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Is Garmin Edge 520 Plus a good choice for exploring new trails?

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Is Garmin Edge 520 Plus a good choice for exploring new trails?

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Old 06-11-19, 05:43 AM
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Priyangkush
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Is Garmin Edge 520 Plus a good choice for exploring new trails?

Need expert advice on choosing a new computer

Digging into some blogs I got to know that the Edge 520 Plus has a much better navigation than the Edge 520. If any of you has one then can you please let me know if the navigation is actually as good as they say here or if there is a better alternative at the same price range?

- A fellow rider
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Old 06-11-19, 07:02 AM
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Oso Polar
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There is a much better alternative if you don't need power meter support: Garmin Edge Explore.
https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2018/07/...re-review.html
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Old 06-11-19, 08:47 AM
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sdmc530
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I agree with Oso, I have a 520 and love it but I use a PM and all the other sensors but its honestly not the best for route planning. the explore type stuff will be more user friendly for routing but the 520+ will do the job as well.

If I could go back and spend the money again I would go right for the 1030!
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Old 06-11-19, 10:18 AM
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The Edge 820 (replaced by 830 now) can do routing on the GPS. The 520 Plus, I believe, requires routing be done on another device using the Connect app or Strava, and then having the routes uploaded to the GPS. So I would think that your minimum is going to need to be an 820/830, or an Edge Explore, or an Edge 1030.

I second the suggestion for an "Explore" variant unless power meter support is desired.
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Old 06-11-19, 10:43 AM
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Originally Posted by daoswald
The 520 Plus, I believe, requires routing be done on another device using the Connect app or Strava, and then having the routes uploaded to the GPS. So I would think that your minimum is going to need to be an 820/830, or an Edge Explore, or an Edge 1030.
Not correct, the 520 Plus has true point to point navigation. That is actually the main add vs. the previous 520. It's slow, but it does have it.

Regardless, the 530 is now available and is superior to the 520 Plus in most regards, including much improved navigation capabilities. Not sure why the OP is asking about the previous generation, maybe because it's cheaper?
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Old 06-11-19, 11:42 AM
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Priyangkush
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Thanks for the help Oso . The reason I asked about the 520 Plus is because I prefer to have buttons over a touchscreen (just a personal choice). I looked into the article shared and the Edge explore seems to be a nice option too.
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Old 06-11-19, 11:46 AM
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In the reviews that I found online it was mentioned that the 520 Plus has turn by turn direction giving capabilities as well as route recalculation. However, I will definitely check out the navigation provided by the 530.

But in case you are familiar with using apps like TrailForks on these devices can you let me know if they are seamless or are they rather slow?
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