Garmin Edge 520

Tech Specs

In addition to the simple, rubber band fixed and extremely flexible Garmin standard mount, the Edge 520 also comes with the Aero handlebar mount. Until now, I was a fan of the Sram handlebar mount. For our review bikes, I now prefer the Garmin mount because it is a bit more flexible. It also works with 35 mm thick handlebars, with squarer stems like the Bontrager XXX, and thanks to the joint, it is also a bit easier to mount. On the racing bike, it ensures an ideal position of the speedometer in the field of view in front of the handlebars, on the bike I prefer the central mount above the stem. Compared to various Ahead mounts, the angle with the Garmin system can be perfectly adjusted.

Admittedly, switching from the Edge 500 to the 520 means relearning here and there. The positions of the buttons have changed a little and of course, there are two more buttons. But after a short phase of acclimatization, there was no turning back. With the new operating concept, accidentally starting, stopping, or deleting the recording is now virtually impossible. For example, the displays (map, speed, etc.) only appear when a recording is taking place. If you press stop, a menu immediately appears with the option to save or discard the recording. In addition to the usual options to configure display pages, there are also activity profiles, where you can differentiate between, for example, a road bike (with a power meter), mountain bike, or mountaineering.

In general, Garmin seems to have learned from the small usability weaknesses of the past. The menu navigation of the Edge 520 now seems much more thoughtful and organized, and most functions are largely self-explanatory. Some menus appear context-related (map zoom, Strava segments, Live Track, etc.) This is complemented by the new version of Garmin Connect Online and the iOS and Android apps, which have been modernized and are now continuously updated in short cycles.

From a hardware perspective, buttons instead of a touchscreen, as mentioned above, not only have the advantage of better readability, but the buttons are also easier to hit with thick gloves, and a wet screen does not lead to unintentional operation when swiping over it. All in all, I now find the operation to be well-rounded.

A must for power users has always been the ability to connect a heart rate strap, pulse arm band, power meter, cadence and speed sensor, and much more with ANT+ or Bluetooth. This works thanks to simple menu navigation that is self-explanatory. The sensors, once paired, also connect very quickly and with feedback on the display. The smartphone is paired via Bluetooth and the communication works in both directions. On the one hand, calls are displayed on the Edge 520's display, and on the other hand, the Edge can communicate with Garmin Connect via the smartphone, thus making a live track available or automatically saving the latest activities.

For me, the following procedure has proven to be ideal. I start the Garmin after putting on the heart rate strap and turning the crank once (to wake up the power meter). Within a few seconds, the power meter, pulse, and mobile phone are recognized and paired. Within about 30-60 seconds, I also get GPS reception in the anteroom. When leaving the house, I then press Start and "Current altitude calibrated" appears on the display. Upon returning, I press Stop and save the tour, which is online in the private area on Garmin Connect just a few seconds later.

For intervals, I have always chosen "Record every second" (in the menu Settings -> System -> Data Recording). In the activity profile, I only activated the "Auto Pause". Besides the much faster GPS reception, I noticed from the beginning the higher accuracy. The problems that the Edge 500 had along terrain edges are a thing of the past. Generally, the 520 was precise on the track in most situations - a significant improvement over the 500. Heart rate and power measurements were also accurate. The problems with live tracking were fixed with a software update of the app. There were only minor issues with the first software version or when mountain climbing or climbing in very steep terrain.

Two more links are worth mentioning here, without going into the technical details of the installation:
The most comprehensive tool at the moment to get maps onto the Edge 520:
http://extract.bbbike.org/?lang=de

Another Open Street Map provider or converter for Garmin Basecamp or QLandkarte
http://garmin.opentopomap.org/

The map provides enough information at crossroads to find the right way or even short-term alternatives (with fewer meters of altitude) without having to stop. By now, I have completed several short, long, and multi-day tours on roads and off-road, and I am still excited about the possibilities that this rather small display offers. However, the small device is not suitable for creating and editing tracks and tours.

Despite intensive use, there were hardly any real weaknesses that the Edge 520 exhibited. The worst was a crash in the first software version. After 7 hours of riding time along a track, the display froze. The power button then caused the power symbol to stay on the display for about 1 hour, without the possibility to intervene. Afterwards, the device restarted and everything worked as usual. Only the log of the day was empty, and even Garmin Connect could not read anything out. However, the .fit file was present and could be imported manually.

Another point is the backlight, for which there is a button, but it leads to the display showing the brightness levels. Only with a second click do you get back to the current screen.
When navigating along Strava segments, the map section is very large, i.e. you do not see any details and junctions, and you also have no possibility to change the zoom factor. In that case, you have to switch to the map view.
The temperature sensor now works relatively well at colder temperatures but showed temperatures that were 5-6°C too low in September and October at 20°C.

Most points will perhaps be fixed with one of the next firmware updates. In general, I would like the modern Garmin Connect to allow for online configuration of the Edge 520 in the future. Similar to SRM, where you can set display elements easily via drag & drop, such a feature would be a fine thing due to the sheer range of functions of the Edge and would make configuration and switching much easier.

The Garmin Edge 520 is a milestone in terms of bicycle computers and, for me, the new benchmark in this category. It combines numerous essential functions and advantages that make it the perfect companion and all-around tool. First in my internal hit list ranking are the GPS accuracy, the compact size, the legible display, the many interfaces to sensors or to the smartphone, the ability to load maps onto the device, to follow tracks, the Strava integration, and much more.

In certain areas, there may be devices that can do certain things better. An Edge 1000 offers more display space for navigation, the also new Garmin Edge 25 is uncompromisingly small, but the sum of the possibilities in this compact form make the Garmin Edge 520 the ultimate Swiss Army knife among bicycle computers and, in my view, unique at the moment.
In the first three months, the device hardly showed any weaknesses, even survived a (unintentional) 40° wash and a few minutes in the tumble dryer. The Edge 520 was an important companion in reviews, for data recording in the mountains, or as a navigation aid on unfamiliar paths, and so my old 500 can retire after five years or find a new home.

Write to us in the thread if something interests you. The report will be updated if there are any news or if something else comes to our attention about the device.