
User submitted reviews
Review by Brad
First, If you read other reviews here for this device, a lot seem to be for the older 820, esp reviews before spring 2019 when the 830 was first available and the 830 is a different experience.
I upgraded to the 830 from my old garmin 500 red and what a treat it has been. The 830 is very quick to turn on and be ready to ride. The touch screen is responsive, even with full finger gloves yet other contact source, such rain and sweat on the screen dont seem to bother it. Routes are quick to load and maps are fast, with or without a route, even without a route it warns you of sharp turns ahead (ok, sometimes the warning seems silly...but safety first, right). If you have a route loaded that includes hills, the climb pro is cool...automatically shows your climb ahead, grade, distance and elevation to go.
Ive ridden 160 miles over 5 days without recharge and still had 40% left, should get someone at least through a double century or a week of riding before charging. I also love that the device syncs with my phone and automatically uploads a ride when finished...no more plug into a pc usb to update garmin and strava.
If you dont already have an out front computer mount (I did) one is included in the box.
Though the device is not cheap, BTD has greats deals often enough that its well worth taking advantage of one to get the 830. Oh, and I do recommend downloading the owners manual from Garmin to understand some of the settings and features.
Review by kraft6k42
This is my first GPS unit. I bought it for an upcoming self supported bike trip from Albany NY to Portland ME. I'm still getting used to it and find the interface a little confusing. It tracks your ride, showing time elapsed, average speed , maximum speed, elevation gain and calories used. It interfaces with their app Connect, Strava, Map My Ride and others. Once you're set up everything uploads to the other sites.There is some question about battery life, but I've kept it on an external battery or my dynamo hub and have had no battery loss over a 7 hour period
Review by Ben tobey
Sweet computer! Switched from an Edge Explore to this 530. Big plus, rec'd enough credit to get the speed sensor 2 (saves distance if computer putts out - 300hrs!!). Out front mount is solid, buttons are clicky and snappy. My only gripe is some minor 1st release software hiccups. It was logging me moving and stopping, constantly setting off collision detection. It froze up on initial setup too, but both issues have subsided with sensors connected and out on the road. Very solid, highly recommended.
Review by Anonymous
I've been using my Edge 820 for a few years and have been through the range from the 510 to the 820, now the 830. I was forced into a new unit due to battery anxiety. Almost went with the Wahoo Element, but went with what's familiar. Right away, I am very happy with the much improved screen resolutioncrispness. In direct sun I can finally read the unit which was at times a challenge with the 820....Big plus. Touch screen response is also much improved as well as the speed when tapping between screensfunctions...another Big plus.
Downside It could use a phone interface like the Wahoo units in order to vastly simplify screen set-up. If it had that functionality, I would give it 5 stars. Garmin, you need to catch up to the times even though your base DNA is solid.
Review by Bruce
You will want this product if you have the Di2 system. Easy to setup and view your gearing and if you have the auto mode on a tri bike it will beep when you reach the last gear before a front ring change. Battery status and copious amounts of data fields to display.
Review by Cyclist4life
Terrific GPS cycling computer. This is an exponential improvement over my prevous Garmin Edge 500. Highly customizable color screens, all the cycling metrics you could want, fast GPS signal acquiring, and great large screen. Pre-loaded mapscourses and live strava segments are also a nice feature.
Review by Anonymous
Been running 520 for 5 years and thought everything newer was more than I needed. Within 5 rides I knew how much more tech was at my hands. Month in my maxVO2 is climbing along with healthy feel. Looking for technical help for your fitness, look no further.
Review by GDavey58
I purchased my latest Garmin to replace the Garmin 1000 I have had for a number of years. I purchased the updated smaller unit because of the daily battery life as advertised. So far it performs as expected and is reasonable in price. I have not had a long enough ride to tell about expected battery but it works well with my Varia add on component as expected.
Review by Dan
Replaced my very old Garmin 500 with the 520 Plus. Got it on sale and I couldn't pass it up. Huge improvement over the 500. Finds the satellite very quickly, the 500 took for ever. Ton more features and I love that your able to load in route and it provide directions with visual and audio alters. I ride 3000 miles per year but not competitively. I was also able to use my old upfront mount from the 500 with the 520 Plus. Just purchased the Garmin tail light with radar which will Bluetooth to the 520 Plus. Got that on sales too and saved $. Love doing business with BTD.
Review by Steve F
This is a great computer, even better if you're upgrading from another Garmin. I was able to transfer the info from all of my sensors which is the most time consuming and aggravating part of setting up a new Garmin, greatly appreciated.
Review by Two Wheels
Combo offers just what I wanted for all three bikes (gravel, road, MTB). Went with the 830 for the touch screen and glad that I did - better than searching for buttons with protective cover and fingered gloves. Like the smaller footprint compared to 1030 series.
Review by Anonymous
Garmin 500 to Garmin 830 is Super Sweet.
Color Touch Screen
Wifi post ride auto upload
Route Sharing between units
Upcoming Climb Details
What would you not like about this unit!
My decision to buy this one was the touch screen while the 530 used the buttons to go between screens.
BTW: Bike Tires Direct has awesome customer service and communication continues to be top notch.
Review by Jmosby
I use this every race in conjunction with my Garmin 255. It provides more detail and real time data.
Review by jdodson
Garmin Edge 530 GPS Computer: it's much less expensive than the 830 and 1030; I don't care about the bells and whistles of the other models, so for me, it's a better value...works great with the Garmin Varia RTL515 Rear-view radar/tail light too.
Review by Anonymous
Mostly have used it on the trainer, but a little bit mountain biking.
Review by Anonymous
Mostly have used it on the trainer, but a little bit mountain biking.
Review by Anonymous
Received within a couple days. Best price I found. Works as expected. Screen/ button navigation takes a bit of getting used to, but it's a top notch computer.
Review by Eric Hine
This is an amazing computer I would highly recommend it to anyone from everyday commuters to World Tour pro cyclists. One of my favorite things about this computer is the navigation features and how easy it is to use. It will give you turn by turn directions and read aloud the directions. I think everyone needs one of these because of how easy it is to use.
Review by RivBiker
This will track anything you want in a workout, it has lots of buttons and whistles......But I bought it for back/Hearing issues.
With The EDGE 530 is connected to the VARIA RT515 I can track the traffic Behind me. This is exactly why I bought it and its AWESOME! I would not ride without it . I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!
Review by sleeptein
Full retail price a little painful for me, but this does what it says it will. Supplied mounting hardware works, the screen is visible and informative, and it quickly pairs with the Varia radar unit and my Vivoactive 3 watch (for heart rate). That said, I find the side buttons difficult to operate, and it took me a while to figure out how to navigate all the different display options (still learning).