Sensors for the new Garmin 530
06-20-19, 01:12 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Sensors for the new Garmin 530
One of the differences of the new Garmin 530 is that it now supports Bluetooth sensors in addition to ANT.
First of all, I have no idea which technology is better.
Second, I have no idea which type of technology is bundled with the 530 bundle. Cannot find that detail on the few pages I checked.
Given the questions above, is it better getting the bundled package (HR, cadence, speed) for the 530 at the cost of $100 more, or get the standalone 530 and third party sensors?
First of all, I have no idea which technology is better.
Second, I have no idea which type of technology is bundled with the 530 bundle. Cannot find that detail on the few pages I checked.
Given the questions above, is it better getting the bundled package (HR, cadence, speed) for the 530 at the cost of $100 more, or get the standalone 530 and third party sensors?
06-20-19, 01:55 PM
#2
Senior Member
Garmin 520 also supports bluetooth connection to both phone and BLE to sensors.
06-20-19, 02:14 PM
#3
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,779
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6844 Post(s)
Liked 736 Times
in
469 Posts
I believe Garmin sensors are ANT+ but am open to correction.
Wahoo RPM speed and cadence sensors are $69 and support both Bluetooth and ANT+.
-Tim-
Wahoo RPM speed and cadence sensors are $69 and support both Bluetooth and ANT+.
-Tim-
06-20-19, 03:12 PM
#4
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,984
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 51 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6191 Post(s)
Liked 4,807 Times
in
3,316 Posts
It's a toss up either way. You will be blazing new ground if you go with Garmin 530 and Bt sensors from other mfrs.
Till now, we only know of Garmin devices with ant+ sensors which were typically Garmin sensors.
Till now, we only know of Garmin devices with ant+ sensors which were typically Garmin sensors.
06-20-19, 03:29 PM
#5
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Sugar Land, TX
Posts: 149
Bikes: Synapse, Slate
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 56 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
8 Posts
The sensor bundle with the 530 does come with the new Garmin ANT+ and Bluetooth sensors. If you already have sensors that work, you don't need to buy new ones. But when those do go out, at least you will have more options with the dual ability that the 530 offers.
The original 520 does not have Bluetooth sensor connectivity. It can connect to your phone through Bluetooth, but not sensors.
The original 520 does not have Bluetooth sensor connectivity. It can connect to your phone through Bluetooth, but not sensors.
06-20-19, 05:55 PM
#6
Señor Blues
Unless I'm mistaken Garmin "owns" the ant+ protocol. If true, that explains why Garmin head units have not, up until very recently, been compatible with bluetooth sensors.
06-20-19, 07:08 PM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Land of Enchantment
Posts: 468
Bikes: Domane SLR7 Project One
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 152 Post(s)
Liked 173 Times
in
105 Posts
I have an 830 and use a older Garmin HR monitor plus the previous gen. speed and cadence sensors. All are Ant+ and I haven't had one issue with them and the 830 or the 500 it replaced. If I needed to replace them today I would stick to Ant+ because I know it works and has been rock solid for me. I think all the new Garmin sensors are dual Ant+/BT. If I could save some money buying a package and needed all the sensors I'd go that route.
