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Garmin 520 input

JeremyBehlerJeremyBehler
in General Training Discussions

I've been using a Garmin 500 since they came out.  Looking to upgrade (mostly to get the bluetooth and wireless connectivity) so I could go 510 or 520.  

The new 520 isn't touch screen but offers real time strava, etc.  I don't have a strong preference for/against touch screen and don't have any interest in real time Strava segments (don't need the distraction).

So..for those of you that have taken the plunge...worth it or not?  I can get a new 520 for $300 or used 510 on ebay for $190-200.

Comments

  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    I just bought a new 500 because my 5 yr+ Edge 500 was no longer holding a battery life to last a full IM. Didn't feel like the new stuff offered anything more that I needed. But if you must go with the new gear, get the 520. There's a reason why Garmin went back to buttons...as in the 510 was a proven dog, and the touchscreen was, well, too touchy. I lost count of all the people on ST that wanted to put their 510 under a bulldozer.
  • Phil MillsPhil Mills
    I have been using the 810 for about a year and don't mind the touch screen too much, but I would prefer buttons. It isn't very accurate though, as I have to touch under where I think I should. Strava segments, which you don't care about, will be added to the 510 sometime this year.

    The only significant feature upgrade to the 520/820 is FE-C support to control smart trainers. This will include the ability to "ride" a course that you have previously ridden. Garmin will not be adding this to the 510/810 line. That is the only feature that would tempt me to upgrade. TR and my phone can do almost all of this for me now.
  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    I understand the 520 has a much better mapping option than the 500, 510, not quite up there with the 820, but satisfactory, without going to the larger unit which some folks don't like.
  • tim cronktim cronk

    Timely thread.... also longtime 500 user, just got the 520 and did a short test ride today before tomorrows ride.. Its different from 500 so lots to learn... Loved the auto download via blue tooth thru iphone... Screen is much better than 500 but maybe a tad dark...


    General consensus in my research (mostly thru dcrainmaker) confirms Paul's comments... 510 was a big flop... 520 seems to have hit the sweet spot as far as size and functionality....
  • Dino SartiDino Sarti
    Go with the 520. The 510 used to be a chore with touch screen. Plus, the screen on the 520 is sharper looking. The ability to connect automatically is also really cool.
  • novaavantnovaavant
    I sold my 500 on ebay and got 520 and am very happy with it. It's got a couple of quirks still; doesn't work with the garmin run HRM strap but it's an acknowledged issue that they are working on. BT uploads work great and the screen is a tad bit bigger than the 500 but not too much and like Dino said it's much brighter and sharper. This really help my tired old eyes.

    I'm with you, the touted strava segment thing I found to be really annoying so I turned it off. Maybe I'll try it again in the off-season but I doubt it.

    The sensor pool thing is great so you don't need bike profiles anymore it just picks up whatever sensors you have on a particular bike. GPS acquisition is very speedy as well. Overall it's a great upgrade.

    If you can move the 500 on ebay it will offset even more of the costs. I sold mine in about 4 hours after posting.
  • Dawn CassDawn Cass
    Jeremy - I got a 520 just recently so still getting used to it. The screen is a million times better than any of the previous versions so I would go for the latest. As Attila mentions, still some bugs however that's Garmin, right...the firmware will sort that out in time. I had (and still do) the 810 so was used to touch screen. I prefer touch screen devices so the 520 is taking a bit to get used to however I plan to use the 520 for main cycling and am sure I will get used pressing a button!
  • Clark MitchellClark Mitchell
    I like my 520. The bluetooth upload is so much better than garmin express. Also, the live track makes my wife very happy as she can see where I am on long rides. I find the buttons to be pretty similar to my 910xt, so no confusion there. I've never used a touch screen bike computer, but I kinda think I would hate that.

    I'm having some firmware issues but my understanding is the new update fixes my issue so I just need to update.
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