What Garmin to get?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,971
Bikes: Habanero Titanium Team Nuevo
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 399 Post(s)
Liked 185 Times
in
121 Posts
What Garmin to get?
Currently I have a Garmin 910xt that is fantastic. Being a runner too this is the only way to go and the 910xt does it all and is accurate as they come. Also I am Garmin fan as they replaced my heart rate monitor free even after 4 years. The heart rate feature too seems accurate. So now I am thinking of just getting a dedicated bike Garmin. My options are a Garmin Edge 130, The Edge 130 Plus, or a 530.
Seems from some users the if getting the 530 it is worth the extra over the 520. My problem is if the lower price of the 130 is just as good? I don't have a power meter never had but possible could happen in the future. I don't care about uploading pre-determine rides I never do that. I simply hit go and ride. I do upload to Strava and use Strava mainly as a social thing. I don't train for anything expect fun and beer and pizza.
The reviews by DCRAINMAN are way too far over the top they guy knows his stuff by way more information than I need or will use. If you were me would you go with the
130
130 plus
530
or last option get a Garmin 935 like the 910xt and simply dedicate it as a bike computer?
Yes money matters in that I what the greatest returns. I probably should do a poll but never tired that. Opinions?
Seems from some users the if getting the 530 it is worth the extra over the 520. My problem is if the lower price of the 130 is just as good? I don't have a power meter never had but possible could happen in the future. I don't care about uploading pre-determine rides I never do that. I simply hit go and ride. I do upload to Strava and use Strava mainly as a social thing. I don't train for anything expect fun and beer and pizza.
The reviews by DCRAINMAN are way too far over the top they guy knows his stuff by way more information than I need or will use. If you were me would you go with the
130
130 plus
530
or last option get a Garmin 935 like the 910xt and simply dedicate it as a bike computer?
Yes money matters in that I what the greatest returns. I probably should do a poll but never tired that. Opinions?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 6,872
Bikes: Trek Domane SLR 7 AXS, Trek CheckPoint SL7 AXS, Trek Emonda ALR AXS, Trek FX 5 Sport
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 763 Post(s)
Liked 1,731 Times
in
1,008 Posts
I would say the Wahoo Roam , but if you want to stay Garmin, and unless you need the mapping, I would go with the 130 plus.
#3
It's MY mountain
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Mt.Diablo
Posts: 10,002
Bikes: Klein, Merckx, Trek
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4338 Post(s)
Liked 2,980 Times
in
1,617 Posts
I have had a 130 for several years and I like everything about it except the battery life - especially when it's cold... less than 3 hours.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 6,880
Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3237 Post(s)
Liked 2,082 Times
in
1,180 Posts
Edge 530 is only about $80 more than a 130 Plus. Better screen, 20 hr battery life vs. 12 on the 130. Better deal. The 530 solves some of the issues the 520 and 520 Plus had.
#5
Let's do a Century
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 8,316
Bikes: Cervelo R3 Disc, Pinarello Prince/Campy SR; Cervelo R3/Sram Red; Trek 5900/Duraace, Lynskey GR260 Ultegra
Mentioned: 59 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 651 Post(s)
Liked 879 Times
in
408 Posts
I’ve been doing a little research myself and the 530 looks like a great device to me, especially if you don’t need a touch screen. It has outstanding battery life and great mapping capabilities. Plus all the other cycling metrics. It’s gotten great reviews so far. I think it’s a good deal at the current price. I saw the 520+ on sale for a lot less but it’s had some issues.
I’ve used the mapping capabilities a lot lately since I figured out how to create routes on RidewithGPS and upload them to the Garmin. It’s opened up a whole new world of riding even around my house.
I’ve been nursing my 1000 along for a while now. The power button broke off but I can turn it on and off with a tiny screwdriver......plus the power port has some issues.
I’ve used the mapping capabilities a lot lately since I figured out how to create routes on RidewithGPS and upload them to the Garmin. It’s opened up a whole new world of riding even around my house.
I’ve been nursing my 1000 along for a while now. The power button broke off but I can turn it on and off with a tiny screwdriver......plus the power port has some issues.
__________________
Ride your Ride!!
Ride your Ride!!
#6
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,531
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3665 Post(s)
Liked 5,413 Times
in
2,751 Posts
I bought an Edge 530 and didn't like it. Numerous problems with synch and set up. I returned it and got a Wahoo Bolt. It was much easier to use and hasn't had the synch issues. However, if you don't want directional capability, you might just get a Cateye to look at on the bike and record your rides on your phone with free Strava. That worked well for me before the Wahoo.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 6,880
Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3237 Post(s)
Liked 2,082 Times
in
1,180 Posts
I’ve been doing a little research myself and the 530 looks like a great device to me, especially if you don’t need a touch screen. It has outstanding battery life and great mapping capabilities. Plus all the other cycling metrics. It’s gotten great reviews so far. I think it’s a good deal at the current price. I saw the 520+ on sale for a lot less but it’s had some issues.
I’ve used the mapping capabilities a lot lately since I figured out how to create routes on RidewithGPS and upload them to the Garmin. It’s opened up a whole new world of riding even around my house.
I’ve been nursing my 1000 along for a while now. The power button broke off but I can turn it on and off with a tiny screwdriver......plus the power port has some issues.
I’ve used the mapping capabilities a lot lately since I figured out how to create routes on RidewithGPS and upload them to the Garmin. It’s opened up a whole new world of riding even around my house.
I’ve been nursing my 1000 along for a while now. The power button broke off but I can turn it on and off with a tiny screwdriver......plus the power port has some issues.
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,971
Bikes: Habanero Titanium Team Nuevo
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 399 Post(s)
Liked 185 Times
in
121 Posts
I bought an Edge 530 and didn't like it. Numerous problems with synch and set up. I returned it and got a Wahoo Bolt. It was much easier to use and hasn't had the synch issues. However, if you don't want directional capability, you might just get a Cateye to look at on the bike and record your rides on your phone with free Strava. That worked well for me before the Wahoo.
Likes For deacon mark:
#9
Senior Member
I just picked up a 530 and I think it’s a lot better than the 520 I had.
__________________
George
George
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: NJ, USA
Posts: 1,282
Bikes: two blacks, a blue and a white.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 445 Post(s)
Liked 847 Times
in
410 Posts
130 plus is big upgrade versus 130, don't look backwards on that. battery is fine for me on 130 plus. good choice if you want small footprint on cockpit, limited need for route navigation (some), all other features of garmin connect.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 9,201
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1186 Post(s)
Liked 289 Times
in
177 Posts
Currently I have a Garmin 910xt that is fantastic. Being a runner too this is the only way to go and the 910xt does it all and is accurate as they come. Also I am Garmin fan as they replaced my heart rate monitor free even after 4 years. The heart rate feature too seems accurate. So now I am thinking of just getting a dedicated bike Garmin. My options are a Garmin Edge 130, The Edge 130 Plus, or a 530.
Seems from some users the if getting the 530 it is worth the extra over the 520. My problem is if the lower price of the 130 is just as good? I don't have a power meter never had but possible could happen in the future. I don't care about uploading pre-determine rides I never do that. I simply hit go and ride. I do upload to Strava and use Strava mainly as a social thing. I don't train for anything expect fun and beer and pizza.
The reviews by DCRAINMAN are way too far over the top they guy knows his stuff by way more information than I need or will use. If you were me would you go with the
130
130 plus
530
or last option get a Garmin 935 like the 910xt and simply dedicate it as a bike computer?
Yes money matters in that I what the greatest returns. I probably should do a poll but never tired that. Opinions?
Seems from some users the if getting the 530 it is worth the extra over the 520. My problem is if the lower price of the 130 is just as good? I don't have a power meter never had but possible could happen in the future. I don't care about uploading pre-determine rides I never do that. I simply hit go and ride. I do upload to Strava and use Strava mainly as a social thing. I don't train for anything expect fun and beer and pizza.
The reviews by DCRAINMAN are way too far over the top they guy knows his stuff by way more information than I need or will use. If you were me would you go with the
130
130 plus
530
or last option get a Garmin 935 like the 910xt and simply dedicate it as a bike computer?
Yes money matters in that I what the greatest returns. I probably should do a poll but never tired that. Opinions?
1. Easier to read display. The 520 display was polarized at 45 degrees so contrast and visibility was not good if you were using polarized glasses. The 530 is correctly polarized at 90 degrees and much easier to see.
2. Larger memory - able to store detailed maps for NA
3. Longer battery life
4. Generally faster for all operations
I'm sure it has some other benefits as well but those are the main ones of interest to me. I didn't have any problems with connectivity on the 520 and the transition to the 530 was seamless.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Hollister, CA (not the surf town)
Posts: 1,737
Bikes: 2019 Specialized Roubaix Comp Di2, 2009 Roubaix, early 90's Giant Iguana
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 642 Post(s)
Liked 1,526 Times
in
551 Posts
I recently got a Garmin 530 and not in love with it so far. If you're used to the Garmin logic, you will probably like it better but I find their user interface to be clunky and not intuitive at all. I expect I'll get used to it but we'll see. I spent god only knows how long in setting up the screen the way I wanted it. The next day there was a software update that wiped out my screen preferences so had to go through it all over again. If that happens every time there's an update, I'll skip the updates.
I haven't heard others say this but with the screen in auto brightness mode, I cannot see it at all through my sunglasses. I changed it to a steady 60% and still can't see it. I'll keep increasing it till it's visible and hope the battery life is ok. If not, I may just sell it and go back to using cyclemeter on my phone.
I have not used the Garmin for routing and have not downloaded a map to it. I will probably do those things on occasion but mostly I just go ride without a pre-determined route.
I have the Wahoo speed / cadence sensor and I had no issues pairing with the garmin.
I haven't heard others say this but with the screen in auto brightness mode, I cannot see it at all through my sunglasses. I changed it to a steady 60% and still can't see it. I'll keep increasing it till it's visible and hope the battery life is ok. If not, I may just sell it and go back to using cyclemeter on my phone.
I have not used the Garmin for routing and have not downloaded a map to it. I will probably do those things on occasion but mostly I just go ride without a pre-determined route.
I have the Wahoo speed / cadence sensor and I had no issues pairing with the garmin.
#13
rebmeM roineS
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Metro Indy, IN
Posts: 16,216
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 653 Post(s)
Liked 347 Times
in
226 Posts
Got a 520 Plus for spouse last year but I ended up with it as she thought the display was a bit too small. She now has a 530 - the display is larger and the processor runs functions faster. I'm fine with the 520 Plus. We had both had Edge 200's so are new to mapping/navigation. Took us a while to figure out how to download routes and then use them to navigate a ride without referring to paper maps/cuesheets.
The 520 Plus did have a glitch for a while causing it to display OFF COURSE when attempting to navigate a route but by the time I figured out it wasn't operator error Garmin had an update ready to download - that fixed the problem. Battery life ok for both Garmins.
The 520 Plus did have a glitch for a while causing it to display OFF COURSE when attempting to navigate a route but by the time I figured out it wasn't operator error Garmin had an update ready to download - that fixed the problem. Battery life ok for both Garmins.
__________________
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
#14
Full Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 218
Bikes: Felt ZR3, Specialized Sectur
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 100 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 52 Times
in
37 Posts
I use the 530. I like to map our group rides and the event rides I do. Beats taping the cue sheet to the handlebars. The 530 is nice as it actually shows the map. I too upload to Strava and it is nice to see the segments pop up since you never know if there is a segment on a particular route.
I also like the fact that I can display 8 fields of information on one screen. I do not have a power meter but the other data is important to me to see and use.
john
I also like the fact that I can display 8 fields of information on one screen. I do not have a power meter but the other data is important to me to see and use.
john
Likes For rutan74:
#15
Full Member
What Garmin to get?
I use a Garmin Edge 1030 on my road bike because it is very readable and can have 8 different readings per screen. At 78 I need that; for running I use a Garmin Fenix 5x with a Stryd power meter on my shoe. My main screen has room for four readouts so I have power, pace, heart rate and distance; with multiple screens I get lap times on another.