ATL for previous iteration of the Garmin Edge 5xx series bike computers (latest model is the 540)
Specs:
20 hours of battery life, extendable
2.6" color display for clear navigation
Performance metrics like VO2 max, FTP
MTB dynamics and Grit/Flow ratings
Varia radar compatibility for safety
GPLama review of Garmin Edge
DC Rainmaker review of Edge 530
Because it's in your pocket when you ride?
drains your phone battery
Strap a powerbank onto your bike.
makes your bike heavier
BECAUSE you couldn't justify a $300 price tag!
The next version will have a SIM card so you can make calls and get Real-Time data :-)
(while your phone is in your pocket)
Battery life, exposure to sun that'll end up killing your phone from all the extra heat, exposure to the elements, risk of bigger financial loss if you crash and damage your phone, more trouble to sync up extra sensors like heart rate monitor, cadence, power meters, etc.
If you're an avid cyclist, you'll appreciate the specialised device. If you're just a filthy casual, a phone is a good solution.
I didn't think my answer was inflammatory - I said I think the phone is a fine solution, but when you're riding a lot, it's nicer to have something that just does the one thing.
Just to make this clear…. you're riding on a road and not in the woods or forest.
Sorry - why exactly can't I go riding in the woods or forest? Why am I riding on a road? People do go bike-packing.
In my case, I don't want to have my phone getting blasted by the Australian sun for 8 hours whilst it's using GPS. I don't want to make sure my phone is fully charged before a ride, whether for commuting or for fun. It's not about the amount of maps. I'm not using it to navigate, I'm using it to record.
I have a Garmin eTrex and it's for finding the road in case you end up in the scrub. I'm not quite sure what this is for.
@shaybisc: Etrex is an outdated model for dirt biking.
This is for cycling. It's for speed tracking, training data tracking and optional dirt maps.
What if one was filthy full time? asking for a friend
Garmin it is!
You definitely know nothing about cycling if you're asking this question
I have 2 bikes…
97 to go !!!
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but just because you have bikes doesn't make you knowlegable on the topic.
If true, then I assume you know all about how a baseband processor works becasue you own a mobile phone?
but just because you have bikes doesn't make you knowlegable on the topic.
likewise, just because someone does not have a bike, doesn't mean they are not knowlegable on the topic.
Jokes aside, i grabbed a cheap Nokia XR20 some time ago on clearece from.JB for less then this, grabbed a Quadlock from Aliexpress and its WAY better then any Gtamin bike computer. I run.a cheap 365 Sim in it but you don't have to and have Google Pay for coffee or breakfast stops.etc..
I use.it on my MTB and ride Derby all the time and haven't had an issue.
What's the maon difference between this and the 540?
Apart from maps, does this tell you anything else?
Here is a good write up of the 540, compared to the 530/(and 830, 840, etc),
https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2023/04/garmin-cycling-review.ht…
TLDR, scroll down to the dot point list on that linked page for the full list, or i'll quickly summarise the main points as being,
Longer battery life (26h, up from 20h), upgrade to dual band gps (more accurate gps data, but uses more battery), upgrade to usb-c connection (which some prefer nowadays), and ClimbPro Free-Ride mode, which automatically triggers ClimbPro without a route (which can be a positive or negative depending on your preference).
For anyone afraid of getting lost with only '26 hours of maps available', you can get a Garmin Charge Power Pack, which can attach below the computer, on a out front mount, and it can extend the battery life about an extra 24 hours. That's 26 + 24 = 50 hours worth of battery. ;)
Anyway… this amount of battery life is great for anyone that dislikes charging their bike computer every few days. It means you can possibly get a month of riding (approx 1000k) out of a single charge (with battery pack), without having to charge it.
What's confusing is that there is now a version of the 530 with USB-C. If all you want this for is rear-radar, and we could be sure this had the newer port, that would make a nice deal.
Seems like they made the change on the down low. Would definitely purchase in person to check and make sure if it is an option.
Just bought this in store. Not sure if all the stock is the same but pleasantly surprised mine is the usb-c version.
Bought n+1, thanks!
I own this model, using it daily since 2019. No issues so far and the battery is still lasting at least 10 hours per charge.
Model listed show 2023, called local store and confirmed usb-c (don’t assume all stores) ; $20 off sign up coupon applied also = $229
Is the sign up coupon a generic code, or unique?
Benefits for a casual rider over a standard Cateye type bike computer?
Maps is an obvious one, and ability to view show route/data post-ride. Assuming you don't care for vital stats/accessories like heart monitors - any other benefits?
Only matters if you’re training. Stuff like climbpro for showing elevation and connection to sensors such as HR, cadence and speed is what the Garmin and Wahoo does over a cheapie. For a low buck computer, bryton is acceptable but nowhere near as easy to use of stable.
I had the 530 for a few yrs. I would actually say I am not really making use of the maps much if at all, most of the time I am on a stats screen. The maps doesn't really work that well in terms of navigation - a lot of times it gets confused about whether I was on/off course, and seems to lag a little bit. Keep in mind the maps on the 530 is for plotting a route the night before on the computer and loading it on to follow, as it is almost impossible to search for a live destination and route like your phone's Google Maps on the go.
Having said that its a great unit, and it connects to the Vario radar taillight. But now looking at the comment below the cheap ones can also pair with radar and Strava so it does 90% of the job sans Maps.
Not many compelling features, but here's a few not yet mentioned:
If you have multiple bikes, it's easy to move the device between bikes.
If you pair with your phone, you can:
* get notification of incoming calls and texts
* enable LiveTrack can share your location with other people
* Incident Detection can send a text with your location to an emergency contact if thinks it detects a crash.
i grabbed a cheap Nokia XR20 some time ago on clearance from JB for less then this, grabbed a Quadlock from Aliexpress and its WAY better then any Garmin bike computer IMO. I run.a cheap 365 Sim in it but you don't have to and have Google Pay for coffee or breakfast stops.etc..
I use it on my MTB and ride Derby all the time and haven't had an issue.
Lookup GEOID CC600 on aliexpress, actually very good value imo, even pairs with radar, uploads to Strava
I've got a CycPLUS m2… maybe time for upgrade
I have this on my bike and its a great little gps that does everything - this price is sensational. the 540 (newer version) isnt that much better
Call me old skool, but physical buttons would be really beneficial on these things.
No, I agree with you. Mainly for wet weather riding, or if you have gloves.
they have physical buttons. The 530 doesn't have a touch screen. The 1030 started the touch screen trend on bike computers.
The 530 is still an excellent device for many cyclists. It can do a lot and records the necessary data. Can't see me retiring mine any time soon. Have had it for 3 years.
These have a glued in, unreplaceable battery unfortunately. Anyone know if there are any decent units without a glued in battery?
Edit: spelling
Good price for a basic bike computer. I've been using my Wahoo Elemnt Bolt for years now.
I use it to record longer rides (not commutes).
This would be a good alternative.
jv on 23/05/2025 - 15:15 Comment score below threshold.
