{"id":10302,"date":"2016-04-26T05:26:03","date_gmt":"2016-04-26T09:26:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/?p=10302"},"modified":"2016-06-13T06:01:51","modified_gmt":"2016-06-13T10:01:51","slug":"garmin-edge-520-gps-bike-computer-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/garmin-edge-520-gps-bike-computer-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Garmin Edge 520 GPS Bike Computer Review"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Garmin released the <strong>Edge 520<\/strong> in late 2015 and it is among the most advanced bike computers on the market at the moment. I&#8217;m not a professional rider, so I mostly use my smartphone to keep track of my rides. What&#8217;s the benefits of a dedicated bike computer like the Garmin Edge 520 over smartphones, we&#8217;re going to find out in the review.<!--more--><\/p>\n<h2>Unboxing Video<\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xuVAaWGT2Uo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Design<\/h2>\n<p>Inside the packaging, you can find the Edge 520, a standard mount, an extended out-front mount, a USB cable and a tether. If you buy the bundle which costs $100 more, you will have some more useful accessories like\u00a0heart rate monitor, cadence sensor, and speed sensor.<\/p>\n<p>The Edge 520 has a very simple and portable design, it is made of plastic with rubber finishes on the sides.\u00a0The unit is lightweight but feels very solid and durable. It\u00a0has a standard IPX7 waterproof rating, so it can withstand immersion with a depth of up to 1 meter.<\/p>\n<p>On the back of the device, you can see the familiar\u00a0quarter-lock mounting system. It works perfectly with the included mounts and you can easily install or remove the computer easily with just\u00a0a twist. You can see the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=lMqfbsM3D5Q\" target=\"_blank\">Edge 520 installation on my bike here<\/a>. It can be mounted on the stem or handlebar.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/garmin-edge-520-gps-bike-computer-review\/garmin-edge-520-1-2\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10303\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-10303\" src=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-1-2.jpg\" alt=\"garmin-edge-520-1-2\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-1-2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-1-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-1-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-1-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Many people complained about the lack of touchscreen but I actually prefer using physical buttons on this kind of dedicated device. However, the problem is that those buttons are quite stiff to press. It requires serious force to press the buttons on the sides. The power button and up \/ down buttons are located on the left side while the Back and Enter buttons are on the right. There are 2 more buttons on the bottom, which are\u00a0a Start\/Pause button and a Lap button.<\/p>\n<h2>Features &amp; Performance<\/h2>\n<p>The Garmin Edge 520 is packed with a lot of useful features, so I recommend you to read the manual to get the most out of the device. To get started tracking your activity, you can simply turn on the device and press on the Start button on the bottom.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10304\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10304\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/garmin-edge-520-gps-bike-computer-review\/garmin-edge-520-1\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10304\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-10304 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-1.jpg\" alt=\"garmin-edge-520-1\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10304\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Home screen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>During the ride, you can see live data on the screen like time, speed, distance, time of day and calories.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/garmin-edge-520-gps-bike-computer-review\/garmin-edge-520-2\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10305\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-10305\" src=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-2.jpg\" alt=\"garmin-edge-520-2\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Press the down button on the screen, you will get access to the Virtual Partner tool. It will show you who is leading, how far you are behind the virtual partner, so you will get motivated to reach your goal.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/garmin-edge-520-gps-bike-computer-review\/garmin-edge-520-1-3\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10306\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-10306\" src=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-1-3.jpg\" alt=\"garmin-edge-520-1-3\" width=\"1100\" height=\"825\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-1-3.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-1-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-1-3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-1-3-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The base map of the Garmin is blank in my area, so I had to download a third-party map from\u00a0OpenStreetMap, however, the map is so outdated and lacks of details. It is nowhere near the Google Maps, so you shouldn&#8217;t rely on this map to navigate around.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/garmin-edge-520-gps-bike-computer-review\/garmin-edge-520-2-2\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10307\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-10307\" src=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-2-2.jpg\" alt=\"garmin-edge-520-2-2\" width=\"1100\" height=\"825\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-2-2.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-2-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-2-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-2-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>A notable feature of the bike computer is Strava segment integration. The Live Segment feature is available for premium Strava accounts only. Basically, segments are virtual race courses , you will be able to race the segments and compare your performance to past activities or other riders&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/garmin-edge-520-gps-bike-computer-review\/strava-live-segment\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-10308\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-10308\" src=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/strava-live-segment.jpg\" alt=\"strava-live-segment\" width=\"621\" height=\"446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/strava-live-segment.jpg 621w, https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/strava-live-segment-300x215.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 621px) 100vw, 621px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>You also should pair the Edge 520 with your smartphone via the Garmin Connect app because it will enable some more features like live tracking, notifications, social media sharing and wireless uploads. All data will be synced automatically via the app.<\/p>\n<p>And as you expect, the device is compatible with ANT+ sensors, that means it can receive data from accessories like Shimano Di2 electronic shifting systems, heart rate monitors, power meters, speed and cadence sensors, and smart trainers.<\/p>\n<p>You don&#8217;t have to worry about battery life of the Garmin. It lasts about 15 hours in normal mode, that is enough to use for a couple of weeks. However, if you follow a course or use the live segment feature, the battery will be dead in 10 hours.<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<h3>Pros<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>A lot of useful features, especially the Strava Live Segments<\/li>\n<li>Solid build<\/li>\n<li>Waterproof<\/li>\n<li>Reliable GPS<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Cons<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Inconvenient buttons<\/li>\n<li>Terrible default basemap<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The\u00a0Garmin Edge 520 has some minor issues but it is undoubtedly a great high-end GPS cycling computer. I highly recommend the product.<\/p>\n<h3><a href=\"http:\/\/shrsl.com\/?~csmx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Buy on GearBest for $264.99<\/a> (Use coupon code TWGarmin at checkout)<\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Garmin released the Edge 520 in late 2015 and it is among the most advanced bike computers on the market at the moment. I&#8217;m not a professional rider, so I mostly use my smartphone to keep track of my rides. What&#8217;s the benefits of a dedicated bike computer like the Garmin Edge 520 over smartphones, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":10303,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1445,1266],"tags":[429,1272],"class_list":{"0":"post-10302","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-featured","8":"category-review","9":"tag-accessory","10":"tag-review-2","11":"entry"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Garmin Edge 520 GPS Bike Computer Review - TechWalls<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/garmin-edge-520-gps-bike-computer-review\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Tuan Do\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"3 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/garmin-edge-520-gps-bike-computer-review\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/garmin-edge-520-gps-bike-computer-review\/\",\"name\":\"Garmin Edge 520 GPS Bike Computer Review - TechWalls\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/garmin-edge-520-gps-bike-computer-review\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/garmin-edge-520-gps-bike-computer-review\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-1-2.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2016-04-26T09:26:03+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2016-06-13T10:01:51+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/#\/schema\/person\/8e0374331f6dab83e97eb683907dca90\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/garmin-edge-520-gps-bike-computer-review\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/garmin-edge-520-gps-bike-computer-review\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/garmin-edge-520-gps-bike-computer-review\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-1-2.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/garmin-edge-520-1-2.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":800},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/garmin-edge-520-gps-bike-computer-review\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Reviews\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/review\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Garmin Edge 520 GPS Bike Computer Review\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/\",\"name\":\"TechWalls\",\"description\":\"Technology News | Gadget Reviews | Tutorials\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.techwalls.com\/#\/schema\/person\/8e0374331f6dab83e97eb683907dca90\",\"name\":\"Tuan Do\",\"description\":\"I am the founder and editor of TechWalls technology blog. 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