navigation. I prefer the latter one, where I just follow a breadcrumb trail on my screen, without my GPS device complaining or recalculating routes whenever I take a small detour or shortcut. I am not familiar with courses however, which seem to be the only option for navigation on the Edge 520. I did an internet search but still hasn’t find the answer on my following question: can I use a course as a breadcrumb trail, without getting directions of my GPS (like in a car)? Or is it inevitable that the Edge consider a course as a ‘route’ and recalculates whenever I get off-track?
Hi. I have recently invested in an Edge 520 and a Tacx Bushido smart trainer with Ant+ & FEC.
In your most helpful review you say:
– Follow an activity: This takes a past workout and allows you to re-ride it, simulating the elevation/incline in real time
– Follow a course: This allows you to ride a downloaded course (such as a race, route, or anything else), and changes elevation/incline in real time
– Follow a workout: This allows you to ride a downloaded workout (created on Garmin Connect), where it’ll automatically change the resistance for each segment of the workout.
However I cannot get the trainer to follow the elevation activity or course and change the resistance etc. It just says at the base level. I rang Garmin support and they it could not follow course elevation with an indoor trainer they say it needs GPS which is switched off when you sync to the Bushido? Have tried following a recorded cycle ride and a course built on Garmin connect without success. I also wondered if you can follow your posoition on the map (I have openstreetmap downloaded on the 520)? Very grateful for any advice . Thanks.
My trainer would not work either until i had updated the firmware on it via their app. Having done that it works. Unfortunately though the follow a previous ride/course really doesn’t feel anything like riding on the road.