On this superdooperpost, I’m going to match the Garmin Edge 530 bike laptop vs the
Garmin is the unique OG within the bike GPS market, with a few years to hone its product vary. The 530 and 830 are two of essentially the most succesful bike computer systems available on the market, utilized by professional cyclists and regular folks alike.
However how do they examine to 1 one other? What are the important thing variations?
Saddle up (pardner…?) and let’s discover out.
Too Lengthy Didn’t Learn
It’s a ache when weblog posts drag out the punchline, so I’ll summarise upfront.
- The Edge 530 and 830 are very related certainly each in how they give the impression of being and the way they carry out.
- The characteristic set is 99% the identical.
- They’re each superb bike computer systems.
- The important thing distinction is that the
Edge 830 has a touchscreen. - It’s an excellent touchscreen and, for me, materially improves the expertise of utilizing the machine. That is one thing I’d pay extra for.
- The opposite essential distinction is that the
Edge 830 has extra methods to seek for a location to navigate to – an deal with or a focal point. This isn’t one thing I’d pay extra for. - The distinction in worth isn’t a small quantity – $100 or £90. Nevertheless, talking personally, I’d pay the iron worth to purchase the
Edge 830 .
With that out of the best way, we return you to our common lengthy winded guffery.
Garmin Edge 530 vs 830: The Video Model
Sure! There’s a transferring image (“film”) model of this put up.
And you’ll watch it right here (and please do give it a ‘Thumbs up’ in YouTube):
What Does An Edge 830 and 530 Truly Do?
Each gadgets are fully-featured GPS bike computer systems. Their core operate is to trace and document your velocity while driving, the place you’re driving, how far you’ve been.
They show this data on the display while you’re out on the bike (you connect the machine to your handlebars) and document it in your future extremely scientific evaluation (or possibly delicate disinterest) in biking apps like Strava.
Each GPSs es will:
- aid you plan and navigate a route
- talk with an array of on-bike and on-person information sensors
- facilitate subtle coaching programmes
- monitor your health and restoration standing over time
- aid you keep absolutely hydrated and fueled on a protracted experience
- let you understand for those who’re not absolutely acclimated, er acclimatised, as you enterprise into the upper mountains
- act as a motorcycle alarm once you’re at a restaurant cease.
And that’s solely scratching the floor.
In brief, the 530 and 830 have a *huge* array of software program options and capabilities, from ‘on a regular basis’ technobobbins to the extremely subtle why-would-anyone-need that form of stuff.
No matter their variations – we’ll come to these in a minute – each positively fall within the ‘fully-featured GPS’ bucket – relatively than the one labeled ‘bathroom commonplace’.
And they’re each waterproof to the IPX7 commonplace*, so you shouldn’t have any fears dropping them in mentioned bucket.
(* Actually I *examined* whether or not the Garmin Edge 530 is waterproof on this put up and video (reply: sure))
A Phrase About Mannequin Numbers (Sure, Mannequin Numbers)
It gained’t have escaped your discover that each machine numbers finish with a ‘30’ (530…, 830…).
The x30 suffix denotes that these gadgets are the fourth of their respective mannequin ranges (regardless of the dearth of a ‘4’ wherever within the image). So the 5xx sequence began with the Edge 500, the 510, the 520 and now we’ve got the 530.
We’ll gloss over my view that the x30 iteration makes for some fairly ugly mannequin numbers this time spherical. We’ll additionally gloss over the truth that I’ve a view on whether or not a quantity is aesthetically interesting…
Bodily options
The Edge 530 and 830 are bodily very related: each machine instances share the identical dimensions. Which is a very wordy method of claiming they’re the identical measurement.
While not as ickle as my
Truly, why don’t I simply present you them in contrast to some gadgets:
(l-r) Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM; Bryton Rider 750; They each look good proportionally, whence affixed to my velocipede – whether or not that’s ont’ stem or int’ out-front mount:
The important thing apparent bodily distinction is that the
They each have the 2 on the entrance fringe of the machine – primarily the beginning/cease and lap buttons – and the facility button on the facet.
The
Nonetheless on the physicalities, each have {the electrical} contacts on the mounty bit on the again, which lets you join them to Garmin’s secondary energy pack when utilizing the out-front mount.
Internals
We talked about electrical, let’s get much more techy.
And by much more techy, I in fact imply not very techy in any respect.
[What are you going on about?]With the Edge 530 and 830 era, Garmin considerably upgraded the computing energy of its GPS gadgets.
I don’t know in the event that they each use precisely the identical chips, wire, valves and pipes, however the consequence is similar.
In my expertise, each gadgets are whizzy fast. Fast when zooming and transferring across the maps, between screens, [sing] up and down the menus. They’re equally zippy when calculating routes.
However, while materially higher than older Garmins, they’re not materially totally different within the silicon grunt stakes, in comparison with each other.
So not an element to favour or low cost both possibility. Very sorry.
What Information Sensors Can You Use With The Edge 530 vs 830?
Like most excessive finish bike computer systems, the Edge 530 and 830 join with numerous sensors, secreted about your individual and your bike, to be able to seize information and show/document it in your delectation.
The record of sensors is huge. It’s straightforward to get misplaced (if solely you had a tool that will help you navigate…).
In addition to the usual and increasingly-standard sensors (coronary heart fee monitor, velocity and cadence, energy meter), Garmin additionally permits you to connect with, amongst different issues:
- Your good coach
- Varia radar (to detect approaching automobiles and small mammals – possibly)
- Varia lights
- Digital gear shifting techniques
The excellent news is that there isn’t a distinction right here between the Edge 530 and 830.
Each gadgets talk throughout all the identical channels and protocols (Bluetooth Sensible, ANT+ and wi-fi), and so they can hyperlink up with all the identical kinds of sensors.
So while you may not know what a ‘Varia Imaginative and prescient’ is*, you should purchase both the 830 or 530, protected within the information that it’ll join.
(*It’s a head up show thingummy that attaches to your biking glasses).
Weight Of The Edge 530 vs 830
The
In absolute phrases, in accordance with the Garmin web site, the Edge 530 weighs 75.8g while the 830 is 79.1g.
It’s possible you’ll effectively purchase a protecting case – my Amazon Affiliate stats inform me that folks do – and also you’ll even be attaching a handlebar mount of some type. These will add a bit of to the general weight of the bike.
However as we’ve mentioned many instances earlier than – sure, many instances – these types of weights are principally nothing in comparison with the extra ‘winter cushioning’ that the majority of us carry at anybody time.
So, once more, one other good distance of claiming that neither Edge machine weighs a lot and there’s no level basing your selection between them on this explicit standards.
Battery Life
The Edge 530 and the 830 have the identical said battery lifetime of as much as 20 hours. As traditional in my slapdash reviewing methodology, I haven’t examined this systematically.
In actual world use, the precise lifetime of the machine between expenses will rely on how you employ it (display brightness, selection of satellite tv for pc monitoring community and so on). In use, I can’t say I’ve observed an excessive amount of distinction in battery efficiency.
Each gadgets really feel like they’ve gone an excellent variety of rides between expenses. Supplied I’ve not bought the display set on everlasting 100% brightness, the cost bar doesn’t appear to deplete quickly in use.
Until you’re some form of Ironman triathlete, by which case I’m undecided you’re welcome round these elements, then each the Edge 530 and the 830 will do the job.
And there’s all the time the Cost secondary energy pack if in case you have an irrational worry of the flat battery.
In brief, battery life isn’t a differentiating metric in your selection. Why then, you ask, have I spent so lengthy happening about it…?
Different Edge 530 vs 830 Options (That I Haven’t Obtained Round To Mentioning)
Through the years, with every new era of motorbike computer systems, Garmin has added options to its vary of Edge computer systems.
The Edge began as a tool that would measure and document your velocity and distance traveled. Now it could possibly warn you of automobiles approaching from behind (if paired with a Varia
Most significantly, it could possibly let you know once you method you favorite Strava phase.
I’ve a love-hate relationship with this Strava phase.And the options above are considerably previous hat. More moderen gadgets have much more whizzbangery jammed into them, with every characteristic getting its personal snazzy wanting display (or quite a few them):
- Dynamic efficiency monitoring
- Biking dynamics
- Coaching standing
- Warmth and altitude acclimatisation
- Climbpro – the Edge will show remaining ascent and gradient when following a route or course)
- Superior exercises – sync exercises from TrainingPeaks and Garmin Join, view upcoming coaching, begin classes simply
- MTB dynamics – bounce depend, ‘dangle time’ and so on
- Grit and circulation – charges issue of path utilizing GPS, elevation and so on; circulation measures how easily you descended
Little question you’ll discover some to be helpful, some… much less so.
Climbpro – a really helpful characteristicThe sheer variety of these options, not all of which have instantly comprehensible names, makes evaluating the 530 and the 830 a bit of panic-inducing. How will you understand which of those you would possibly want sooner or later?
I’ve excellent news for you then. For essentially the most half, most of those options are the identical between the 2 gadgets (and each computer systems are likely to obtain new ones by way of software program updates, as and once they’re launched):
Not a lot distinction right here then… (I don’t even keep in mind which screengrab is which!)I believe even essentially the most tech-savvy, enthusiastic street bicycle owner can be delighted with the sheer breadth (and depth) of options accessible on each the Edge 530 and 830 gadgets.
Vive la distinction
So the Edge 530 and 830:
- look roughly the identical
- weigh roughly the identical
- do roughly the identical factor
What then separates the 2 gadgets?
What do you get in your additional hundred bucks and extra importantly, are these additional bits value it?
Time to have a good time some variations…
And listed below are these variations – in a nutsack:
- Touchscreen – the
Edge 830 has one; the Edge 530 doesn’t – however certainly you knew that - Buttons
- The
Edge 830 makes it simpler to navigate to a avenue deal with, a spot or a focal point - Er, buttons. Once more.
Erm. That’s it.
I’m being barely sarcastical however that is the reality of the matter.
The query to ask ourselves: Is it value paying an additional $100 / £90 to have a touchscreen on what’s in any other case a really related machine?
My reply: In all probability. Sure. Possibly. Don’t discuss to me. (Tsk, this man…)
Let’s cowl off the navigation level although.
Navigation
Again ‘within the day’, navigation was one of many key variations between Edge 5 sequence and eight sequence computer systems.
While Edge 8xx computer systems had the flexibility to plan and recalculate routes on the machine itself (it ‘knew’ the place you have been and the place different locations have been), the Edge 5xxs didn’t.
All of the Edge 500/510/520 may do is plot a breadcrumb path of GPS waypoints on high of a (very) primary map picture.
If I went off beam, past telling me about it and waving a digital finger within the path I would like to go, neither my Edge 510 or my 520 may direct me again onto a route.
The image modified with the introduction of ‘correct mapping’ on the Edge 520 Plus.
These days, the distinction between the 530 and 830 in time period of navigation is minimal. To the purpose that it’s barely noticeable.
The Edge 530 comprises detailed maps for the area by which you purchased it. And just like the 830, it ‘is aware of’ the place the roads are, and it could possibly calculate, and re-calculate, routes round them.
In case you are merely following routes uploaded out of your Strava, RideWithGPS or whereever, there’s nothing to decide on between them.
The important thing remaining distinction is when you’re making a route on the machine itself. And right here I’m primarily speaking about point-to-point routes, the place you need to go to a particular location like a prepare station or the home of your paramour.
On the Edge 530 you *can* choose a degree to navigate to however solely by transferring a set of crosshairs over your required location.
On the
Firstly, and most usefully, you’ll be able to seek for a particular location by getting into a avenue deal with. That mentioned, the programming logic is, the way you say, barely esoteric.
Within the UK, you kind in half relatively than a full put up code, then enter a home quantity, then choose from a couple of potential addresses on totally different streets however with the identical home quantity. I’ve seen this deal with search method used exactly by no means earlier than. Possibly this makes extra sense for US addresses. Or for Garmin automotive GPS customers.
Along with avenue addresses, you’ll be able to merely navigate to a village, a city or a metropolis – presumably the centre – or to an intersection, or a set of coordinates.
Lastly, you’ll be able to choose from an inventory of Factors of Curiosity, divided into quite a few classes: food and drinks, sights, procuring, transport hubs, lodging.
And while I haven’t but had to make use of this characteristic in anger, I can see it being helpful. Say you’re mixing bike touring with utilizing the prepare, it’s useful for locating your required station with out understanding the station deal with. There are numerous related use instances.
Who is aware of, possibly hidden someplace within the Factors of Curiosity record is the home of mentioned illicit lover.
Lastly lastly, I ought to in all probability say that the
And that’s the touchscreen. So let’s discuss in regards to the touchscreen.
The Touchscreen
Each gadgets make use of precisely the identical sized display.
For the display stat followers, that’s 2.6″ color jobby, which interprets to 246×322 pixels.
Which is rather a lot *much less* than your telephone and therefore one of many explanation why Edge gadgets can handle to document your 100 mile bike experience comfortably, while your telephone is out of juice at mile 20…
As talked about advert infinitum, the KEY distinction is that the
You’ll be able to navigate across the numerous 830 screens and menus utilizing a useful digit, in a barely extra regimented model of the smartphone-stylee that we’re all form of used to.
On the 530 it’s important to do all that utilizing solely the bodily buttons. Which I suppose to era iPhone can be thought-about a unfavourable.
I ought to say, the buttons-only method hardly makes the 530 uncommon on the planet of motorbike GPS. It’s the identical for all of the Wahoos, most Brytons, Phases and Lezyne, (Lezeen) and all older members of the Garmin 5xx household.
However does the touchscreen make the
I’ve talked about in earlier movies that the Edge 530 has A LOT of menus and sub-menus, to take care of all of the software program options and choices on the machine. The
However menu navigation is made lots simpler with the touchscreen. It makes utilizing the machine faster and extra intuitive.
With the Edge 530’s buttons on the perimeters it’s important to develop the muscle reminiscence to recollect which does what. Even now, I usually unintentionally press the again button after I meant to verify one thing. After which it’s important to repeat the motion
On the
And I’m very expert in consumer error.
Manipulation of the mapping display is made infinitely extra usable with the touchscreen. You should use the finger pinch and unfold motions to zoom in and out. There are additionally + and – icons for those who neglect tips on how to pinch and unfold. You’ll be able to transfer the map by transferring your finger across the display.
The Edge 530 implementation, utilizing the buttons on the facet and having to modify the operate of these buttons between zoom and transfer round mode, is much more clunky.
With the
Touchscreen High quality
So the
I’m not within the slightest method certified to reply this query. However that hasn’t stopped me prior to now.
The touchscreen actually appears to do the job. It appears responsive and fast. In use, you shortly cease occupied with it as you get on with utilizing the 830, which looks like an excellent factor for a consumer interfacey kind factor.
Once I’ve used the touchscreen within the rain and my fingers have been moist, it’s maybe barely slower to reply… possibly… nevertheless it positively works.
My solely level of warning is when utilizing gloves. I haven’t had an excessive amount of time enjoying round with the 830 while be-glov-ed nevertheless it appears a bit hit or miss. It did reply to some button presses and swipes, however not all of them. A number of swipes required.
While this can be a problem for all touchscreen gadgets, likelihood is you’ll be utilizing the
I assume the fallback can be to take away your gloves if the
Turning to the non-touchscreen machine, utilizing the Edge 530 buttons in gloves continues to be difficult. It’s a small machine with small buttons and gloves materially enhance the dimensions of your fingers. With materials.
With bodily buttons although, not less than you understand they’ll work for those who press in the best place.
Are Garmin Going To Carry Out A New Model?
Properly, ultimately…
Each the Edge 530 and 830 have been launched in April 2019, making them simply over a yr previous on the time of writing.
While fairly previous in Apple years, again in the actual world, they’re very a lot present bike GPS phrases.
Garmin’s product launch schedule isn’t fairly as predictable because the aforementioned fruit-based iPhone maker.
The Edge 520 was launched in mid-2015, with the 520 Plus mini replace in April 2018. It took 3 years for the 1030 to get its current ‘Plus’ replace.
Clearly I’ve no hotline to Garmin (if I did, I’d be utilizing it to request overview items…) nevertheless it feels they work to a cadence (sure, cadence) of mannequin updates each 3 years or so.
I assume you may wait to see what comes subsequent however for those who’re solely evaluating the 530 and the 830, neither feels due an improve greater than the opposite.
Which One Would I Suggest / Which One Would I Purchase?
Properly, the one I’d purchase is each of them. However then I’m an aspiring bike tech vloginfluencer.
When it comes to options and computing energy they’re very related. They each proceed to obtain software program updates from Garmin and have the interior grunt to deal with no matter new whizzbangery is being uploaded.
For me, the extra navigation options – having the ability to path to particular avenue addresses or seek for Factors of Curiosity – don’t advantage paying additional for the 830.
Alternatively, and I wasn’t anticipating to say this, the touchscreen is completely value paying the additional for over the buttons-only 530.
You’ll be able to actually get by on the Edge 530. It can help all of your advanced coaching, health monitoring, hydration monitoring, restoration perusing wants.
However the touchscreen makes the entire expertise simpler and extra intuitive.
It’s nonetheless a posh consumer interface, however having the ability to transfer shortly forwards and backwards between screens, out and in of menus, up and down the town street, effectively, pop goes the weasel.
In brief, if paying the additional for the
However. In case you are on a tighter price range then the Edge 530 is a more-than-adequate-nay-excellent bike GPS. You’ll not really feel short-changed within the performance division. It can catapult you to pro-level efficiency. Possibly.
And on that fence-straddling bombshell, I convey this put up to an in depth.
If you happen to appreciated this put up, I’m certain you’ll get pleasure from my detailed comparability of the model new Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2 and the bigger ELEMNT ROAM machine.
Till subsequent time, protected biking.
