Garmin Edge 520 Plus Review 2021 – This Equipment Will Guide You The Way
If you do not want to take up the extra burden of getting lost while riding a bicycle, using a GPS device is a reliable solution. If you are a performance-oriented cyclist, then the Edge 520 Plus from Garmin is an advanced GPS small-sized bike computer is made for you.
- Features advanced navigation, including new navigation alerts and the preloaded Garmin Cycle Map with turn-by-turn directions – on and off road
- Preloaded Strava Live Segments let you compete second by second with your previous best or another rider’s PR; see real-time results right on your screen
- Stay connected with Live Track and Group Track, smart notifications, rider-to-rider messaging and built-in Incident Detection
- Monitors cycling-specific VO2 max and recovery time when used with power and heart rate
- Tracks Functional Threshold Power (FTP) and cycling dynamics when used with Vector power meters
Garmin is an esteemed name in the sports field, as it has managed to come up with brilliant devices featuring stellar navigation via GPS for the athletes. There was a time when Garmin enjoyed the monopoly as a GPS brand until brands such as Wahoo came into the market with competitive products.
Today, Garmin is also equally popular for fulfilling the dynamic requirements of cyclists and bikers alike. This becomes evident with its Edge 520 Plus, an updated version of its famous Edge 520. It comes with all features and abilities of the predecessor but offers more cutting-edge navigation features and better display abilities found only in upscale equivalents.
Previously, Garmin had an issue with its touchscreen display functioning erratically. However, with 520 Plus, this issue is no longer there. It is full of useful features and handy mapping abilities without the erratic touchscreen, which is truly a bonus for use with hands in gloves.
This advanced cycling computer comes with a color display that you can navigate via seven buttons. It not only aids you in navigation but also tracks biking stats, heart rate, and other essential information while making you move safely. Let’s check out its features.
Remarkable Mapping and Routing
The mapping allows keep a track of what route is in use and provide directions. You can upload the manually created previously routed rides to get turn-by-turn directions, a new ability of the integrated Garmin Cycle Map. This utility also recalculates the route if you mistakenly take some off-road route and provides directions to the ride’s starting point.
You can save the routes with several saved points for finding the direction easily from where you are at present. You can even change destinations anytime and get the quickest route to the new location. The device also notifies you about a missed turn, upcoming turn, and the name of the next street.
Connectivity
Edge 520 Plus comes with ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity, which means you get a smooth line of communication with your heart-rate monitor, smart trainer, and smartphone. With it, all the currently recorded activities are saved on the phone automatically.
Due to no Wi-Fi support, you need to pair the device with the phone using the Strava and Garmin Connect apps for uploading the rides automatically. Another commendable feature is the Incident Detector, using which you add maximum of three emergency contacts to whom alerts via an e-mail or SMS will be sent in an emergency.
Modes
Edge 520 Plus offers three modes namely, race, train, and indoor, all of which are customizable. These modes allow changing the various screen components to have different data fields. You can select right from power metrics to cycling cadence options.
Training
A noteworthy ability of this device is the training aid. It helps you to train and track your progress effectively. You can race with others and compare the status or progress with each other. You can even track and analyze your progress daily from the already loaded records of Strava Live Segments.
Edge 520 Plus is highly reliable for keeping track of all training data. It calculates FTP, VO2 max, and other data extracted from the power meter and heart monitor. Once the ride is over, you can see an estimated recovery time that seems to be unbelievably precise.
Battery Life
The battery of Edge 520 Plus is likely to serve for 15 hours without navigation, which is just fine. You can retain the battery juice by keeping Bluetooth off when not used.
- Features advanced navigation, including new navigation alerts and the preloaded Garmin Cycle Map with turn-by-turn directions – on and off road
- Preloaded Strava Live Segments let you compete second by second with your previous best or another rider’s PR; see real-time results right on your screen
- Stay connected with Live Track and Group Track, smart notifications, rider-to-rider messaging and built-in Incident Detection
- Monitors cycling-specific VO2 max and recovery time when used with power and heart rate
- Tracks Functional Threshold Power (FTP) and cycling dynamics when used with Vector power meters
- Light
- Bright color screen
- Good navigation features
- Reliable button control
- Waterproof
- Routable maps
- Better battery life than Original 520
- Several mount options
- Full of training tools
- No battery saving mode or Wi-Fi
- A bit costly
- A bit longer startup time
Conclusion
Edge 520 Plus is a powerful and interactive GPS unit for daily training or riding with superb mapping abilities. It is a compact cycle unit with auto rerouting, handy navigation buttons, color display, and turn-by-turn navigation.
Although each GPS device is not meant for all cyclists, the Edge 520 Plus unit is likely to be an exception. The brand has delivered almost everything that a passionate cyclist would expect from such a reputable brand.
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