Today Garmin announced three new products, the Edge 530 (this review), the Edge 830 (that review), and new dual ANT+/Bluetooth Smart Speed and Cadence sensors (that review coming up momentarily). These products effectively complete Garmin’s x30 lineup of higher-end cycling units, offering four distinct incrementing price points: Edge 130, Edge 530, Edge 830, and Edge 1030. And more importantly, they refresh Garmin’s most popular unit – the Edge 520.
While Garmin announced the Edge 520 Plus almost exactly one year ago today, it was effectively just a minor refresh of the Edge 520 adding in mapping capability. Whereas the new Edge 530 is a substantial bump in not just performance, but also features. And in using both the Edge 530 and Edge 830 for the past month, I’d argue it might be the best bike computer Garmin’s ever made (keeping in mind a year ago I was pretty firm in not recommending the Edge 520 Plus due to performance issues).
This new unit significantly increases performance in routing/navigation, while also adding in automated slicing and dicing of a route’s climbs to give you exact distance/elevation remaining for each climb. It’s got a huge slate of mountain bike specific features, including baking in the entire world’s worth of Trailforks maps/data right into the units. Plus there’s a host of new performance metrics, alongside nutrition/hydration alerts that are generated automatically based on route/weather conditions. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, I detail all this stuff below.
As always, I aim to detail the good, bad, and ugly about a given device. Note that this unit is a media loaner/test device and will very shortly go back to Garmin, like all other loaners. I do not accept any money (or even permit even advertising) from any company I review. If you find this review useful, hit up the links at the end of the post to support the site.
Oh – and if you’re trying to decide whether to read the Edge 530 or Edge 830 review this morning, I can say that they are excruciatingly similar, with the only differences being found in the ‘Navigation’ section of the Edge 830 variant (since that’s the only place they differ). Or, you can just make two trips to Starbucks, man or woman up, and get reading.
What’s new:
Let’s get right into the details of what’s new. And there’s no more consolidated method to do that then the below video where I outline all the newness with quick demos of each:
But, if text is more your jam, then here’s what I’ve put together. Note that there are other tidbits that I probably haven’t accounted for here – for example in certain menus or such where tiny things may have changed, but the below consolidates everything into one cohesive list. For this listing I’m using the Edge 520 Plus as the baseline (whereas if I used the Edge 520 on-board detailed maps weren’t included there).
– Increased display size 13% from 2.3” to 2.6”
– Increased battery life from 15 to 20 hours, and to 48 hours in battery saver mode
– Significantly increased processor speed: Results in much faster route calculation (see videos)
– Maintained complete on-board turn by turn map database for your region
– Added WiFi: Used for syncing of activities/metrics/routes (not during ride)
– Added ClimbPro: Automatically shows how much distance/elevation remains for each climb on route
– Added Mountain Bike Metrics: Shows Grit, Flow, and Jump details on both unit and Garmin Connect
– Added Trailforks maps to unit: Added global Trailforks data/maps to baked-in data on unit (no downloads required)
– Added ForkSight: Automatically shows mountain bike trail options when you pause at fork in trail
– Added Heat Acclimation: Will automatically take into account heat/humidity for performance/recovery metrics
– Added Altitude Acclimation: Will automatically take into account (high) elevation for performance/recovery metrics
– Added Training Plan API support: This includes a redesigned structured workout execution page
– Added Hydration/Nutrition Smart Alerts: When using a course/route, it’ll automatically figure out how much water/calories you should be taking
– Added Hydration/Nutrition Tracking: It allows you to record this data in ride summary screens and log it on Garmin Connect
– Added Edge Battery Pack Support: You can now attach the Garmin integrated battery pack to the Edge (you can still use generic USB power too)
– Added Bluetooth Smart sensor support: You can now pair Bluetooth Smart sensors like heart rate, power, and cadence
– Added Performance Power Curve: This shows you your mean maximal power over different durations/timeframes (like many training sites)
– Added Bike Alarm Feature: Used for cafes/bathroom stops, emits loud alarm if bike is moved
– Added ‘Find my Edge’ feature: Automatically record exact GPS location on your phone if Edge is disconnected (in case unit pops off)
– Added Training Plan Weather/Gear Tips: Basically tells you to HTFU when it’s cold out
– Changed user interface bits: Tweaked user interface, which might take some people a few rides to get used to (or just myself)
Got all that? Good. Now usually I do include any ‘negative’ new things (such as features removed), but I haven’t found any downsides to the new unit yet, or anything that’s been removed. It’s fairly rare for Garmin to remove features from unit to unit, though sometimes we see unintended consequences of other additions. Either way, I haven’t found any of those yet in my riding (or asking lots of questions). Of course, that’s separate from GPS/Altimeter/etc accuracy, which I cover in a separate section below.
So what are the key differences to the Edge 830 you might ask (which costs $100 more)? No problem, here ya go:
– Edge 830 has a touchscreen (thankfully different than the older Edge 820 touchscreen)
– Edge 830 can do address-specific routing, whereas on the Edge 530 you can’t enter a street address
– Edge 830 has searchable points of interest database, for finding food/monuments/hotels/etc…
– Edge 830 has four less buttons than the 530, since it’s a touch screen (and also has some slight differences in user interface, since you can touch it – most easily seen in the mapping pages)
As you can see, there’s not a lot of differences. It really comes down to that touch screen, and whether or not you plan to enter specific addresses onto the device, or would instead route by just using saved routes or moving the little finish selector over a given spot (more on that in the Navigation section).
With everything new and different all outlined, let’s dive into actually using the darn thing.
Oh wait – one last thing: Got an Edge 1030 already? You’ll get almost every new feature you see above via firmware update to your Edge 1030. The notable exception being that the pre-loaded mountain bike Trailforks maps, due to licensing reasons. However, Garmin says the remaining features will show up in a firmware update over the coming months.
Size & Weight Comparisons:
Before we dive into all the details (or even the basics), let’s just do a quick size check. Here’s a disastrously big lineup of mostly current bike computers, all aligned on their base to a chunk of wood:
From left to right: Garmin Edge 130, Garmin Edge 520/520Plus/820 (identical case size), Polar M460, Wahoo BOLT, Garmin 530/830 (identical case size), Wahoo ELEMNT, Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM, Hammerhead Karoo, Garmin Edge 1030, Sigma ROX 12
The same order is below as well:
And then, just to zoom in on some of the more applicable units close up. Left to right: ELEMNT BOLT, Edge 530/830, ELEMNT, ELEMNT ROAM, and Hammerhead Karoo.
What’s that? You want weights too?!? Ok, out with the trusty scale:
Ok, your Brady Bunch moment is over. Now for realz, let’s get onto using it.
(Note: This comparison section was added after the Wahoo ROAM released.)
The Basics:
This section is focused on basic usage of the device. If you’ve been around the Garmin Edge block a few times before, you won’t likely pick up too much new in this chunk. I do this so that I can focus on newness in the other bits. Still, there are a few things different this time around, like the user interface and some button functions. In fact, let’s start with buttons. On the Edge 530 you have two, the lap and start/pause buttons in the same frontal location as other Edge devices:
This still remains somewhat controversial, as it can make it difficult to access these buttons on certain lower profile mounts where they’re against the handlebars. While that’s never really been an issue for me personally, I can see the argument for sure.
Meanwhile, on the left side of the unit there’s three buttons. Two used for up/down type selections, and the other for power. Whereas the right side has two more buttons, one as an escape/back type function and the other for confirmation/OK.
On the underside of the unit is the same quarter-turn mount as every other Garmin Edge device made in the last decade. However, it joins the Edge 1030 in having the battery charge ports, which allows you to add the Garmin Charge Battery pack to the bottom of it to extend battery life even longer (like, multiple-days crazy long).
The Edge 530 and Edge 830 both get 20 hours in regular mode, which Garmin has specifically defined as having the screen on, ambient light sensor enabled, two ANT+ sensors, and Bluetooth constantly connected to phone (including even LiveTrack). Meanwhile, you can go up to 40 hours in ‘Battery Saver’ mode, which turns off the display (unless tapped) but still records GPS/sensors. It’ll automatically prompt you to go into this mode when the battery gets super low.
Once you power the unit up you’ll notice the user interface is new. Similar to before, but still new nonetheless. You can press down to see the typical/previous menus where you’ll find Training/Navigation/History/Stats/Connect IQ Apps/Settings. Where pressing up gets you to the status pane, which includes bits like weather and sensor/GPS/backlight status:
Speaking of GPS status, the Edge 530 follows along with virtually all new Garmin devices released in 2019 and uses the Sony GPS chipsets, which have a lower battery profile than previous chipsets from MediaTek. This chipset supports base GPS, GPS+GLONASS, and GPS+GALILEO. You can configure this on a per activity profile perspective.
Activity Profiles are used to customize your settings where you might want them different for different types of riding. For example, you’d likely have a different activity profile for mountain biking than road riding. Or maybe you want a paired down activity profile for racing. You can customize data pages here, as well as metrics like nutrition/hydration, automatic lap, Strava Segments, and various other alerts.
I personally typically just use one profile for road riding, and one for mountain biking. I’m kinda simple that way. But some people get really creative/nuanced with their activity profiles.
Note that activity profiles don’t define sensors. Those are device-wide. Instead, Garmin for a number of years now has created a sensor pool concept. You pair all sensors on all your bikes, and it automatically connects to the sensor when that sensor wakes up. It works really well, and in the case of the Edge 530 is now expanded to Bluetooth Smart sensors (to match the Edge 830/1030, a well as Garmin’s wearables).
This means that you can now pair the following types of sensors on the Edge 530:
Cadence (ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart)
Edge Remote (ANT+)
eBike (ANT+)
Heart Rate (ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart)
Lights (ANT+)
Indoor Trainer (ANT+ FE-C, though paired in a different spot)
Radar (ANT+)
Power Meter (ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart)
Shifting (ANT+)
Shimano Di2 (ANT)
Speed/Cadence (ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart)
Speed (ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart)
Varia Vision (ANT+)
VIRB (ANT+)
Phew, got all that? Good.
In my case I’ve paired a blend of sensors, mostly ANT+ power meters/trainers, cadence sensors, speed sensors, and both ANT+ & Bluetooth Smart heart rate straps.
Once you’re ready to ride, you’ll simply select the activity profile on the main page and then the upper right button. It’ll go off and find GPS if it hasn’t already, and then you’re good to go. If it’s an indoor profile, it won’t find GPS.
Once you press the lower right start button, your unit will be recording data (and showing you that data). You can press the up/down buttons to change screens (or use auto-scroll to iterate through screens automatically).
If you’ve configured Live Tracking, then your track is shared to whomever you selected, be it social media or directly to specific friends via e-mail.
This is also leveraged for Group Tracking, which enables you to follow friends on a given group ride, and then send quick messages to those friends mid-ride. Regrettably, I lack any friends to test this feature out.
If you want to create manual laps, you’ll use the lower left ‘lap’ button, which marks a lap and then shows you lap summary data. You can also use the lap summary page to compare lap metrics – which is ideal if doing intervals. Finally, once done you’ll press the ‘Stop’ button on the right corner, which pauses the recording. Press it again to save it. You’ll then get ride summary data:
At that point the ride is automatically synced to your phone via Bluetooth Smart, and if within range of a saved WiFi network, then it could also upload that way as well. Once on Garmin Connect it instantly syncs to 3rd party platforms like Strava and TrainingPeaks as well. You can view the stats of your ride on the Garmin Connect Mobile app:
Last but not least, Garmin’s added a new Bike Alarm feature. This is in addition to the ‘Find my Edge’ function that I talk about within the mountain biking section. But since we just finished a ride, I’ll explain ‘Bike Alarm’, which is designed primarily for post-ride café settings, as well as quick bathroom stops. The goal being that you leave your Edge device on your bike and then if someone moves/touches it, it sounds an alarm. It uses the internal accelerometers to do so.
The setup for the feature is buried super deep in the menus. To get to it you’ll go: Down to Menu > Settings > Safety & Tracking > Bike Alarm > Set Passcode. But once done, you don’t have to set it each time. Once you’ve set a passcode, you can access the bike alarm by just long-holding the power button:
At that point it’ll give you a 5-second count-down, and then also notify you on your phone that the feature is activated. If you touch the bike, the alarm activates, which…sounds hideous (in a good way).
Additionally, if your phone is within range (and it probably is), you’ll get a notification there which would also show up on any smartwatches you might have on. You’ll get a notification when you arm it, when it’s triggered, and when it’s disarmed:
I demo the whole thing as part of the video up above in the ‘What’s new’ section.
When I first saw that the Edge had a bike alarm feature, admittedly I thought it was pretty stupid. But now that I’ve seen how it’s implemented, it actually makes sense. There’s plenty of times when I’ve got my bike at a café roughly within line of sight, but maybe not always top of my mind. This makes it so that I’ll either hear it, or my phone/watch will notify me if someone touches my bike. I like it.
And at that point, we’ve got the basics covered and are ready to dive into all the cool newness.
Mountain Bike Features:
Up till now, the most attention that Garmin has placed on mountain biking has simply been to add a generic ‘Mountain Bike’ profile, and offer you the ability to purchase a colored rubber condom for your Edge device, presumably to try and protect it when you smashed your bike into a rock face. Feature-wise though, there’s been nothing.
But this time around there’s significant focus on mountain biking, primarily within the following features:
Trailforks maps are baked into the Edge 530: This includes about 130,000 mountain bike trails, alongside trail ratings Mountain Bike Dynamics: These metrics show how hard a trail was that you rode, as well as how well you rode it ForkSight: This trail chooser screen automatically appears when you pause at a trail intersection Find my Edge: While not absolute to mountain riding, this helps you find your bike computer if it flies off the mount on the trail Trail Planning: You can ask the Edge to pick a trail of a certain rating, and it’ll find you something to ride
In addition, you can still use the previous Trailforks Connect IQ app on your Edge 530 to get routes from your Trailforks account, or search the Trailforks database.
First, let’s talk the metrics – because that’s kinda the newest thing here in terms of being totally different. There’s essentially three metrics here:
Grit: This calculates a difficulty score for each route, using elevation and GPS data. So kinda like a trail rating. If two riders ride the same exact trail, they should get the same Grit score. The higher the number the harder the course. Flow: This is your specific rating for how well you rode the route. It’s focused on the momentum of the ride, so things like braking impact hurt your score. A lower number is a better score. Thus, two riders could ride the exact same route and get totally different Flow scores. Jumps: This will count how many jumps, and for each jump will include distance and hang time. Additionally, during the ride you’ll get jump notifications in real-time with distance/hang time.
Looking at some of these in real-time, first we’ve got the jump metric. In my case, I suck at jumping (look, I’m a road cyclist/triathlete – you’re just lucky I managed to ride a mountain bike at all). So while I got some jumps in my rides, my ability to capture those jumps while also taking a photo was not happening. So, here’s a photo from Des that shows that:
Next, there’s the Grit and Flow scores, which you can add as data fields to your unit. Further, you can also see these as per-lap fields. So for example in downhill mountain biking if you created a lap at the top of each descent, you’d be able to see how these scores compared lap after lap.
Afterwards, these scores show up on Garmin Connect (website). First, they actually show up on the map, color-coding your route – which is cool and something I wish Garmin did for other aspects of the map (like gradient % for road riding data).
Next, down below in the charts section they show up there too, also color coded:
And finally, down in the stats section you’ve got the new Mountain Bike Dynamics, including any jumps (or, lack thereof in my case):
You should be able to see these on Garmin Connect Mobile as well, though my app isn’t showing them yet for some bug, however, others that I know are seeing them just fine. So this appears to be a me-specific bug. The story of my life.
Next, there’s the increased Trailforks integration. While Garmin hasn’t quite bought out Trailforks yet, I’d be really surprised if we just don’t see that happen. With the Edge 530/830 they’ve baked in all of the Trailforks trail data onto the unit itself. You will need to authorize that briefly the first time you use the unit, but it only takes a second. The existing Trailforks app is still there, since that takes care of better integration with Trailforks as a platform in terms of pulling your routes from your account and so-on.
The most obvious way the new Trailforks data manifests itself is a feature called ‘ForkSight’, which automatically pops up anytime you pause at an intersection of trails (or, more appropriately – a fork in the trail). It’s at this point it’ll show you the trail options and difficulty grades/distances for each one:
You can then select any of the options shown to get more information about that specific trail. It’s super cool in real life, and helps you figure out the implications of each option you have. That said, sometimes it can be a little confusing to figure out which trail is which if they aren’t labeled at the trailhead. But for the most part you can figure it out.
Next, there’s ‘Find my Edge’, while not only for mountain biking, the reality is that most people will probably use it for mountain biking. This feature will instantly and automatically mark the exact GPS location where your unit disconnects from your phone (assuming the Garmin Connect Mobile app is on in the background). Then, on your phone you’ll get an alert that allows you to open up the exact GPS coordinates with the mapping app of your choice (for example, the Google Maps app):
In addition, within the device options on Garmin Connect Mobile, it has two further options: ‘Find my Edge’ and ‘Last Known Location’. If you select ‘Last Known Location’, it’ll open up the default mapping app on your phone and then the exact GPS coordinates it last saw your Edge devices at:
Whereas if you select ‘Find my Edge’, it’ll try and connect to your Edge 530 and start an alarm sound. Which is basically just a constant beeper. It’s not crazy loud, but loud enough that you should be able to find it. And here’s what it looks like on the unit itself – saying ‘Edge found’:
Note that this last little bit requires you be within Bluetooth Smart range. Outdoors that’s roughly tens of meters, whereas indoors it’s a crapshoot. Generally speaking though your GPS accuracy is within a few meters, so that gets you close enough to then use the beeper to find your Edge sitting in the bush. Roughly akin to how I found my GoPro mountain biking earlier this year.
Oh, and as for the mountain bike bundle, in case you’re looking at that, it comes with the following:
– Edge 530
– Mountain Bike Mount
– Silicone Case
– Edge Remote
– Dual ANT+/Bluetooth Smart Speed Sensor
While I’ve personally never bothered with the silicone case, if you’re looking at picking up any of the other accessories, it probably makes sense to just get the bundle price-wise at that point.
Navigation:
The Edge 530 contains a complete mapset for the region you bought it in (I.e. North America), which allows you to get full turn by turn navigations (with street names) to any point you drop on the map, or any route you load into it (no matter the source/platform it’s from). The main difference though between the Edge 530 and Edge 830/1030 from a navigation standpoint is that the Edge 530 doesn’t support POI’s (points of interest; like monuments or hotels) nor the ability to on the device itself type in a street address. And obviously, the Edge 830/1030 is a touchscreen whereas the Edge 530 isn’t. But other than that – it’s all the same.
Perhaps the most important feature on the entire new Edge 530/830 units is the significantly faster processor. I, alongside the entire internet have complained how darn slow Garmin’s previous Edge series processors are. Which isn’t to say I actually care about the processor specifically, but rather the end-resultant: Route calculation time. It would previously take numerous minutes for each just a short route to calculate. That was unacceptable, and a core reason why I didn’t recommend at the Edge 520 Plus at launch.
Well, it seems like Garmin has listened and yup: Super duper fast now.
Now, there are slight differences depending on what exactly you’re doing. I’ve found loading a saved route is the fastest of the bunch. So something like some 60KM routes from Strava that I’ve loaded are taking about just a few seconds depending on the locale. Whereas picking a point a distance away and letting it come up with a brand new route takes a few more seconds (like 10-20 seconds, not minutes). That’s understandable since the first is just drawing a route, whereas the second is coming up with one. And yet it also seems to vary based on exactly where I am. Routes in Mallorca and California were silly quick (1-5 seconds), whereas here in crazy bike route density Amsterdam the routing takes a bit longer (5-15 seconds).
So, let’s quickly go through those two modes. First is if you’ve already got a route. This can be something from Garmin Connect or a 3rd party site. It could be an individual route file you’ve downloaded, or it could be from a site like Strava via the Strava Routes Connect IQ app. In my case, I’m mostly using Strava routes (since I can use them on all my devices – acting like the Switzerland of routing). So we’ll start there, grabbing that route from the pre-loaded Strava Routes CIQ app:
Next, it’ll show me the route details:
And finally, I can select to ride it. Within about 2-3 seconds, the route generation is complete and I’m ready to press start on my unit.
Now, when out on the road, I’ll get turn by turn directions as I approach any turn. I’ve found these directions timely (unlike the Edge 520 Plus), and in plenty of time to take action on them. Again, there does seem to be some slight variances in responsiveness based on where in the world I am, but none of the differences affected my ability to have boatloads of time. Here’s two screenshots mid-ride during different rides, showing what it looks like:
In addition, if I ignored a route, it’d automatically recalculate the route (including street names). Depending on the scenario, it’d either explain how to turn around and re-join the route, or in some cases cut a corner to catch-up down the road. I did however see one quirk in Amsterdam on a very short automatically generated route where it continued to try and go via some non-direct roads. After Garmin analyzed it they found a routing/mapping related bug that they say should be included in the next firmware update.
Note that the recalculation behavior is very different than that of a Wahoo BOLT/ELEMNT, which don’t have a street-level map on them. Thus, they just point you back (compass-style) to the route itself, rather than giving you turn by turn directions. For many folks, that’s perfectly fine, but I wanted to make that clear. Whereas the Garmin method matches that of Hammerhead’s Karoo and Sigma’s ROX 12 in terms of proper on-street routing data.
Next, what if you wanted to go somewhere unplanned? The Edge 530 can do that as well, albeit with a few more limitations than the Edge 830/1030. On the Edge 530 you’ll select navigation, where you’ve got the option to browse a map (as well as load courses and saved locations). When you browse the map you’ve got a small target in the middle that you can move around (note the middle of the image with the crosshairs):
In the upper right corner are three dots. These are identical to how mapping works on the Fenix series, and works surprisingly well (since it’s non-touchscreen). You press the upper right button to change between the three modes: Zoom in/out, Pan left/right, Scroll up/down. Then you use the lower left buttons to perform that action. You can see it in each of the photos below in the upper right corner:
The goal here is to move around to the point you want to go to, and then select it. At which point you can have the Edge 530 go off and find a route to it:
From here, it’s business as normal just like above in terms of routing.
Finally, note that the unit in conjunction with your phone via the Garmin Connect Mobile app can also do some route planning. You can create round-trip routes whereby it goes and creates a route of a given distance for you automatically, as well as create manual routes connecting points together.
This new manual route creation bit is actually brand new – introduced in the last week or two (to everyone, not just Edge 530/830 peoples), and frankly, it sucks. I don’t know how it could be so bad, but it really is. Having come from the Easy Route app world, where I just tappity-tap my way through a route, the Garmin Connect Mobile experience is just super clunky and imprecise, crazily zooming in and out like a drunk kid with a camera for the first time. Yes, you can get the job done, but it’ll take you way longer.
Hopefully though since it’s a brand new feature it’ll improve over time – maybe once someone buys a bulk pack of 40-grit sandpaper and goes to town on it.
Still, new app option aside – the rest of routing works great (finally). The processing time is what I’d expect from a $300 unit, and the route calculation to match it. I would like to see Garmin integrate Strava routes directly though, as I find the Strava Routes app clunky compared to Wahoo’s integrated Strava Routes capability. Also, I’d prefer to see Garmin allow easy loading of maps from other regions like Wahoo, rather than having to rely on 3rd party site downloads (or paying a bunch of cash).
Though, once you get the route/maps loaded, then Garmin’s routing engine is leagues ahead of what Wahoo has. I suppose doing it for a decade longer will get you that experience.
Finally, note that if there’s one thing I know about routing is that there are always edge cases in certain areas. In my case I’ve tested routing quite a bit in three core locations: Mallorca (Spain), Amsterdam (Netherlands), and Monterey (California, USA). This has included both on-road and off-road routes. However, there are always quirks in weird places that I might not have encountered, though for the most part the underlying mapping/routing data here should match that of the Edge 1030 – which people seem pretty happy with.
Training & Performance Metrics:
Next comes a slew of training and performance-related metrics, virtually all of which are new. And we’re going to start with ClimbPro, which is hands-down my favorite feature on the Edge 530/830 (and coming to the Edge 1030).
This feature automatically slices and dices your planned route’s climbs, and generates detailed climb charts for each climb as you ride them. The feature actually originated from the Fenix 5 Plus wearables last year, but really shines here on the larger screen of the Edge series as a cycling focused function. It requires that you have some route/course loaded, so it knows where you’re going. Once you’ve got that, you can see the list of climbs within the ClimbPro summary screen on the route planning page:
Next, as you’re riding, it’ll automatically show the ClimbPro page for each climb once you enter it. Kinda like Strava Segments for climbs, minus the racing aspect. The climb page shows the distance remaining on the climb, the ascent remaining, the average grade remaining, and then two customizable fields at the bottom. By default, these are heading and elevation, but you can change them as you see fit.
In addition, the Edge will color-code the pain of the climb segments on the ClimbPro page based on gradient as seen above. These are bucketed into:
0-3%: Green
3-6%: Yellow
6-9%: Orange
9-12%: Red
12%+: Dark Painful Bloody Red
Having ridden with this feature last month on Mallorca it was super cool. Not only for major climbs like Sa Calobra, but actually for some of the smaller ones before and after it. For example, after you finish the famed Sa Calobra and continue out of that area you’ve actually still got another minor climb to do before you descend one of a few routes back to the remainder of the island. Having ClimbPro on my screen was super handy to know how much suck was left, since mentally you sorta forgot about these minor climbs you’ve still gotta do in comparison to the big one you just knocked out.
Garmin notes that they expect to tweak the definition of a climb based on feedback over the next month or two. Specifically, whether or not something triggers a climb on ClimbPro (since this is calculated on the unit itself when a route is loaded). Obviously, there’s no international definition when it comes to what’s a cycling climb and what’s not. Still, the definition they’re using as of today is as follows:
Total value must be 3,500 or higher where: Distance of climb in meters (min 500 meters) * Gradient (min average 3%)
So, doing some samples here to help understand:
Climb A: 1,000 meters long at 4% = 1,000*4 = 4,000: Yes, qualifies as a climb
Climb B: 5,000 meters long at 2% = 5,000*2 = 10,000: No, doesn’t meet 3% threshold
Climb C: 500 meters long at 8% = 500*8 = 4,000: Yes, qualifies as a climb
Make sense? Again, simply calculate distance in meters by incline/gradient and see if it’s above 3,500. Also, ensure average gradient is 3%. As I said above – I think it’s probably the coolest feature on the Edge 530/830.
Next, speaking of elevation, there’s two new features coupled together – heat and altitude acclimation. Both of these are actually quietly present on the Garmin MARQ series as well. The goal behind both of these are post-workout calculations tied to figuring out whether or not you’re acclimated to a given temperature or altitude. Obviously, both can significantly impact performance. Starting with heat acclimation, the function leverages nearby weather stations. So your unit has to have connected to Garmin Connect Mobile within 3 hours of starting your ride in order to receive that weather data (it doesn’t use on-device temperature).
Then, for heat acclimation it applies a heat correction factor for rides above 71°F/22°C, using a percentage based amount from published studies (humidity is also factored into this as well). This is then shown in the training status widget. Garmin says they assume full acclimation takes a minimum of 4 days, and acclimation/adaptation to a given high temperature will automatically decay after 3 days of skipped training within that heat levels.
Altitude acclimation/adaption is roughly similar (also seen above). The minimum threshold is at altitudes above 850m/2,788ft, and tops out at 4,000m/13,123ft (Garmin doesn’t calculate above that for cycling, sorry folks). Garmin says that they divide up training vs living altitudes, just as typical studies would. The company says that adaptation algorithms within the Edge 530/830 assume total adaptation after 21 days, and that adaptation is faster at the beginning of altitude exposure. Additionally, adaptation will decay within 21-28 days depending on acclimation level. Because I haven’t had any high altitude rides lately, I’m deferring you to Mr. DesFit, who has, and kindly lent me his high altitude shot (and check out his Edge 530 video, especially for more mountain bike details).
What the feature shows is your current altitude adaptation level. In other words, if I go from living at sea level (as I do) to moving to the French Alps, each day it’ll show what my body has acclimated to. This essentially automates/charts the exact same process that many elite athletes take when preparing for races. In fact, a pro triathlete friend of mine wrote a guest post here on that very topic some 8 years ago. For the rest of us, we can just use this as a post-ride pub excuse for why we climbed so poorly on our week-long vacation in the Alps. Obviously, we weren’t acclimated.
Also of note is that if the Edge 530/830 are put into ‘sleep’ mode (as opposed to powered full off), it’ll actually do a check each night at midnight of where it is altitude wise, and account for that – just like the MARQ series watch does every night at midnight. Effectively giving you credit for sleeping at high altitude.
Next, there’s new hydration/nutrition alerts and record keeping. These alerts will appear mid-ride anytime you’ve loaded a pre-planned course/route into the Edge, and are based on your profile (gender/weight). Effectively, it’s trying to help you remember to eat and drink – a chronic problem for most longer-distance cyclists and triathletes. Or, at least me. These alerts automatically show up seemingly based on caloric intake variables, and will give you Garmin’s recommendations for fluid and calories, impacted by the current temperature/humidity as well. Garmin did note that these are capped though to account for maximum hydration intake limits of the human body.
In other words, they know that in some super hot/humid scenarios you could lose more hydration than you could possibly consume/absorb in the same timeframe, so they shouldn’t be giving you crazy recommendations like drinking three full bottles per hour. I haven’t hit that kinda weather yet, so it’s hard to tell for sure.
Then, afterwards you’ve got new hydration/nutrition tracking These pages are shown for any rides longer than 90 minutes, where it’ll ask you how much you drank and ate. It’s here over the last few months that I’ve realized the answer is always ‘not enough’.
And yes, you can change from ounces to millimeters, as well as the exact size of your bottle (even per activity profile setting too!). This data is then shown on Garmin Connect (but oddly not Garmin Connect Mobile):
In addition to the post-ride nutrition stats, there’s your total training status stats. These stats are a step above what you’ve historically gotten on the Edge series, and are in line to match that of MARQ (and a step above the Fenix 5 Plus). Note that some of these stats require a power meter (like FTP). Here’s the overview ‘My Stats’ page (though, much of this is also shown post-ride on the summary screens):
First, there’s Training Status, which is showing you Training Load over the last 7 days. Note that this includes non-riding activities as well, if they’ve synced from other Garmin wearable devices.
Next, there’s Training Load Focus, which is showing you the breakouts of your training types over the last four weeks. It then shows you in the dotted line the optimal (aka balanced) training load bucketing. Obviously, I ignore anything that’s optimal or balanced.
Next, there’s Recovery Time, which is load-based and includes time from other devices as well. This is telling you how many hours you should wait until your next hard workout:
Then there’s VO2Max and FTP, both of which are calculated (FTP calculation requires a power meter, seen above):
And finally, one of the newer metrics not seen on any other Garmin device is Power Curve. This is basically just a mean-max power graph, and loosely mirrors what we’ve had on various training platforms for more than a decade.
The time duration is selectable as three choices – one month, three months, and twelve months. It does appear to pull in data from Garmin Connect as well, which is a good thing and shows tighter integration there than we’ve previously seen for Personal Records on other Garmin devices.
Last but not least, there’s on-device training plans. You could previously see all of this on Garmin Connect, but it wasn’t super visible on the Edge itself. Now, if you’ve got a training plan loaded (including those from TrainingPeaks and soon also TrainerRoad), those will appear here. Once you load a workout up, you’ll get similar step by step instructions on the Edge as before, but now with a bit better overview metrics and showing exactly how that workout should look:
Additionally, there’s now a new ‘Gear’ and ‘Weather’ option. The weather simply shows the weather for that day of the week that the workout is scheduled. Whereas the gear option aims to give you tips on what kind of gear you should have that day (for example, if it’s cold and miserable to bring gloves). Garmin says that they’re trying to provide tips for cyclists that may not be as experienced. The rest of us know that it’s simply better to stay indoors and Zwift instead.
As usual, once you’ve completed these workouts, they’ll sync up to Garmin Connect and the various 3rd party platforms they might have come from.
Ultimately, the goal behind all these metrics is that they’re across the board with your other Garmin devices. So if you’ve got a Garmin wearable that supports these metrics (or some portion of them), then everything should match. Understanding that I’m a bit of an edge case due to how many Garmin devices I’m using at once for testing, that concept roughly pans out – though there’s still some cracks here and there where physiological data from one device doesn’t match another. Still, for the normal person that doesn’t ride with 12 devices at once, it’s nice to see some of this glue finally hardening.
GPS & Elevation Accuracy:
There’s likely no topic that stirs as much discussion and passion as GPS accuracy. A watch could fall apart and give you dire electrical shocks while doing so, but if it shows you on the wrong side of the road? Oh hell no, bring on the fury of the internet!
GPS accuracy can be looked at in a number of different ways, but I prefer to look at it using a number of devices in real-world scenarios across a vast number of activities. I use 2-6 other devices at once, trying to get a clear picture of how a given set of devices handles conditions on a certain day. Conditions include everything from tree/building cover to weather.
Over the years I’ve continued to tweak my GPS testing methodology. For example, for watches I try to not place two units next to each other on my wrists, as that can impact signal. If I do so, I’ll put a thin fabric spacer of about 1”/3cm between them (I didn’t do that for any workouts here). But often I’ll simply carry other units by the straps, or attach them to the shoulder straps of my hydration backpack. Plus, wearing multiple watches on the same wrist is well known to impact optical HR accuracy. For cycling units, I arrange them on my handlebars using standard mounts – usually one on either side of the step, often a bit separated from each other.
Next, as noted, I use just my daily training routes. Using a single route over and over again isn’t really indicative of real-world conditions, it’s just indicative of one trail. The workouts you see here are just my normal daily workouts. I’ve had a fair bit of variety of terrain within the time period of testing Garmin Edge units. This has included workouts in: Amsterdam (city, countryside) and Mallorca (mountains, ocean, countryside), California (off-road, hills, forests, seaside).
We’re gonna look at a few different rides in different parts of the world. First, we’ll start with the famed Sa Calobra in Mallorca. I rode this nearly a month ago, so while this firmware was slightly older, it still shows pretty solid GPS performance. Here is the data set compared to the Garmin MARQ watch and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active.
This super twisty-turny route is incredibly difficult from a GPS performance standpoint. There are rock tunnels, huge cliffs next to you, and plenty of GPS-blocking goodness to hose up units (as we see the Samsung illustrate).
I’m going to zoom into one of the more difficult points here:
Of course, with the trees it’s hard to see what’s going on. But I just wanted to show you first the density of trees. In fact, you can see the Samsung straight-up gave up on life half-way through this and just cut the corner entirely. So we’ll ignore it.
The other units tracks are actually very close. There’s a few bobbles of the Garmin MARQ at one point where the cave is (the green text you see). That’s this thing:
But most importantly, the two Edge 530/830 units tracked through that just fine and dandy. Perhaps by skill, or perhaps by dumb luck. They did it both directions though.
Now I had a quick lunch at the bottom before heading up. GPS-wise, units were fine here. I left them recording on my bike while I ate.
Though I did see some elevation issues here were it showed me quite a bit higher in elevation than I really was (300ft higher than the sea I was sitting next to). Garmin isn’t super clear on why this happened, though I haven’t seen it happen again. And again, that was a month ago on older firmware.
And in fact, if we look at route elevation for the next day, you’ll see the two Edge 530/830 units nail the elevation without any issues, super clean and consistent. The Samsung…is…well…yeah.
Next we’ve got a ride in Monterey, California from two weeks ago. This was a nice coastal ride that also went through some gigantic tree forests. Plus it had a couple of rollers and a solid climb mid-way through. For this I’ve got both Edge 530/830 units, as well as the Garmin MARQ watch and the Polar Vantage V GPS watch. Here’s the high-level overview of the GPS from that set:
We’ll go ahead and zoom into some sections, starting with early on. It’s here we see the Edge 530 is a bit offset from the rest. Why you ask? It was in my back jersey pocket. I needed to photograph the Edge 830 solo-cup:
However, once we turned the corner I then got it on my handlebars and it was clean sailing:
I know, it’s hard to see the lines above. But how could I not go to satellite view with scenery like that? Ok, I’ll go back to boring map view for the next ones.
Oh, back in the pocket it went for a climb to get other photos. Why bother including this you ask? Well two reason. First, in case you’re browsing the files and wondering why it went all sideways, and second, because I actually see a surprising number of people that stick GPS devices in their back pockets. This shows you what can happen.
This is back in the forests and back on the handlebars:
It was at least pretty consistent in that when it went into my pocket it went a bit sideways. This ride unfortunately had a lot of that, as we were filming other videos for things that were published prior to this review (and thus prior to this embargo). Though interestingly the Edge 830 seemed to handle the pocketing better than the Edge 530 on this ride. No idea why.
Here’s another section with all of them out – nice and clean. And this is actually in the trees a fair bit alongside a highway.
As for altitude? Pretty similar overall, however the Edge 830 did seem offset about 18 meters throughout the entire ride. I suspect it got a weird initial fix which is used to then calibrate the barometer.
As for the couple of spikes in there – I haven’t seen those on any other rides, and thus I suspect that’s due to the pocketing. I didn’t see it on numerous rides in Mallorca on legit climbs, nor any mountain bike rides elsewhere in California.
Next, we’ve got a ride I did this past weekend from Amsterdam one-way, down south through the Tulip fields. For this ride I’ve got it compared against the Polar Vantage V GPS watch, as well as actually also have the new magnetless speed sensor in fully standalone mode (meaning, it was just recording to itself). You won’t see a GPS track from the standalone sensor, but it does show us speed and distance. Here’s what things looked like in that data set:
Ok, at a high level that’s pretty boring. Nobody does anything stupid, so all the tracks look fine from 30,000ft. Let’s zoom in a bunch to some corners and such. Note that all of these units are recording at 1-second intervals.
Here’s a crossing of a bridge and the lead-up to it. You’ll see that the Polar Vantage V overshoots the turn the most (heading into an ice cream shop, which I suppose is a good idea), though once on the other side of the water, all of them are quite close together near the path. Note that where it says ‘Real Estate Agency’ you might think that the units cut the corner of the roadway, but in reality, that’s where the bike path goes.
The thing with analyzing road bike GPS files, is that they very rarely fail. Seriously, super rarely do units screw it up. That said, time and time again I found the Polar Vantage V off in the water, as seen here. Mind you, this is the exact same GPS chipset between these three units (all Sony, and all likely using the same chipset).
The difference though is in the modes and power delivery. In this case I’ve got both Edge units configured for GPS+Galileo, a mode the Polar Vantage V doesn’t support. Not only that, but the Edge can deliver far more power to the Sony chipset and has more space for the antenna than a wearable.
It’s hard to find many Edge 530/830 screw-ups in this file. The closest we get is this intersection where I turn, and we see the Edge 530/830 separate a bit on their plotted tracks, about one lane difference while crossing the bridge. There was a tall building to the right there, but that’s it.
The second mistake is on this bend in the road, all three units undercut the corner – the Garmin’s more so than the Polar. Though again, if you scroll through the actual data set, you’ll find that the Polar cuts every corner.
Oh, and altitude on this one? Pay attention to the scale, it’s only a shift of about 10 meters for any given file over the course of the ride. The green is the Polar Vantage V, brown the Edge 830, and purple the Edge 530. It looks like we see a bit of a variation around the 90-minute marker going over a small bridge, but again, keep in mind we’re really only talking a variance of about 5 meters at that moment. Welcome to the Netherlands.
In any event, overall, from a GPS accuracy standpoint I’m not yet seeing anything of concern. Even in off-road conditions the tracks are essentially the same that I’ve seen from past Garmin Edge devices. While I’ve had concern about the new Sony chipset based on the implementations by other companies, those concerns don’t seem to be carrying over to the Garmin line. Or at least, the Edge lineup specifically. Again as I noted earlier this is likely more to do with the fact that Garmin has enabled additional GPS modes (Galileo), as well as simply has more power it can throw at the GPS chipset than a wearable can. Plus, bike computers have much more room for better antenna design.
(Note: All of the charts in these accuracy portions were created using the DCR Analyzer tool. It allows you to compare power meters/trainers, heart rate, cadence, speed/pace, GPS tracks and plenty more. You can use it as well for your own gadget comparisons, more details here.)
Product Comparison:
I’ve added the Edge 530 (as well as Edge 830) into the product comparison calculator so you can see how it compares to other units on the market. To keep things simple for below, I’ve compared it against the Edge 520 Plus (previous generation), Wahoo BOLT, and Edge 830. Of course, there are plenty more units in the product comparison calculator, so you can make your own charts here as well. In the meantime, here’s how things line-up below:
As I said at the beginning – I think there’s a strong case to be made that the Edge 530 is Garmin’s best bike computer ever. Sure, the Edge 1030 has a bigger and prettier screen, and the Edge 830 has a touchscreen. But realistically – for $299 – there’s nothing even close to this on the market. Even competitors $100 more can’t match these features. And as for the touchscreen, I kinda like the always-works button navigation.
One of the arguments for why people often choose Garmin over competitor devices is simply that Garmin has more features. Inversely, the counter-argument is that you’ll never use most of those features – so why pay for something you’ll never use. And both ring true. For example, nobody else has anything like ClimbPro – and in using it multiple times on legit climbs, it’s been freakin’ awesome. Love it. Whereas the new mountain bike features were super cool last week at Sea Otter when I was mountain biking – but now that I’m back home living on a pancake, I won’t likely mountain bike till sometime this summer. So I’m basically paying for features I rarely use.
Similarly, people often compare Wahoo’s mobile-app driven setup of data fields to Garmin’s on-device setup. Yes, it’s frustrating that I can’t configure Garmin data fields on my phone, though inversely, I like that I can tweak data fields mid-ride on my unit without having to pull out my phone. On the other side, Wahoo’s Strava Routes integration is just so much cleaner than Garmin’s Connect IQ app (which can be flaky sometimes).
Again, there are definitely nits to be made here against the Edge 530 – but I think the feature-set far outweighs those minor inconveniences. I feel like it’s taken about two years for Garmin to really react to the Wahoo BOLT, but now that they’ve done it – yikes.
With that – thanks for reading!
Found this review useful? Or just want a good deal? Here’s how:
Found This Post Useful? Support The Site!
Hopefully you found this review/post useful. At the end of the day, I’m an athlete just like you looking for the most detail possible on a new purchase – so my review is written from the standpoint of how I used the device. The reviews generally take a lot of hours to put together, so it’s a fair bit of work (and labor of love). As you probably noticed by looking below, I also take time to answer all the questions posted in the comments – and there’s quite a bit of detail in there as well.
If you're shopping for the Garmin Edge 530 or any other accessory items, please consider using the affiliate links below! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, but your purchases help support this website a lot.
And finally, here’s a handy list of accessories that work well with this unit (and some that I showed in the review). Given the unit pairs with ANT+ & Bluetooth Smart sensors, you can use just about anything though.
The Edge remote allows you to control functions (like data pages/screens, and laps) wirelessly right from your handlebars/drops. Plus, with the Edge 1050, it can now control the bike bell feature!
If you need to go *REALLY* long with a Garmin Edge device, this snap-on/under weatherproof battery pack basically gets you double your battery life. It snaps under your existing Edge with an included mount. It can also be used as a standard USB battery back too (for your phone/etc...).
This wifi-connected scale will track your weight and related metrics both on the scale display and in Garmin Connect (plus 3rd party apps like TrainingPeaks). It'll also then sync your weight to your watch/bike computer, to ensure accurate calorie data.
This magnetless Garmin Cadence Sensor attached to your crank arm and transmits cadence over both ANT+ & Bluetooth Smart to apps, watches, or bike computers.
The Garmin Varia radar alerts you to cars coming up behind you, well before you see them. It's awesome for quieter roads (country roads/mountains), especially on longer rides. It's less useful for city riding.
The HRM-PRO Plus is Garmin's top-end chest strap. It transmits dual ANT+/Bluetooth Smart, but also transmits Running Dynamics & Running Pace/Distance metrics, stores HR data during a swim, and can be used without a watch for other sports. Also, it can transmit XC Skiing Dynamics as well.
And of course – you can always sign-up to be a DCR Supporter! That gets you an ad-free DCR, access to the DCR Quarantine Corner video series packed with behind the scenes tidbits...and it also makes you awesome. And being awesome is what it’s all about!
Thanks for reading! And as always, feel free to post comments or questions in the comments section below, I’ll be happy to try and answer them as quickly as possible. And lastly, if you felt this review was useful – I always appreciate feedback in the comments below. Thanks!
I just got my 530 today. Took a little to get used to it but overall its awesome. The only complaint is the tactile feel of the buttons. Is mine defected or does it feel like sometimes the back button doesn’t work unless you press it in a certain way?
I have the same problem and the back button on mine completely stopped working before I got the device set up. Had to return it before I was able to try it.
Same. Got mine today from REI in the US. The back button is basically unusable. That’ll teach me to be an early adopter: this is going back. I’m not fighting with a button mid ride for $300. This is so widespread on this forum that I’m hoping a software update would enhance, but it seems hardware related so I have little hope… I’ll probably give it two months and buy it back then. First production batch was not a winner…
I’m another with the flaky back button. I’ve never had it not work but I really need to press hard on it about half the time. The other half it works ok. CT is sending a replacement for comparison.
Hi there, a theoratical wuestion.
If there is sth wrong with first batch from button pressing perspective, will garmin replace these units in the future? Or you will have to use what you bought or send it back to the retailers meanwhile hoping fingers crossed, that it will be corrected in half a year and then you can fetch one from a local store?
Just wandering how much trouble i just caused myself after hitting so fast the ordering button:)
No theory required, Garmin is already replacing buttons for people that it’s malfunctioning. I’ve seen a few folks comment to that extent.
Given the slight surge I’ve seen of folks saying there’s issues – I just sent Garmin a note on it. Of course, as always, it’s hard to tell the exact extent of a problem since people with no button issues generally don’t note that the buttons work just fine. My rough guess here is that it may be a batch thing – but that’s just a super rough guess.
You can add another to the back button issue list. I was hoping it was all in my head that the button didn’t feel as positive as all the others when pressed but this just confirms it with all the other reports. The funny thing is I decided to get the 530 with buttons to avoid all the touch screen issues that the 830 “might” have. LOL
Heard back from Garmin – their mechanical team is investigating now. But, probably goes with out saying that if you’ve got a bum button, simply ring Garmin up and get the unit swapped out. Life’s to short to deal with non-clicky buttons.
Just got off the phone w/ Garmin support. Very friendly and helpful. She seemed very surprised when I told her about my “back” button issue, saying she has not heard of that being an issue. She said they’ve only received 1 owner notification of a faulty “back” button thus far. I questioned her on that, but she stood firm (of course, I don’t believe this for a second). She said the case is being investigated by the mechanical team (which I doubt they would do if there were only 1 device owner notification of an issue) and asked if they could add my name to this issue. Said the mechanical team which reach out to me if need be (said this would be unlikely) and support would reach out to me for any further steps based on the mechanical team’s findings.
Otherwise, I’m really happy w/ this device, ha/ha.
I spoke with Garmin this morning too about my back button and they said they would ship me a replacement and send me an email within the hour with this information. Its now going on 3 hours and I have yet to receive my email from Garmin on my replacement. I’ve had Garmin’s for the past 8 years with the 1030 being my last until it had issues and moved over the the Wahoo Bolt which has been rock solid for a year. I thought I would dip my toes back in the Garmin ecosystem since this new 530 has new features and a better mapping system and 6 days into my Edge 530 I’m now wondering if the Wahoo with way less features but way more stability might be the smarter choice. I even considered buying the rear radar today to go with the 530 but now second guessing everything.
If the Edge 530 is in stock at the REI store you plan on visiting, I think getting it replaced at REI would be quicker. If you explain the issue to them, I am quite sure the friendly REI folks would allow you to check for malfunctioning button before taking it home.
I just received my 530 today. Same issue with the back button. It takes way too much force to engage it, and even when I apply a lot it only works one out of every 3 or 4 times. I suspect that this is a widespread issue.
We have identified the root cause and already corrected the issue with manufacturing prior to the first field reports. We saw an unexpected interference in the back button on some units that didn’t show up in test builds. The tooling has already been modified and bad housings reworked. If you do encounter this issue on one of the early units, please contact your local Garmin product support and we will address.
@Chris Cooper: I hope I’ll have better luck with my replacement. It’s really terrible customer service to ship out a replacement unit that exhibits the same exact same issue.
I picked up the 530 from my local bike shop the day before yesterday. Brought it home and while setting up I noticed the “down” button had what felt like two positions, a half push and full push. I took the unit back to the shop the next day and tried the other unit they had and it had the exact same issue with the down button so got a refund. I was converting back to Garmin from Wahoo but this is a huge quality control issue that is giving me pause. I am at minimum going to wait a few months to see how things shake out.
Bought the Edge 530 in the UK (Clever Training UK). Defective back button. Clever Training does not exchange the unit. Garmin UK suggests to have it replaced with Garmin.cz (Czech Rep. – my residence). Garmin.cz says they don´t have it in stock.
Bottom line – Garmin has my (not defective) money, I am stuck with their faulty product with the season being in full swing.
What next?
A) You can return it to Clever Training UK, but I don’t think they have additional stock at this moment for support swaps
B) You can go back to Garmin CZ support and force their hand a bit. In most cases they can order support swap stocks from Garmin UK and then get your unit swapped out
I agree, Garmin support should absolutely have stock of products set aside for current customers, which should always take priority over customers that are still in the queue for new units. Generally that happens fine in the major support hubs, but I could see scenarios where Garmin CZ may simply be out of support stock.
We have one of our team members working to get in touch with you to get your device replaced. Thank you for the communication and apologies for the delay.
Spoke with Garmin – entire product is going back and getting a replacement.
Other than the button issue, loving the new unit. Definitely takes some getting used to but once you do, its pretty good. I have to say that they screen set up has gotten a lot easier – still not sure why you cant do it via app – but now you can mass select fields and trade places or exchange them – its pretty clever.
Just got off the chat with Garmin support. They are aware of the button issue affecting quite a number of users. I asked if it was possible for the replacement unit be checked for malfunctioning button before being shipped to me. I was told because the Edge 530 is so new, they would create a special case for me to validate all the buttons are functioning before shipping it to me. I don’t know if they are doing this to everyone who’s getting a replacement Edge 530 or if this is something you have to ask for.
I was offered two replacement options: The first option is to ship your faulty device back and then wait for them to ship the replacement back to you. That may take up to two weeks. The second one – the one I picked – is what they called the “immediate ship” option. They put a charge on your credit card while they ship you the replacement unit. When they receive your faulty Edge 530, they would refund the charge on your credit card.
Thank you! I just spoke with Garmin as well and picked the same option as you. I didn’t mention the special case senario so I’ll just have to keep my fingers crossed!!
Can I ask if you’re in the UK or US? I’ve just spoken to UK technical support and they didn’t give any return option, just a return to retailer. I wonder if it’s worth trying again.
I’m in the US. They are sending me a new unit but unfortunately doesn’t seem like it will be in stock for a few weeks. I figure everything will be sorted by then. For now I will use my 945.
Does the 530 have the capability to change the X & Y sizing on the elevation profile screen? My 820 let me do it but I can’t find how or if I can change it on the 530.
It was not possible to adjust the scale in the elevation profile screen in the non-touchscreen Edge 520 and it does not appear to be possible in the Edge 530 as well. It would be nice if Garmin could implement the same zoom in/out functionality in the map/navigation screen to the elevation profile screen as well.
Thanks for the reply and confirmation. I really liked being able to change the X & Y on that screen. Oh well. I got a very early unit last week and fortunately all of my buttons seem to be working well.
Latest from Clever training UK:”We are expecting to receive more units of the Garmin Edge 530 in to our warehouse this week and each week thereafter. We are looking to fulfil all back orders by the end of May and until your order is dispatched, we will be in touch on a weekly basis to keep you updated.
If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.”
I just email from clevertraining uk that order completed followed with email from carrier containing tracking details. Finally. Now crossing fingers that back button will be working fine :)
Ray, perhaps you are aware of this. On the Safari browser (iOS 12.3), not all the comments – especially the recent ones – show up in the mobile version of this post. The missing comments do show up when I switched to the desktop version.
got an email from CT :-)
_____________________________________________________
Thank you for your patience and we are happy to announce that the Garmin Edge 530 GPS Cycling Computer units have finally started to arrive into our UK warehouse.
Some units have arrived this week and we will be receiving the units as well next week.
The bulk of the units are scheduled to be arriving in the last few business days in May as well and going forward we will be sending out notifications every Wednesday evening to update you on your incoming order.
As a reminder that on the day that your unit ships a shipping and tracking email will be generated at that time to provide you with the ETA.
If you have any current or further questions or concerns please contact the UK Clever Training Team at:
I have had my Edge 530 for a few days now, 2 outside rides and during both rides the unit did a restart all on its own, has anyone else had this issue? And is there anyway to adjust the data that is shown on the Climbing screen? would like to add power/lap power to that screen?
Also, been using a 520 for so long and mapping with courses via bread crumb trail I found it really annoying to have roads displayed on the screen…….Too many roads………..
The “Grit” and “Flow” MTB dynamics looks interesting. It appears to be a similar – but much simpler – implementation of what the guys at TrailSense are doing (https://trailsense.com). Any thoughts on this Ray? I guess that a dedicated sensor on the frame provides more accurate data compared to sensors placed in the head unit?
I just bough a Bolt and am debating returning it. I am wondering how widespread the button problem is that I have read reports about. For people that have experienced it, does it seem to be a physical issue with the button or a software issue/glitch?
The button issue is a physical issue and not software, All of the button on the device have a positive feedback “click” feel when pressed except the back button. That button has a soft “no click” feedback that it was press feel 90% of the time. I assume it’s something with how that button was aligned when attached to the PCB board that it doesn’t make enough contact with the physical outer rubber cover.
Just got the edge 530. Would not pair with my inreach mini. Could not get the Strava routes to work. After spending 35 minutes on the phone with Garmin I was told:
Inreach mini does not work with bike computers. Pairs with Fenix because fenix is made for exploring. Has never paired with bike computers. I pointed out mountain biking is why I purchased the 530. Does not work with bike computers.
They could not get Strava routes to work either. I need to contact Strava. Second party software. Has nothing to do with them.
Not thrilled with Garmin
RE: inReach Mini: While I agree with you that it’s silly Garmin hasn’t added support to it for the Edge units (something I pointed out a year ago), it’s also hard to be angry since it was never advertised to be there.
RE: Strava: Oddly enough, this is actually a legit Strava issue assuming it’s the same issue I think it is (and it affects more than just these devices). Strava is working on it. I stumbled onto it as well. Are you talking about the inability to authenticate the Strava Routes app for the first time? If so – I’ll dig up my steps for how to get it to work. It’s technically easy to do, but just wonky.
You’re correct. I just assumed the inreach mini would work with a device that was promoted as being mountain bike friendly.
It sounds like my problem with Strava is the same as the one you found. I would like your help on that.
You gave a way to have the edge 520 show “if found” info on start up. I know I got it from your site, but can’t find it. Could you please send me that link.
My back button works fine. I got mine from clever training US
No problem. The quick one – here’s how to add the ‘if found’ option: link to dcrainmaker.com
As for the Strava Routes CIQ app issue (where you get ‘session is expired’ when trying to authorize it the first time), here’s my instructions (sorry if they’re a bit unclear).
1) Open the Strava Routes CIQ app on Edge
2) It’ll ask on your phone to authorize Strava, click OK/etc…
3) It’ll then open up the Strava. Do NOT click agree or whatever yet.
4) From within that little embedded window that popped up – sign out of Strava. The core of the problem here is that you were previously signed into Strava from within that embedded window.
5) Now after signing out of Strava from that little window, abruptly close the Garmin Connect Mobile app (like, kill the app).
6) That should also error out the Strava Routes app on the device, but if now, just press back button.
7) Now, open Garmin Connect Mobile app on your phone again
8) And then open up Strava Routes app, and follow prompts like normal
9) This time it should prompt you to first sign-in to Strava, and then it’ll ask to authorize Garmin.
10) You’re good to go now.
I know it sounds like a lot of steps, but the whole interaction can be done in under 30 seconds, I’m just trying to make it super clear.
Strava knows about the issue and is actively working on it from their site. It’s some sort of session persistence thing.
Thanks, the Strava fix worked. I remembered I had emailed the “if found” instructions to a friend. This is the link: link to dcrainmaker.com
It still works
Very useful thanks Ray! My 530 wanted me to reauthorise strava apps after the 3.20 update yesterday – not sure why? Anyway the strava page from GCM was just kicking me out no matter what tricks I tried! Eventually installed GCM onto my wifes phone and authorised through that. 530 working well so far with V3s Radar etc but I do find the temperature and elevation readings are around 10% too high.
But even in “pancake” are sometimes you can find something, but you have to know where to look. No tools for “explore” altitude profiles to get inspiration on where to go?
It would be useful for the flat areas but also for no-flat are when you want to maximize elevation gains/distance
Having an issue with Garmin at the moment. Have had two Edge 1000s, the first replaced under warranty. The second has been good but I had screen freeze and the Power switch has now perished. Longevity was probably sacrificed for water resistance but it seems a design flaw. Garmin solution is for me to buy a new 1030 or pay £200 so that they will replace the white seal. I was astonished and Garmin won’t offer a deal on any other edge. Even with a discount the 1030 is the best part of £370. Are the new Garmins more robust or is Wahoo the way to go?
Grate review! I’m going to buy somthing with nav. to replace my cateye padrone smart plus so I Have a question.
Garmin 530/830 or Sigma Rox 12.0 ?
Whitch one is faster, smoother, has beter nav. ? I do not care for advance sport functions so much.
Who else has gotten edge 530 with the “return button” issue? Mine came two days ago and the return key does not work well. It’s like I really have to find a point where the physical button and internal system meet by pressing it down hard. It’s annoying for sure… I might return it. If you have this issue, what’s your thoughts? Return or keep it?
Thanks for your opinion. I’m aware of it indeed. People are getting their units now so I was wondering how many more people who have not spoken out loud yet are facing the issue with their decision.
After all, I have to pay return shipping for it. That’s their policy whether or not it’s working upon arrival. I might directly contact Garmin for alternatives… like a replacement.
From the comments here, Garmin is swapping out units which exhibit the wonky button issue. So going via Garmin support is probably the easiest n most cases. Note there are two options available:
A) You send in your unit and they send you a replacement one when they get theirs
B) You give them a credit card and then they immediately ship you a replacement unit, and then they only charge your credit card if they don’t receive yours (I think you’ve got like 30 days to get it back).
They don’t often tell you about the 2nd option – but it’s there. And in fact, you can even request faster shipping than the default.
I tried this return method with the Vector 3. I didn’t care if they actually charged the total of the pedals then refunded it when my old ones got there but they said it wasn’t possible. No pedals for over a week made it hard to train….
Picked up the 530 this week and used it for a 4 hour ride today. So far it’s been great. One thing I’m wondering if others are noticing is how dark the screen is with auto brightness while indoors? It’s almost impossible to read for me when indoors unless I change the brightness. I can manually set it to 40% and it’s much brighter than the auto brightness. During my ride today, I switched back to auto-brightness and it’s seemed to work OK with overcast conditions.
So a pretty minor issue considering I’m usually only messing with the settings while indoors, but I’m still surprised the display gets set to such a dim setting.
I have the 830 and experienced an issue with GPS + Galileo. I’m sure this problem also affects the 530. When GPS is set to GPS + Galileo I got wonky GPS data. The above route was basically an out-and-back ride with a small loop in the middle. I see significant tracking error. So I’m gonna use GLONASS for now until Garmin fixes the bug. The reason why I want Galileo is the higher accuracy (1m) vs. 3-7m. for GLONASS.
Right now Garmin has stated they’ve mostly focused on GLONASS optimization, and not Galileo (which is why the default is GLONASS). Of course, I firmly believe if an option exists in the menu, it shouldn’t suck. I’ve split my Edge’s – one on GLONASS and one on GALILEO, and haven’t seen any issues like that.
But for now, I’d stick with GLONASS until Garmin is able to tweak it more.
At the moment i´m using a Garmin Fenix 5s and a Edge 820 for mountain biking. When i pause an activity cause of doing uphill shuttle or lift rides the fenix does not count the elevation when paused an transfers the correct elevation to garmin connect.
Unfortunately the Edge 830 always counts the not wanted elevation while the activity is paused. I would like to know how much of descent and ascend was done on bike, but since the pause is not working the Edge 830 is not useable in this case.
@Ray – any known issues/reason why FIT files from the 530 dont register/read on the DC Analyzer? I’ve recorded two rides on the 530 and both have uploaded to GC/TrainingPeaks without issue. But when I import to the DCA site the files are ‘blank/null’ as if there is nothing there.
I was told they wouldn’t have replacement devices to ship out
until June 7th. I’m sending back the defective replacement and using my original 530 until then.
I received my replacement device and the back button is definitely much better and works with one click; however, compared to my 520 and 520 plus, the tactile feel of all of the buttons on this device is awful. Bad enough that I’ve never even considered the feel of the buttons ever and bad enough that now I notice.
Same here! Replacement received from Garmin May 23, all buttons now working fine. It does feel different from the Edge 520’s buttons, but I personally think it’s a good thing. Never really liked the way the buttons felt there. You don’t have to press as hard to make them trigger, which is particularly great when you’re setting up the device. Looking forward to trying that baby out this weekend!
I got yesterday Edge530 from Clevertraining.co.uk and unit seems to be solid, no button issues etc. Buttons “feedback” is bit different than previous models in my opinion. First indoor session behind and no sensor dropouts. Promising.
Thanks for the support (even if things were a bit bumpy).
My understanding from Garmin and also the comments here, is that the back button issue wasn’t ‘every unit’, but some % of units. The good news is it sounds like it was pretty black and white in that your button wasn’t likely to develop the issue. Either it was that way broke from the factory, or it was fine.
(And using ‘was’, as in theory Garmin says it’s been fixed, though I suspect we’ll see some broken stock work it’s way through the system. As noted by Shawn from Garmin above, just shoot a note to Garmin support if you do get a bad button and they’ll get your unit swapped out.)
Where exactly should I “shoot a note to Garmin support”? After nearly one month of waiting I received the unit today (31.5.) with a defective back button.Huge disappointment. Contacted Clever Training UK,where I purchased it, no response.
Garmin doesn´t seem to have an email address where to write to. I am not in the UK, I´m in Prague.
However, that page doesn’t look super promising, so I’d contact Garmin UK instead, since that’s honestly where a lot of EU support ends up anyway. Plus, all Garmin major support centers will always support you no matter where you are (if they have to ship a new unit though, they may coordinate that with the local country).
This page should get you pretty close: link to support.garmin.com – Down at the bottom you can call/chat/e-mail.
I’ve a doubt about the Garmin Edge 530 that maybe you can help. I had previously acquired the Garmin Edge Explore — based on your review, by the way —, which was really good in terms of navigation, but since it was not designed to be loaded up with workouts, I decided to return it. The GE 530 supports workouts and navigation, but I wonder whether it enables me to find or choose a course for my workout? One of your screenshots (Garmin-Edge530-IndividualWorkout) seems to point to that, but I would like to know for sure before I purchase it.
Thanks for your reviews. They are really great to separate the wheat from the chaff!
I ordered from Clever Training UK on the 12th May, contacted them today to see if they had any idea when it might be dispatched and they had no idea when they’ll be getting any stock from Garmin so couldn’t provide any information.
That’s strange, I ordered on May, 12th as well and I’ve asked them yesterday about predicted shipment date.
Got response:
“Concerning the 530 Edge Base arrival we have some units that arrived this morning into the UK warehouse and will be shipping out today and if you are early in the queue yours will ship and the proper shipping and tracking notification will come to your email on file informing you of such action.
The latest tracking as of last night from Garmin is showing a wave of units coming next week and then another larger wave coming the following week. with this current information with the number of incoming units on the tracking we expect to have all orders fulfilled by the month of May with the later orders in place in the queue getting fulfilled in those first few days in June.”
My edge 530 works fine (besides the back button issue), but it is a bit slow on up/download of routes/trainings/activities. Takes 10-15 min in best case, sometimes upload is completed after 2hrs.
Any hints what might be causing this? System Setup with other data to be transferred first?
@Sebastian: I am experiencing something similar too. I have WiFi (home) and Bluetooth (iPhone XS) set up on the Edge 530. The first couple of days, unless I physically connect the device to my Mac, the rides would not upload. I could see the device being connected to the Garmin Connect app. If I try to force a sync, I get this message in the app; Your device seems to be busy, and your sync request timed out. Try again later.
So I disabled the Bluetooth connection in the Edge 530 and forced it to sync via WIFi and that worked.
I don’t seem to have this issue at work where the edge 530 is not configured to connect to any WIFI.
Where things can go sideways sometimes is getting content onto the device. For example, today I was struggling to get a route to send to the device from GCM via Bluetooth. I kept trying, and it kept saying it was syncing – but nothing was happening.
Turns out, it was downloading a firmware update (the same one you all got already, but the exact number changed for me as I switched up). Once it finished that, it sent the course near instantly.
I’ve noticed that with WiFi and Bluetooth enabled if I get home from a ride the Garmin does not auto upload and shows sync failed. If I end my ride while riding home before I’m in range of my home WiFi the ride will upload without an issue. I assume that there is a problem uploading while connected to my home WiFi and connected to my iPhone. Anyone else seen this issue? I assume my work around is to just turn off WiFi..
I contacted Garmin and they confirmed that if it’s connected to both it will have issues uploading. I’m just going to leave the device paired to my iPhone and leave WiFi off. He said small software updates will still update over Bluetooth and the any major update you will connect via cable to Garmin Express.
Did he indicate this would be fixed in a future firmware update? Seems like you shouldn’t have to disable Wi-Fi to get you activities to upload automatically.
We have reported the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth upload issues discussed here. For those of you that are experiencing trouble please reach out to our support teams for assistance. We will gather as much information from you as we can to pinpoint what might be causing the problem. Please feel free to mention I have asked you to reach out for assistance. Thank you all for the continued discussion.
Hi there,
Yesterday i’ve received my garmin edge 530.(NETHERLANDS) Ordered on April 29 th. Connection with strava routes, trail forks and komoot al went well. Also found routes trail forks in the right region. No issue’s with buttons.
Rode first ride posbank with pre loaded route.
Stava live segments did work. Climb pro not sure if it is enough gradient. Next week i will test at the French Alps. So far so good ?
Has anyone found how to disable the BLE connection/disconnection alert? I want notifications to come through when there is a BLE connection however I don’t want an alert each and every time it connects/disconnects from my phone.
The Garmin 530 is the worst cycling related purchase I ever made. I used it on a few rides. It crashes, freezes and has issues with pairing with sensors. This review convinced me to get it and I feel completely fooled. Garmin customer service was just like ‘yeah, these things can all just happen sometimes”. BS. I used 2 Wahoo devices for the past few years without ever having a device crashing or freezing. It’s a joke that Garmin charges money for this thing.
I also just bought the device with so a good review. Mine has frozen 5 times in the first week. Also problems with pairing. Maybe I just am unlucky and have a bad unit.
Generally speaking freezing on a Garmin device means some sort of corruption in a file (usually a course/workout file, but occasionally an activity file).
Still, before you clear those out – try downloading the latest Edge 530 beta. A lot of people have reported pretty good success with it, and it has a ton of fixes in it: link to www8.garmin.com
Oh, and note for anyone else following in comments that Garmin did release a new beta update on July 30th, in case you hadn’t seen it. Says it addresses LiveTrack stuffs and ‘overall device stability’.
No issues getting mine to full, however I vaguely remember seeing something in the firmware update notes about a fix there. Or maybe I’m mixing up products.
Hello, thank you die the review. I ordered the 530 from Clevertraining UK and wonder which outfront mount suits concerning the size of the 530 (smaller than 1030 and Higher than 520). Is the K-EDGE Sport ok? Thanks, Julio
Finally got my 530 last night and set it up to ride this morning. Really like the unit after 1 ride. I don’t find the on unit set up that bad and I really appreciate knowing my wife will know if I have an accident. I find the screen clear and everything is fairly intuitive. I’m surprised but I like it a lot better than my 3 year old Elemnt. A lot better in fact. Also nice that the workout shows on the history of my running watch and is incorporated into it nicely.
First non-button related issue for me. All of a sudden, after I made a brief stop during my ride, it stopped collecting ANT+ and BLE data from all my devices (Garmin speed sensor ANT+, Quarq DFour91 Power Meter BLE, Wahoo Tickr X HRM BLE). I didn’t realize what was going on until 2.5 miles later. I had to force a hard power off/on to reset it. After it came back on, it recognized all the paired devices again.
James from CyclingTips reported the same thing as well once (and only once). I’d file a ticket with Garmin support. Maybe they can figure out why it happens. Or more specifically, what specific set of conditions leads to that occurring.
Just an FYI. I originally had a BLE connection to my Quarq DFour and the ‘auto calibrate’ prompt was not coming up despite me having the ‘auto calibrate’ enabled. I removed the Quarq sensor and reconnected it using ANT+. With ANT+ the ‘auto calibrate’ is working again. So if you use the ‘auto calibrate’ feature before the start of every ride I suggest you use ANT+.
@Changren Y. I had dropout issues (zero cadence, zero power) with my 510 and another Quarq on outdoor rides. Then I got the 520 and the dropout issues disappeared completely. So it was a head unit issue. On the 830 it’s been 100% solid using ANT+. It seems like your dropout issue on the 520/820 while riding indoors could be related to interference. I don’t do indoor rides.
I had the same issue on 3 of my last 4 rides. The power meter just does not seems to work anymore. I am convinced this is coming from the Edge.
Only a hard restart of the device fixes it.
I hope a firmware update will fix it
OK, back to the drawing board on this ride upload issue. Today I finish a ride and I can see my phone is connect but it will not upload. I’ve tried power cycling the phone and Garmin I’ve tried turning the phone pairing off and connecting to WiFi and still NOTHING! I’m trying so hard to enjoy this device but it’s making me miss my Wahoo Bolt that I owned for 1 year and never even thought about my bike computer because it just worked. I now ride around hoping my device doesn’t freeze, Stays paired to my phone, Does drop Ant + and will it upload once I’m finished.
If you disable the Phone (in settings on Edge 530) and enable WiFi, are you able to upload that ride from your Edge 530 (Obviously, you won’t be using the Garmin Connect Mobile app to do this)? I had similar issue in the beginning and that’s what I did to get around it.
I’m also having upload issues with my 830. With my 520 once I hit ‘save’ the ride is automatically uploaded to my iPhone 6 without me doing anything. On the 830 I have to open up the GC app. on my IPhone and hit the ‘refresh’ button a few times. I’m on the latest version of GC and the 830 (V3.20). It seems the 830 has taken a step backwards on uploading. I have the WiFi disabled but I don’t think it should matter.
For me, if the ride does not automatically upload the first time, no matter how many times I try to manually refresh the GC app, disable/re-enable BT on my iPhone, I will get the “Your device seems to be busy, and your sync request timed out. Try again later” message in the GC app.
I just recently got a Varia RTL510 that I really enjoy so I’m hoping Garmin gets these bugs resolved so I don’t have to return everything and jump back to Wahoo with less features but a stable device.
This thing is a disaster, at least for me. Drops connection to the cadence sensor during rides (I bought the sensor bundle kit). Reboots/resets many times in the middle of a ride and even when using it at home. Buttons are janky and don’t always register presses. Sharp turn alerts come up unreadable with the font garbled. I was warned about Garmin…I should have listened.
1) If your back button isn’t pressing properly, contact Garmin and they’ll swap out the unit. Simple as that. There were some early units that had a manufacturing defect.
Thanks DC, thanks for your response. It is not just the back button. Several of the buttons misfire a portion of the time and in general they feel off. Hard to explain, just feel loose and cheap…as well as two of them not registering presses sometimes. Two of my buttons actually double click, meaning the first click does nothing but if I press further it will click again and register. It is almost as if they are misaligned or something. BTW: When I bought the unit two days ago I had no idea of these button issues. As soon as I used the unit out of the box my first impression was disappointment with the button feel…meaning I was not influenced by crowd mentality :-). I have not decided yet if I am going to bother with Garmin swapping it and potentially getting another bum unit, or if I will just return it and go another direction.
Turns out I was not on the newest firmware. I thought it was the latest because I used the option to check for new firmware on the unit 3 times and each time it said no update available. Then I connected to the PC and it also showed no update available. However, I left it connected to the PC overnight and sometime in the middle of the night it detected the newer version. Not sure why it was not showing it before. Hopefully going from 2.4 to 3.2 will solve the issues I am having (except for the buttons of course).
I will give it a ride or to to see how it goes.
Is there a place where one can find release notes? I tried looking for a page so I could see if there was newer firmware but couldn’t find it.
Hey Lance, any new thoughts about the back button in the last day or 2? Seems like anywhere I read there are issues with the back button. Curious if anyone has said anything about possible solution.
Is anyone else having trouble with the wifi? My Edge 530 just doesn’t seem to find any wifi network while my smartphone and laptop can at least find 20 networks. I already updated the firmware but this didn’t solve the problem.
Everything else seems to work, just can’t connect to wifi.
While I don’t seem to have a malfunctioning back button I do have the feeling that no button at all actually works as it should. They al work perfect for 90% of the time. The other 10% there’s just nothing. This seems to be the case for ALL my buttons…
Some people have said it has to do with WiFi types, though I’m not so sure.
Mine was working just fine until Friday or so – and now it can’t find any new WiFi networks to save it’s life (at home or office). Existing networks it uploads just fine to (including Google WiFi that I use). It’s on my to-do troubleshooting list. Though, admittedly, pretty far down that list right now.
I had to re-pair my 530 (V3.2) with my iphone XS Max on latest ios every time to get a ride to upload, potentially the work around is to disable wifi altogether until they release an update that makes wifi work.
Another issue I have is that the screen freezes and still show the three power button options when I try to power off the device, it just never turns off the screen until I hold the power button 10 seconds to reboot it.
It’s honestly purely a cost decision. There’s no special features there (the TrailForks/etc stuff is available on both base and bundle, it’s just pre-authorized on bundle, but it costs you $0 to activate it on base).
So it just comes down to weather or not you’ll use the accessories, or more specifically, if you had planned to buy them anyway.
Anyone else finding the “Auto” Live Track essentially useless? I’ve had it enabled, uninstalled and reinstalled the Connect iOS app multiple times, tried disabling WiFi on both my phone and 530 (per something I read somewhere), tried standing on one leg with one eye closed and howling at the moon, and also tried enabling it while doing a hand stand. NO matter what, it simply doesn’t work…it’s literally sent one email to my wife when I’ve started a ride.
Also cannot for the life of me (or any of the above magic tricks), get the Connect app to remember my Strava Beacon setting.
Same here. The only times I’ve ever got it to work is when I have the 530 and my phone in front of me trying to troubleshoot why it isn’t working. Then, it *only* works when I have the connect app open and am on the LiveTrack page.
For the record, outside of this, my phone and 530 are connected, and the Connect app is running in the background….which has caused it’s own issue in that it’s absolutely crushing my phone battery when the 530 is on. To the tune of 45% of my battery usage.
I’ve had the same battery issue with my 830 and the GC mobile app on my iPhone Xs Max. Atrocious battery usage when GC is opened and it even seems to continue after I forced close GC. So I just uninstalled CG on the phone since I haven’t had an issue uploading using Wi-Fi or the phone. I’ll continue to upload via Wi-Fi. Seems the battery usage has been an problem for a while for some people so I wouldn’t count on it ever being fixed.
Is anyone else cancelling their back-order? It seems like both Garmin and Wahoo released before they were ready.
Garmin seems to be very buggy and have button issues (even beyond the identified back button issue)
Wahoo pulled back and will release again in July??
I had a bolt that i returned thinking I would jump on one of these two devices. Now I have no computer and am thinking of cancelling my edge 530 backorder until this can be set straight (if ever)
I have a question regarding the source of the elevation data for a route. In my region, the elevation profile from terrain maps (like in Garmin Connect or Strava) is more or less rubbish, like oscillating between -5% and 20% on a constant 5% climb.
Does the 530 use the same elevation data as Garmin Connect? For better comprehension, I attached a picture from Sa Calobra 1) from Garmin Connect (191m Descent on the climb?!) and 2) [next post] from a ride with barometric altimeter. How would that look on ClimbPro?
Can someone please comment if Climbpro is really that useful?
And if not, is it at least possible to import a route inc. elevation data, in case you have ridden it before with a barometric altimeter?
I didn’t see much of an issue in my testing, and, you’re in luck: Sa Calobra was actually one of the climbs I tested in real life on both the Edge 530 and Edge 830. No issues there.
I can’t get the 530 to sync with the connect app on my iPhone XS Max at all – meaning I can’t send routes over or sync rides back. The 530 is on v3.2 and I’ve tried everything, including starting from scratch, toggling Bluetooth on/off, restarting both, unpairing/repairing etc. Your review was so positive but it has just been one disappointing headache since arriving; one that I can’t even use.
What am I doing wrong? My Fenix 5 has always been flawless
@Jonny: If you look at the Garmin forum for 530, you will see there are several others, including myself, having problem syncing using the Garmin Connect app while the device is connected to the phone via Bluetooth and a WiFi network simultaneously. To get around this issue, try the following while the Edge 530 is connected to a WiFi network:
– Disable Phone (On Edge 530, Menu –> Settings –> Connected Features –> Phone
– Upload new ride (On Edge 530, Menu –> History –> Rides –> Upload new ride
– The previous step, if successful, should force a two-way sync between the Edge 530 and Garmin Connect (Garmin’s server, not the app), bypassing the Garmin Connect app on your iPhone.
Some in the Garmin forum have reported success getting around this sync issue by disabling either the Phone or the WiFi on the Edge 530, until Garmin releases an update to fix this.
Thanks for your help – I still can’t get it to sync. Was planning to take it out for a whirl and need a route loaded but guess I’ll be sticking to the Fenix 5!
If they don’t resolve the next couple of days I’ll be sending back
The fix could be in a software update for the Edge 530, an update to the Garmin Connect app, or both. Firmware update can be done via the Garmin Express desktop app (on a Mac, not sure what it’s called on a PC) or on the Edge 530 after it has downloaded the firmware update over WiFi.
OK, I’m still having issue so tonight after it would not upload I checked the edge 530 status menu under Phone and it shows “searching” but my iPhone Xs Bluetooth menu shows the Garmin 530 twice (One shows connected and one shows disconnected). I started the whole process over by forgetting the connection in my Bluetooth menu, Forgetting the phone on the Garmin 530 phone menu, and deleting the device in Garmin Connect. Once I started the process over I noticed after I put the 530 in Bluetooth pairing mode and start the Garmin Connect “Add device” menu it will ask to Select An Accessory and I tap 530. It then shows “Bluetooth Pairing Request” and I tap pair and it goes to another screen that shows “Pairing Your Edge 530” and then another “Bluetooth Pairing Request” pops up and if you don’t select to pair it will fail to complete the set up. I believe my device sync issues are due to the device forcing the pair process twice.
So if I purchased a Garmin 530 from bike24 it comes with a Euopean wide map. What part of Europe does it cover, and if I want the USA (North America) Map, where do I get it and how do I upload it?
1 search on google and you will find the map it covers, rest of the world openstreetmap, also a blog of how to do it on dcrainmaker his site. Good luck
Hi Ray,
Thanks for the great review as always — i just received the unit I ordered through CT :-).
Quick question: do you know if the limit on the # of sensors has increased vs. the 520? I’ve occasionally gotten an error message that I’ve paired too many sensors, so hoping that # is higher on the new unit.
Can you check your paired edge 530 to see if it shows two 530 devices in your phones Bluetooth menu? I’ve been troubleshooting my sync issue and discovered that during the Garmin Connect setup process it establishes two device connections and was not sure if that’s the issue since it warns you to not pair directly through the phones Bluetooth menu and to use Garmin Connect to establish the connection. This morning I called Garmin support and was told that it should only show one 530 device in my phones Bluetooth menu. The agent said something is going wrong where it’s pairing through Garmin Connect and through the iPhones Bluetooth menu. I asked this same question on the Garmin 530 forum and a Garmin employee replied with conflicting information from what I was told on the phone this morning as that it should establish two Bluetooth connections.
I have sync issues and I too have two 830 devices shown on my phone. I did try to forget the phone and repair via GC. But by following the steps within GC you end up with two 830s on the phone. I’d like to know how exactly do you add the device under GC but end up with only one paired Edge. Thanks.
Sorry for the confusion here. On iOS the Edge will make two Bluetooth connections. One is for BLE and one is for Bluetooth Classic. If you continue to have trouble with your phone and Edge connections please get in touch with our support team, let them know I asked you to reach out, so we could collect the logs GCM from your phones and we will investigate.
@Shaun – mine has the 2 instances in the Bluetooth menu but cannot sync. Is there an update coming? I’ve never had these issues with my Fenix and am close to giving up and sending this back for a wahoo
Same here Shawn. Mine shows two connections and the status says ‘connecting’ but never connects. To connect to the phone I have to open up the GC app. Once the GC app is open it connects to the 830 and the ride is downloaded.
Another issue with the 830 which I hope is a simple firmware fix. I ride a tandem and have both the 830 and 520 on the bike. The 830 reads 4 degrees F higher than the 520. The 520 shows a realistic temp. Perhaps the temp. sensor is picking up some extra heat from the circuit. I’ve seen others report the same thing as well- the 830 reads high. Thanks.
I recieved my 530 yesterday. Setup and first ride worked without bigger complications or even crash. Even all buttons work as expected. Until now I’d say: Great device!
Received 530 yesterday (Clever Training UK). After a couple of hours setting up had to phone Garmin…. was trying to update to version 3.20…. Garmin Express said it was on v3.20, device said v2.40. Eventually G said to leave at its current version as version 3.3 is expected very soon.
I’m now trying to get OS 1:50k maps on it… looks like it’s going to cost £149.99 as a download.
Any other options ?
Another question is:
Has anyone managed to load a gpx on to it (presumably as a course) ?
In the manual I found how to do it, via Garmin Connect, and then Settings, Send to device, but on this new Win10 laptop it ..doesn’t work, it thinks I’m wanting to switch applications from Microsoft Edge to Garmin Express (which is open)….
However I managed to send it to the device via Garmin Connect on my phone… (the map on it is rubbish indeed,but at least there is a blue line (my gpx ‘course’) to follow.
@EricRobo: When I received my replacement Edge 530, its version was 2.40. When I connected the device to Garmin Express, it did not update the software version on the Edge 530. After I powered the Edge 530 off and on several times, its version was updated to 3.20. If you have already done that, it’s possible your Edge 530 has already been updated to 3.20.
Is there a reason for not using the .FIT or .TCX format for a course?
Hi Changren Y. Just powered it off/on a few times, but with no effect. Garmin (eventually) said to wait for version 3.3.
It’s not that I’m NOT using .FIT or .TCX format for a course.
I have a lot of rides as GPX, a very common format. I guess I could import into G Connect, and send to the device from there… On my Win10 laptop it would not work (I mean via G Connect ), but it did work via G Connect from my iPhone
I do wonder how the software testing before rollout is being managed at Garmin. Whoever is responsible should be called to account…. they are a very big company….
For GPX, you should be able to put them in the ‘NewFiles’ folder, under Garmin on the Edge device (if connected to a computer, like your Windows 10 laptop). That basically tells the Edge to go ahead and digest them.
Thanks Ray, that worked.
The Manual…. does say connect device to PC, choose the file… does NOT say what file extension, copy the file and paste into a folder on the device (which folder it does not say !!!! )
Just strengthens my poor view of Garmin manuals….
by the way on Win10, in G Connect, having chosen a route you’ve done, SEND TO DEVICE (it shows Edge 530 as connected) does not work.
I’ve done many three hour rides (more precisely, about 2:45) with my 830 and Varia. And my battery usage is around 15% (100% to 85%). I also have the 520 and there’s no comparison between the 520 and 830 when it comes to battery capacity.
So first big ride with the 530 today
Main reason I bought it was the ClimbPro functionality, which sseems to work efficiently well as long as the elevation information within they loaded course is accurate.
However, I had hoped I would also be able to see what climbs are up next and how far ahead they are, but on a route containing 21 climbs in the Ardennes, the list always show that last 5, not the next 5. Or am I doing something wrong?
See screenshot
Hi, just received the 530. The top right button doesn’t have the “click” feeling like the others. Is it right to assume that all buttons should feel the same?
I finally got my hands on one, mostly convinced by the huge feature list. But it did not work out well. After the first ride I spent half an hour figuring out how to upload a ride. No luck. Tried all the tips, disabling phone, wifi, restarting phone and device etc. A couple times the device wrote upload finished but it did not show up in Garmin connect.
Next issue today, I tried the gps + galileo mode and that is utherly useless. It has an error in the magnitude of kilometers. Not good.
After the ride tried to upload, again no luck. I turned the device off and now it shows just a greyish on/off icon without backlight and does not react to any buttons. So far a complete failure.
About time, but got mine yesterday from Clever, first ride with it today
+ My back button work fine ! as all others! Different feeling but not that bad after all
+ No issue to upgrade it to 3.20 using garmin express on my computer
+ 4hours ride, 15% battery used while following a course : Awesome! (Used to be at least 40% with my 520 Plus)
+ My backlight setting was 10% and still very good display
– During the first hour, GPS (GPS + GLONASS activated) was awfull, then far better
– Why my average cadence is 70 on the 530, but 80 on the 520 plus ? I didnt notice any sensor deconnection but ?
– I m not that happy with this Climb feature, I ride my home forest I know by hearth; he did aggreagate many climbs all together to set 11 climbs. Those make no sense to me here. I think it is way more usefull on road than mountain bike as it work. And I dislike it while following a course.
– I tweaked this feature off while navigation tonigth, then it crashed : frozen. damn. restarted ok.
– Still no live strave segment while following a course. Even it display the full segment path on the course. They couldnt make it work instead of their own climbing feature ?
-> I hope they fix it more : no crash
-> I hope my GPS will be accurate from start to the end tomorow
I have to ride without navigation to try how live strava segment is working, and how gradient whyle climbing is working aswell
Similar story for me. Good overall but GPS inaccuracies compared to my old 605/705 including side by side comparison. Drift under tree cover like I’ve not seen in 80k miles of GPS data. I wrote to garmin with files and was directed to the usual advice on the website.
Otherwise there’s few irritations like the incident alert disabled warning and phone drop outs but I’ve not seen the issues with buttons or upload problems.
Compared to when I was an early adopter of the 605/705 series in 2009 these are happy days.
GPS 99% accurate on my second 4hours ride, sound good
Live elevation(gradient) seems good also
Cadence equal on both 530 and 520 this time(even its seems a bit low); further test incoming
I didnt enable wifi at all on it, but sync with garmin connect on iphone didnt work for my ride
I didnt wait, and plugged it on my computer(worked instant)
Hi Ray – I very often follow Strava routes but without navigating and would prefer just to see my route without all the other map details. Is it possible to disable the map or do I need to delete the map (and reinstall it if I need it) ?
Not Ray :) But you can disable maps by going into the activity setings (e.g by long pressing the ok button on the startup screen) Then go to Navigation/Map/Map Information. This will list all the installed maps which you can enable and disable as needed.
This may be due to changes in the 3.20 firmware update, I noticed that on a ride today (not using a course/route) that I got hydration and nutrition alerts. I have the profile alerts set to Auto and they came in at about every 20 minute.
I did not get any Hydration or Nutrition alerts on my 2.5h ride yesterday. Do I need to switch it on specifically or should it work out of the box. It did ask me afterwards how many calories and drinks I had but I was expecting popups during the ride.
So there are two different categories of hydration/nutrition alerts.
A) Ones you can manually set to just remind you to drink/eat, that are generally time based (i.e. repeat every 10 hours)
B) Smart alerts, which are mostly caloric based but also account for heat/humidity, which my understanding in current versions require a course/route be used since it’s trying to figure out how much you need for your ride (and thus doesn’t present caloric requirements for a short bike commute).
I was following a course (80km) and did not see any of the smart alerts. Do you know if there is a setting to switch these alerts on/off
Interestingly, the Nutrition and Hydration section on Garmin Connect tells me that I should have consumed 2145 ml and 1,690 C. I don’t know how I would have consumed the equivalent of 17 gels and more then two liters of water but having a reminder might help to at least drink a bit more frequently.
There is an option to get the hydratation alert, i set mine to 15 mins, works fine
Also, at the end of your ride, you get 2 step :
– one for hydration, it tell you how much you should have drink, and you can answer how much you actually did
– same for nutrition : but i have no clue how much cals i have eat, whereas i know how much I have drink. I dont see how usefull this could be unless i become too much scientific about nutrition
Double checked, I have the H/N (Hydration/Nutrition) tracking turned on and in my Road Profile I have the H & N Alerts set to Auto.
Besides having the 3.20 firmware, I hooked up the 530 to my computer and got a fairly large map update of the Routable Cycle Map of US 2019.10.
Thanks Doug and Rivellon , that helped Eat and Drink alerts seem to be switched off by default. If anyone else is looking, you can find them in the activity settings under Alerts/Drink Alert and Eat Alert Respectively . Both can be set to Smart and are different to the Calorie Alert. Will give it a try next weekend.
Hi Ray, I have an issue that came up when using the Edge 530 with my Tacx Neo2. The power readings were simply ridiculous, many many drop-outs as well. After seeing that, I ran the egde 530 alongisde the edge 520. The 520 gave perfectly good readings whilst the 530 continued to show stupid numbers. See the photos attached – have you seen this at all?
I haven’t see that before, though, given those numbers I’d take the Edge 530 any day! ;)
To confirm, you’ve got the latest Edge 530 firmware?
I haven’t seen a Tacx Neo spit out crazy numbers before. I also still don’t understand why Garmin doesn’t have a wattage cap in place. Seriously, there’s no good reason to ever log/etc a 4,000w+ power data point. End of story.
It’s bizarre because the edge 520 recorded from the same Neo2 and gave perfectly normal numbers as you can see from the 2nd photo I posted. So I don’t think it’s the Neo2 that is the root of the problem.
The 530 is fully updated so I’m a bit lost as to what to do. Will contact Garmin support and let you know.
Same here with the Tacx Neo. The power readings were in the max even a bit higher with more the 50000 watt in combination with many drop outs as well.
Had no problems with the cadence provided by the Tacx cadence meter.
Never had any issues with the Edge 1000 and the Neo.
Hi Ray sorry but i have to disagree with you. This device is far from the perfect bike computer. Wonky back button. The only way to set up data screens is through the device itself with the buttons it is laborious and tedious.
It won’t calibrate with my stages, reboots during rides constantly dropping and picking up sensors. Quite frankly I think its junk. Garmin support has been kind of a nightmare. Taking their time responding to email and without any real answers just more request foe me to do something.
It appears to me that Garmin is just shipping stuff without adequate / any QA, expecting paying customers to be their Beta users. I could have replaced the battery on my 820 I would have done that and spared myself the frustration.
I was super excited about 530 but after 700+ comments, I’ve decided to keep using my trustworthy Edge 500. 8 years and going strong with “0” issues. It disturbing how Garmin neglect to test their products. At least provide bug template to technical customers (e.g. us) who continue to contribute their time and effort for free!
Hopefully, Garmin PM’s planned their release schedule for the next 6 months :-)
I’ll wait for release notes from 4.0 firmware :-)
Simply put – if you’ve got the back button issue, your unit is defective and Garmin will have to swap it out.
For reboots and such, I’m not sure what’s going on there. It’s not something I’ve seen.
On sensor dropouts mid-ride, in receiving a response from Garmin last night, they believe the issue may be related to folks that have paired Bluetooth Smart sensors (versus ANT+), but they’re still troubleshooting it. In the meantime, if you’ve got sensors paired via BLE and can instead pair them via ANT+, it sounds like that’s the best bet (only a handful of sensors out there are BLE-only thankfully).
That said, I totally agree on the challenges Garmin seems to be having more broadly with bugs. More soon…
The dropout issue is not exclusively a BLE issue since I don’t have any BLE sensors, I have had numerous ANT+ sensor dropouts that would not recover without resetting the unit since it would hang on the poweroff screen.
Anecdotally, I rode with BT to the phone turned off last night and did not have any sensor issues.
Good to know, I’ll pass along this specific comment (and happy to pass along your email if your OK). It’s part of a much much larger discussion I’m having with them, but this is one specific issue of focus.
Hi Ray, interestingly, I saw drop-outs (lots) when riding on the Neo2 in ERG mode, this morning, riding on the Neo2 without ERG mode, the dropouts disappeared. I sent pictures of the file readings to Garmin support.
For those of you that have reported sensor drop issues please see the forum thread listed below. We would like to gather your feedback to help understand the issue. We understand your frustrations and are working on getting this resolved ASAP.
When browsing the map to select a destination you say browse to the point and then select it but you don’t say how to do that – you select by doing a long press on the top right button. That was not very obvious (to me at least).
When following a route from say Ridewithgps the Garmin seems to generate its own cues. I have not found a way for it to show the cues passed to it from the web site.
I second this question. I want a bike computer primarily to explore new, distant routes, so 5h+ battery life with on-screen navigation is what I need. I bought an Edge Explore (listed 12h battery life) and was sorely disappointed that I could only squeeze 3h of battery life out of it.
The battery life of the Edge Explore should get you way further than 3 hours. Please reach out to our support team and we will find out what is happening with your device.
On android the Garmin Connect manual route planning seemed to work OK for me. Of course Easy Route is not (yet) available on android so I don’t have that comparison but I think Ray is a little harsh here.
I have solved how to display course points ( say for following an Audax cue sheet).
There are 2 settings that have to be correct.
From the main menu select Navigation>Courses>Course Options and here turn “Turn Guidance” off. Then go back 1 page and scroll down and select your route/course, scroll down or up to find Settings and on that page select Course Points on.
Now when you select Ride and are on the map screen pressing the top right button brings up a menu and if you scroll down past Navigation the next entry is Course Point List giving you a list up upcoming cue points.
The Bolt handles this better and is generally a more intuitive interface. The 530 buttons are difficult to locate in gloves. I have to use my left hand to swap pages?? Maybe I will buy the remote.
One thing I’ve been wondering about is how to get the best out of the Garmin training stats when mixing virtual rides with out door ride. For example, in my case I have Tacx Desktop set up to sync with Strava and for out door rides I have Garmin Connect do the same thing.
That works great but it means that in door rides are invisible to the Garmin Edge 530, so it’s currently mocking my “detraining” week. :P
I could record the indoor rides directly with the Garmin but if I do Garmin Connect will sync them Strava and I’ll end up with a double entry for each indoor ride.
Other than having Tacx Desktop sync with Garmin Connect directly (something I presume is in the works now Garmin own Tacx) is there any other way to do this that I’m missing?
Actually think I might have answered my own question. I think link to tapiriik.com can do the sync in the other direction from Strava to Garmin Connect. Just testing it out…
I have had both an 830 and a 530 for a couple of weeks now, so I thought it might be helpful to others to record my experiences to date.
830 or 530? In the end I have decided to go with the 530. There is very little difference between the two (830 has a nicer, shiny black bezel for those who care about such things) other than buttons or touch screen. I found display setup etc. a bit faster with the touch scree, but it is also quite sensitive and so often made selections when trying to scroll down or up that was a bit annoying. Once used to the buttons I actually found display set up as easy with those than the touch screen. Moving between data screens is also more definite using buttons than with the screen. That said, the touch screen is nice and responsive and works well even in rain. I thought it would be better for map manipulation, and it is, but the button integration on the map is actually quite neatly done. Thinking ahead to autumn / winter operating the device in gloves is easier with buttons. The clincher though is that the 530 is £80 cheaper.
I had problems with connecting both to Garmin connect on my iPhone. This improved after I disabled WiFi on the Garmins. No problems using Garmin Express on my PC.
I have not had any device crashes or experiences of sensor dropouts, mix of Bluetooth and ANT+ sensors. Firmware has been 3.20 from the start.
ClimbPro is a nice feature and worked well on a number of rides where I was using a TCX route.
After a 6hour ride the battery was still at 75% on my 830 – although the phone was only connected for the last hour or so. I also did not use the map that much. Other 3-4 hour rides on the 530 have come back with battery life at 80-85%.
I would like to find a way to import ridewithgps routes automatically, the only way I have been able to upload them is to download on PC and then drop into the Garmin’s ‘new files’ folder. Anyone know if there is a way?
My 530 is affected by the dodgy back button issue. I have now sent it back to Garmin. I have not though found Garmin support particularly helpful or consistent. One response I got back said that the unit would be swapped out for a ‘newly overhauled device’ even when I pointed out that it was a new product. The chap I actually spoke to confirmed though that it would be a device from the production line. We will see! If not, I will return to CleverTraining for a refund and wait for teething issues to be ironed out,
Overall though I have been really pleased with both 530 and 830 and can not wait to get a properly working device back on the bike.
PS the Bontrager Blendr mount for the Garmin works really well and there is plenty of room for button access.
Not exactly an answer to your question but I download the .fit route file from RWGPS and copy directly to the route folder on my Garmin. I find this works better in that I’ve had some routes that were similar copy over each other when converted when I put them in the “new files” folder. I don’t have that problem with the .fit files directly into the route folder.
You can avoid downloading the file and just copy the rideWithGps route URL into the web site dynamic.watch and then download the route to the Edge using the CIQ routeCouse app.
Sorry to hear the frustration with our support. Please know your device will be replaced with a new Edge 530. Reach out to our support team and mention I asked for your reply if you run into any issues or concerns.
I actually went one step further, and installed dynamic.watch Connect IQ app, then connected dynamic.watch website to my strava account and RWGPS accounts. Strava starred routes, and RWGPS pinned routes automatically appear in your dynamic.watch Connect IQ app once that is done. Super convenient.
I found the GRouteLoader Widget yesterday. That seems to combine some interesting features, and being a widget can be run while an activity is in progress.
When combined with gexporter on Android, you can even send routes from your phone directly onto the 530 with going through the Connect app/website.
Shawn, thanks, the device is back with Garmin, so hopefully I will get a new unit back with a working back button within the next couple of days. Everyone I have dealt with @Garmin Support has been friendly and responsive, it is just that the advice provided has been inconsistent.
Greg, Nicolas, KDeWeerd, thank you for the helpful suggestions. Will definitely give dynamic.watch a go. Just a shame that there is no direct integration with RWGPS and the Garmin Edge.
The quickest and easiest way to get routes on the device is to get RouteCourse to automatically sync pinned routes. So once I’ve created a route in RWGPS I simply pin it, then go to my Garmin, open RouteCourse, and tap to download.
Replacement 530 arrived today. Setting it up I discovered that there is now a new RWGPS app in ConnectIQ for the 530/830. Downloaded it and you can now download routes straight from your RWGPS account onto the 530, then go to courses and all the downloaded routes are available to ride. Works really well, and just what I was looking for.
New device came preloaded with 3.20 firmware and working back button. Happy days (hopefully).
Hi, I’ve just picked up an Edge 530 and love it for riding outdoors. But I’m wasting so much time trying to get it connected to, and controlling, my Wahoo Kickr snap for pre-loaded power workouts from Training Peaks. It struggles to connect as a smart trainer and prefers to connect as a passive power meter, meaning the Kickr refuses to run in erg mode. Wondered if you have any tips? And thanks for these awesome reviews by the way!
I just got my Edge 830 (via CleverTraining). So where/how does it prompt you to activate the TrailForks stuff on the non-bundle version? I haven’t seen anything.
Also, since I’ll be taking a trip to Europe this summer, is there any reason to pay Garmin for its (huge) map download, rather than continuing to use the older method with OpenStreetMaps?
To active Trailforks data on a non-bundle Edge 530/830, you’ll open the Menu (Settings), then go to ‘Connect IQ’, then ‘Trailforks’. You’ll need to have first created an account on the TrailForks site (free account is fine). At which point the Connect IQ TrailForks app will ask you to open your phone and login to the TrailForks site.
It’s all pretty quick and painless and takes a few seconds, and then it’s activated. You never need to open the TrailForks app again.
For folks that buy the mountain-bike bundle, it’s pre-activated.
Do you know if sessions done on an 820 would show on Garmin connect training load. The files don’t report the same as with the 945. Will they upgrade firmware or is this only a feature of the newer models. Cheers.
Can you pause a workout (i.e. when coming up to traffic lights, riding through villages etc), but your ride still continues to be recorded in the background? I know you can do this with the Elemnt, but it does not seem to do it on the 530.
Does anyone else see the inability to pause a workout as a big shortcoming of the 530? It’s easy to follow a workout to a T when it’s on a trainer. Dealing with stop lights, hills, and other unforeseen circumstances usually make it impossible to do outside without this option. I haven’t been able to find a way to do it, which is kind of a drag. I switched to the 530 from an ELEMNT Bolt, which made it easy to pause mid workout, skip, or go back to previous steps. Not having this feature basically makes workout mode worthless outdoors.
Since the activity profiles don’t define sensors and use the sensor pool concept, what do you do if someone wants to ride with you by borrowing your extra bike? Two bike sensors are now connected; how do you pick/define which to use?
did my second ride today and noticed that no performance condition or VO2Max was calculated for any of the two rides. I did wear a HR strap and both rides where far longer than the 20min stated on the Device. It did calculate Training Status though.
Does it need some time until the two metrics are provided or do I miss something?
On a positive note I used the Trail Forks feature while riding my MTB in the Pisgah National Forrest and it was great to have navigation on top of a mountain.
Hello Ray,
I currently use the Edge 810. Works well but only thing is the power on/off butten has disintegrated and there is now a hole. Still able to use the inner butten using my glasses.
Seeing the extensive use of the buttons on the new 530, I was wondering if any similar problems are to be expected. Are the buttons rubber again or hard plastic? Hope to hear from you and thanks for all the reviews you do.
It actually does work well, and in general I find it actually works better on the Edge series than the Forerunner series (for cycling). In the last 2-3 months I’ve had two false positives from the FR945 while cycling when I did non-ideal things on my road bike going off some edges and stuff. But neither Edge 530 or 830 has triggered when I did that.
My new 530 showed up today (unexpectedly as it was on backorder). Before I open it, does anyone know if there’s a way to tell from the outside if it’s a bum unit as far as the buttons go? There is a small sticker with a serial number. Was wondering if that gave any indication?
I would rather return it before opening if I know it’s a bad unit.
Hey there,
yesterday I have just tested my brand new Edge 530 on my indoor trainer (Tacx Vortex Smart), with a predefined workout where I was gonna do a bunch of high intensity intervals where the intensity target in Garmin connect was set to “power” and some recovery in between where the intensity was set to “HR zone 3”.
During the workout I have seen that some peaks appeared in the power. I was hoping that these were just reading/communication errors between the trainer and the head unit and that they will be filtered out. Turns out there were more than I have seen during the activity and they have been logged porperly in my workout. Turns out that my max power was around 44 000 Watts. See attached screenshot
I have used an ANT+ antenna to Zwift on PC, used my iPad and my Android over Bluetooth for power settings on structured workouts. Never before did the trainer behave in such a manner. I have checked the firmware version of the trainer, and was up to date before the workout. I am running software verion 3.20 on my Edge 530.
Now all this scrambled data has screwed up my training status and recovery time on Garmin Connect: 4 days and unproductive.
Does anybody have any idea what the reason for these peaks could be?
I found out that there is not enough space on the unit to accommodate North America Map & Europe Map, on a brand new device!
NA map is taking 4.5GB, Europe is 10GB. With all the other data, 1GB is missing. Unit has 16GB total.
Garmin solution is to delete all previous maps (.img, .gar files) from a computer, download and install the new one from Garmin Connect. Do the same thing when I want to go back. Is it me or this is a complete non-sense on a brand new device?
Will my old garmin sensors (from a garmin edge 800) still work with this unit. or do i need to purchase the new style ones. Same with my old heart rate straps?
Ordered my 530 via CT uk and your discount code, thanks a lot.
Here’s my experience so for after 6 rides, both indoor and outside in different environments (mountains, city…). Updated to 3.20 firmware when receiving it before doing any other configuration / adding sensors. I did not enable wifi yet.
– Battery life is superb. Used it for a 210km ride in the mountains with navigation and had over 50% left.
– No problem at all to connect to any sensors / devices. Experienced no sensor dropouts so far. Finds sensors instantly.
– Rides are uploaded instantly to garmin connect/strava
– Button feel is better compared to 520 plus, at least for me.
– Screen size is noticably bigger than 520 plus and a good compromise between the bigger 1030 screen. I prefer the smaller size of this unit.
– Screen configuration is made easier because you can now ‘swap’ two fields. I do not understand why this could be a dealbreaker for some people (being able to config the screen via the app). Just do it once right and forget about it afterwards.
– ClimbPro is really nice. Provides just enough information to be able to pace yourself on a climb. Avg grade info could still be improved somewhat, but the color code scheme and profile seems to be generally spot on. If you climb a lot you will like this feature.
– Initial course calculation is fast, way better than the 520plus.
– Turn by turn works very well for me. two beeps when approaching a turn. One beep when you need to turn. Automatic switch to the map and back to your data screen. Nothing wrong with it according to me.
– Re-routing works, and when it needs to re-calculate this is a lot faster than before. I did find some cases where it still asked me to ‘make a U-turn’ where there would be better options. Also, it sometimes asks me to go back to a previous point in the course, instead of finding the best route to a point further up the course. I hope it could still be improved with updates, but it generally does the job for me.
– Did not experience any issues with GPS accuracies yet.
So far, I am very happy I upgraded from the 520plus. For that pricepoint (esp using the additional discount) there is a lot to like about this unit.
I just received my Edge 530 today. Still in the process of getting it set up, but happy to report no issues with the buttons.
I do have a question about the maps. I bought the unit from a different region, so it came loaded with a bunch of maps that don’t interest me.
I was planning to download and install maps like we do on the Edge 520 here (link to dcrainmaker.com) but I noticed that there seems to be a bunch more map files in the 530.
I certainly don’t want to make a mess of things on day 1, so do you have any advice on this?
Wasn’t sure how big a gmapsupp img it would accept so I built a 307mb one for the California from the bay area to Mexico border (larger than some countries). No issues loading, displays everything now. I presume even larger gmapsupp files could be loaded.
Anyone having issues reliably connecting their Edge 530 to their Iphone or to a Wahoo TickrX HR strap.
The HR strap worked for a week or two and even after removing and re-pairing, I’m not having much luck.
Also I have tried to use the Garmin Support Chat in every browser available to man and it appears to just not work at all.
I got the unit Wednesday as an anniversary/dad’s day gift and took it out into the real world today. I’m coming from a pioneer ca500, so I’ve never had mapping/navigation on a head unit before, so was excited to try out. I loaded a route today, one that I know but occasionally get confused and miss some turns when I’m riding solo. Navigation appeared to work flawlessly. There were a few times I took my own deviations from the route and I had the “u-turn” instruction, and while I found it odd at first, I do kind of get that the first point of logic would be to get you back on to the original route quickly.
I did one climb and the climbpro came on, unfortunately didn’t think to configure the data beforehand so I switched off so I could see my power.
So far so good! I don’t think I have the back button issue, having no point of comparison I can’t really tell.
When pairing an ANT+/BL sensor, can you choose on the 530 which protocol use to pair and record data? Or there’s a favorite one by default that you can’t modify on the 530?
Yup, when you pair any sensor, you’re pairing either the ANT+ side or the BLE side. Generally speaking Garmin products will enumerate the ANT+ sides first when you search for pairing, and then it’ll show BLE sensors.
However, not always. if it finds BLE sensors as more powerful/first, it’ll show those initially. Generally speaking ANT+ sensors have just the #’s, like 1232 or 923383, whereas BLE sensors will say something like ‘Quarq 12asjg’ or such.
Got my 530 from CT UK yesterday. My device has the same issue with the down-button – others have with the back-button. I sent an email to garmin support and wait for instructions…
Any idea why my 530 would be stuck on this screen with a “power” symbol? After a ride today, everything seemed to work fine, but at the end, I thought I saved the ride and put the unit in the trunk of my car. While I was having lunch at the ride venue, I didn’t see the usual Strava or Garmin notification about the completed ride. When I looked at the unit later and hit the power button, there was a screen about the unit losing connection with the phone. So I decided to power it off. When I did I got the screen with that power symbol, but instead of the screen then going black, that power symbol is still showing an hour or more later. I’m not getting a response from the power button press and plugging it into a USB port isn’t having any effect either.
Seems I can’t post a picture that I took of the screen,for some reason the [Browse…] button here on the website isn’t clickable, I’ll try adding it in a reply to this comment.
I am not sure to buy the Edge 530, one question:
Assuming I have some .gpx-files (my mountain bike routes) on a Mac/iPhone/iPad/PC, is it possible to send that file wirelessly to the Edge 530 (WiFi/BT)? If yes, which software do I need on these devices?
this is possible (various ways).
My personal preferred one would be to load the gpx to “Komoot” on the PC (or Smartphone) and then use the Komoot Connect IQ App on the Edge to transfer it to the device (while the edge is connected to the Smartphone via BT or to the Web via Wifi – both works for the Komoot App but not for i.e. Strava or GCM!). Just make sure you mark the “Offline available” in the IQ App to later find it on the Edge in your tracks.
BTW. Used the same method already on the 520 (via BT only at that time) and it works for me.
My 530 screen “died” yesterday. It was fine riding home from work on Friday, went out for a ride yesterday, loaded a route, hit “start” and got about 10′ down the road and the screen went all white and kind of pulsating. Unit was still working (could hear beeps, radar notifications, etc). Messed around with it for about 20 minutes trying to do soft resets by holding the power button down for 10 second +. Sometimes I could get it back with a normal screen, and sometimes it booted up with this all white / pulsating screen. Every time I got it back with the “normal” screen, it would appear to be fine, but after I pressed “start”, it would blank out again after a few seconds of riding. Plugged into the computer or charger, screen is fine. Thought maybe it had somehow gotten into battery save mode, but that’s not the case (plus when the screen blanks out, pressing buttons won’t revive it). Noticed too that while not riding, the screen seems fine, but cycling through menus, it will randomly go blank for 5 seconds, then come back to life.
Garmin was very responsive (Sunday, so it was handled through a chat session) and are shipping me a new unit today. However, still a bit disconcerting on a less than month old unit. I was debating on warrantying the unit anyways, as the buttons all “stick” in that they work fine when pressed, but don’t always pop back out.
Really strange; I used the 530 to record my trainer workout this morning and when finished it said it uploaded but I couldn’t see it in the Garmin Connect App. I tried to re-upload and it never seemed to do the trick. Later I went to strava and it was posted to strava as usual, except despite me starting the workout on 6/18/2019 at 4:40am Pacific time, it was posted with a start time of 6/15/2019 at 3:40am. So somehow the date on my unit is hosed?
@Charlie Anderson: The Sports folder on your device contains all the activity profiles. But it may not be a good idea to transfer them from the 510 to the 530 as they may not be compatible. Usually to copy profiles/settings from device to device (same model), you copy the files from the source device to the NewFiles folder on the target device. You will need a computer to perform this.
Do I need power meter to get my VO2max estimated and/or Training Status available?
Since 8th June I have logged 7 activities with my Edge 530, but still have no Trainig Status and no VO2max estimation. Will it appear or it just don’t work without power meter?
From the test:
Then there’s VO2Max and FTP, both of which are calculated (FTP calculation requires a power meter (…)
As I understand: no power meter required to calculate VO2max, right? The Training Satus seems to be dependent on VO2max.
I only have Training Effect information and Training Load Focus from last 7 days (but this one only on device).
Yea I’ve been digging into all the FirstBeat metrics and found it to be pretty obscure. What works with what, what is needed and what its supposed to do. Garmin doesn’t really give you much Info and even the infos on FirstBeats homepage are not that helpfull. The names of the different metrics are pretty similar and not all metrics can be found on all platforms, also Garmin and FirstBeat seem to use different Names for the same thing. And everything becomes super complicated once you consider TrueUp Physio between two devices that have different FirstBeat Metrics implemented.
So today I had a few hours to spend and disappeared down the rabbit hole of obscure Metrics.
I’ve created a Graph trying to show the relations between the different metrics. And here is some of the stuff that I have figured out so far. I use an Edge 530 with a Forerunner 235. Be careful I might be wrong at some points as I only figured stuff out reading the online resources and applying logic to the data that I saw.
(GC: The online platform, GCM: The mobile platform)
* Exercise Load / EPOC is a Numeric Value calculated per Acivity (in ml/kg). Based on information on the FirstBeat Homepage, “Neural Networks are used to calculate this value” For newer devices (e.g my 530) This value is visible for each Activity in GC, GCM and on device. There is also a special screen in the “My Stats” section of the 530 which shows all EPOCs of the last 7 Days. This also inclues EPOC values from the 235.
* Training Load is the running average over the EPOCs of the last 7 Days. This includes data from my FR235 even though no EPOC is shown for activities recorded with the FR235. This value is shown in GC (Reports/All Activities/Training Status), There is a section for it in GCM but for me it currently shows “No Data Availible” even though a value is shown in GC. On the 530, there is a dial in the “Training Status” section but it also shows no Data.
* Training Effect is Based on EPOC but scaled by individual “fitness or activity level” it is measured on a scale from 0 (no effect) to 5 (temporarily overreaching). There are two sub categories
– Aerobic Training Effect: Based on maximal EPOC reached during the activity
– Anaerobic TE: Somehow detects short but intense activity (based on power, HR, and speed),
accumulates those and calculates a Training effect.
Depending on which of the two is/are supported the Training Effect values for each Activity are shown on the Device, in GCM and GC. Summaries are shown in GCM, GC.
* Training Status tries to give you an overall picture of where you fitness is going and uses categories like Maintaining, Overreaching, Peaking. It does some magic that is not really described but seems to
combine changes in VO2max and/or Training Load. You can find it on the Device, GC and GCM. Interestingly all platforms stopped providing a value two days ago even though I did exercise twice in the last seven days. It’s unclear to me if Training Status also includes the data from the 235 but looking at the values that I have seen so far I would say it does.
* Primary Benefit looks at the balance of your Aerobic and Anaerobic training effect and tries to figure out what the physiological benefit (e.g Recovery, Base, Tempo …) was. These levels are further categorized into three larger groups which are also color coded (Aerobic High, Aerobic Low, Anaerobic)
* Load Balance looks at the Primary Benefits of the last 40 Days and summarizes the data. It also magically provides some regions in which each of the three categories (Aerobic High, Aerobic Low, Anaerobic) should be.
As said it’s still unclear how stuff is combined when using TrueUp Physio. e.g Training Status seems to use both your Training load and your VO2max. I don’t have a power meter so that I do not get a cycling VO2max. Is Training Status now based on Training load alone or does it somehow pull in running VO2max from my FR? Also why does GC calculate a Training Load while both GCM and the 530 state that there is not enough data to do so. All of this is barley scratching of the surface. There is also Recovery time, performance condition, FTP and so on and so on.
Questions over Questions ….
I mean these metrics are nice and all. Everyone likes some numbers, dials and funky colors but if it is basically impossible to figure out what they mean, how they are connected and what the heck someone should do with them, they end up just being a waste of time that Garmin developers could have spend on fixing bugs.
I actually think most of this is fairly well documented by FirstBeat, and a lot of it does add up fairly well.
Unfortunately however, those documents are scattered about. I’ve got a few in presentations that are super detailed and answer most of your missing pieces. And they presented more at the FirstBeat Summit/Conference last month as well.
Where it’s messier as you noted, is how it all works with respect to multiple devices within Physio TrueUp, which is more of a Garmin sync thing. I started digging into this with Garmin back in April when I was there. And it’s sorta a case of each time you peel back one layer and think you understand it, there’s another edge case that pops up. It’s never-ending edge cases with different devices, sensors, etc. Some of that is Garmin’s fault, and some of that is just the reality of having a decade+ worth of devices out there.
And I suspect it’s a situation where they’re damned if the do, and damned if they don’t. From a cleanliness standpoint, they could just say ‘Look, only devices made after 2018, everyone else need not apply’. That’d make it easy. Of course, everyone would be upset. Some of those older devices simply don’t have the features on the device itself to make it work, but Garmin does some magic in the cloud to try and do the bits it can.
So instead, they’ve taken the approach of trying to fix it in the cloud, which sorta works, but ends up being a house to house fire with various combinations of devices.
All of which means FirstBeat looks clunky because expectations are tough to solve for, and even more so, variables are super long.
thanks for your answer! Yes, you are right. Things are explained on the FirstBeat homepage. But It still took me quite a bit of time to piece things together. Also, the naming of the metrics is …. lets say confusing. Do you think you can share those slides or are they classified?
Then click on ‘Content’ (it should take you there, but just in case it doesn’t). The FirstBeat presentations from FirstBeat themselves are usually the first one within each section. Mostly super detailed stuff. Obviously doesn’t cover everything, but will likely keep one distracted for a while. :)
finally found time to have a look at them. They are pretty interesting and did solve some of my questions.
I was also finally able to get a few more rides in. The 530 works really well for me and I’m quite happy with it. I did find a small inconsistency with where the 7day load is shown though. The number and dial is only shown on the dedicated training load page of the 530. There is an additional dial below the training status summery which on my device does not show any data. In your images (Fig. 12 u. Fig.13 of the “Training & Performance Metrics” section) both show a value of 952 (even though the first one is actually missing the pointer on the color scale). Also GCM does report the current 7day load on the Training Status page but if I select it, it states “No data available”.
so much wanted the 530 to renew faith in Garmin after leaving them for Wahoo. The 530 failed miserably and has been returned to the store. Setup went smoothly except for one random crash. Worked fine during ride. Post ride, did not auto-upload. Called tech support, screen froze, stuck in loading mode on reboot, coudn’t fix it, offered exchange. Opted to stick with Wahoo Elemnt and return 530. Hope Wahoo comes out with radar
It turns out that you can have a Training Status, having an edge 530 and running VO2max. It is still unknown if the Training Status will work if the only activity is cycling without a power meter.
It is clear, however, that the VO2max cycling requires a power meter because it is not based on speed like running VO2max.
If Training Status can not work only on the basis of HR, I still think that I should have access to more data than I have. In GCM I can only see what is in the Training Effect tab. No data on other 5 tabs. Without Training Load. Without Training Load Balance. Excercise Load and Primary Benefit – only in the view of a specific activity. No aggregate data.
The device allows me to see more. Recovery Time works (would be nice to see it in GCM). Training Load Balace (as on Ray’s photos). Training Load (7 days) shows data from individual days, but does not add them and does not indicate whether the load is small, large or optimal. I would like to add that the Training Load and Training Load Balance are hidden under the “empty” Training Status window. Completely pointless.
So much science and magic from First Beat and I do not get almost anything useful. I did not promise myself a lot of it but I’m disappointed anyway. Hope it will show more data in the future.
Funny that I found these comments in this Forum, I have been following up on some of these metrics on the Garmin forum but I am now not getting any reply.
What got me is Firstbeats interpretation of the scientific measure EPOC – Which needs to be monitored post workout by analyzing respiratory gases. Many of their metrics are based on this.
Official Definition:
EPOC is a physiological measure (amount of oxygen consumed in excess after exercise as measured in liters or ml/kg) that that reflects the recovery demand and the disturbance of body’s homeostasis brought by the exercise. Measurement of EPOC has been possible only by analyzing respiratory gases with laboratory equipment, thus being expensive, time consuming and not applicable to everyday purposes.
Firstbeats implementation –
“Indirect” EPOC “Prediction” Method Based on Heart Rate Measurement
EPOC is “predicted” only on the basis of heart rate “derived” information
I think many people have these questions as so they should as their training can be based on it.
I love the magic / science comment because that what it is, or lets just call it indirect magic / science!
Just by using my simple Brain how can an oxygen measurement metric that needs to be analyzed post workout be derived by Heart Rate during an workout without any post ride analysis? I would love for someone to answer this for me and also how can FirstBeat even call their metric EPOC when it totally is not, and yes I read their whitepaper.
My brand new 530 temperature readings are completely way off – it’s 10 celsius higher than real……and the Enter button can be a bit dodgy – it’s just that the profile is very low so you finger will have to press exactly in the centre – sometimes the finger will contact the raised side edge of the unit and it’ll feel like it’s the button but it’s not the button – that’s how low profile the buttons are when you can make a mistake like that.
I’ve now read the warning in the manual that Temps readings are not meant to be dead accurate. So true – i left the unit outside for half hour and it finally showed temps akin to reality but it started to climb up again – must be due to the internal electronics.
Got to be tough. Nearly all the comments are problems. Received my 530 days ago. Got it with a bikesdirect promo, $239. I didn’t experience any of the issues listed here. Did my first ride today. It’s pretty nice. Love the size and buttons compared to the 520. I have Dura Ace Di2 so the button integration is always cool. Now with multiple function controls on the hood buttons, single press, press and hold, and double press, even cooler. Only thing I don’t like so much is the dark glass on the screen. Not a deal breaker.
So sorry in advance if this is listed and I missed it…but is there a way to transfer all saved device information (power meters, HR monitors, etc) saved in a 520 plus to a new 530?
Technically speaking it sometimes works to copy some of the Settings.fit over. But practically speaking I’d strongly recommend against doing so.
Generally speaking it’s one of those things that seems like a good idea at first, and might even work for a while. Then one random day something will crap itself, some setting will be stuck in a weird state, or otherwise unhappy. You’ll have long since forgotten about the tranfser, but in reality it might have just been that which caused it. It’s why Garmin officially doesn’t recommend it. Too many things have dependencies there that aren’t accounted for.
Of course, it’s also why all of us have been asking for a way to copy things like data field setup and such between devices in a supported way.
I switched from the 520 and, for the most part, really like it. However, in using live segments in strava, it is all over the place with what it shows. Many times it gives me “recent” and “last” ride on the segment. I don’t care for either of those. Is there a way to have it show only PRs, or next person up? I can find a way to do this…
I have not found a way to set a default segment target. You can set it after the sement starts, but requires several buttons which isn’t what I want to be doing when racing a segment. I don’t care about the guy ahead of me on the leaderboard. I want to track progress relative to my PR.
My back button stopped working today. Garmin Support here in Germany is not really helpful. They declined to immediately ship out a replacement unit even though I specifically asked for it and offered to supply my credit card data for deposit. Instead I will have to send it in (postage and risk on me) and they will investigate and eventually replace the unit within 2 weeks. This is really disappointing and will leave me 2 weeks without device during cycling high season. Huge disappointment.
Anyone having zoom issues? Took the 530 out for the Merritt Crown race, a 122km 3900m unmarked self supported mtb bit of a nightmare lol. Being unmarked, navigation is pretty important. I would get the zoom level to a scale that worked for the speed, but every time I stopped it would zoom so far out the map became useless. You’d have to go through re zooming in all the repeat at the next stop. I had turned the auto zoom of as well. Super frustrating.
I had this exact same issue. I asked about this on the Garmin Support Forum as well and got a reply suggesting that I had a corrupt activity profile. I deleted that profile and created another one, and it temporarily fixed the problem but then it returned. I did a hard reset on the 530 after that, and that has solved the issue. Huge hassle having to set the whole thing up again, but at least now the map works as it’s supposed to, instead of switching to the map page and zooming out every time I come to a stop. Link to the topic on the Garmin forum below, if you’d like to post there about your issue as well.
The hard reset worked for about half an hour lol. I’d stop and the map would stay put. 30min later and back to the way it was. Not liking the using very much.
Shaun, I forgot to mention that I also switched the ride profile ‘type’ to ‘road’ and disabled the Trailforks map layer. I disabled the mountain bike profile because the ridiculous “NICE JUMP!” notifications were making me insane, and the only way I could find to get rid of them was to change the ride profile to road (thanks, Garmin…). I was also suspicious that the “ForkSight” feature, courtesy of the Trailforks map layer, was causing the unwanted zooming out of the map. I would try doing those two things as well. Good luck, I was on the verge of returning my 530 when I was having this problem.
Have used the Edge 530 for a few rides now and really liking it. Didn’t think it would be too much of an upgrade over the 520, but i was wrong. Screen just seems to be a lot easier to read in all conditions so far and a couple of the screens i have 10 items showing.
Only had issue on last nights cycle, unit turned itself off after the 2nd climb that ClimbPro captured. Not sure why it did it, but ride was still saved once i turned unit back on so i was able to resume with only a little time lost..
How accurate is the current gradient % on mtb trails? I have an old school VDO cyclocomputer which measures that using an internal inclinometer I guess (no GPS, but it might be calculating the change in elevation over distance, not 100% sure) so pretty accurate. What about the Garmin 530?
My Edge 530 is now on the 3.50 firmware. I am still getting issues with installing software updates from Garmin Express (routable maps for Australia/New Zealand, Trailforks and “Other Items”). I keep on getting this error that says “Some files could not be sent to your device –> sports (Transfer Error)”.
Anyone had issues with rerouting whilst following a planned route?
Riding in an unfamiliar area yesterday, missed a turn as didn’t get an alert, just an off course notification and thought I’d carry on and let it recalculate and follow that – it then spent close to two hours trying to send me down farm paths and grassed walking routes totally unsuited to a road bike!
It was useless, ended up doing an extra 40 miles by time I finished – had it on road cycling, locked to roads and avoiding trails and unpaved roads so I’m at a loss what went wrong.
I had no issue with the re-routing specifically, but I have had issues when following Strava routes loaded through Connect IQ. I too missed a turn and despite the unit beeping at me non-stop for an hour, I decided to ‘wing it’. Problem is now that the .fit file generated for my ride is 26MB for some reason and too big to load up to Strava, Garmin, Training Peaks, etc so is absolutely useless to me as I can’t do anything with it… Was your .fit file supersized also?
Is anyone having trouble with training load not calculating on some rides? Both my 530 and forerunner 945 have recently stopped calculating training load after a ride. I did a whole reset on both and now the 530 seems to be calculating for now but not the forerunner 945. The only correlation I can find is when training load isn’t calculated the respiration rate is either faulty (completely flat lined for the entire ride) or isn’t calculated at all. Out of ideas for how to fix it.
I received mit Edge 530 today. During my first trip the device turned off while I was following a predifined route. I had this problem before with my Edge 810 and there this seemed to be well known link to triathlon-szene.de. (This behaviour was less often, when I changed the setting of map detail to less.)
Therefore I now ordered then 530. Seems to be that the new models still have the same issue.
Anyone else having this issue? Any idea to solve it?
Thanks!
Update: here link to www8.garmin.com I found “Changes made from version 3.20 to 3.50:” and “Fixed a shutdown that could occur when calculating a route.”
Now installed 3.50., Hopefully this solves the issue.
I have used it for two weeks now. Mainly works flawlessly. Climbpro is OK, nutrition / hydration alerts Smart mode is fine and useful, acclimation / adaptation is also working nice, battery is perfect, a lot of new features and improvements :).
I tried BLE connection with Power2Max NG, working fine, but I do not see data for Torque and Pedal Smoothness. One of the reasons for buying it was BLUETOOTH SMART. Also one time stopped collecting BLE data from PM in the middle of a ride so I switched the connection to ANT+.
Have you idea why I do not see and what I need to have data for Torque or Pedal Smoothness?
For power meters, you definitely always want to use ANT+. And your scenario actually shows why. See, the Bluetooth Smart power meter spec doesn’t include Torque Effectiveness or Pedal Smoothness. So if you use the BLE side of a power meter instead of the ANT+ side, you won’t get those metrics.
Ironically enough, the most recent firmware for the Edge 530/830 in the last few days actually changes the default behavior (semi-back) to the normal which is to show you the ANT+ sensor side as a priority so one doesn’t accidentally pick that. While it’s good that Garmin allows BLE sensors of course, this isn’t really a Garmin problem to solve. The BLE spec for power meters is generally regarded as a decision by committee mess, and every power meter company I know of says to use ANT+ instead.
Yup, Power2max’s post is roughly correct, but skips over the details. Specifically that the ANT+ spec includes those metrics, but that the Bluetooth Smart spec doesn’t (it just has power balance and total power, plus cadence. And in some cases some other metrics).
Sorta like how US English and British English are sorta the same but sorta not. They say funky things that don’t really translate in the US. Roughly. Sorta.
So the first paragraph of their response is all correct.
However, the second paragraph is not. None of it is. Garmin supports Torque Effectiveness and Pedal Smoothness via ANT+ just fine, and all other companies implement it just fine. And it records just fine, and is viewable on Garmin Connect just fine.
Couple of weeks in and the 530 is still working fine.
However, I’m having a problem finding a menu option that should be there.
During a ride we should be able to press the top right button (3 dots on it) and in the menu there should be an option to set the elevation with a known ‘good value’
The 530 manual refers to this, my 520 used to have it also, but I don’t see the option on the actual 530 device.
Am I missing something, anyone can point me in the right direction?
@Ian Crawshaw: This menu does not exist in the 530, even though it’s in the manual. I contacted Garmin Support and the support person was able to verified it does not exist. In the meantime, if you do want to set the elevation, you can do it via the Saved Locations menu:
Menu –> Navigation –> Saved Locations –> Save My Location –> Edit –> Change Elevation
@Ian Cranshaw: This is how you set the elevation (from a comment left by georgiawx on the Garmin 530 forum):
“Before starting a ride, get the computer so the data screens are visible by pressing the enter button to select a profile, then once you have selected the profile you want, the data screens will be displayed. You can then scroll down to the elevation screen and press the enter button to access the menu. Scroll down to “Set Elevation”.
You can also do the after starting a ride by pausing and then scrolling down to the elevation screen and repeating the steps above once there.”
Thanks for this workaround, I can do what I want to do now.
Seems you need to have the elevation screen on in your activity profile to access this. I’d disabled the screen because I ride in a predominantly flat area.
Thanks for this review Ray.
The main feature I was reading the review for was Battery Saver mode and how it functioned for you. It looks like you didn’t cover it or is my CTRL+F skills lacking?
Thanks
I recorded a ride today on my Edge 530 and I attempted to follow a Strava Route through Connect IQ. The resulting .fit file after saving the ride is ~26MB in size, as opposed to the usual 400-600KB of my other similar rides. As a result I cannot upload this file now to Garmin or Strava and view my ride data at all.
Is there any reason the file size would be so big when following a route? and more importantly, is there anyway I can strip out the route following data from my .fit file and still keep all other data – speed, power, elevation, HR, etc?
I am currently on cycling holiday in Italy and this ride was up Tre Cime di Lavaredo so would be super disappointed if I cannot view my ride at all.
Many thanks, Grant.
Just a stab in the dark, but maybe run it through fitfiletools.com and try and strip out something or trim it and see if it produces a smaller file? Or try uploading to another platform, like TrainerRoad? Contact Garmin support?
fitfiletools has a size limit of 20MB. Garmin support have been absolutely useless – 3 emails back and forward and they keep copying and pasting the same “Error Occurs When Manually Uploading Activity Data to Garmin Connect” from their FAQ’s, without ever answering my questions…
I’m 99% sure there was nothing else running to make the .fit file so big. I like to keep things pretty clean and simple usually. To test, I also did a shorter ride following a route which was still 8MB (!!), but managed to upload eventually. Needless to say I have now ditched the route following…
I have my fingers crossed there might be a way to strip out the route following data similar to how fitfiletools can strip out power, HR, elevation, etc…
your Work is highly appreciated – hope to give yo a tiny bit back:
Actually, you CAN Export / import Garmin settings and cycling profiles – though this is NOT recommended (but known) by the Garmin service:
You just have to connect your edge as a hard drive on your PC/Mac and go to the Garmin/Settings folder (right, for settings), to the Garmin/Sports folder for the profiles.
Here you can copy your recent *.fit files (yes, the settings are also fit files) and paste them anywhere safe – or already take your saved settings and drop them here.
Tested, works for me – feel free to retry.
Nevertheless, I suggested to Garmin Service to enable an option to export/import with less hassle ;-)
Yes I mentioned this and Ray replied saying it is never a good idea. It was comment #861
Quote:
“Technically speaking it sometimes works to copy some of the Settings.fit over. But practically speaking I’d strongly recommend against doing so.
Generally speaking it’s one of those things that seems like a good idea at first, and might even work for a while. Then one random day something will crap itself, some setting will be stuck in a weird state, or otherwise unhappy. You’ll have long since forgotten about the tranfser, but in reality it might have just been that which caused it. It’s why Garmin officially doesn’t recommend it. Too many things have dependencies there that aren’t accounted for.
Of course, it’s also why all of us have been asking for a way to copy things like data field setup and such between devices in a supported way.”
Obviously Garmin does not inform it’s support staff about the button issues with the 530. Purchased mine here in Australia, discovered the return /back didn’t work so I called Garmin support, they basically doubted everything I said about the issue and how the unit could be broken after having it for one day, absolutely clueless. Now have to go through the hassle of returning the dud unit and wait for another unit and hope that it works.
Perhaps someone here can help with the following.. I’m having issues using the “MTB Trail Navigation” feature on the Edge 530, it’s not working. (same as on the Edge 830).
Whenever I select “MTB Trail Navigation” I need to select a start location on the map, I select a location next to a trail (Trailforks map is on). Difficulty is set to cover all options. Distance is set to ~10km (also tried other values with no luck). I keep on getting the same error message, “No routes found. Adjust the start point of your search to be in a trail network, and try again.”
I think the firmware has a bug, the system can’t find the trails that are visible on the map. And what is the Garmin definition of a “trail network”??
The Trailforks app has been activated under Connect IQ. I am able to download and load trails using the Trailforks IQ app, but not’s how I want to use the device. The device has a dedicated TF map that should be useable.
All maps are activated. I’ve tried switching the cycling ones off, but nothing changed.
The system is running firmware 3.50, maps are updated (cycling and trailforks maps updated with Garmin Express to 2019 versions, updated on 07-July-2019).
One thing I like about all Garmin devices I had is that they appear as “mass storage device” on your computer when connected via USB. That makes it very easy to use on them with Linux, e.g. if you want to copy a track in a gpx file you downloaded somewhere to the “New Files” folder. Can anybody confirm that this is possible with the 530 (and/or 830) as well?
Correct, for both Edge 530 & 830 (and all other Edge devices too, as well as all Forerunners and Fenix units, and actually, every Garmin wearable/cycling device that records data).
What is the beeper volume like when giving turn-by-turn-directions? I’m thinking about upgrading from the Edge 520 because it’s beeper volume is really very low, which is annoying espacially for turn-by-turn directions.
Thanks for the great review.
One question – apologies if I missed it.
Do you know if it is possible to upload additional maps to a 530 e.g. European maps to a US unit or vice versa? I read on another site that this was not possible on the 520 (only 820). Thanks
How I can get directions from an address on 530? without using map on Edge?
Maybe there an app on Connect IQ to search on mobile app and export the map to the Edge?
My experience, using an Edge 520, it doesn’t give turn by turn. Just 2 points, start and finish. But it works. With the Edge 520 Plus or 530 having routing ability, it may work better…..
I am using ride with gps website on the phone and IQ app on the 530. On the website via phone put in the two postcodes or business (start and to) and save as a route. It will automatically appear in the ride with gps IQ app in the 530. Delete the route online when no longer needed and it will disappear from the device.
the Garmin 530 is having some serious GPS issues. I’ve used it for 5 rides, and two of them have had pretty bad GPS tracks. I wait until it says the signal is locked before riding.
Out and back ride. The “out” portion was recorded perfectly, but the “back” end up having the track save north of the actual road.
530 track: link to strava.com
500 track: link to strava.com
Loop hike (530 was attached to top of backpack with direct line to the sky)
530 track: link to strava.com (they only thing correct was the start)
Fenix 5: link to strava.com
The 500 supports only GPS (less accurate), and the Fenix 5 was set to the same GPS+GLONASS as the 530.
Auto-pause isn’t enabled on the 530 (originally the Garmin customer service rep thought the issue with the loop hike was auto-pause)
I was pestering Garmin on facebook asking about when the mtb features would come to the edge 1030. They indicated that they have no idea what I was talking about. I shared your article, but it seem strange they would play dumb. Do you have a timeline for the mtb features to come to the edge 1030?
Do the Garmin Connect features that you mention above require an ongoing subscription payment, or are they perpetually free for owners of the Garmin unit? (My Specialized helmet comes with an ANGI crash sensor similar to the one described above that’s supposed to notify someone if a crash is detected, but it’s totally useless unless you keep paying Specialized an expensive annual subscription fee for the companion app.)
no subscription required. If Garmin decide to do so, I’m ditching their devices. Unless the hardware is free, I wouldn’t buy a device requiring a recurring subscription fee.
Also of note is that Specialized ditched the payment required for ANGI back a month or two ago, assuming you bought a Specialized Helmet (as opposed to just the pod for a 3rd party helmet).
The crash detection is making my nuts. Rip through some high speed rock garden and it’s always freaking out that I’ve crashed. I turn it off, but it just turns itself back on. Also, it would be nice to turn off the jump feedback. 50 to 100 notifications gets pretty annoying. And still no word back from Garmin about the crazy zooming out…
DC Rainmaker wrote:
> Also of note is that Specialized ditched the payment
> required for ANGI back a month or two ago
Wow, that’s great news! I wonder why Specialized hasn’t spread the news better. I bought my ANGI helmet just a few weeks ago, and the stuff in the box said I needed a subscription after the free trial. You think they’d at least put a sticker on the box saying the service is now free.
Hi Ray, have you seen any issues with pairing with Polar OH1 heart rate monitor? My Edge sees it as a found device but will not mark it as connected. OH1 is working, pairs with other devices just fine. Garmin support just says ‘oh well it’s a third party device’… any ideas would be much appreciated.
Thank you for the detailed and thorough review, as always! Here is my question: Does the edge 530 allow you to race a segment against your own recent efforts, like the 1030 (per Garmin’s web site)? Or does it only allow you to race against your PR? I am asking because I recently got back into riding, and it would be demoralizing to race against my PRs, but racing against my recent efforts would show progress. Hopefully, that makes sense :) Thank you!
It does allow you to race against your PR, rider ahead on the leader board, KOM, recent effort, but you have to select which you want, after the segment starts.
When I first set up my 530, I transferred over all my ,fit files from my 820. In hindsight it was not the right thing to do. The results were a bit of a mixed bag. Some things worked, others didn’t. The 530 connects to all my old sensors just fine, but nothing is listed on the sensors page. I’d like to delete all my sensors and add them back in, but given how big of a pain in the arse the 530 is to set up, the last thing I want to do is a complete factory reset. Does anyone know how I can reset my sensors without having to reset the entire unit?
How much internal memory does the 530 have? The text here says that the 530/830 are pretty much identical under the bonnet apart from the touchscreen but the Garmin site says that the 830 has 16Gb but no mention for the 530. I just wanted to see how much mapping could be loaded.
I’m currently using a Wahoo Bolt but considering switching over to a 530 for a couple of reasons – partly because my eyesight could with something a little bigger and a little brighter, but also I’m currently also using a Fenix 3 and I think there’s benefits to having all my kit in the same ecosystem…
This is more a general garmin query than strictly a 530 question – but is there any kind of “live link” between garmin devices? eg – can I get the HR data off a 945 (my other intended purchase) and have that on the 530’s display while riding?
In fact, you can. The Forerunner has the option to broadcast HR data gathered from its sensor. If you enable HR broadcasting it will pop up as a normal ANT+ HR sensor on your Edge.
Here’s a link to the FR935 manual, but it will work similarly on the FR945: link to www8.garmin.com
Note though that the wrist worn optical HR sensor is likely not to be as acurate as a chest strap.
I’ve used this mode a couple of times both indoors and outdoors with my Fenix 5 to see whether this is a useful backup option in case I forget my HR chest strap or if my batterie dies. Eventually I decided to just let it slide. Wrist HR does not work for me. Your mileage may vary though.
Then there is the option to use the Edge in “extended display” mode. In this mode, your FR945 is recording the activity whereas your Edge is just displaying data gathered by your watch. For full details, check out Ray’s recent post about this mode: link to dcrainmaker.com
Do you have more than 100 segments starred? Garmin is limited to 100.
Are those segments maybe downhill, even slightly? Or have wonky altitude data that makes them slightly downhill. Strava doesn’t allow live segments that are -0.25% is lower. That’s 2.5 meters of drop per kilometer.
I live somewhere very flat as well but that doesn’t prevent GPS altitude Inaccuracies from making Strava think segments are slightly downhill. GPS is more accurate for position then it is for altitude. GPS can easily be out by 2 meters and that’s all it takes over a 1km segment for Strava to think it’s downhill Just view the missing segment on a computer on Strava’s website, mouse over the start, note the altitude, mouse over the end and compare altitude.
I looked at a few segment but most of them have the same start alittude as the end altitude. Most of them are short segments though. Can that be a reason they won’t show up on the Edge?
Other than that make sure it is fully syncing. Segments can sometimes take a few syncs to all make it there. After that I don’t have any ideas, contact garmin support?
Just got the 530 and love the larger sized screen. But one thing that is confusing – with my Varia Radar 510, on my 520 I had it show up as both a light and a radar, and I could swap the light into different modes.
With the 530 it is only added as a radar, and there is no light control. Anyone else notice this or have a way to work around this. I tried deleting and re-adding, and always the same. Odd.
Have you tried adding it as a Light rather than as a Radar?
I had issues with this at first as well. Added it as a radar first, deleted it and then added it specifically looking for a Light sensor.
I miss the icons next to the display on the Edge 520. When I get stressed out I can forget stuff like which button is new lap and which button is start/stop. Not sure why Garmin has opted to remove the icons on the 530?
Thanks for a thorough review! One question about navigation:
I purchased 530 mainly to get turn by turn navigation when touring by bicycle. 830 isn’t available yet locally, so I opted for 530.
Now as there isn’t a way to plan routes in the device itself, what device platform & software would offer a good combination in creating them and loading to 530? Google Maps app in my Android phone does not seem to include route export. Preferably I’d not take a laptop with me when touring, so mobile platforms would be nice.
You can create routes on the devices or in Garmin Connect phone app or Strava (the use the Connect IQ Strava app to import on the device) or using another Connect IQ app like link to dynamic.watch
Thanks Leo 2019! About the RideWithGps: According to the mobile app info text, route planning is suggested to be done using web site and the site is not optimized for phone or tablet browsers at this time. So, using RideWithGps would require me to take a laptop to my tour, which I’m trying to avoid.
you can do it on the iphone. It works fine. I have my log in remembered and add the page below to my favourites so I’m directed straight to the route plannng page. For just putting in from where and to locations it works great though you can do more detailed routes.
6day old unit and first ride out using route navigation and four times this happened.
The first time it happened the unit seemed to be stuck in some eternal loop and when I turned it off it then went into a loop of turning off then on. Spent 20mins on the side of the ride trying to sort it out. Has anyone else had the issue and was it ongoing / was replacement needed? I’m tempted to just get a refund as I’ve already had more than my fair share of dodgy Edge units over the years.
Should mention it has the latest firmware installed.
Are you on beta firmware from roughly last week? That has a ton of fixes in it: link to www8.garmin.com
(Note: The beta is obviously beta, though generally I find good luck with beta software. As you can see it’s massive in the number of tweaks this time – I’ve never seen something so big from Garmin before).
Ray, Garmin Edge 530… Have you been in recent contact with Garmin about some of the ongoing issues. I have a couple of Edge 500s, yes the original ones, and they are rock solid in what they do. So with that, has Garmin said the 530 button issue fully resolved. Is it reliable to the point of major updates being over? I’ve been keeping tabs on this site but it’s not clear where we are in this product rollout cycle. Would prefer to hold off until it’s ready for general consumption as it were. Perhaps an update may be in order, if there is such a thing (like software versions to look for and if possible, serial numbers to look for of when they started manufacturing new units with the new buttons) as this would be very helpful in knowing when to take the plunge as it were. Thanks for all your good product reviews.
I don’t really think there’s any button issues at all these days. Those were sorted a long while back ago. I’ve seen maybe one or two comments since then, so I’m not sure if those are just expectation type things, or just a random lemon.
I also don’t really see any major issues with the product either. I use it almost daily without any problems. They’ve just dropped a huge beta firmware with lots of fixes or tweaks, though many of them are things you probably never knew existed as issues. Sorta if X & Y + Z = bug type things. Not discounting those, but just putting them in perspective.
Generally speaking Garmin doesn’t publish any serial numbers, and realistically speaking the units they said were impacted were already fixed on the line before the first people starting noticing them in since-shipped units (which was within the first week). Those people got replacement units already.
I personally have had a number of problems with the 530, but at least my buttons work : ) But now it seems the last beta has fixed everything! Zooming, map orientation, fork sight and always tuning on the crash alert even after you’ve turned it off has been addressed. And my biggest issue…. Nice jump! Can now be turned off!
I received mine on release day in the UK from Wiggle and it’s worked without a single real issue. Niggles that updates have resolved but no crashes, button problems or lost data. It’s done a few thousand km now.
Am I the odd one out or is it just that we (the users) only report problems?
To be honest I don’t use a lot of the fancy features, TBT navigation and always have Bluetooth off. This may help with stability.
Despite my lack of issues I still follow this page as it’s more current than the Garmin forum.
The back button on mine is not great. It’s a week old but maybe I had one that had been lying around in the warehouse since launch. It does work but you need to press it quite hard, more so than the others. Otherwise it doesn’t do anything.
I currently have a Bryton Rider 10. Now that I’m riding more, I’m getting into areas I haven’t ridden before and it’s annoying to me to have to keep referring to my phone. I’m thinking of either the 530 or 830. I always have my phone with me.
I know the 530 doesn’t have the ability to route to an address or POI directly. While I’m on a ride with just my phone and the 530. Is there a way for me to find a POI or address on my phone and then load this into the 530? or do I need the 830 for this?
Also, is there any difference in the way the 530 and 830 work when loading routes from Strava?
I Got my Edge 530 last week and today I wanted to try out the routing features. It (or more accurately I) failed.
I created a route on strava, connected 530 through my iphone BT and the 2 routes showed up in the 530 while I was sitting in my kitchen.
I started pedaling (& recording) and then 5min later stopped to select the route i wanted to do but couldn’t find it in any of the menu. I thought maybe I need to select it through the CIQ / strava menu, it said you have to stop recording to access CIQ. In the garmin menu, i could find course, segments even workouts but no “route”. To me these words are all synonyms and it ‘s possible different corp use similar words differently.
I’m in need of an Idiot guide to garmin navigation.
Indeed, technically speaking you ‘did it wrong’, though, I totally agree you. And was the main point I’ve made repeatedly that Garmin needs to streamline 3rd party routing into the device natively, and not through a clunky Connect IQ app. I’d argue it’s really the singular area that technologically speaking Wahoo does something better feature-wise than Garmin these days.
(Note: Wahoo does lots of user interface type things better than Garmin such as Strava Segments and more, but features-wise from a base technology standpoint those days are mostly gone. But Wahoo’s implementation of 3rd party route/course loading is so much better/easier than Garmin’s to use. It just works. At least until you start riding anyway.)
As for the ‘proper’ way you were supposed to access those Strava routes, it’s:
A) Pre-ride, open up the Strava Routes Connect IQ App. If it’s the first time you’ve done so, you’ll need to authenticate.
B) Find the route you want to ride. Just keep choosing the yes/ride option.
C) At this point the CIQ App basically transfers it to your device and it’s there forever.
D) You can now ride/select it whenever you want right from the normal menus.
I know there are apps that do it, for instance the Easy Route app (I think Ray has a review or mention of it elsewhere) allows you to send the GPX file it creates to the smart phone Garmin Connect app and from there send it to your Edge device.
I’ve seem this before, I had to re-do the bluetooth setup between the 530 and the smartphone after the firmware update. It didn’t happen with the previous update.
Actually I’m seeing a recurring issue with the iPhone Bluetooth connectivity since doing the 4.10 FW update. I went thru a re-pairing process, but after powering off the 530 and powering it back on, the connection problem is happening again. I didn’t see this with the original FW or the previous update.
Thank you for your consistently helpful reviews. I picked up a 530 bundle and am confused about pairing sensors. The V2 sensors were supposedly pre-set up on the head unit. I have a powertap g3 hub and am happy to use the speed readings from the hub instead of the v2. Will the 530 automatically use the g3 instead of the Garmin sensor? When I go to add sensors, the g3 doesn’t come up as a speed selection. Should it? Finally, I want to use the v2 cadence sensor since it will aid me on the trainer in winter. The 530 seems to find it no problem, but will it get overridden by the g3 cadence estimates? Thanks again, Ray!
Is anyone else having a problem with the maps on the 530? It was working fine but then, when I updated the maps using Garmin Express, the only map installed (other than the base map) was the Europe ‘North East’ (I live in the UK). I can’t seem to get garmin express to install the correct maps….. any help or experience with this?
When Garmin Express updates maps, it doesn’t necessarily update your specific maps – but just whatever maps/sets have updates for them. Yours may or may not have an update that day/week.
That said, I’ve never heard the European ‘North East’ terminology. Though, I’ve got an Edge 530 here sitting next to me I need to unbox that came from CT UK, so it should reflect yours if yours was a UK bought unit.
Have you used Garmin Express on a Mac? It seems that there is an issue, you may have to update Garmin Express and re-install the maps.
I had same issue on my Edge 530 and it worked.
After a 6 day tour, me using new Edge 530 and other rider using an iphone, I saw a significant difference in gps data. The garmin device consistently recorded fewer km and elevation changes compared to brand new iPhone X. For example 1727 m climbing versus 2270m and 94km distance versus 101km distance. We were never more than 20 meters apart. Has anyone else seen such discrepancies in data?
Meaning, if you looked at tracks and stuff? Generally speaking most people would likely find that the Garmin records better tracks than the iPhone, but you’d really need to compare the tracks side by side.
If you’ve got the exported track files, you can do so with the DCR Analyzer: link to dcrainmaker.com
In the early days of my bike tracking, I used an iPhone. I also experience slightly shorter distances and elevation gains after doing the same routes with a garmin device. But after looking back at the old tracks, I’d say it was more due to the wandering GPS track of the iPhone while the Garmin was more accurate.
Does the 530 allow pairing with a Garmin watch? Specifically the 935? It’s redundant to have a Garmin product and have to track my workout on the unit and my watch. Thanks for the great review!
Ok.. Been using the Edge 530 for a few days. A couple of quick questions:
-Should I be able to see Strava Starred Segments on the Edge 530? I see information in the docs about a Strava Segment Explorer Widget, but I don’t see the widget in the ConnectIQ store. I’m also not paying for Strava Summit.
-When I ride, should the Edge 530 automatically connect to my phone using Bluetooth? Or is this only supposed to happen when I have Garmin Connect open? I notice when Garmin Connect is open, it connects, but I don’t think it is always connected. Sometimes I see it connecting and disconnecting. This is with a Samsumg Galaxy s9+. I just want to make sure the notifications happen.
It seems like either the most recent update to the Garmin Connect app or the Garmin Edge firmware or both has made it necessary to restart the Garmin Connect app each time I power on my Edge 530. I have a short video showing it, The Garmin app is open and the Edge 530 is on, but it won’t connect until I quit the Garmin Connect app and restart it. I’ve gone thru the re-pairing process more that once and it hasn’t had any effect on the issue.
I’m trying to find a new GPS unit to replace my old Garmin Dakota 20 and rather than buy several units my thought is get a unit I can use for all many purposes (biking, tramping/hiking and kayaking). In terms of kayaking does anyone have any experience of using the Garmin Edge 520/520/820/830 through a clear dry bag (salt water is always bad for waterproof devices)?
Whilst in a drybag, do the buttons press ok on the 520/530 and does the touchscreen work ok on the 820/830?
After checking both the 530 and 830 in an electronics dry bag both units were perfectly usable. No issues pressing buttons on the 530 and no touch issues on the 830.
I did find the touch experience a lot more pleasing and logical. As a righty I would prefer the up/down and enter buttons on the right and back on the left side.
In the meanwhile I’ve been using the Edge 530 for a couple of months but it’s acting quite buggy/laggy.
On longer rides I encountered it just automatically restarts during the ride which is quite annoying.
I did the latest firmware update last week and went for a 150km ride today. It didn’t automatically restart this time, but the screen just froze … Just while I was climbing up a hill I had to reset the device. Also quite annoying :p
Result is also I’m missing some data for the climb.This freezing of screens also occurs sometimes while just navigating the settings menu. Quite odd.
In a few weeks I’ll be on vacation and planning to do Ventoux once again. Trying to break my previous times, but if it happens there I will just go mental I think :D
1. How much space is available on a new Garmin Edge 530 unit and how much is used by the base map (gmapsupp.img)? I’m trying to work out how much custom map data (eg, OpenStreetMap) can fit.
2. How may speed/cadence sensors can be paired with the unit. Suunto in their infinite wisdom only allow one for their Spartan Ultra which is painful if you have a MTB, road/gravel bike and a wind trainer.
Thanks for the great reviews, I recently upgraded from my original Edge 520 to the Edge 530. I’ve been very pleased with it. I found a widget/field called Wind Field that you should try.
My only issue is that I’m seeing a recurring problem with the iPhone Bluetooth connectivity since doing the Edge 4.10 FW update. I went thru the re-pairing process several times, and it works fine immediately after that, but after powering off the 530 and powering it back on (usually for some period of time, like over night), the connection problem is happening again. I didn’t see this with the original FW or the previous update. My workaround is to stop/kill the Garmin Connect app on my iPhone and restart it, once it restarts, the Edge connects to the iPhone just fine, till the next time.
My old Edge 1000 now used for indoors instantly connects to my phone, every single time.
My Edge 530 will mostly only connect if I take out the phone and open up the app. Weird
Yesterday, i just received a GPS firmware update
Curious to see if that fix it, since I almost always loose the signal during a ride
Like very every time in MTB
And already so often while road biking
I have just ordered one.
The coupon code (DCR10BTF) on the “Clever Training” website is really a good deal !!!
I compared with the price on the online (german) shops I usually buy stuff from and I have saved around 37 EUR
Pretty happy so far going from a Wahoo Bolt to the Edge 530 but one thing is driving me crazy: How do I handle red light stops during timed intervals in a structured workout? I understand that a stop means I am not doing the interval as prescribed but there has to be a way to at least stop and restart the interval somehow. Any ideas? On the Bolt jumping back and forth between intervals was quite easy but the Garmin seems to be forcing me to bomb through every crossing if I want to follow a workout. :|
Just returned my 530. Liked the unit generally, but the audio volume is so low that I could never hear my Varia Radar alerts. I could live with the lack of Dropbox file sharing and having to set up the screens on the unit itself etc. but not being able to hear the Radar alerts? Nope. Does Garmin actually ride a bike when testing?
Sadly stuck using an Edge 25 to display radar and my Bolt for everything else until a viable solution appears.
Maybe I missed it, but there is no mentioned of audio volume in the review.
thanks for this superb review. A question though that keeps bugging me. In the upper front left there seems to be a little dot behind the glass that looks like a camera (as you see it on a cellphone). Can you tell me what that is? Obviously some kind of sensor or somtething like that. I have been wondering for a while now what that might be..
Hi all, sorry if this is a real stupid question, but I can’t seem to find the details about the following:
If I want to use the Edge 530 for navigation and I want to use gpx files found on the web, or created by myself in either Komoot or Strava. How do I get those on the device WITHOUT using a desktop computer/laptop, only using my android phone. What steps does one you follow to achieve this? One store I asked said you can only do it from your desktop/laptop with a usb wire. However, I think I read in different reviews that you can do it with the Garmin Connect app.
I currently have a Wahoo Elemnt Roam, but am a bit dissapointed about the navigation (as I was warned about in the Roam review on this site, but I had to be stubborn). So I am investigating if I can still switch it for an Edge 530. My main (and only) reason for using a bike computer is: Navigation. And it needs to work without a desktop computer because I plan to do multiday bikepacking tours with no fixed routes in advance. So I want to create the routes on the road. Hope you can help. Thanks so much in advance!
I’ve used email to get gpx files into the iPhone Garmin Connect app and then transfer the route from the phone to the Edge 530. I’d think that it would work similarly on an Android phone.
On an iPhone I open the gpx file attached to the email, then use the “send to” icon to get the list of available apps. and select Copy to Connect. Once it’s in the Garmin Connect app select Training -> Courses -> “Course Name”. Then select the 3 dot menu selector (upper right corner) and select Send to Device. The course should then be transferred to the Edge head unit and you can select it for use from the Courses menu in the Edge.
Have it since a couple of weeks a like it a lot. Many useful features plus sufficient and well build hardware. What deserves more mentioning is in my view how well the Komoot App is working on the Edge when it is installed via Connect IQ. It is super easy now to plan routes inside your Komoot account on your computer, smart phone or anything else that can get online, and get it transfered to the Edge, instantaneously and automatically. Just make sure your Garmin Connect account is linked to your Komoot account. So to answer the question above, no need to exchange files manually. Just make sure your Edge can get a Wifi Connection. I havent tried it via USB or BT.
This review helped making the decision between Wahoo and Garmin. Bought it from Clever Training as recommended, which provides a good deal.
Thanks for the info on Kommot, sounds great.
I tried it on my 945, with no success.
I downloaded the App on my phone and created a route.
I downloaded via IQ Store on my device 945.
I connected the Komoot App to Garmin connect.
when I open Komoot on my device it asked me to connect via Garmin Connect, I again logged in and allowed the two Apps to transfer data. however at this stage I got stock. after I signed in on Garmin connect (Mobile App) I get an error message on my device “IQ!”
i tried a few times but I get the same thing every time.
“Can be” and “is ideal for” are two different things. It definitely can be used for hiking in the mountains, but its probably not idea for it. It will probably record okay data, but the GPS algorithms are going to be optimized for being mounted on a handlebar, so you might get less than stellar tracks. The other part is that you either need to use a CIQ Hiking app (they exist, not sure on Edge compatibility) or else just manually change the activity type from Bike to Hike afterwards in Garmin Connect or wherever you track your fun.
If you mainly plan to bike, but occasionally use the Edge for hiking it will probably be just fine.
I’m also keen to use for hiking (aka. tramping in New Zealand) and kayaking but manuals and other info on the web appears to be light on this. I don’t want to invest in a separate GPS just for hiking/kayaking and would like to use a Garmin Edge 530/830 or this purpose.
Also, if you’re doing something like a bike packing adventure and want to lock your bike up and climb a mountain on foot.
From what I’ve seen there are lots of options to customise bike riding but “Assumption is the mother of all fryups” so:
1. Can one create non-biking activity profiles like on Garmin handheld and watch GPS units (Hiking, kayaking, Mountaineering)?
2. As part of these activity profiles can you set the course routing to be hiking/direct?
Bonus question for those that know Komoot:
3. When syncing a route that contains waypoints, do the waypoints also sync (ie, lunch stop, top of pass)?
I would like to know, if it is possible to use the Garmin Edge 530 as a controll head-unit with my smart-trainer (brand new Elite Suito was ordered yesterday). I would like to download a structured workout from trainingpeaks to my device. The Edge should control my smart-trainer in ERG-Mode (same as Wahoo does it with the Elemnt and the Wahoo Kickr)?
Can you send a Waypoint to navigate to from the cell phone during a Workout. For Instance, you planned a route from A->B->C->D, but before arriving at B, you notice you won’t have time to finish the whole route, so you decide that from there you will skip B and C, and do something like A->NEW->D. Is it possible to make this kind of changes in routing without stopping the tracking of activities?
My unit won’t give me alerts and/or guidance on Strava segments. I do have Strava Summit and all (?) segments are on the Edge. When I approach a segment my Fenix 5+ switches to the usual segment alerts screen, the Edge doesn’t. Any idea what is going on? Do Strava segments work for everybody else?
yes I did and the Strava segments are all there. It appears that segments don’t work if you are navigating a course which baffles me as a former Wahoo user. There might be some – inconvenient – workarounds such as planning and loading the route from Strava but to be honest: I have no idea what Garmin’s idea is with regards to Live Segments – me just circling around and hitting a segment out of pure luck?
Quick question, is it possible to navigate to a random point on the map? So in other words, can you pick a random spot on the map and navigate there, or when on a pre loaded route, decide to go somewhere else? I understand it does take you back to the original route if you’ve gone off course, which is already a big help and why it has an advantage over the wahoo elemnt (although they are much cheaper).
Anyone knows how why auto start/stop doesn’t work in Workout mode, and whether there’s a different setting than the regular one to make it work? I ride outside in Workout mode with structures time intervals but if I got a red lightning, the device doesn’t auto pause.
Hello All,
is there a way to measure resting HR with the unit, apart switching it on in the morning, make a 3 minute workout meanwhile lying in the bed and then manually search for the lowest value?
Is there sth in the connect iq store to help me do that more automatically?
Anyone having issues pairing with Garmin Connect with iOS13?
Upgraded to an iPhone 11 and the Edge will not pair to Garmin Connect, just constant error messages and Garmin support were unable to assist other than saying they are looking into the issue.
I had the same problem, I just went from an iPhone 8 to an iPhone 11 and I have a Edge 530. It took me quite a few tries to get it paired, here’s what I can offer. All the usual stuff first:
1 – Completely remove the 530 entries from the iPhone BT screen
2 – Remove the iPhone from the Edge 530
3 – Power cycle the iPhone and the Edge 530
4 – Cycle the BT and Wi-Fi off and back On on both devices (I know, seems odd, but give it a try)
5 – Now power off on the Edge 530, open the Garmin Connect app on the iPhone 11 and click the + in the upper right corner, or go to the Garmin Devices menu and then power on the Edge 530.
6 – Now, when the 530 is presented, initiate the add device strictly from Garmin Connect. This worked for me. It seems like what was causing me issues before was that I was first going into the iPhone BT screen and pairing one of the BT instances (they look the same now, but on my 520 there was a BT and a BT-LE entry) from the 530 and then trying to finish via Garmin Connect and it was failing every time.
Good Luck with it.
So I’d basically only like to point out, that the alarm feature sadly works. I had a very slow crash with a car and it immediately send my GF my emergency information.
Yeah I’m alright, thanks. Just not quite sure about the state of my bike. That’s the joy of having a carbon bike, you may not even see damage. But considering the front wheel is the only thing that hit the bike and it’s still true and only my fork/handlebar was out of allignment, I’ll call myself very lucky.
I have bought the Edge 530, works great and all but I just can’t seem to figure out how to stop (or disable) turn by turn navigation when using the imported Strava route.
I already know the route so I’m using it just to have the ClimbPro function and/or virtual partner on.
Hi – to quote Lawrence Olivier in Marathon Man “is it safe?”
I have been trying to justify ditching my 820 for a 530 and keeping life simple but have held back until I don’t risk getting a beta version as per normal Garmin tactics.
I won’t quote you if it again ends up like pulling teeth (see what I did there?) but will value your expert view
Cheers, G
I’m located in Australia and currently ebay is having a 20% sale off tech and one of the vendors is selling garmin products so yeah. Not sure if this would benefit anyone overseas
Edge 530. Issue with Climb Pro. Early on any course loaded through Garmin Connect or Easy Route would produce climb pro qualifying climbs.
Now month later I wanted to extend the distance of a known course. So I go through the creation process of known climbs and add some streets/roads : send to Garmin connect and :send to device.
Hmm, that’s odd. Probably worth raising a support ticket to Garmin so they can see if there’s something on that specific course/route that’s trigging it to fail/catch.
I live in North America and bought the unit in North America. So the unit is pre-loaded with maps for North America. What do I do when I go on a cycling vacation in Europe? How do I get and load the maps for Europe?
I have an issue with syncing of the Edge 530 to Garminf Connect Mobile during an activity. While riding today on Gran Canaria (yes, very nice:-) I had some issues with the route I created through EasyRoute and synced before the ride, so I decided to tap out a route in Connect Mobile hoping for a better experience. Connect Mobile route creation was better than expected, I hit “send to device” but I did not manage to sync the device and never got the route to my Garmin. I tried while auto-paused and after hitting stop. Do I really have to save my activity (breaking up my Strava ride in two?) if I want to sync a course to my device during a ride, or is there a better way?
Does anyone’s 530’s TBT distance countdown gets stuck at the initial distance – that means the turn distance does not decrease as you get closer to the turn. I’ve missed a few turns and was confused by the unit’s navigation when i came across this thread link to forums.garmin.com
It’s quite a huge bug and not sure why Garmin is not putting all stops to resolve it.
The 5.0 Version of firmware released today with a bunch of fixes. link to www8.garmin.com
I’m hoping it fixes some recent issues that I was seeing.
Now if it’ll just stop raining, maybe I can get out on a ride to try it out.
Downloaded new 5.0 for the edge 530 this morning.
My issue was known climb pro hills were no longer being sent to device on a revised/edited course.
5.0 – those previously loaded courses no longer do climb. I suspect that previous “hills” and algorithms/definitions have changed. Repeat. Previously saved climb pro courses loaded to the 530 now no longer have that feature.
Now. 5.0 still shows climbs on some well known gravel races. So the feature still works. Something in the mapping is off. Ride With GPS ive had the best luck with.
Garmin connect maps and Easy Route The 2019 DK100 course only shows one “climb” now. I believe prior to the 5.0 update there were 3 on my previously loaded course.
Ray,
Here’s a feature that I’d request (but doubt if it would be implemented). I’d like to see the option of having Garmin notifications (like the hydration, nutrition, or navigation) sent to the Apple Watch. I often don’t hear the notifications from the Garmin head unit, but I never miss the tone and haptic notices on my watch. Seems like it would be possible via bluetooth, even if it required the phone and the Garmin Connect app.
My 530 loaded the new software last night and left the unit plugged in. Seemed to be working last night. Work up this morning for a ride and the unit looks turned off and non-responsive. Press power and nothing, plug back in and nothing. Power on holding lap and start button, nothing. Any thoughts? Suggestions?
If you have a different cable with the same connector, you might try that. I’ve have cables go bad, so that’s worth a short to see if maybe your cable is bad and wasn’t charging your Garmin.
Similar issue last Sunday on mine. Completely unresponsive. There was the grey circle in centre of the screen with a line through a gap, similar to when charging.
Phoned Garmin, they suggested holding the off button for more than 30 seconds (I had tried holding but probably less than this)
Eventually it powered up – and wanted Version 5 so I installed that.
Everything working fine since.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for your responses. I did try multiple cables and power bricks thinking that maybe the cable was not working and/or the power brick damaged the unit. I am using an Anker mutliport USB brick. I did try Erik’s option and held the power button for 30 sec, that did the trick. Prior to that I had tried the various resets, hold the start/stop and lap button while holding power and the down button while holding power. My guess is I never held those down long enough.
Curious what the issue was. As I think back, the unit never went to sleep mode when I plugged it in, so may be some issue with the 5.0 software after I initially installed it. But it does seem to work and show charging, will update you all as I use it.
I’ve had a few of those lockups/hangs with the “power” symbol always showing. It you look back, (quite a few postings), I included a picture and in those cases it did take a longer hold on the button reset combo to get it out of that condition. I’ve just recently installed the 5.0 firmware update, but haven’t done any outdoor rides yet to put it through it’s paces. I had also seen a case or two where the navigation kind of locked up (usually with a “Calculating %”, in those case I just stopped and restarted the route that I was doing, I didn’t have to do a reset of the head unit.
Hi eveyrbody, is it possible to easily compare your current velocity to the average one? My old analog Cateye computer had a small plus or minus sign next to current velocity if I ran faster or slower than my average velocity. It is one feature, that I miss on my Polar M460 (among many others). Wahoo Elemnt Bolt does have this feature with small arrow, so I am wondering, if Garmin can do this as well. TIA. Ritchey
I just bought an Edge 530 today to replace my 520 which broke, and I must say that while it looks beautiful the buttons are just terrible. The haptic feedback from the button makes it feel like it’s been pressed before the button actually registers so there’s a lot of missed clicks, maybe 20-30% loss of clicks on the down button in particular. For me, the entire reason for selecting the 530 over the 830 is physical buttons that can ostensibly be operated while wearing gloves in winter. Hopefully I simply won’t need to do a lot of button pressing once I start my rides in the winter.
I decided I just couldn’t live with the wonky down button so contacted Garmin for warranty support, which has been good so far. I did have to put a deposit for the full value of the unit to expedite shipment of the replacement but that will be refunded when they receive the original. The replacement unit buttons are better, they are not great feeling buttons but at least none of them has the false click sensation that was leading to the missed clicks on my original 530.
The screen on my Edge 530 died after two years, it sometimes blinks to life when riding along. It’s possible (barely) to operate the unit just based on the sounds it makes with no display, but I’ve switched back to an old Edge 800 now even though it renders my Varia useless since it isn’t compatible. Very disappointing product longevity.
Hi all, my Edge 530 (5 rides old) prompted me to update before my ride yesterday which I cancelled, then after the ride I updated & then spent nearly as long trying to reconnect it to my iPhone 11 running iOS13 (consulting a few websites for ideas) all without success, so was unable to retrieve the ride log for Strava upload! Thus at this point my 530 is useless as I cant connect it to my iPhone, so before I put it up for sale, has anyone any suggestions on how to fix this? It constantly fails to pair after the pairing code appears. Thanks in advance..
A little more research suggests the latest v5.00 of the firmware fixes this, so will check later as I would have thought that was the latest version that I updated to?! ..
Hey Ray, did you have any chance to play with the eBike ANT+ support? Curious to see how it looks like, there does not seem to be much on the internet about it but it seems like a new feature of the *30 series, right?
Hi @Fabio, I have an Orbea Gain with the Garmin Blutooth module and I can see my power staus , battery charge status and remaining range on the 530
See attached photo.
They are just normal data fields
Someone posted a video of the gamin transmitted module retrofic on the older Orbea bike with ebikemotion motor(its not my vide) link to youtube.com
It is a shame that Edge 530 cannot send Varia Radar alerts to phone. This is a missing security feature. Who cares about hydration alerts when a mostly basic security feature is not implemented…
Easy. If I’m listening music while riding (I know I should not) with headphones connected to my phone is very dificult to hear the Garmin/Varia beep when car is approaching. If the Edge could send this beep to the phone, I could hear it thru the headphones.
I agree. The merits of riding with headphones in is debatable, but plenty of people (myself included) do it. Having the Varia alerts beep in my headphones would be a great feature. I mean navigation alerts are pumped through the phone via the IQ Connect app, so they thought there was a benefit to this.
Hi Ray,
Great review as usual at least when it comes to new features and GPS. May be you could improve even further.
For some folks like me who like riding in the mountains the accuracy of inclination matters a lot as well.
Since E520 is not able to measure inclination reliably (I returned my E520 twice only to recognize that all 3 units where not being able to show inclination at least roughly correct.) I wonder if that is fixed with the E530 so that accuracy comes into the range of the E510 again?
For me that would be a trigger for purchasing that device and selling my E520 to someone may be in the Netherlands who may not need much inclination accuracy.
Buy the way I am a little suspicious now with Garmin service. May experience with E520 and Index Scale is, that they are quick in accepting returns for replacements. But I think Garmin just collects and sends the mail functioning part to someone else as a refurbished one as offten as you like.
No normally not. But my problem is that I trusted the review and did not expect that the grad measure is not reliable at all. But of course I hesitate to throw more money at Garmin because the 520 does not work as claimed.
It honestly depends on what priceyou’re talking about for the Edge 530 and the Edge 520 Plus. If you’re saying the Edge 520 Plus is $100 – then of course, go with that.
But the Edge 530 has been discounted on Amazon for much of the last 3-4 weeks at $260ish, and at that price, assuming the Edge 520 Plus is roughly $200 or so, I’d go Edge 530.
Ultimately just depends on what features you plan to use.
My point is that I feel bad even spending another 100€ for the E520 only because the E520 is not performing as claimed. Unfortunately DCR is missing like other to check accuracy of the Grad measure. After Grad was acceptably performing on the E510 it did not work reliably on the E520 and users here say that bug is fixed with E530.
After reading your excellent review I purchased an E530 recently. Unfortunately, despite numerous attempts, I am unable to get it to connect to my SRAM etap derailleur. When I go to “Add sensor” it detects the shifting sensor with the ANT+ code but it will not connect to the sensor. I have successfully connected to my cadence sensor. I have followed various tips on how to get the devices to connect including resetting the dérailleurs by removing and reinserting their batteries and resetting the E530 before attempting to connect. I have made sure that the dérailleurs are awake, being aware of their 30 second time out.
I am beginning to despair of ever getting my shifting info on the E530 but hoped that you or one of your readers might have any suggestions. Thanks!
Hi I’ve been using the 530 a while now and overall i like it a lot. However the popping-up of the segments and climbpro pages when following a route can be quite annoying some times. In particular when on the Mountainbike and following a route I keep watching the map page (as directions are useless in the woods), it happends then that the segment page and/or climbpro keep popping up, while im trying to read the map and determine where to go. Is there a way to leave both features on (im aware that i could turn both of completely of course) but have them as a page where i can decide myself whether to switch to or not (no auto-function).
In the activity’s main setting page i can turn on/off climbpro, in the settings for this activity’s climbpro page there is another switch (something like “show before climb”, mine is in german sorry) but they seem to be linked: When turning one on/off the other is also changed.
Thank you for the EXCELLENT in depth review!
My only complaint so far is I feel like when I go to press the buttons it could turn it starting an unlock.
I swim, bike and run. Then, I come here and write about my adventures. It’s as simple as that. Most of the time. If you’re new around these parts, here’s the long version of my story.
You'll support the site, and get ad-free DCR! Plus, you'll be more awesome. Click above for all the details. Oh, and you can sign-up for the newsletter here!
Here’s how to save!
Wanna save some cash and support the site? These companies help support the site! With Backcountry.com or Competitive Cyclist with either the coupon code DCRAINMAKER for first time users saving 15% on applicable products.
You can also pick-up tons of gear at REI via these links, which is a long-time supporter as well:
Alternatively, for everything else on the planet, simply buy your goods from Amazon via the link below and I get a tiny bit back as an Amazon Associate. No cost to you, easy as pie!
You can use the above link for any Amazon country and it (should) automatically redirect to your local Amazon site.
Want to compare the features of each product, down to the nitty-gritty? No problem, the product comparison data is constantly updated with new products and new features added to old products!
Wanna create comparison chart graphs just like I do for GPS, heart rate, power meters and more? No problem, here's the platform I use - you can too!
Think my written reviews are deep? You should check out my videos. I take things to a whole new level of interactive depth!
Smart Trainers Buyers Guide: Looking at a smart trainer this winter? I cover all the units to buy (and avoid) for indoor training. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
Check out
my weekly podcast - with DesFit, which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!
Get all your awesome DC Rainmaker gear here!
FAQ’s
I have built an extensive list of my most frequently asked questions. Below are the most popular.
You probably stumbled upon here looking for a review of a sports gadget. If you’re trying to decide which unit to buy – check out my in-depth reviews section. Some reviews are over 60 pages long when printed out, with hundreds of photos! I aim to leave no stone unturned.
I travel a fair bit, both for work and for fun. Here’s a bunch of random trip reports and daily trip-logs that I’ve put together and posted. I’ve sorted it all by world geography, in an attempt to make it easy to figure out where I’ve been.
The most common question I receive outside of the “what’s the best GPS watch for me” variant, are photography-esq based. So in efforts to combat the amount of emails I need to sort through on a daily basis, I’ve complied this “My Photography Gear” post for your curious minds (including drones & action cams!)! It’s a nice break from the day-to-day sports-tech talk, and I hope you get something out of it!
Many readers stumble into my website in search of information on the latest and greatest sports tech products. But at the end of the day, you might just be wondering “What does Ray use when not testing new products?”. So here is the most up to date list of products I like and fit the bill for me and my training needs best! DC Rainmaker 2024 swim, bike, run, and general gear list. But wait, are you a female and feel like these things might not apply to you? If that’s the case (but certainly not saying my choices aren’t good for women), and you just want to see a different gear junkies “picks”, check out The Girl’s Gear Guide too.
![image_thumb[32]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2019/04/image_thumb32.png "image_thumb[32]")
![image_thumb[35]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2019/04/image_thumb35.png "image_thumb[35]")
![image_thumb[36]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2019/04/image_thumb36.png "image_thumb[36]")
![image_thumb[38]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2019/04/image_thumb38.png "image_thumb[38]")
![image_thumb[40]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2019/04/image_thumb40.png "image_thumb[40]")
![image_thumb[17]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2019/04/image_thumb17.png "image_thumb[17]")
![image_thumb[19]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2019/04/image_thumb19.png "image_thumb[19]")
![image_thumb[21]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2019/04/image_thumb21.png "image_thumb[21]")
![image_thumb[23]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2019/04/image_thumb23.png "image_thumb[23]")
![image_thumb[26]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2019/04/image_thumb26.png "image_thumb[26]")
![image_thumb[28]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2019/04/image_thumb28.png "image_thumb[28]")
![image_thumb[30]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2019/04/image_thumb30.png "image_thumb[30]")
![image_thumb[1]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2019/04/image_thumb1.png "image_thumb[1]")
![image_thumb[5]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2019/04/image_thumb5.png "image_thumb[5]")
![image_thumb[7]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2019/04/image_thumb7.png "image_thumb[7]")
![image_thumb[9]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2019/04/image_thumb9.png "image_thumb[9]")
![image_thumb[11]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2019/04/image_thumb11.png "image_thumb[11]")
![image_thumb[13]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2019/04/image_thumb13.png "image_thumb[13]")
![image_thumb[15]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2019/04/image_thumb15.png "image_thumb[15]")
I just got my 530 today. Took a little to get used to it but overall its awesome. The only complaint is the tactile feel of the buttons. Is mine defected or does it feel like sometimes the back button doesn’t work unless you press it in a certain way?
I have the same problem and the back button on mine completely stopped working before I got the device set up. Had to return it before I was able to try it.
Apparently I am not the only person with the hard to press back button. Mine has to be pressed really hard to actually activate.
Same. Got mine today from REI in the US. The back button is basically unusable. That’ll teach me to be an early adopter: this is going back. I’m not fighting with a button mid ride for $300. This is so widespread on this forum that I’m hoping a software update would enhance, but it seems hardware related so I have little hope… I’ll probably give it two months and buy it back then. First production batch was not a winner…
Just picked up my new Edge 530. Not an auspicious start. The “back” button requires a really hard press to register.
Also, all buttons, except the back button, register a click when pressed.
I’m another with the flaky back button. I’ve never had it not work but I really need to press hard on it about half the time. The other half it works ok. CT is sending a replacement for comparison.
Same here … They had to change my brand new 530 because some buttons were flaky ..
Hi there, a theoratical wuestion.
If there is sth wrong with first batch from button pressing perspective, will garmin replace these units in the future? Or you will have to use what you bought or send it back to the retailers meanwhile hoping fingers crossed, that it will be corrected in half a year and then you can fetch one from a local store?
Just wandering how much trouble i just caused myself after hitting so fast the ordering button:)
No theory required, Garmin is already replacing buttons for people that it’s malfunctioning. I’ve seen a few folks comment to that extent.
Given the slight surge I’ve seen of folks saying there’s issues – I just sent Garmin a note on it. Of course, as always, it’s hard to tell the exact extent of a problem since people with no button issues generally don’t note that the buttons work just fine. My rough guess here is that it may be a batch thing – but that’s just a super rough guess.
You can add another to the back button issue list. I was hoping it was all in my head that the button didn’t feel as positive as all the others when pressed but this just confirms it with all the other reports. The funny thing is I decided to get the 530 with buttons to avoid all the touch screen issues that the 830 “might” have. LOL
Maybe it’s just like the old Apple Antennagate thing: You’re just inappropriately touching it the wrong way.
RE: Button pressing
Heard back from Garmin – their mechanical team is investigating now. But, probably goes with out saying that if you’ve got a bum button, simply ring Garmin up and get the unit swapped out. Life’s to short to deal with non-clicky buttons.
Would I contact Garmin or REI (where I ordered it)?
Nevermind, I see above to contact Garmin
Just got off the phone w/ Garmin support. Very friendly and helpful. She seemed very surprised when I told her about my “back” button issue, saying she has not heard of that being an issue. She said they’ve only received 1 owner notification of a faulty “back” button thus far. I questioned her on that, but she stood firm (of course, I don’t believe this for a second). She said the case is being investigated by the mechanical team (which I doubt they would do if there were only 1 device owner notification of an issue) and asked if they could add my name to this issue. Said the mechanical team which reach out to me if need be (said this would be unlikely) and support would reach out to me for any further steps based on the mechanical team’s findings.
Otherwise, I’m really happy w/ this device, ha/ha.
I spoke with Garmin this morning too about my back button and they said they would ship me a replacement and send me an email within the hour with this information. Its now going on 3 hours and I have yet to receive my email from Garmin on my replacement. I’ve had Garmin’s for the past 8 years with the 1030 being my last until it had issues and moved over the the Wahoo Bolt which has been rock solid for a year. I thought I would dip my toes back in the Garmin ecosystem since this new 530 has new features and a better mapping system and 6 days into my Edge 530 I’m now wondering if the Wahoo with way less features but way more stability might be the smarter choice. I even considered buying the rear radar today to go with the 530 but now second guessing everything.
It’s the new Garmin #Buttongate ?
@Chris McKeown:
If the Edge 530 is in stock at the REI store you plan on visiting, I think getting it replaced at REI would be quicker. If you explain the issue to them, I am quite sure the friendly REI folks would allow you to check for malfunctioning button before taking it home.
I just received my 530 today. Same issue with the back button. It takes way too much force to engage it, and even when I apply a lot it only works one out of every 3 or 4 times. I suspect that this is a widespread issue.
We have identified the root cause and already corrected the issue with manufacturing prior to the first field reports. We saw an unexpected interference in the back button on some units that didn’t show up in test builds. The tooling has already been modified and bad housings reworked. If you do encounter this issue on one of the early units, please contact your local Garmin product support and we will address.
Shawn@Garmin: Thanks for responding here! Glad you guys were able to figure this out relatively quickly.
My replacement arrived today with a defective back button.
@Chris Cooper: I hope I’ll have better luck with my replacement. It’s really terrible customer service to ship out a replacement unit that exhibits the same exact same issue.
How about issues with other buttons? The down button doesn’t work on mine.
I picked up the 530 from my local bike shop the day before yesterday. Brought it home and while setting up I noticed the “down” button had what felt like two positions, a half push and full push. I took the unit back to the shop the next day and tried the other unit they had and it had the exact same issue with the down button so got a refund. I was converting back to Garmin from Wahoo but this is a huge quality control issue that is giving me pause. I am at minimum going to wait a few months to see how things shake out.
Bought the Edge 530 in the UK (Clever Training UK). Defective back button. Clever Training does not exchange the unit. Garmin UK suggests to have it replaced with Garmin.cz (Czech Rep. – my residence). Garmin.cz says they don´t have it in stock.
Bottom line – Garmin has my (not defective) money, I am stuck with their faulty product with the season being in full swing.
What next?
Hi Jiri-
You’ve essentially got two options at this point:
A) You can return it to Clever Training UK, but I don’t think they have additional stock at this moment for support swaps
B) You can go back to Garmin CZ support and force their hand a bit. In most cases they can order support swap stocks from Garmin UK and then get your unit swapped out
I agree, Garmin support should absolutely have stock of products set aside for current customers, which should always take priority over customers that are still in the queue for new units. Generally that happens fine in the major support hubs, but I could see scenarios where Garmin CZ may simply be out of support stock.
Hello Jiri,
We have one of our team members working to get in touch with you to get your device replaced. Thank you for the communication and apologies for the delay.
Spoke with Garmin – entire product is going back and getting a replacement.
Other than the button issue, loving the new unit. Definitely takes some getting used to but once you do, its pretty good. I have to say that they screen set up has gotten a lot easier – still not sure why you cant do it via app – but now you can mass select fields and trade places or exchange them – its pretty clever.
Agree
Used mine for the 1st time last night and I agree as well, great unit but the dang back button is an issue!!
So will you be without a unit until it’s fixed or replaced? Not sure I can be without a unit during peak training time. LOL
@Todd:
Just got off the chat with Garmin support. They are aware of the button issue affecting quite a number of users. I asked if it was possible for the replacement unit be checked for malfunctioning button before being shipped to me. I was told because the Edge 530 is so new, they would create a special case for me to validate all the buttons are functioning before shipping it to me. I don’t know if they are doing this to everyone who’s getting a replacement Edge 530 or if this is something you have to ask for.
I was offered two replacement options: The first option is to ship your faulty device back and then wait for them to ship the replacement back to you. That may take up to two weeks. The second one – the one I picked – is what they called the “immediate ship” option. They put a charge on your credit card while they ship you the replacement unit. When they receive your faulty Edge 530, they would refund the charge on your credit card.
@ Changren:
Thank you! I just spoke with Garmin as well and picked the same option as you. I didn’t mention the special case senario so I’ll just have to keep my fingers crossed!!
Thanks again for the info!
Can I ask if you’re in the UK or US? I’ve just spoken to UK technical support and they didn’t give any return option, just a return to retailer. I wonder if it’s worth trying again.
I’m in the US. They are sending me a new unit but unfortunately doesn’t seem like it will be in stock for a few weeks. I figure everything will be sorted by then. For now I will use my 945.
I spoke to soon. Replacement shipped same day. I hope this one has no issues.
Chose the same return option. Excited to have that option available so I can keep using my 530, lone defective button or not.
Does the 530 have the capability to change the X & Y sizing on the elevation profile screen? My 820 let me do it but I can’t find how or if I can change it on the 530.
@Jamie:
It was not possible to adjust the scale in the elevation profile screen in the non-touchscreen Edge 520 and it does not appear to be possible in the Edge 530 as well. It would be nice if Garmin could implement the same zoom in/out functionality in the map/navigation screen to the elevation profile screen as well.
Isn’t it why ClimbPro to be designed for? To compensate the inability to adjust scale on Edge 520. Just my guessing.
@changren
Thanks for the reply and confirmation. I really liked being able to change the X & Y on that screen. Oh well. I got a very early unit last week and fortunately all of my buttons seem to be working well.
Latest from Clever training UK:”We are expecting to receive more units of the Garmin Edge 530 in to our warehouse this week and each week thereafter. We are looking to fulfil all back orders by the end of May and until your order is dispatched, we will be in touch on a weekly basis to keep you updated.
If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.”
Light at the end of the tunnel.
I just email from clevertraining uk that order completed followed with email from carrier containing tracking details. Finally. Now crossing fingers that back button will be working fine :)
When do you have ordered your Garmin? And which Bundle?
Stefano: 26.4.2019 and device only. No use for sensors.
Ray, perhaps you are aware of this. On the Safari browser (iOS 12.3), not all the comments – especially the recent ones – show up in the mobile version of this post. The missing comments do show up when I switched to the desktop version.
got an email from CT :-)
_____________________________________________________
Thank you for your patience and we are happy to announce that the Garmin Edge 530 GPS Cycling Computer units have finally started to arrive into our UK warehouse.
Some units have arrived this week and we will be receiving the units as well next week.
The bulk of the units are scheduled to be arriving in the last few business days in May as well and going forward we will be sending out notifications every Wednesday evening to update you on your incoming order.
As a reminder that on the day that your unit ships a shipping and tracking email will be generated at that time to provide you with the ETA.
If you have any current or further questions or concerns please contact the UK Clever Training Team at:
CUSTOMER SERVICE
(01772)331852
sales@clevertraining.co.uk
Kind Regards,
Paul O’Rourke
I have had my Edge 530 for a few days now, 2 outside rides and during both rides the unit did a restart all on its own, has anyone else had this issue? And is there anyway to adjust the data that is shown on the Climbing screen? would like to add power/lap power to that screen?
Also, been using a 520 for so long and mapping with courses via bread crumb trail I found it really annoying to have roads displayed on the screen…….Too many roads………..
Double-check you’re on the latest firmware (fastest 100% sure way is to connect it to Garmin Express on your computer) for the restart bit.
You can change the density of the maps if you want to deep in the mapping section.
Thanks! Completely removed the maps from the screen actually. And yep, on latest firmware as of now w/ 3.20.
At least by back button works…….
Mine also, but the LBS where I bought were aware of the problem and tested each unit (while uploading the regional maps), some were faulty.
The “Grit” and “Flow” MTB dynamics looks interesting. It appears to be a similar – but much simpler – implementation of what the guys at TrailSense are doing (https://trailsense.com). Any thoughts on this Ray? I guess that a dedicated sensor on the frame provides more accurate data compared to sensors placed in the head unit?
I just bough a Bolt and am debating returning it. I am wondering how widespread the button problem is that I have read reports about. For people that have experienced it, does it seem to be a physical issue with the button or a software issue/glitch?
The button issue is a physical issue and not software, All of the button on the device have a positive feedback “click” feel when pressed except the back button. That button has a soft “no click” feedback that it was press feel 90% of the time. I assume it’s something with how that button was aligned when attached to the PCB board that it doesn’t make enough contact with the physical outer rubber cover.
Just got the edge 530. Would not pair with my inreach mini. Could not get the Strava routes to work. After spending 35 minutes on the phone with Garmin I was told:
Inreach mini does not work with bike computers. Pairs with Fenix because fenix is made for exploring. Has never paired with bike computers. I pointed out mountain biking is why I purchased the 530. Does not work with bike computers.
They could not get Strava routes to work either. I need to contact Strava. Second party software. Has nothing to do with them.
Not thrilled with Garmin
RE: inReach Mini: While I agree with you that it’s silly Garmin hasn’t added support to it for the Edge units (something I pointed out a year ago), it’s also hard to be angry since it was never advertised to be there.
RE: Strava: Oddly enough, this is actually a legit Strava issue assuming it’s the same issue I think it is (and it affects more than just these devices). Strava is working on it. I stumbled onto it as well. Are you talking about the inability to authenticate the Strava Routes app for the first time? If so – I’ll dig up my steps for how to get it to work. It’s technically easy to do, but just wonky.
You’re correct. I just assumed the inreach mini would work with a device that was promoted as being mountain bike friendly.
It sounds like my problem with Strava is the same as the one you found. I would like your help on that.
You gave a way to have the edge 520 show “if found” info on start up. I know I got it from your site, but can’t find it. Could you please send me that link.
My back button works fine. I got mine from clever training US
No problem. The quick one – here’s how to add the ‘if found’ option: link to dcrainmaker.com
As for the Strava Routes CIQ app issue (where you get ‘session is expired’ when trying to authorize it the first time), here’s my instructions (sorry if they’re a bit unclear).
1) Open the Strava Routes CIQ app on Edge
2) It’ll ask on your phone to authorize Strava, click OK/etc…
3) It’ll then open up the Strava. Do NOT click agree or whatever yet.
4) From within that little embedded window that popped up – sign out of Strava. The core of the problem here is that you were previously signed into Strava from within that embedded window.
5) Now after signing out of Strava from that little window, abruptly close the Garmin Connect Mobile app (like, kill the app).
6) That should also error out the Strava Routes app on the device, but if now, just press back button.
7) Now, open Garmin Connect Mobile app on your phone again
8) And then open up Strava Routes app, and follow prompts like normal
9) This time it should prompt you to first sign-in to Strava, and then it’ll ask to authorize Garmin.
10) You’re good to go now.
I know it sounds like a lot of steps, but the whole interaction can be done in under 30 seconds, I’m just trying to make it super clear.
Strava knows about the issue and is actively working on it from their site. It’s some sort of session persistence thing.
Hope this helps!
Thanks, the Strava fix worked. I remembered I had emailed the “if found” instructions to a friend. This is the link: link to dcrainmaker.com
It still works
link to dcrainmaker.com
The last part of the link was cut off.
/2013/08/display-number-garmin.html
Not sure what happened
Very useful thanks Ray! My 530 wanted me to reauthorise strava apps after the 3.20 update yesterday – not sure why? Anyway the strava page from GCM was just kicking me out no matter what tricks I tried! Eventually installed GCM onto my wifes phone and authorised through that. 530 working well so far with V3s Radar etc but I do find the temperature and elevation readings are around 10% too high.
To take advantage of ClimbPro in flat areas, do you have a tool to catch uphill or in general explore the altitude of an areas?
Nuttin you can do there really. If it’s flat…it’s useless.
(As one who lives in a pancake flat area with a total elevation gain of single-digit meters on most rides.)
But even in “pancake” are sometimes you can find something, but you have to know where to look. No tools for “explore” altitude profiles to get inspiration on where to go?
It would be useful for the flat areas but also for no-flat are when you want to maximize elevation gains/distance
Having an issue with Garmin at the moment. Have had two Edge 1000s, the first replaced under warranty. The second has been good but I had screen freeze and the Power switch has now perished. Longevity was probably sacrificed for water resistance but it seems a design flaw. Garmin solution is for me to buy a new 1030 or pay £200 so that they will replace the white seal. I was astonished and Garmin won’t offer a deal on any other edge. Even with a discount the 1030 is the best part of £370. Are the new Garmins more robust or is Wahoo the way to go?
Grate review! I’m going to buy somthing with nav. to replace my cateye padrone smart plus so I Have a question.
Garmin 530/830 or Sigma Rox 12.0 ?
Whitch one is faster, smoother, has beter nav. ? I do not care for advance sport functions so much.
Has anyone been able to use the barfly4 mini with the 530?
Who else has gotten edge 530 with the “return button” issue? Mine came two days ago and the return key does not work well. It’s like I really have to find a point where the physical button and internal system meet by pressing it down hard. It’s annoying for sure… I might return it. If you have this issue, what’s your thoughts? Return or keep it?
@Bethesolution: Read the recent comments. There are many with the “return” button issue. I am currently waiting for a replacement from Garmin.
Thanks for your opinion. I’m aware of it indeed. People are getting their units now so I was wondering how many more people who have not spoken out loud yet are facing the issue with their decision.
BTW, a representative from powermetercity told me “that button feel” was intentionally designed for 530… which sounds weird. Any thoughts?
Sounds like Powermetercity does not want you to return it to them.
After all, I have to pay return shipping for it. That’s their policy whether or not it’s working upon arrival. I might directly contact Garmin for alternatives… like a replacement.
From the comments here, Garmin is swapping out units which exhibit the wonky button issue. So going via Garmin support is probably the easiest n most cases. Note there are two options available:
A) You send in your unit and they send you a replacement one when they get theirs
B) You give them a credit card and then they immediately ship you a replacement unit, and then they only charge your credit card if they don’t receive yours (I think you’ve got like 30 days to get it back).
They don’t often tell you about the 2nd option – but it’s there. And in fact, you can even request faster shipping than the default.
Cheers!
I tried this return method with the Vector 3. I didn’t care if they actually charged the total of the pedals then refunded it when my old ones got there but they said it wasn’t possible. No pedals for over a week made it hard to train….
Weird. It’s definitely offered in the US and parts of Europe. Perhaps they don’t offer it in Australia?
Picked up the 530 this week and used it for a 4 hour ride today. So far it’s been great. One thing I’m wondering if others are noticing is how dark the screen is with auto brightness while indoors? It’s almost impossible to read for me when indoors unless I change the brightness. I can manually set it to 40% and it’s much brighter than the auto brightness. During my ride today, I switched back to auto-brightness and it’s seemed to work OK with overcast conditions.
So a pretty minor issue considering I’m usually only messing with the settings while indoors, but I’m still surprised the display gets set to such a dim setting.
I have the 830 and experienced an issue with GPS + Galileo. I’m sure this problem also affects the 530. When GPS is set to GPS + Galileo I got wonky GPS data. The above route was basically an out-and-back ride with a small loop in the middle. I see significant tracking error. So I’m gonna use GLONASS for now until Garmin fixes the bug. The reason why I want Galileo is the higher accuracy (1m) vs. 3-7m. for GLONASS.
I can confirm that the Edge 530 has the same issue. Just experienced it yesterday.
Right now Garmin has stated they’ve mostly focused on GLONASS optimization, and not Galileo (which is why the default is GLONASS). Of course, I firmly believe if an option exists in the menu, it shouldn’t suck. I’ve split my Edge’s – one on GLONASS and one on GALILEO, and haven’t seen any issues like that.
But for now, I’d stick with GLONASS until Garmin is able to tweak it more.
Thank you, great review!
At the moment i´m using a Garmin Fenix 5s and a Edge 820 for mountain biking. When i pause an activity cause of doing uphill shuttle or lift rides the fenix does not count the elevation when paused an transfers the correct elevation to garmin connect.
Unfortunately the Edge 830 always counts the not wanted elevation while the activity is paused. I would like to know how much of descent and ascend was done on bike, but since the pause is not working the Edge 830 is not useable in this case.
Is this problem fixed on the new 530/830 models.
@Ray – any known issues/reason why FIT files from the 530 dont register/read on the DC Analyzer? I’ve recorded two rides on the 530 and both have uploaded to GC/TrainingPeaks without issue. But when I import to the DCA site the files are ‘blank/null’ as if there is nothing there.
Huh – that’s odd, I haven’t seen/heard of that. Can you shoot me the .FIT files to take a look? Just my first name at domain name.
Garmin did make a tweak on the MARQ series watches around elevation – but we’ve already implemented a fix for that a few days after they changed them.
Email sent.
@Ray, did the email come through?
**** Update ****
I just received my warranty exchange 530 and this device has the same defective back button. :-(
Oh man…that’s not good.
I was told they wouldn’t have replacement devices to ship out
until June 7th. I’m sending back the defective replacement and using my original 530 until then.
I received my replacement device and the back button is definitely much better and works with one click; however, compared to my 520 and 520 plus, the tactile feel of all of the buttons on this device is awful. Bad enough that I’ve never even considered the feel of the buttons ever and bad enough that now I notice.
Did you receive your message replacement from gatmin or another retailer?
Clever Training UK told me today that they expect to have shipments from Garmin later this week which do not have the bad back button. We will see…..
Hmm. I got my shipping confirmation today… sounds like I can expect a duff button, then.
Received my replacement 530 from Garmin yesterday. All the buttons are working fine. They did check the buttons before shipping it out.
Same here! Replacement received from Garmin May 23, all buttons now working fine. It does feel different from the Edge 520’s buttons, but I personally think it’s a good thing. Never really liked the way the buttons felt there. You don’t have to press as hard to make them trigger, which is particularly great when you’re setting up the device. Looking forward to trying that baby out this weekend!
I got yesterday Edge530 from Clevertraining.co.uk and unit seems to be solid, no button issues etc. Buttons “feedback” is bit different than previous models in my opinion. First indoor session behind and no sensor dropouts. Promising.
Thanks for the support (even if things were a bit bumpy).
My understanding from Garmin and also the comments here, is that the back button issue wasn’t ‘every unit’, but some % of units. The good news is it sounds like it was pretty black and white in that your button wasn’t likely to develop the issue. Either it was that way broke from the factory, or it was fine.
(And using ‘was’, as in theory Garmin says it’s been fixed, though I suspect we’ll see some broken stock work it’s way through the system. As noted by Shawn from Garmin above, just shoot a note to Garmin support if you do get a bad button and they’ll get your unit swapped out.)
Where exactly should I “shoot a note to Garmin support”? After nearly one month of waiting I received the unit today (31.5.) with a defective back button.Huge disappointment. Contacted Clever Training UK,where I purchased it, no response.
Garmin doesn´t seem to have an email address where to write to. I am not in the UK, I´m in Prague.
So normally I’d recommend Garmin in your country, in this case here: link to support.garmin.com
However, that page doesn’t look super promising, so I’d contact Garmin UK instead, since that’s honestly where a lot of EU support ends up anyway. Plus, all Garmin major support centers will always support you no matter where you are (if they have to ship a new unit though, they may coordinate that with the local country).
This page should get you pretty close: link to support.garmin.com – Down at the bottom you can call/chat/e-mail.
Thanks very much. Appreciate.
Hi Ray,
I’ve a doubt about the Garmin Edge 530 that maybe you can help. I had previously acquired the Garmin Edge Explore — based on your review, by the way —, which was really good in terms of navigation, but since it was not designed to be loaded up with workouts, I decided to return it. The GE 530 supports workouts and navigation, but I wonder whether it enables me to find or choose a course for my workout? One of your screenshots (Garmin-Edge530-IndividualWorkout) seems to point to that, but I would like to know for sure before I purchase it.
Thanks for your reviews. They are really great to separate the wheat from the chaff!
I ordered from Clever Training UK on the 12th May, contacted them today to see if they had any idea when it might be dispatched and they had no idea when they’ll be getting any stock from Garmin so couldn’t provide any information.
That’s strange, I ordered on May, 12th as well and I’ve asked them yesterday about predicted shipment date.
Got response:
“Concerning the 530 Edge Base arrival we have some units that arrived this morning into the UK warehouse and will be shipping out today and if you are early in the queue yours will ship and the proper shipping and tracking notification will come to your email on file informing you of such action.
The latest tracking as of last night from Garmin is showing a wave of units coming next week and then another larger wave coming the following week. with this current information with the number of incoming units on the tracking we expect to have all orders fulfilled by the month of May with the later orders in place in the queue getting fulfilled in those first few days in June.”
So I guess we have to wait till next week :(
Hi everybody
My edge 530 works fine (besides the back button issue), but it is a bit slow on up/download of routes/trainings/activities. Takes 10-15 min in best case, sometimes upload is completed after 2hrs.
Any hints what might be causing this? System Setup with other data to be transferred first?
Any comment is appreciated.
@Sebastian: I am experiencing something similar too. I have WiFi (home) and Bluetooth (iPhone XS) set up on the Edge 530. The first couple of days, unless I physically connect the device to my Mac, the rides would not upload. I could see the device being connected to the Garmin Connect app. If I try to force a sync, I get this message in the app; Your device seems to be busy, and your sync request timed out. Try again later.
So I disabled the Bluetooth connection in the Edge 530 and forced it to sync via WIFi and that worked.
I don’t seem to have this issue at work where the edge 530 is not configured to connect to any WIFI.
Hmm – uploads for me are near instant.
Where things can go sideways sometimes is getting content onto the device. For example, today I was struggling to get a route to send to the device from GCM via Bluetooth. I kept trying, and it kept saying it was syncing – but nothing was happening.
Turns out, it was downloading a firmware update (the same one you all got already, but the exact number changed for me as I switched up). Once it finished that, it sent the course near instantly.
I’ve noticed that with WiFi and Bluetooth enabled if I get home from a ride the Garmin does not auto upload and shows sync failed. If I end my ride while riding home before I’m in range of my home WiFi the ride will upload without an issue. I assume that there is a problem uploading while connected to my home WiFi and connected to my iPhone. Anyone else seen this issue? I assume my work around is to just turn off WiFi..
I contacted Garmin and they confirmed that if it’s connected to both it will have issues uploading. I’m just going to leave the device paired to my iPhone and leave WiFi off. He said small software updates will still update over Bluetooth and the any major update you will connect via cable to Garmin Express.
@Chris: Thanks for this update.
Thanks for this. I was having the same problem and couldn’t figure it out.
Did he indicate this would be fixed in a future firmware update? Seems like you shouldn’t have to disable Wi-Fi to get you activities to upload automatically.
We have reported the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth upload issues discussed here. For those of you that are experiencing trouble please reach out to our support teams for assistance. We will gather as much information from you as we can to pinpoint what might be causing the problem. Please feel free to mention I have asked you to reach out for assistance. Thank you all for the continued discussion.
Hi there,
Yesterday i’ve received my garmin edge 530.(NETHERLANDS) Ordered on April 29 th. Connection with strava routes, trail forks and komoot al went well. Also found routes trail forks in the right region. No issue’s with buttons.
Rode first ride posbank with pre loaded route.
Stava live segments did work. Climb pro not sure if it is enough gradient. Next week i will test at the French Alps. So far so good ?
Has anyone found how to disable the BLE connection/disconnection alert? I want notifications to come through when there is a BLE connection however I don’t want an alert each and every time it connects/disconnects from my phone.
The Garmin 530 is the worst cycling related purchase I ever made. I used it on a few rides. It crashes, freezes and has issues with pairing with sensors. This review convinced me to get it and I feel completely fooled. Garmin customer service was just like ‘yeah, these things can all just happen sometimes”. BS. I used 2 Wahoo devices for the past few years without ever having a device crashing or freezing. It’s a joke that Garmin charges money for this thing.
I also just bought the device with so a good review. Mine has frozen 5 times in the first week. Also problems with pairing. Maybe I just am unlucky and have a bad unit.
Generally speaking freezing on a Garmin device means some sort of corruption in a file (usually a course/workout file, but occasionally an activity file).
Still, before you clear those out – try downloading the latest Edge 530 beta. A lot of people have reported pretty good success with it, and it has a ton of fixes in it: link to www8.garmin.com
Oh, and note for anyone else following in comments that Garmin did release a new beta update on July 30th, in case you hadn’t seen it. Says it addresses LiveTrack stuffs and ‘overall device stability’.
Ray, have you had any issues with the 530 not charging to 100 percent. Can’t get mine past 98. Is it designed like that? Any help would be great.
No issues getting mine to full, however I vaguely remember seeing something in the firmware update notes about a fix there. Or maybe I’m mixing up products.
Hello, thank you die the review. I ordered the 530 from Clevertraining UK and wonder which outfront mount suits concerning the size of the 530 (smaller than 1030 and Higher than 520). Is the K-EDGE Sport ok? Thanks, Julio
Actually just updated on GC and shows 100 percent. Thanks Ray!
Finally got my 530 last night and set it up to ride this morning. Really like the unit after 1 ride. I don’t find the on unit set up that bad and I really appreciate knowing my wife will know if I have an accident. I find the screen clear and everything is fairly intuitive. I’m surprised but I like it a lot better than my 3 year old Elemnt. A lot better in fact. Also nice that the workout shows on the history of my running watch and is incorporated into it nicely.
Alguien más con problemas en su garmin 530? Estoy esperando mi 530 y espero no tener ningún inconveniente.
Hello!
In the Garmin 530 you can adjust the X and Y axis to see more than 2km?
Right now, it’s not possible on the Edge 530.
First non-button related issue for me. All of a sudden, after I made a brief stop during my ride, it stopped collecting ANT+ and BLE data from all my devices (Garmin speed sensor ANT+, Quarq DFour91 Power Meter BLE, Wahoo Tickr X HRM BLE). I didn’t realize what was going on until 2.5 miles later. I had to force a hard power off/on to reset it. After it came back on, it recognized all the paired devices again.
James from CyclingTips reported the same thing as well once (and only once). I’d file a ticket with Garmin support. Maybe they can figure out why it happens. Or more specifically, what specific set of conditions leads to that occurring.
Opened a ticket – at least I thought I did – via the Garmin chat support a few hours ago. I made that activity available on Garmin Connect.
Just an FYI. I originally had a BLE connection to my Quarq DFour and the ‘auto calibrate’ prompt was not coming up despite me having the ‘auto calibrate’ enabled. I removed the Quarq sensor and reconnected it using ANT+. With ANT+ the ‘auto calibrate’ is working again. So if you use the ‘auto calibrate’ feature before the start of every ride I suggest you use ANT+.
Ah, that explains why I didn’t get the auto calibrate prompt this morning as my Quarq DFour91 is paired using BLE. Another bug for Garmin to fix :)
@Jonathan Woo: I chose BLE over ANT+ initially because i occasionally have ANT+ dropout issue when riding indoor with older Garmin (520/820).
@Jonathan Woo: It seems like we are paying Garmin to be their unpaid Quality Control engineers.
@Changren Y. I had dropout issues (zero cadence, zero power) with my 510 and another Quarq on outdoor rides. Then I got the 520 and the dropout issues disappeared completely. So it was a head unit issue. On the 830 it’s been 100% solid using ANT+. It seems like your dropout issue on the 520/820 while riding indoors could be related to interference. I don’t do indoor rides.
The ANT+/BLE freeze happened again. I am going to force all my devices to connect via ANT+ to see if this gets better. This is getting quite annoying.
I had the same issue on 3 of my last 4 rides. The power meter just does not seems to work anymore. I am convinced this is coming from the Edge.
Only a hard restart of the device fixes it.
I hope a firmware update will fix it
OK, back to the drawing board on this ride upload issue. Today I finish a ride and I can see my phone is connect but it will not upload. I’ve tried power cycling the phone and Garmin I’ve tried turning the phone pairing off and connecting to WiFi and still NOTHING! I’m trying so hard to enjoy this device but it’s making me miss my Wahoo Bolt that I owned for 1 year and never even thought about my bike computer because it just worked. I now ride around hoping my device doesn’t freeze, Stays paired to my phone, Does drop Ant + and will it upload once I’m finished.
Just to double-check, which firmware are you on?
V3.20
When I open the Garmin Connect app and try to sync it shows
“Your device seems to be busy, and your sync request timed out. Try again later”
If you disable the Phone (in settings on Edge 530) and enable WiFi, are you able to upload that ride from your Edge 530 (Obviously, you won’t be using the Garmin Connect Mobile app to do this)? I had similar issue in the beginning and that’s what I did to get around it.
I’m also having upload issues with my 830. With my 520 once I hit ‘save’ the ride is automatically uploaded to my iPhone 6 without me doing anything. On the 830 I have to open up the GC app. on my IPhone and hit the ‘refresh’ button a few times. I’m on the latest version of GC and the 830 (V3.20). It seems the 830 has taken a step backwards on uploading. I have the WiFi disabled but I don’t think it should matter.
For me, if the ride does not automatically upload the first time, no matter how many times I try to manually refresh the GC app, disable/re-enable BT on my iPhone, I will get the “Your device seems to be busy, and your sync request timed out. Try again later” message in the GC app.
I just recently got a Varia RTL510 that I really enjoy so I’m hoping Garmin gets these bugs resolved so I don’t have to return everything and jump back to Wahoo with less features but a stable device.
Still an issue for me too. Upload always just worked on my Edge 1000. Not so with Edge 830. :-(
This thing is a disaster, at least for me. Drops connection to the cadence sensor during rides (I bought the sensor bundle kit). Reboots/resets many times in the middle of a ride and even when using it at home. Buttons are janky and don’t always register presses. Sharp turn alerts come up unreadable with the font garbled. I was warned about Garmin…I should have listened.
I am on the most current firmware.
1) If your back button isn’t pressing properly, contact Garmin and they’ll swap out the unit. Simple as that. There were some early units that had a manufacturing defect.
2) What firmware version are you on?
Thanks DC, thanks for your response. It is not just the back button. Several of the buttons misfire a portion of the time and in general they feel off. Hard to explain, just feel loose and cheap…as well as two of them not registering presses sometimes. Two of my buttons actually double click, meaning the first click does nothing but if I press further it will click again and register. It is almost as if they are misaligned or something. BTW: When I bought the unit two days ago I had no idea of these button issues. As soon as I used the unit out of the box my first impression was disappointment with the button feel…meaning I was not influenced by crowd mentality :-). I have not decided yet if I am going to bother with Garmin swapping it and potentially getting another bum unit, or if I will just return it and go another direction.
Turns out I was not on the newest firmware. I thought it was the latest because I used the option to check for new firmware on the unit 3 times and each time it said no update available. Then I connected to the PC and it also showed no update available. However, I left it connected to the PC overnight and sometime in the middle of the night it detected the newer version. Not sure why it was not showing it before. Hopefully going from 2.4 to 3.2 will solve the issues I am having (except for the buttons of course).
I will give it a ride or to to see how it goes.
Is there a place where one can find release notes? I tried looking for a page so I could see if there was newer firmware but couldn’t find it.
RE: Buttons
Yeah, it was only a back button issue. Either way, i’d ring up Garmin and just have them sort your buttons out.
RE: Firmware
There’s a substantial difference between the firmware that was on your unit and 3.20 – massive difference. Hopefully that’ll solve things.
Hey Lance, any new thoughts about the back button in the last day or 2? Seems like anywhere I read there are issues with the back button. Curious if anyone has said anything about possible solution.
RE: Back button
It’s broken. It’s a ‘known issue’ by Garmin. If you’ve got a bum back button, the only path to success is a new unit.
Up above in the comments section Garmin chimed in: link to dcrainmaker.com
Basically they say that it’s been fixed in manuf, but that realistically some inventory out there may still have issues.
Is anyone else having trouble with the wifi? My Edge 530 just doesn’t seem to find any wifi network while my smartphone and laptop can at least find 20 networks. I already updated the firmware but this didn’t solve the problem.
Everything else seems to work, just can’t connect to wifi.
While I don’t seem to have a malfunctioning back button I do have the feeling that no button at all actually works as it should. They al work perfect for 90% of the time. The other 10% there’s just nothing. This seems to be the case for ALL my buttons…
Some people have said it has to do with WiFi types, though I’m not so sure.
Mine was working just fine until Friday or so – and now it can’t find any new WiFi networks to save it’s life (at home or office). Existing networks it uploads just fine to (including Google WiFi that I use). It’s on my to-do troubleshooting list. Though, admittedly, pretty far down that list right now.
I had to re-pair my 530 (V3.2) with my iphone XS Max on latest ios every time to get a ride to upload, potentially the work around is to disable wifi altogether until they release an update that makes wifi work.
Another issue I have is that the screen freezes and still show the three power button options when I try to power off the device, it just never turns off the screen until I hold the power button 10 seconds to reboot it.
Undecided between MTB bundle und just the Edge. Is the bundle worth it?
It’s honestly purely a cost decision. There’s no special features there (the TrailForks/etc stuff is available on both base and bundle, it’s just pre-authorized on bundle, but it costs you $0 to activate it on base).
So it just comes down to weather or not you’ll use the accessories, or more specifically, if you had planned to buy them anyway.
Thanks, ordered via CT Europe…
Thanks for the support, appreciate it!
Is it normal with CT, that an order is being processed several hours and there is no further email?
My order is being processed since the 2nd of May….so no its not abnormal.
Anyone else finding the “Auto” Live Track essentially useless? I’ve had it enabled, uninstalled and reinstalled the Connect iOS app multiple times, tried disabling WiFi on both my phone and 530 (per something I read somewhere), tried standing on one leg with one eye closed and howling at the moon, and also tried enabling it while doing a hand stand. NO matter what, it simply doesn’t work…it’s literally sent one email to my wife when I’ve started a ride.
Also cannot for the life of me (or any of the above magic tricks), get the Connect app to remember my Strava Beacon setting.
Only seems to work for me at the kitchen table. Never on a ride. :-(
Same here. The only times I’ve ever got it to work is when I have the 530 and my phone in front of me trying to troubleshoot why it isn’t working. Then, it *only* works when I have the connect app open and am on the LiveTrack page.
For the record, outside of this, my phone and 530 are connected, and the Connect app is running in the background….which has caused it’s own issue in that it’s absolutely crushing my phone battery when the 530 is on. To the tune of 45% of my battery usage.
I’ve had the same battery issue with my 830 and the GC mobile app on my iPhone Xs Max. Atrocious battery usage when GC is opened and it even seems to continue after I forced close GC. So I just uninstalled CG on the phone since I haven’t had an issue uploading using Wi-Fi or the phone. I’ll continue to upload via Wi-Fi. Seems the battery usage has been an problem for a while for some people so I wouldn’t count on it ever being fixed.
Try to switch on gps on the cellphone, it should not be used for that, but i have the feeling it is required for the software.
Hi DC,
is it possible to charge the 530 with a powerbank oder usb micro when i drive?
Yup, no issues charging while riding/driving/etc…
Is anyone else cancelling their back-order? It seems like both Garmin and Wahoo released before they were ready.
Garmin seems to be very buggy and have button issues (even beyond the identified back button issue)
Wahoo pulled back and will release again in July??
I had a bolt that i returned thinking I would jump on one of these two devices. Now I have no computer and am thinking of cancelling my edge 530 backorder until this can be set straight (if ever)
Hi everybody,
I have a question regarding the source of the elevation data for a route. In my region, the elevation profile from terrain maps (like in Garmin Connect or Strava) is more or less rubbish, like oscillating between -5% and 20% on a constant 5% climb.
Does the 530 use the same elevation data as Garmin Connect? For better comprehension, I attached a picture from Sa Calobra 1) from Garmin Connect (191m Descent on the climb?!) and 2) [next post] from a ride with barometric altimeter. How would that look on ClimbPro?
Can someone please comment if Climbpro is really that useful?
And if not, is it at least possible to import a route inc. elevation data, in case you have ridden it before with a barometric altimeter?
Many thanks, and great review as always!
2nd picture attached here
I didn’t see much of an issue in my testing, and, you’re in luck: Sa Calobra was actually one of the climbs I tested in real life on both the Edge 530 and Edge 830. No issues there.
Hi Ray,
I can’t get the 530 to sync with the connect app on my iPhone XS Max at all – meaning I can’t send routes over or sync rides back. The 530 is on v3.2 and I’ve tried everything, including starting from scratch, toggling Bluetooth on/off, restarting both, unpairing/repairing etc. Your review was so positive but it has just been one disappointing headache since arriving; one that I can’t even use.
What am I doing wrong? My Fenix 5 has always been flawless
@Jonny: If you look at the Garmin forum for 530, you will see there are several others, including myself, having problem syncing using the Garmin Connect app while the device is connected to the phone via Bluetooth and a WiFi network simultaneously. To get around this issue, try the following while the Edge 530 is connected to a WiFi network:
– Disable Phone (On Edge 530, Menu –> Settings –> Connected Features –> Phone
– Upload new ride (On Edge 530, Menu –> History –> Rides –> Upload new ride
– The previous step, if successful, should force a two-way sync between the Edge 530 and Garmin Connect (Garmin’s server, not the app), bypassing the Garmin Connect app on your iPhone.
Some in the Garmin forum have reported success getting around this sync issue by disabling either the Phone or the WiFi on the Edge 530, until Garmin releases an update to fix this.
Thanks for your help – I still can’t get it to sync. Was planning to take it out for a whirl and need a route loaded but guess I’ll be sticking to the Fenix 5!
If they don’t resolve the next couple of days I’ll be sending back
How will they fix it? An update to the GC app? If they change the firmware I don’t see how you’d get an update onto it…
@Jonny: You weren’t able to get the rides uploaded even with the Phone (bluetooth) disabled and connected to WiFi?
The fix could be in a software update for the Edge 530, an update to the Garmin Connect app, or both. Firmware update can be done via the Garmin Express desktop app (on a Mac, not sure what it’s called on a PC) or on the Edge 530 after it has downloaded the firmware update over WiFi.
OK, I’m still having issue so tonight after it would not upload I checked the edge 530 status menu under Phone and it shows “searching” but my iPhone Xs Bluetooth menu shows the Garmin 530 twice (One shows connected and one shows disconnected). I started the whole process over by forgetting the connection in my Bluetooth menu, Forgetting the phone on the Garmin 530 phone menu, and deleting the device in Garmin Connect. Once I started the process over I noticed after I put the 530 in Bluetooth pairing mode and start the Garmin Connect “Add device” menu it will ask to Select An Accessory and I tap 530. It then shows “Bluetooth Pairing Request” and I tap pair and it goes to another screen that shows “Pairing Your Edge 530” and then another “Bluetooth Pairing Request” pops up and if you don’t select to pair it will fail to complete the set up. I believe my device sync issues are due to the device forcing the pair process twice.
So if I purchased a Garmin 530 from bike24 it comes with a Euopean wide map. What part of Europe does it cover, and if I want the USA (North America) Map, where do I get it and how do I upload it?
1 search on google and you will find the map it covers, rest of the world openstreetmap, also a blog of how to do it on dcrainmaker his site. Good luck
link to dcrainmaker.com
Hi Ray,
Thanks for the great review as always — i just received the unit I ordered through CT :-).
Quick question: do you know if the limit on the # of sensors has increased vs. the 520? I’ve occasionally gotten an error message that I’ve paired too many sensors, so hoping that # is higher on the new unit.
Thanks!!
Ray,
Can you check your paired edge 530 to see if it shows two 530 devices in your phones Bluetooth menu? I’ve been troubleshooting my sync issue and discovered that during the Garmin Connect setup process it establishes two device connections and was not sure if that’s the issue since it warns you to not pair directly through the phones Bluetooth menu and to use Garmin Connect to establish the connection. This morning I called Garmin support and was told that it should only show one 530 device in my phones Bluetooth menu. The agent said something is going wrong where it’s pairing through Garmin Connect and through the iPhones Bluetooth menu. I asked this same question on the Garmin 530 forum and a Garmin employee replied with conflicting information from what I was told on the phone this morning as that it should establish two Bluetooth connections.
I have sync issues and I too have two 830 devices shown on my phone. I did try to forget the phone and repair via GC. But by following the steps within GC you end up with two 830s on the phone. I’d like to know how exactly do you add the device under GC but end up with only one paired Edge. Thanks.
Sorry for the confusion here. On iOS the Edge will make two Bluetooth connections. One is for BLE and one is for Bluetooth Classic. If you continue to have trouble with your phone and Edge connections please get in touch with our support team, let them know I asked you to reach out, so we could collect the logs GCM from your phones and we will investigate.
Thank you for the clarification.
@Shaun – mine has the 2 instances in the Bluetooth menu but cannot sync. Is there an update coming? I’ve never had these issues with my Fenix and am close to giving up and sending this back for a wahoo
Same here Shawn. Mine shows two connections and the status says ‘connecting’ but never connects. To connect to the phone I have to open up the GC app. Once the GC app is open it connects to the 830 and the ride is downloaded.
Another issue with the 830 which I hope is a simple firmware fix. I ride a tandem and have both the 830 and 520 on the bike. The 830 reads 4 degrees F higher than the 520. The 520 shows a realistic temp. Perhaps the temp. sensor is picking up some extra heat from the circuit. I’ve seen others report the same thing as well- the 830 reads high. Thanks.
Hey folks does any one know if there are changes to workout controls?
In that I think with the Elemnt Bolt you can start an interval again if something happens? Is this possible with the Garmin 530?
I recieved my 530 yesterday. Setup and first ride worked without bigger complications or even crash. Even all buttons work as expected. Until now I’d say: Great device!
Even auto-upload worked after a while.
@other buyers: Check that you install the current firmware (3.2). The shipped firmware (2.4) is buggy.
Received 530 yesterday (Clever Training UK). After a couple of hours setting up had to phone Garmin…. was trying to update to version 3.20…. Garmin Express said it was on v3.20, device said v2.40. Eventually G said to leave at its current version as version 3.3 is expected very soon.
I’m now trying to get OS 1:50k maps on it… looks like it’s going to cost £149.99 as a download.
Any other options ?
Another question is:
Has anyone managed to load a gpx on to it (presumably as a course) ?
In the manual I found how to do it, via Garmin Connect, and then Settings, Send to device, but on this new Win10 laptop it ..doesn’t work, it thinks I’m wanting to switch applications from Microsoft Edge to Garmin Express (which is open)….
However I managed to send it to the device via Garmin Connect on my phone… (the map on it is rubbish indeed,but at least there is a blue line (my gpx ‘course’) to follow.
It’s all getting a bit messy and complicated…
@EricRobo: When I received my replacement Edge 530, its version was 2.40. When I connected the device to Garmin Express, it did not update the software version on the Edge 530. After I powered the Edge 530 off and on several times, its version was updated to 3.20. If you have already done that, it’s possible your Edge 530 has already been updated to 3.20.
Is there a reason for not using the .FIT or .TCX format for a course?
Hi Changren Y. Just powered it off/on a few times, but with no effect. Garmin (eventually) said to wait for version 3.3.
It’s not that I’m NOT using .FIT or .TCX format for a course.
I have a lot of rides as GPX, a very common format. I guess I could import into G Connect, and send to the device from there… On my Win10 laptop it would not work (I mean via G Connect ), but it did work via G Connect from my iPhone
I do wonder how the software testing before rollout is being managed at Garmin. Whoever is responsible should be called to account…. they are a very big company….
Maybe Ray DC can pull a few strings.
For GPX, you should be able to put them in the ‘NewFiles’ folder, under Garmin on the Edge device (if connected to a computer, like your Windows 10 laptop). That basically tells the Edge to go ahead and digest them.
Thanks Ray, that worked.
The Manual…. does say connect device to PC, choose the file… does NOT say what file extension, copy the file and paste into a folder on the device (which folder it does not say !!!! )
Just strengthens my poor view of Garmin manuals….
by the way on Win10, in G Connect, having chosen a route you’ve done, SEND TO DEVICE (it shows Edge 530 as connected) does not work.
Much better to just do it as you have outlined.
Regards
did anybody of the owners check battery life with a Varia Radar? I read that there is a significant runtime penalty with current devices (e.g. 520)
Not yet but will try it tomorrow (3 hour bike ride) with that and the new Edge 530
I’ve done many three hour rides (more precisely, about 2:45) with my 830 and Varia. And my battery usage is around 15% (100% to 85%). I also have the 520 and there’s no comparison between the 520 and 830 when it comes to battery capacity.
So first big ride with the 530 today
Main reason I bought it was the ClimbPro functionality, which sseems to work efficiently well as long as the elevation information within they loaded course is accurate.
However, I had hoped I would also be able to see what climbs are up next and how far ahead they are, but on a route containing 21 climbs in the Ardennes, the list always show that last 5, not the next 5. Or am I doing something wrong?
See screenshot
Same question. Not sure why the default setting would be to show you the climbs that are FARTHEST away…
Hi, just received the 530. The top right button doesn’t have the “click” feeling like the others. Is it right to assume that all buttons should feel the same?
I finally got my hands on one, mostly convinced by the huge feature list. But it did not work out well. After the first ride I spent half an hour figuring out how to upload a ride. No luck. Tried all the tips, disabling phone, wifi, restarting phone and device etc. A couple times the device wrote upload finished but it did not show up in Garmin connect.
Next issue today, I tried the gps + galileo mode and that is utherly useless. It has an error in the magnitude of kilometers. Not good.
After the ride tried to upload, again no luck. I turned the device off and now it shows just a greyish on/off icon without backlight and does not react to any buttons. So far a complete failure.
Third ride, first crash. Upon start, the 530 froze completely.
Sync with Apple Health works only 2 of 3 cases.
Come on, Garmin. You can fix your software, can’t you?
Double check your firmware is updated to 3.20. Prior to that is bad news bears (it’s basically pre-prod firmware).
Firmware is 3.20 ;(
About time, but got mine yesterday from Clever, first ride with it today
+ My back button work fine ! as all others! Different feeling but not that bad after all
+ No issue to upgrade it to 3.20 using garmin express on my computer
+ 4hours ride, 15% battery used while following a course : Awesome! (Used to be at least 40% with my 520 Plus)
+ My backlight setting was 10% and still very good display
– During the first hour, GPS (GPS + GLONASS activated) was awfull, then far better
– Why my average cadence is 70 on the 530, but 80 on the 520 plus ? I didnt notice any sensor deconnection but ?
– I m not that happy with this Climb feature, I ride my home forest I know by hearth; he did aggreagate many climbs all together to set 11 climbs. Those make no sense to me here. I think it is way more usefull on road than mountain bike as it work. And I dislike it while following a course.
– I tweaked this feature off while navigation tonigth, then it crashed : frozen. damn. restarted ok.
– Still no live strave segment while following a course. Even it display the full segment path on the course. They couldnt make it work instead of their own climbing feature ?
-> I hope they fix it more : no crash
-> I hope my GPS will be accurate from start to the end tomorow
I have to ride without navigation to try how live strava segment is working, and how gradient whyle climbing is working aswell
Similar story for me. Good overall but GPS inaccuracies compared to my old 605/705 including side by side comparison. Drift under tree cover like I’ve not seen in 80k miles of GPS data. I wrote to garmin with files and was directed to the usual advice on the website.
Otherwise there’s few irritations like the incident alert disabled warning and phone drop outs but I’ve not seen the issues with buttons or upload problems.
Compared to when I was an early adopter of the 605/705 series in 2009 these are happy days.
GPS 99% accurate on my second 4hours ride, sound good
Live elevation(gradient) seems good also
Cadence equal on both 530 and 520 this time(even its seems a bit low); further test incoming
I didnt enable wifi at all on it, but sync with garmin connect on iphone didnt work for my ride
I didnt wait, and plugged it on my computer(worked instant)
Hi Ray – I very often follow Strava routes but without navigating and would prefer just to see my route without all the other map details. Is it possible to disable the map or do I need to delete the map (and reinstall it if I need it) ?
Not Ray :) But you can disable maps by going into the activity setings (e.g by long pressing the ok button on the startup screen) Then go to Navigation/Map/Map Information. This will list all the installed maps which you can enable and disable as needed.
Thanks J.E. – Ray couldn’t have solved my problem better!
Thanks J.E.!
Hey DC,
Will the 530 and 830 work with Garmin vector 2 power peddles, the ones with the black pods?
Thanks.
Hello,
the iOS App “Garmin Connect IQ” shoes my 530 device, but does not connect, so I cannot install anything. Connect App works fine although.
Has someone an idea how to fix that?
I tried to install software vie Garmin Express, but even after sync no Apps show up on the device.
This may be due to changes in the 3.20 firmware update, I noticed that on a ride today (not using a course/route) that I got hydration and nutrition alerts. I have the profile alerts set to Auto and they came in at about every 20 minute.
It work also with navigation activated
Interesting,
I did not get any Hydration or Nutrition alerts on my 2.5h ride yesterday. Do I need to switch it on specifically or should it work out of the box. It did ask me afterwards how many calories and drinks I had but I was expecting popups during the ride.
So there are two different categories of hydration/nutrition alerts.
A) Ones you can manually set to just remind you to drink/eat, that are generally time based (i.e. repeat every 10 hours)
B) Smart alerts, which are mostly caloric based but also account for heat/humidity, which my understanding in current versions require a course/route be used since it’s trying to figure out how much you need for your ride (and thus doesn’t present caloric requirements for a short bike commute).
Thanks Ray!
I was following a course (80km) and did not see any of the smart alerts. Do you know if there is a setting to switch these alerts on/off
Interestingly, the Nutrition and Hydration section on Garmin Connect tells me that I should have consumed 2145 ml and 1,690 C. I don’t know how I would have consumed the equivalent of 17 gels and more then two liters of water but having a reminder might help to at least drink a bit more frequently.
There is an option to get the hydratation alert, i set mine to 15 mins, works fine
Also, at the end of your ride, you get 2 step :
– one for hydration, it tell you how much you should have drink, and you can answer how much you actually did
– same for nutrition : but i have no clue how much cals i have eat, whereas i know how much I have drink. I dont see how usefull this could be unless i become too much scientific about nutrition
Double checked, I have the H/N (Hydration/Nutrition) tracking turned on and in my Road Profile I have the H & N Alerts set to Auto.
Besides having the 3.20 firmware, I hooked up the 530 to my computer and got a fairly large map update of the Routable Cycle Map of US 2019.10.
Thanks Doug and Rivellon , that helped Eat and Drink alerts seem to be switched off by default. If anyone else is looking, you can find them in the activity settings under Alerts/Drink Alert and Eat Alert Respectively . Both can be set to Smart and are different to the Calorie Alert. Will give it a try next weekend.
Hi Ray, I have an issue that came up when using the Edge 530 with my Tacx Neo2. The power readings were simply ridiculous, many many drop-outs as well. After seeing that, I ran the egde 530 alongisde the edge 520. The 520 gave perfectly good readings whilst the 530 continued to show stupid numbers. See the photos attached – have you seen this at all?
Thanks/Roger
Here is the 520 comparison photo
I haven’t see that before, though, given those numbers I’d take the Edge 530 any day! ;)
To confirm, you’ve got the latest Edge 530 firmware?
I haven’t seen a Tacx Neo spit out crazy numbers before. I also still don’t understand why Garmin doesn’t have a wattage cap in place. Seriously, there’s no good reason to ever log/etc a 4,000w+ power data point. End of story.
Ha! I’d be winning the Giro with those numbers…
It’s bizarre because the edge 520 recorded from the same Neo2 and gave perfectly normal numbers as you can see from the 2nd photo I posted. So I don’t think it’s the Neo2 that is the root of the problem.
The 530 is fully updated so I’m a bit lost as to what to do. Will contact Garmin support and let you know.
Cheers
Was the Tacx Neo 2 connected to the Edge 530 via ANT+ or BLE?
BLE I think
Hi Ray, problem solved on this one for me – I removed then re-connected the Neo2 and all is good, 520/530 giving same power readings.
I also commented on drop-outs in the questions raised below.
Cheers
Roger
Same here with the Tacx Neo. The power readings were in the max even a bit higher with more the 50000 watt in combination with many drop outs as well.
Had no problems with the cadence provided by the Tacx cadence meter.
Never had any issues with the Edge 1000 and the Neo.
Hi Ray sorry but i have to disagree with you. This device is far from the perfect bike computer. Wonky back button. The only way to set up data screens is through the device itself with the buttons it is laborious and tedious.
It won’t calibrate with my stages, reboots during rides constantly dropping and picking up sensors. Quite frankly I think its junk. Garmin support has been kind of a nightmare. Taking their time responding to email and without any real answers just more request foe me to do something.
It appears to me that Garmin is just shipping stuff without adequate / any QA, expecting paying customers to be their Beta users. I could have replaced the battery on my 820 I would have done that and spared myself the frustration.
I was super excited about 530 but after 700+ comments, I’ve decided to keep using my trustworthy Edge 500. 8 years and going strong with “0” issues. It disturbing how Garmin neglect to test their products. At least provide bug template to technical customers (e.g. us) who continue to contribute their time and effort for free!
Hopefully, Garmin PM’s planned their release schedule for the next 6 months :-)
I’ll wait for release notes from 4.0 firmware :-)
RE: Back button
Simply put – if you’ve got the back button issue, your unit is defective and Garmin will have to swap it out.
For reboots and such, I’m not sure what’s going on there. It’s not something I’ve seen.
On sensor dropouts mid-ride, in receiving a response from Garmin last night, they believe the issue may be related to folks that have paired Bluetooth Smart sensors (versus ANT+), but they’re still troubleshooting it. In the meantime, if you’ve got sensors paired via BLE and can instead pair them via ANT+, it sounds like that’s the best bet (only a handful of sensors out there are BLE-only thankfully).
That said, I totally agree on the challenges Garmin seems to be having more broadly with bugs. More soon…
The dropout issue is not exclusively a BLE issue since I don’t have any BLE sensors, I have had numerous ANT+ sensor dropouts that would not recover without resetting the unit since it would hang on the poweroff screen.
Anecdotally, I rode with BT to the phone turned off last night and did not have any sensor issues.
Good to know, I’ll pass along this specific comment (and happy to pass along your email if your OK). It’s part of a much much larger discussion I’m having with them, but this is one specific issue of focus.
Hi Ray, interestingly, I saw drop-outs (lots) when riding on the Neo2 in ERG mode, this morning, riding on the Neo2 without ERG mode, the dropouts disappeared. I sent pictures of the file readings to Garmin support.
Cheers
Roger
For those of you that have reported sensor drop issues please see the forum thread listed below. We would like to gather your feedback to help understand the issue. We understand your frustrations and are working on getting this resolved ASAP.
link to forums.garmin.com
When browsing the map to select a destination you say browse to the point and then select it but you don’t say how to do that – you select by doing a long press on the top right button. That was not very obvious (to me at least).
When following a route from say Ridewithgps the Garmin seems to generate its own cues. I have not found a way for it to show the cues passed to it from the web site.
Chris
I second this question. I want a bike computer primarily to explore new, distant routes, so 5h+ battery life with on-screen navigation is what I need. I bought an Edge Explore (listed 12h battery life) and was sorely disappointed that I could only squeeze 3h of battery life out of it.
Sibo,
The battery life of the Edge Explore should get you way further than 3 hours. Please reach out to our support team and we will find out what is happening with your device.
On android the Garmin Connect manual route planning seemed to work OK for me. Of course Easy Route is not (yet) available on android so I don’t have that comparison but I think Ray is a little harsh here.
I have solved how to display course points ( say for following an Audax cue sheet).
There are 2 settings that have to be correct.
From the main menu select Navigation>Courses>Course Options and here turn “Turn Guidance” off. Then go back 1 page and scroll down and select your route/course, scroll down or up to find Settings and on that page select Course Points on.
Now when you select Ride and are on the map screen pressing the top right button brings up a menu and if you scroll down past Navigation the next entry is Course Point List giving you a list up upcoming cue points.
The Bolt handles this better and is generally a more intuitive interface. The 530 buttons are difficult to locate in gloves. I have to use my left hand to swap pages?? Maybe I will buy the remote.
Hi Ray,
How is the Bluetooth connection to the phone on this and 830 device?
Better or just as crap as with the edge 1030.
You’ve asked Garmin, at sea otter if i’m not mistaken, about these 1030 phone issues. Did they already answer?
It’s the same as the Edge 1030.
Hi Ray,
One thing I’ve been wondering about is how to get the best out of the Garmin training stats when mixing virtual rides with out door ride. For example, in my case I have Tacx Desktop set up to sync with Strava and for out door rides I have Garmin Connect do the same thing.
That works great but it means that in door rides are invisible to the Garmin Edge 530, so it’s currently mocking my “detraining” week. :P
I could record the indoor rides directly with the Garmin but if I do Garmin Connect will sync them Strava and I’ll end up with a double entry for each indoor ride.
Other than having Tacx Desktop sync with Garmin Connect directly (something I presume is in the works now Garmin own Tacx) is there any other way to do this that I’m missing?
Actually think I might have answered my own question. I think link to tapiriik.com can do the sync in the other direction from Strava to Garmin Connect. Just testing it out…
I have had both an 830 and a 530 for a couple of weeks now, so I thought it might be helpful to others to record my experiences to date.
830 or 530? In the end I have decided to go with the 530. There is very little difference between the two (830 has a nicer, shiny black bezel for those who care about such things) other than buttons or touch screen. I found display setup etc. a bit faster with the touch scree, but it is also quite sensitive and so often made selections when trying to scroll down or up that was a bit annoying. Once used to the buttons I actually found display set up as easy with those than the touch screen. Moving between data screens is also more definite using buttons than with the screen. That said, the touch screen is nice and responsive and works well even in rain. I thought it would be better for map manipulation, and it is, but the button integration on the map is actually quite neatly done. Thinking ahead to autumn / winter operating the device in gloves is easier with buttons. The clincher though is that the 530 is £80 cheaper.
I had problems with connecting both to Garmin connect on my iPhone. This improved after I disabled WiFi on the Garmins. No problems using Garmin Express on my PC.
I have not had any device crashes or experiences of sensor dropouts, mix of Bluetooth and ANT+ sensors. Firmware has been 3.20 from the start.
ClimbPro is a nice feature and worked well on a number of rides where I was using a TCX route.
After a 6hour ride the battery was still at 75% on my 830 – although the phone was only connected for the last hour or so. I also did not use the map that much. Other 3-4 hour rides on the 530 have come back with battery life at 80-85%.
I would like to find a way to import ridewithgps routes automatically, the only way I have been able to upload them is to download on PC and then drop into the Garmin’s ‘new files’ folder. Anyone know if there is a way?
My 530 is affected by the dodgy back button issue. I have now sent it back to Garmin. I have not though found Garmin support particularly helpful or consistent. One response I got back said that the unit would be swapped out for a ‘newly overhauled device’ even when I pointed out that it was a new product. The chap I actually spoke to confirmed though that it would be a device from the production line. We will see! If not, I will return to CleverTraining for a refund and wait for teething issues to be ironed out,
Overall though I have been really pleased with both 530 and 830 and can not wait to get a properly working device back on the bike.
PS the Bontrager Blendr mount for the Garmin works really well and there is plenty of room for button access.
Not exactly an answer to your question but I download the .fit route file from RWGPS and copy directly to the route folder on my Garmin. I find this works better in that I’ve had some routes that were similar copy over each other when converted when I put them in the “new files” folder. I don’t have that problem with the .fit files directly into the route folder.
You can avoid downloading the file and just copy the rideWithGps route URL into the web site dynamic.watch and then download the route to the Edge using the CIQ routeCouse app.
David E,
Sorry to hear the frustration with our support. Please know your device will be replaced with a new Edge 530. Reach out to our support team and mention I asked for your reply if you run into any issues or concerns.
I actually went one step further, and installed dynamic.watch Connect IQ app, then connected dynamic.watch website to my strava account and RWGPS accounts. Strava starred routes, and RWGPS pinned routes automatically appear in your dynamic.watch Connect IQ app once that is done. Super convenient.
I found the GRouteLoader Widget yesterday. That seems to combine some interesting features, and being a widget can be run while an activity is in progress.
When combined with gexporter on Android, you can even send routes from your phone directly onto the 530 with going through the Connect app/website.
Thanks Louis, I will remember that tip.
Shawn, thanks, the device is back with Garmin, so hopefully I will get a new unit back with a working back button within the next couple of days. Everyone I have dealt with @Garmin Support has been friendly and responsive, it is just that the advice provided has been inconsistent.
Greg, Nicolas, KDeWeerd, thank you for the helpful suggestions. Will definitely give dynamic.watch a go. Just a shame that there is no direct integration with RWGPS and the Garmin Edge.
The quickest and easiest way to get routes on the device is to get RouteCourse to automatically sync pinned routes. So once I’ve created a route in RWGPS I simply pin it, then go to my Garmin, open RouteCourse, and tap to download.
Replacement 530 arrived today. Setting it up I discovered that there is now a new RWGPS app in ConnectIQ for the 530/830. Downloaded it and you can now download routes straight from your RWGPS account onto the 530, then go to courses and all the downloaded routes are available to ride. Works really well, and just what I was looking for.
New device came preloaded with 3.20 firmware and working back button. Happy days (hopefully).
That is exciting news. Can’t wait to try it.
Hi, I’ve just picked up an Edge 530 and love it for riding outdoors. But I’m wasting so much time trying to get it connected to, and controlling, my Wahoo Kickr snap for pre-loaded power workouts from Training Peaks. It struggles to connect as a smart trainer and prefers to connect as a passive power meter, meaning the Kickr refuses to run in erg mode. Wondered if you have any tips? And thanks for these awesome reviews by the way!
I just got my Edge 830 (via CleverTraining). So where/how does it prompt you to activate the TrailForks stuff on the non-bundle version? I haven’t seen anything.
Also, since I’ll be taking a trip to Europe this summer, is there any reason to pay Garmin for its (huge) map download, rather than continuing to use the older method with OpenStreetMaps?
thx
Did you figure out the trailforks issue? I’m having the same problem on the Edge 530.
Just noticed this comment…
To active Trailforks data on a non-bundle Edge 530/830, you’ll open the Menu (Settings), then go to ‘Connect IQ’, then ‘Trailforks’. You’ll need to have first created an account on the TrailForks site (free account is fine). At which point the Connect IQ TrailForks app will ask you to open your phone and login to the TrailForks site.
It’s all pretty quick and painless and takes a few seconds, and then it’s activated. You never need to open the TrailForks app again.
For folks that buy the mountain-bike bundle, it’s pre-activated.
Do you know if sessions done on an 820 would show on Garmin connect training load. The files don’t report the same as with the 945. Will they upgrade firmware or is this only a feature of the newer models. Cheers.
Can you pause a workout (i.e. when coming up to traffic lights, riding through villages etc), but your ride still continues to be recorded in the background? I know you can do this with the Elemnt, but it does not seem to do it on the 530.
Does anyone else see the inability to pause a workout as a big shortcoming of the 530? It’s easy to follow a workout to a T when it’s on a trainer. Dealing with stop lights, hills, and other unforeseen circumstances usually make it impossible to do outside without this option. I haven’t been able to find a way to do it, which is kind of a drag. I switched to the 530 from an ELEMNT Bolt, which made it easy to pause mid workout, skip, or go back to previous steps. Not having this feature basically makes workout mode worthless outdoors.
Since the activity profiles don’t define sensors and use the sensor pool concept, what do you do if someone wants to ride with you by borrowing your extra bike? Two bike sensors are now connected; how do you pick/define which to use?
Hi,
did my second ride today and noticed that no performance condition or VO2Max was calculated for any of the two rides. I did wear a HR strap and both rides where far longer than the 20min stated on the Device. It did calculate Training Status though.
Does it need some time until the two metrics are provided or do I miss something?
Ah sorry … I re-read the Manual. I need a powermeter for it to work. I was confused as running Vo2Max is provided using a HR strap alone.
.
On a positive note I used the Trail Forks feature while riding my MTB in the Pisgah National Forrest and it was great to have navigation on top of a mountain.
Hello Ray,
I currently use the Edge 810. Works well but only thing is the power on/off butten has disintegrated and there is now a hole. Still able to use the inner butten using my glasses.
Seeing the extensive use of the buttons on the new 530, I was wondering if any similar problems are to be expected. Are the buttons rubber again or hard plastic? Hope to hear from you and thanks for all the reviews you do.
Hi Ray,
What is Your experince with the Automatic Emergency Call/mail?
Is it really working well or more a publicity thing?
/Kent
It actually does work well, and in general I find it actually works better on the Edge series than the Forerunner series (for cycling). In the last 2-3 months I’ve had two false positives from the FR945 while cycling when I did non-ideal things on my road bike going off some edges and stuff. But neither Edge 530 or 830 has triggered when I did that.
My new 530 showed up today (unexpectedly as it was on backorder). Before I open it, does anyone know if there’s a way to tell from the outside if it’s a bum unit as far as the buttons go? There is a small sticker with a serial number. Was wondering if that gave any indication?
I would rather return it before opening if I know it’s a bad unit.
Hey there,
yesterday I have just tested my brand new Edge 530 on my indoor trainer (Tacx Vortex Smart), with a predefined workout where I was gonna do a bunch of high intensity intervals where the intensity target in Garmin connect was set to “power” and some recovery in between where the intensity was set to “HR zone 3”.
During the workout I have seen that some peaks appeared in the power. I was hoping that these were just reading/communication errors between the trainer and the head unit and that they will be filtered out. Turns out there were more than I have seen during the activity and they have been logged porperly in my workout. Turns out that my max power was around 44 000 Watts. See attached screenshot
I have used an ANT+ antenna to Zwift on PC, used my iPad and my Android over Bluetooth for power settings on structured workouts. Never before did the trainer behave in such a manner. I have checked the firmware version of the trainer, and was up to date before the workout. I am running software verion 3.20 on my Edge 530.
Now all this scrambled data has screwed up my training status and recovery time on Garmin Connect: 4 days and unproductive.
Does anybody have any idea what the reason for these peaks could be?
I found out that there is not enough space on the unit to accommodate North America Map & Europe Map, on a brand new device!
NA map is taking 4.5GB, Europe is 10GB. With all the other data, 1GB is missing. Unit has 16GB total.
Garmin solution is to delete all previous maps (.img, .gar files) from a computer, download and install the new one from Garmin Connect. Do the same thing when I want to go back. Is it me or this is a complete non-sense on a brand new device?
HI,
Will my old garmin sensors (from a garmin edge 800) still work with this unit. or do i need to purchase the new style ones. Same with my old heart rate straps?
Ordered my 530 via CT uk and your discount code, thanks a lot.
Here’s my experience so for after 6 rides, both indoor and outside in different environments (mountains, city…). Updated to 3.20 firmware when receiving it before doing any other configuration / adding sensors. I did not enable wifi yet.
Sensors/devices
– Iphone XR
– TICKR HR strap
– FSA powerbox powermeter
– Elite Direto
Observations:
– Battery life is superb. Used it for a 210km ride in the mountains with navigation and had over 50% left.
– No problem at all to connect to any sensors / devices. Experienced no sensor dropouts so far. Finds sensors instantly.
– Rides are uploaded instantly to garmin connect/strava
– Button feel is better compared to 520 plus, at least for me.
– Screen size is noticably bigger than 520 plus and a good compromise between the bigger 1030 screen. I prefer the smaller size of this unit.
– Screen configuration is made easier because you can now ‘swap’ two fields. I do not understand why this could be a dealbreaker for some people (being able to config the screen via the app). Just do it once right and forget about it afterwards.
– ClimbPro is really nice. Provides just enough information to be able to pace yourself on a climb. Avg grade info could still be improved somewhat, but the color code scheme and profile seems to be generally spot on. If you climb a lot you will like this feature.
– Initial course calculation is fast, way better than the 520plus.
– Turn by turn works very well for me. two beeps when approaching a turn. One beep when you need to turn. Automatic switch to the map and back to your data screen. Nothing wrong with it according to me.
– Re-routing works, and when it needs to re-calculate this is a lot faster than before. I did find some cases where it still asked me to ‘make a U-turn’ where there would be better options. Also, it sometimes asks me to go back to a previous point in the course, instead of finding the best route to a point further up the course. I hope it could still be improved with updates, but it generally does the job for me.
– Did not experience any issues with GPS accuracies yet.
So far, I am very happy I upgraded from the 520plus. For that pricepoint (esp using the additional discount) there is a lot to like about this unit.
Old sensors will still work.
Hey Ray,
I just received my Edge 530 today. Still in the process of getting it set up, but happy to report no issues with the buttons.
I do have a question about the maps. I bought the unit from a different region, so it came loaded with a bunch of maps that don’t interest me.
I was planning to download and install maps like we do on the Edge 520 here (link to dcrainmaker.com) but I noticed that there seems to be a bunch more map files in the 530.
I certainly don’t want to make a mess of things on day 1, so do you have any advice on this?
Cheers,
Ian
Here’s a screenshot of those files
No worries, you can follow the same instructions without removing any files. Just simply add in the GMAPSUPP file and you’re good to go!
And yeah, I need to revamp some of the instructions a bit for the Edge 520 Plus/530/820/830, though they are very very similiar.
Thanks Ray, worked perfectly!
Wasn’t sure how big a gmapsupp img it would accept so I built a 307mb one for the California from the bay area to Mexico border (larger than some countries). No issues loading, displays everything now. I presume even larger gmapsupp files could be loaded.
Anyone having issues reliably connecting their Edge 530 to their Iphone or to a Wahoo TickrX HR strap.
The HR strap worked for a week or two and even after removing and re-pairing, I’m not having much luck.
Also I have tried to use the Garmin Support Chat in every browser available to man and it appears to just not work at all.
I got the unit Wednesday as an anniversary/dad’s day gift and took it out into the real world today. I’m coming from a pioneer ca500, so I’ve never had mapping/navigation on a head unit before, so was excited to try out. I loaded a route today, one that I know but occasionally get confused and miss some turns when I’m riding solo. Navigation appeared to work flawlessly. There were a few times I took my own deviations from the route and I had the “u-turn” instruction, and while I found it odd at first, I do kind of get that the first point of logic would be to get you back on to the original route quickly.
I did one climb and the climbpro came on, unfortunately didn’t think to configure the data beforehand so I switched off so I could see my power.
So far so good! I don’t think I have the back button issue, having no point of comparison I can’t really tell.
When pairing an ANT+/BL sensor, can you choose on the 530 which protocol use to pair and record data? Or there’s a favorite one by default that you can’t modify on the 530?
Thanks
Yup, when you pair any sensor, you’re pairing either the ANT+ side or the BLE side. Generally speaking Garmin products will enumerate the ANT+ sides first when you search for pairing, and then it’ll show BLE sensors.
However, not always. if it finds BLE sensors as more powerful/first, it’ll show those initially. Generally speaking ANT+ sensors have just the #’s, like 1232 or 923383, whereas BLE sensors will say something like ‘Quarq 12asjg’ or such.
Got my 530 from CT UK yesterday. My device has the same issue with the down-button – others have with the back-button. I sent an email to garmin support and wait for instructions…
Hi DC,
Thank you for the always super product reviews!
Will the 530 Edge pair with an old HRM belt from a Phoenix 2?
Cheers
Ole
Yup, no issues there. It’s ANT+.
Any idea why my 530 would be stuck on this screen with a “power” symbol? After a ride today, everything seemed to work fine, but at the end, I thought I saved the ride and put the unit in the trunk of my car. While I was having lunch at the ride venue, I didn’t see the usual Strava or Garmin notification about the completed ride. When I looked at the unit later and hit the power button, there was a screen about the unit losing connection with the phone. So I decided to power it off. When I did I got the screen with that power symbol, but instead of the screen then going black, that power symbol is still showing an hour or more later. I’m not getting a response from the power button press and plugging it into a USB port isn’t having any effect either.
Seems I can’t post a picture that I took of the screen,for some reason the [Browse…] button here on the website isn’t clickable, I’ll try adding it in a reply to this comment.
Here’s the picture of the screen, still stuck…
You can hold the power button for about 10-15 seconds and it’ll force it off.
Hold down the power button for a good long 10 seconds to force a soft reset/reboot
Ok, finally got it to reset/power back on, just took a little longer than 10 second hold on the power button.
This happened a couple of times with the 3.20 FW, but hasn’t happened since the 3.50 FW was installed.
I am not sure to buy the Edge 530, one question:
Assuming I have some .gpx-files (my mountain bike routes) on a Mac/iPhone/iPad/PC, is it possible to send that file wirelessly to the Edge 530 (WiFi/BT)? If yes, which software do I need on these devices?
Hi Dave,
this is possible (various ways).
My personal preferred one would be to load the gpx to “Komoot” on the PC (or Smartphone) and then use the Komoot Connect IQ App on the Edge to transfer it to the device (while the edge is connected to the Smartphone via BT or to the Web via Wifi – both works for the Komoot App but not for i.e. Strava or GCM!). Just make sure you mark the “Offline available” in the IQ App to later find it on the Edge in your tracks.
BTW. Used the same method already on the 520 (via BT only at that time) and it works for me.
Thanks for the reply!
So at the moment I work with gpsies.com, but it seems that there is a way I can transfer my routes. Perhaps I have to switch from gpsies to komoot…
If I connect the Edge 530 to my computer wirelessly there is no way to transfer the routes just via file explorer?
My 530 screen “died” yesterday. It was fine riding home from work on Friday, went out for a ride yesterday, loaded a route, hit “start” and got about 10′ down the road and the screen went all white and kind of pulsating. Unit was still working (could hear beeps, radar notifications, etc). Messed around with it for about 20 minutes trying to do soft resets by holding the power button down for 10 second +. Sometimes I could get it back with a normal screen, and sometimes it booted up with this all white / pulsating screen. Every time I got it back with the “normal” screen, it would appear to be fine, but after I pressed “start”, it would blank out again after a few seconds of riding. Plugged into the computer or charger, screen is fine. Thought maybe it had somehow gotten into battery save mode, but that’s not the case (plus when the screen blanks out, pressing buttons won’t revive it). Noticed too that while not riding, the screen seems fine, but cycling through menus, it will randomly go blank for 5 seconds, then come back to life.
Garmin was very responsive (Sunday, so it was handled through a chat session) and are shipping me a new unit today. However, still a bit disconcerting on a less than month old unit. I was debating on warrantying the unit anyways, as the buttons all “stick” in that they work fine when pressed, but don’t always pop back out.
Really strange; I used the 530 to record my trainer workout this morning and when finished it said it uploaded but I couldn’t see it in the Garmin Connect App. I tried to re-upload and it never seemed to do the trick. Later I went to strava and it was posted to strava as usual, except despite me starting the workout on 6/18/2019 at 4:40am Pacific time, it was posted with a start time of 6/15/2019 at 3:40am. So somehow the date on my unit is hosed?
Weird, right?
Just received the 530 from Clever Training!
Is there a way to port bike/activity settings from a 510? Would like that as a starting point at least.
Charlie
@Charlie Anderson: The Sports folder on your device contains all the activity profiles. But it may not be a good idea to transfer them from the 510 to the 530 as they may not be compatible. Usually to copy profiles/settings from device to device (same model), you copy the files from the source device to the NewFiles folder on the target device. You will need a computer to perform this.
link to support.garmin.com
Hi! I have Training Status question.
Do I need power meter to get my VO2max estimated and/or Training Status available?
Since 8th June I have logged 7 activities with my Edge 530, but still have no Trainig Status and no VO2max estimation. Will it appear or it just don’t work without power meter?
From the test:
Then there’s VO2Max and FTP, both of which are calculated (FTP calculation requires a power meter (…)
As I understand: no power meter required to calculate VO2max, right? The Training Satus seems to be dependent on VO2max.
I only have Training Effect information and Training Load Focus from last 7 days (but this one only on device).
AFAIK you need to be using both a power meter and a heart rate monitor to get vo2max.
Yea I’ve been digging into all the FirstBeat metrics and found it to be pretty obscure. What works with what, what is needed and what its supposed to do. Garmin doesn’t really give you much Info and even the infos on FirstBeats homepage are not that helpfull. The names of the different metrics are pretty similar and not all metrics can be found on all platforms, also Garmin and FirstBeat seem to use different Names for the same thing. And everything becomes super complicated once you consider TrueUp Physio between two devices that have different FirstBeat Metrics implemented.
So today I had a few hours to spend and disappeared down the rabbit hole of obscure Metrics.
I’ve created a Graph trying to show the relations between the different metrics. And here is some of the stuff that I have figured out so far. I use an Edge 530 with a Forerunner 235. Be careful I might be wrong at some points as I only figured stuff out reading the online resources and applying logic to the data that I saw.
(GC: The online platform, GCM: The mobile platform)
* Exercise Load / EPOC is a Numeric Value calculated per Acivity (in ml/kg). Based on information on the FirstBeat Homepage, “Neural Networks are used to calculate this value” For newer devices (e.g my 530) This value is visible for each Activity in GC, GCM and on device. There is also a special screen in the “My Stats” section of the 530 which shows all EPOCs of the last 7 Days. This also inclues EPOC values from the 235.
* Training Load is the running average over the EPOCs of the last 7 Days. This includes data from my FR235 even though no EPOC is shown for activities recorded with the FR235. This value is shown in GC (Reports/All Activities/Training Status), There is a section for it in GCM but for me it currently shows “No Data Availible” even though a value is shown in GC. On the 530, there is a dial in the “Training Status” section but it also shows no Data.
* Training Effect is Based on EPOC but scaled by individual “fitness or activity level” it is measured on a scale from 0 (no effect) to 5 (temporarily overreaching). There are two sub categories
– Aerobic Training Effect: Based on maximal EPOC reached during the activity
– Anaerobic TE: Somehow detects short but intense activity (based on power, HR, and speed),
accumulates those and calculates a Training effect.
Depending on which of the two is/are supported the Training Effect values for each Activity are shown on the Device, in GCM and GC. Summaries are shown in GCM, GC.
* Training Status tries to give you an overall picture of where you fitness is going and uses categories like Maintaining, Overreaching, Peaking. It does some magic that is not really described but seems to
combine changes in VO2max and/or Training Load. You can find it on the Device, GC and GCM. Interestingly all platforms stopped providing a value two days ago even though I did exercise twice in the last seven days. It’s unclear to me if Training Status also includes the data from the 235 but looking at the values that I have seen so far I would say it does.
* Primary Benefit looks at the balance of your Aerobic and Anaerobic training effect and tries to figure out what the physiological benefit (e.g Recovery, Base, Tempo …) was. These levels are further categorized into three larger groups which are also color coded (Aerobic High, Aerobic Low, Anaerobic)
* Load Balance looks at the Primary Benefits of the last 40 Days and summarizes the data. It also magically provides some regions in which each of the three categories (Aerobic High, Aerobic Low, Anaerobic) should be.
As said it’s still unclear how stuff is combined when using TrueUp Physio. e.g Training Status seems to use both your Training load and your VO2max. I don’t have a power meter so that I do not get a cycling VO2max. Is Training Status now based on Training load alone or does it somehow pull in running VO2max from my FR? Also why does GC calculate a Training Load while both GCM and the 530 state that there is not enough data to do so. All of this is barley scratching of the surface. There is also Recovery time, performance condition, FTP and so on and so on.
Questions over Questions ….
I mean these metrics are nice and all. Everyone likes some numbers, dials and funky colors but if it is basically impossible to figure out what they mean, how they are connected and what the heck someone should do with them, they end up just being a waste of time that Garmin developers could have spend on fixing bugs.
I actually think most of this is fairly well documented by FirstBeat, and a lot of it does add up fairly well.
Unfortunately however, those documents are scattered about. I’ve got a few in presentations that are super detailed and answer most of your missing pieces. And they presented more at the FirstBeat Summit/Conference last month as well.
Where it’s messier as you noted, is how it all works with respect to multiple devices within Physio TrueUp, which is more of a Garmin sync thing. I started digging into this with Garmin back in April when I was there. And it’s sorta a case of each time you peel back one layer and think you understand it, there’s another edge case that pops up. It’s never-ending edge cases with different devices, sensors, etc. Some of that is Garmin’s fault, and some of that is just the reality of having a decade+ worth of devices out there.
And I suspect it’s a situation where they’re damned if the do, and damned if they don’t. From a cleanliness standpoint, they could just say ‘Look, only devices made after 2018, everyone else need not apply’. That’d make it easy. Of course, everyone would be upset. Some of those older devices simply don’t have the features on the device itself to make it work, but Garmin does some magic in the cloud to try and do the bits it can.
So instead, they’ve taken the approach of trying to fix it in the cloud, which sorta works, but ends up being a house to house fire with various combinations of devices.
All of which means FirstBeat looks clunky because expectations are tough to solve for, and even more so, variables are super long.
Hi Ray,
thanks for your answer! Yes, you are right. Things are explained on the FirstBeat homepage. But It still took me quite a bit of time to piece things together. Also, the naming of the metrics is …. lets say confusing. Do you think you can share those slides or are they classified?
I’m going to see if I can get them shared, or a variant of it.
Actually, until that happens. Check out the Summit page here: link to firstbeat.com
Then click on ‘Content’ (it should take you there, but just in case it doesn’t). The FirstBeat presentations from FirstBeat themselves are usually the first one within each section. Mostly super detailed stuff. Obviously doesn’t cover everything, but will likely keep one distracted for a while. :)
Nice! thanks Ray,
finally found time to have a look at them. They are pretty interesting and did solve some of my questions.
I was also finally able to get a few more rides in. The 530 works really well for me and I’m quite happy with it. I did find a small inconsistency with where the 7day load is shown though. The number and dial is only shown on the dedicated training load page of the 530. There is an additional dial below the training status summery which on my device does not show any data. In your images (Fig. 12 u. Fig.13 of the “Training & Performance Metrics” section) both show a value of 952 (even though the first one is actually missing the pointer on the color scale). Also GCM does report the current 7day load on the Training Status page but if I select it, it states “No data available”.
so much wanted the 530 to renew faith in Garmin after leaving them for Wahoo. The 530 failed miserably and has been returned to the store. Setup went smoothly except for one random crash. Worked fine during ride. Post ride, did not auto-upload. Called tech support, screen froze, stuck in loading mode on reboot, coudn’t fix it, offered exchange. Opted to stick with Wahoo Elemnt and return 530. Hope Wahoo comes out with radar
@ I.E.
Great work :)
It turns out that you can have a Training Status, having an edge 530 and running VO2max. It is still unknown if the Training Status will work if the only activity is cycling without a power meter.
It is clear, however, that the VO2max cycling requires a power meter because it is not based on speed like running VO2max.
If Training Status can not work only on the basis of HR, I still think that I should have access to more data than I have. In GCM I can only see what is in the Training Effect tab. No data on other 5 tabs. Without Training Load. Without Training Load Balance. Excercise Load and Primary Benefit – only in the view of a specific activity. No aggregate data.
The device allows me to see more. Recovery Time works (would be nice to see it in GCM). Training Load Balace (as on Ray’s photos). Training Load (7 days) shows data from individual days, but does not add them and does not indicate whether the load is small, large or optimal. I would like to add that the Training Load and Training Load Balance are hidden under the “empty” Training Status window. Completely pointless.
So much science and magic from First Beat and I do not get almost anything useful. I did not promise myself a lot of it but I’m disappointed anyway. Hope it will show more data in the future.
Funny that I found these comments in this Forum, I have been following up on some of these metrics on the Garmin forum but I am now not getting any reply.
What got me is Firstbeats interpretation of the scientific measure EPOC – Which needs to be monitored post workout by analyzing respiratory gases. Many of their metrics are based on this.
Official Definition:
EPOC is a physiological measure (amount of oxygen consumed in excess after exercise as measured in liters or ml/kg) that that reflects the recovery demand and the disturbance of body’s homeostasis brought by the exercise. Measurement of EPOC has been possible only by analyzing respiratory gases with laboratory equipment, thus being expensive, time consuming and not applicable to everyday purposes.
Firstbeats implementation –
“Indirect” EPOC “Prediction” Method Based on Heart Rate Measurement
EPOC is “predicted” only on the basis of heart rate “derived” information
https://forums.garmin.com/sports-fitness/cycling/f/edge-530/162648/firstbeat-powered-insights-on-the-garmin-edge-530-and-garmin-edge-830—q-a
I think many people have these questions as so they should as their training can be based on it.
I love the magic / science comment because that what it is, or lets just call it indirect magic / science!
Just by using my simple Brain how can an oxygen measurement metric that needs to be analyzed post workout be derived by Heart Rate during an workout without any post ride analysis? I would love for someone to answer this for me and also how can FirstBeat even call their metric EPOC when it totally is not, and yes I read their whitepaper.
My brand new 530 temperature readings are completely way off – it’s 10 celsius higher than real……and the Enter button can be a bit dodgy – it’s just that the profile is very low so you finger will have to press exactly in the centre – sometimes the finger will contact the raised side edge of the unit and it’ll feel like it’s the button but it’s not the button – that’s how low profile the buttons are when you can make a mistake like that.
I’ve now read the warning in the manual that Temps readings are not meant to be dead accurate. So true – i left the unit outside for half hour and it finally showed temps akin to reality but it started to climb up again – must be due to the internal electronics.
Got to be tough. Nearly all the comments are problems. Received my 530 days ago. Got it with a bikesdirect promo, $239. I didn’t experience any of the issues listed here. Did my first ride today. It’s pretty nice. Love the size and buttons compared to the 520. I have Dura Ace Di2 so the button integration is always cool. Now with multiple function controls on the hood buttons, single press, press and hold, and double press, even cooler. Only thing I don’t like so much is the dark glass on the screen. Not a deal breaker.
Very happy with my 830 as well coming from a 1000. No issues of any consequence. Big improvement.
So sorry in advance if this is listed and I missed it…but is there a way to transfer all saved device information (power meters, HR monitors, etc) saved in a 520 plus to a new 530?
Perhaps copy (part of) the Garmin folder on the device. I remember seeing “.fit” files named the same as my Activity Profile names. Dunno.
Technically speaking it sometimes works to copy some of the Settings.fit over. But practically speaking I’d strongly recommend against doing so.
Generally speaking it’s one of those things that seems like a good idea at first, and might even work for a while. Then one random day something will crap itself, some setting will be stuck in a weird state, or otherwise unhappy. You’ll have long since forgotten about the tranfser, but in reality it might have just been that which caused it. It’s why Garmin officially doesn’t recommend it. Too many things have dependencies there that aren’t accounted for.
Of course, it’s also why all of us have been asking for a way to copy things like data field setup and such between devices in a supported way.
I switched from the 520 and, for the most part, really like it. However, in using live segments in strava, it is all over the place with what it shows. Many times it gives me “recent” and “last” ride on the segment. I don’t care for either of those. Is there a way to have it show only PRs, or next person up? I can find a way to do this…
I have not found a way to set a default segment target. You can set it after the sement starts, but requires several buttons which isn’t what I want to be doing when racing a segment. I don’t care about the guy ahead of me on the leaderboard. I want to track progress relative to my PR.
My back button stopped working today. Garmin Support here in Germany is not really helpful. They declined to immediately ship out a replacement unit even though I specifically asked for it and offered to supply my credit card data for deposit. Instead I will have to send it in (postage and risk on me) and they will investigate and eventually replace the unit within 2 weeks. This is really disappointing and will leave me 2 weeks without device during cycling high season. Huge disappointment.
Anyone having zoom issues? Took the 530 out for the Merritt Crown race, a 122km 3900m unmarked self supported mtb bit of a nightmare lol. Being unmarked, navigation is pretty important. I would get the zoom level to a scale that worked for the speed, but every time I stopped it would zoom so far out the map became useless. You’d have to go through re zooming in all the repeat at the next stop. I had turned the auto zoom of as well. Super frustrating.
I had this exact same issue. I asked about this on the Garmin Support Forum as well and got a reply suggesting that I had a corrupt activity profile. I deleted that profile and created another one, and it temporarily fixed the problem but then it returned. I did a hard reset on the 530 after that, and that has solved the issue. Huge hassle having to set the whole thing up again, but at least now the map works as it’s supposed to, instead of switching to the map page and zooming out every time I come to a stop. Link to the topic on the Garmin forum below, if you’d like to post there about your issue as well.
link to forums.garmin.com
Thanks! I’ll give that a try.
The hard reset worked for about half an hour lol. I’d stop and the map would stay put. 30min later and back to the way it was. Not liking the using very much.
Shaun, I forgot to mention that I also switched the ride profile ‘type’ to ‘road’ and disabled the Trailforks map layer. I disabled the mountain bike profile because the ridiculous “NICE JUMP!” notifications were making me insane, and the only way I could find to get rid of them was to change the ride profile to road (thanks, Garmin…). I was also suspicious that the “ForkSight” feature, courtesy of the Trailforks map layer, was causing the unwanted zooming out of the map. I would try doing those two things as well. Good luck, I was on the verge of returning my 530 when I was having this problem.
The Trailforks mapping was the main reason for my purchase lol! But you’re right, nice jump makes me crazy!
Have used the Edge 530 for a few rides now and really liking it. Didn’t think it would be too much of an upgrade over the 520, but i was wrong. Screen just seems to be a lot easier to read in all conditions so far and a couple of the screens i have 10 items showing.
Only had issue on last nights cycle, unit turned itself off after the 2nd climb that ClimbPro captured. Not sure why it did it, but ride was still saved once i turned unit back on so i was able to resume with only a little time lost..
How accurate is the current gradient % on mtb trails? I have an old school VDO cyclocomputer which measures that using an internal inclinometer I guess (no GPS, but it might be calculating the change in elevation over distance, not 100% sure) so pretty accurate. What about the Garmin 530?
Mine is 100% accurate while my 520 plus was bullshitting all over the time
My Edge 530 is now on the 3.50 firmware. I am still getting issues with installing software updates from Garmin Express (routable maps for Australia/New Zealand, Trailforks and “Other Items”). I keep on getting this error that says “Some files could not be sent to your device –> sports (Transfer Error)”.
Anyone got a solution for this?
Anyone had issues with rerouting whilst following a planned route?
Riding in an unfamiliar area yesterday, missed a turn as didn’t get an alert, just an off course notification and thought I’d carry on and let it recalculate and follow that – it then spent close to two hours trying to send me down farm paths and grassed walking routes totally unsuited to a road bike!
It was useless, ended up doing an extra 40 miles by time I finished – had it on road cycling, locked to roads and avoiding trails and unpaved roads so I’m at a loss what went wrong.
Not cool. I did a 122km mtb race and I got lost so many times it was ridiculous.
I had no issue with the re-routing specifically, but I have had issues when following Strava routes loaded through Connect IQ. I too missed a turn and despite the unit beeping at me non-stop for an hour, I decided to ‘wing it’. Problem is now that the .fit file generated for my ride is 26MB for some reason and too big to load up to Strava, Garmin, Training Peaks, etc so is absolutely useless to me as I can’t do anything with it… Was your .fit file supersized also?
I’ve just checked and it was a fairly standard size, it auto uploaded to Strava, Training Peaks and Sporttracks without issue.
Typo alert:
“Edge 830 has can do address-specific routing…”
I thought it was going to say “Edge 830 has a can-do attitude…” :-)
Haha…thanks! It does have a can-do attitude though! ;)
Is anyone having trouble with training load not calculating on some rides? Both my 530 and forerunner 945 have recently stopped calculating training load after a ride. I did a whole reset on both and now the 530 seems to be calculating for now but not the forerunner 945. The only correlation I can find is when training load isn’t calculated the respiration rate is either faulty (completely flat lined for the entire ride) or isn’t calculated at all. Out of ideas for how to fix it.
I forgot to add that in all cases the Heart Rate data appears to be good.
I received mit Edge 530 today. During my first trip the device turned off while I was following a predifined route. I had this problem before with my Edge 810 and there this seemed to be well known link to triathlon-szene.de. (This behaviour was less often, when I changed the setting of map detail to less.)
Therefore I now ordered then 530. Seems to be that the new models still have the same issue.
Anyone else having this issue? Any idea to solve it?
Thanks!
Update: here link to www8.garmin.com I found “Changes made from version 3.20 to 3.50:” and “Fixed a shutdown that could occur when calculating a route.”
Now installed 3.50., Hopefully this solves the issue.
I have used it for two weeks now. Mainly works flawlessly. Climbpro is OK, nutrition / hydration alerts Smart mode is fine and useful, acclimation / adaptation is also working nice, battery is perfect, a lot of new features and improvements :).
I tried BLE connection with Power2Max NG, working fine, but I do not see data for Torque and Pedal Smoothness. One of the reasons for buying it was BLUETOOTH SMART. Also one time stopped collecting BLE data from PM in the middle of a ride so I switched the connection to ANT+.
Have you idea why I do not see and what I need to have data for Torque or Pedal Smoothness?
For power meters, you definitely always want to use ANT+. And your scenario actually shows why. See, the Bluetooth Smart power meter spec doesn’t include Torque Effectiveness or Pedal Smoothness. So if you use the BLE side of a power meter instead of the ANT+ side, you won’t get those metrics.
Ironically enough, the most recent firmware for the Edge 530/830 in the last few days actually changes the default behavior (semi-back) to the normal which is to show you the ANT+ sensor side as a priority so one doesn’t accidentally pick that. While it’s good that Garmin allows BLE sensors of course, this isn’t really a Garmin problem to solve. The BLE spec for power meters is generally regarded as a decision by committee mess, and every power meter company I know of says to use ANT+ instead.
OK.
But how do you mean “Bluetooth Smart power meter spec doesn’t include Torque Effectiveness or Pedal Smoothness”?
Yup, Power2max’s post is roughly correct, but skips over the details. Specifically that the ANT+ spec includes those metrics, but that the Bluetooth Smart spec doesn’t (it just has power balance and total power, plus cadence. And in some cases some other metrics).
Sorta like how US English and British English are sorta the same but sorta not. They say funky things that don’t really translate in the US. Roughly. Sorta.
Here you are P2M support explanation ?.
So the first paragraph of their response is all correct.
However, the second paragraph is not. None of it is. Garmin supports Torque Effectiveness and Pedal Smoothness via ANT+ just fine, and all other companies implement it just fine. And it records just fine, and is viewable on Garmin Connect just fine.
Not sure what to say there. :(
Couple of weeks in and the 530 is still working fine.
However, I’m having a problem finding a menu option that should be there.
During a ride we should be able to press the top right button (3 dots on it) and in the menu there should be an option to set the elevation with a known ‘good value’
The 530 manual refers to this, my 520 used to have it also, but I don’t see the option on the actual 530 device.
Am I missing something, anyone can point me in the right direction?
@Ian Crawshaw: This menu does not exist in the 530, even though it’s in the manual. I contacted Garmin Support and the support person was able to verified it does not exist. In the meantime, if you do want to set the elevation, you can do it via the Saved Locations menu:
Menu –> Navigation –> Saved Locations –> Save My Location –> Edit –> Change Elevation
@Ian Cranshaw: This is how you set the elevation (from a comment left by georgiawx on the Garmin 530 forum):
“Before starting a ride, get the computer so the data screens are visible by pressing the enter button to select a profile, then once you have selected the profile you want, the data screens will be displayed. You can then scroll down to the elevation screen and press the enter button to access the menu. Scroll down to “Set Elevation”.
You can also do the after starting a ride by pausing and then scrolling down to the elevation screen and repeating the steps above once there.”
Thanks for this workaround, I can do what I want to do now.
Seems you need to have the elevation screen on in your activity profile to access this. I’d disabled the screen because I ride in a predominantly flat area.
Hey Rainmaker,
thanks for the amazing test – i was eating it!!
I still got a few questions:
– when I am In “following a gpx track” mode
x how can I see the full high profile and not just an extract?
x in map mode it a always switching between “north mode” & “turning map into direction mode” – is this normal behavior?
x when I am leaving the track I want a tone: is there an option to adjust this in the Manu somehow?
Cheers
Thanks for this review Ray.
The main feature I was reading the review for was Battery Saver mode and how it functioned for you. It looks like you didn’t cover it or is my CTRL+F skills lacking?
Thanks
I recorded a ride today on my Edge 530 and I attempted to follow a Strava Route through Connect IQ. The resulting .fit file after saving the ride is ~26MB in size, as opposed to the usual 400-600KB of my other similar rides. As a result I cannot upload this file now to Garmin or Strava and view my ride data at all.
Is there any reason the file size would be so big when following a route? and more importantly, is there anyway I can strip out the route following data from my .fit file and still keep all other data – speed, power, elevation, HR, etc?
I am currently on cycling holiday in Italy and this ride was up Tre Cime di Lavaredo so would be super disappointed if I cannot view my ride at all.
Many thanks, Grant.
Just a stab in the dark, but maybe run it through fitfiletools.com and try and strip out something or trim it and see if it produces a smaller file? Or try uploading to another platform, like TrainerRoad? Contact Garmin support?
Thanks Dave.
fitfiletools has a size limit of 20MB. Garmin support have been absolutely useless – 3 emails back and forward and they keep copying and pasting the same “Error Occurs When Manually Uploading Activity Data to Garmin Connect” from their FAQ’s, without ever answering my questions…
Cheers, Grant.
That’s super weird, I’ve never seen a .FIT file that big before.
Any chance you had a Connect IQ app (beyond Strava) installed or running?
Thanks for the reply DC.
I’m 99% sure there was nothing else running to make the .fit file so big. I like to keep things pretty clean and simple usually. To test, I also did a shorter ride following a route which was still 8MB (!!), but managed to upload eventually. Needless to say I have now ditched the route following…
I have my fingers crossed there might be a way to strip out the route following data similar to how fitfiletools can strip out power, HR, elevation, etc…
Cheers, Grant.
great review, looking forward to get my new unit soon
Hi Ray,
your Work is highly appreciated – hope to give yo a tiny bit back:
Actually, you CAN Export / import Garmin settings and cycling profiles – though this is NOT recommended (but known) by the Garmin service:
You just have to connect your edge as a hard drive on your PC/Mac and go to the Garmin/Settings folder (right, for settings), to the Garmin/Sports folder for the profiles.
Here you can copy your recent *.fit files (yes, the settings are also fit files) and paste them anywhere safe – or already take your saved settings and drop them here.
Tested, works for me – feel free to retry.
Nevertheless, I suggested to Garmin Service to enable an option to export/import with less hassle ;-)
Best regards
David
Yes I mentioned this and Ray replied saying it is never a good idea. It was comment #861
Quote:
“Technically speaking it sometimes works to copy some of the Settings.fit over. But practically speaking I’d strongly recommend against doing so.
Generally speaking it’s one of those things that seems like a good idea at first, and might even work for a while. Then one random day something will crap itself, some setting will be stuck in a weird state, or otherwise unhappy. You’ll have long since forgotten about the tranfser, but in reality it might have just been that which caused it. It’s why Garmin officially doesn’t recommend it. Too many things have dependencies there that aren’t accounted for.
Of course, it’s also why all of us have been asking for a way to copy things like data field setup and such between devices in a supported way.”
Obviously Garmin does not inform it’s support staff about the button issues with the 530. Purchased mine here in Australia, discovered the return /back didn’t work so I called Garmin support, they basically doubted everything I said about the issue and how the unit could be broken after having it for one day, absolutely clueless. Now have to go through the hassle of returning the dud unit and wait for another unit and hope that it works.
Perhaps someone here can help with the following.. I’m having issues using the “MTB Trail Navigation” feature on the Edge 530, it’s not working. (same as on the Edge 830).
Whenever I select “MTB Trail Navigation” I need to select a start location on the map, I select a location next to a trail (Trailforks map is on). Difficulty is set to cover all options. Distance is set to ~10km (also tried other values with no luck). I keep on getting the same error message, “No routes found. Adjust the start point of your search to be in a trail network, and try again.”
I think the firmware has a bug, the system can’t find the trails that are visible on the map. And what is the Garmin definition of a “trail network”??
The Trailforks app has been activated under Connect IQ. I am able to download and load trails using the Trailforks IQ app, but not’s how I want to use the device. The device has a dedicated TF map that should be useable.
All maps are activated. I’ve tried switching the cycling ones off, but nothing changed.
The system is running firmware 3.50, maps are updated (cycling and trailforks maps updated with Garmin Express to 2019 versions, updated on 07-July-2019).
One thing I like about all Garmin devices I had is that they appear as “mass storage device” on your computer when connected via USB. That makes it very easy to use on them with Linux, e.g. if you want to copy a track in a gpx file you downloaded somewhere to the “New Files” folder. Can anybody confirm that this is possible with the 530 (and/or 830) as well?
yes, I can confirm this for 530.
Correct, for both Edge 530 & 830 (and all other Edge devices too, as well as all Forerunners and Fenix units, and actually, every Garmin wearable/cycling device that records data).
Thank you!
Hi Ray,
The issue I posted just above here (#906), is that something you’ve come across? (MTB Trail Navigation not working)
What is the beeper volume like when giving turn-by-turn-directions? I’m thinking about upgrading from the Edge 520 because it’s beeper volume is really very low, which is annoying espacially for turn-by-turn directions.
Hello
Acording to me, my 530 doesnt ignore 0 while doing average cadence calculation
while I ride with both 520 and my new 530, live cadence are equal, whereas average is always lowest on 530
I already try to push this setting again, but that change nothing
Next tride I will take count with 0 and see what happen
Anyone else having this issue ?
Riv
I noticed when doing the descent of galibier last weekend that cadence was at “1” instead of “0” when keeping my legs completely still.
As it was a really long ride (Marmotte) I have no idea cadence at the end was normal or not
Thanks for the great review.
One question – apologies if I missed it.
Do you know if it is possible to upload additional maps to a 530 e.g. European maps to a US unit or vice versa? I read on another site that this was not possible on the 520 (only 820). Thanks
Yes, this is possible. Try using openstreetmaps and upload the *.img file.
How I can get directions from an address on 530? without using map on Edge?
Maybe there an app on Connect IQ to search on mobile app and export the map to the Edge?
Yes. Try this Connect IQ app.
link to dynamic.watch
My experience, using an Edge 520, it doesn’t give turn by turn. Just 2 points, start and finish. But it works. With the Edge 520 Plus or 530 having routing ability, it may work better…..
I use the GRouteLoader Widget. That combines some interesting features, and being a widget can be run while an activity is in progress.
When combined with gexporter on Android, you can even send routes from your phone directly onto the 530 with going through the Connect app/website.
I am using ride with gps website on the phone and IQ app on the 530. On the website via phone put in the two postcodes or business (start and to) and save as a route. It will automatically appear in the ride with gps IQ app in the 530. Delete the route online when no longer needed and it will disappear from the device.
Is there any way of doing this without knowing your starting point? Ie…from where I am now, to an address?
the Garmin 530 is having some serious GPS issues. I’ve used it for 5 rides, and two of them have had pretty bad GPS tracks. I wait until it says the signal is locked before riding.
Out and back ride. The “out” portion was recorded perfectly, but the “back” end up having the track save north of the actual road.
530 track: link to strava.com
500 track: link to strava.com
Loop hike (530 was attached to top of backpack with direct line to the sky)
530 track: link to strava.com (they only thing correct was the start)
Fenix 5: link to strava.com
Are all the GPS units set to the same Satellite sources, either GPS, GPS+GLONASS, or GPS+GALILEO ?
The 500 supports only GPS (less accurate), and the Fenix 5 was set to the same GPS+GLONASS as the 530.
Auto-pause isn’t enabled on the 530 (originally the Garmin customer service rep thought the issue with the loop hike was auto-pause)
Hi Ray,
I was pestering Garmin on facebook asking about when the mtb features would come to the edge 1030. They indicated that they have no idea what I was talking about. I shared your article, but it seem strange they would play dumb. Do you have a timeline for the mtb features to come to the edge 1030?
Do the Garmin Connect features that you mention above require an ongoing subscription payment, or are they perpetually free for owners of the Garmin unit? (My Specialized helmet comes with an ANGI crash sensor similar to the one described above that’s supposed to notify someone if a crash is detected, but it’s totally useless unless you keep paying Specialized an expensive annual subscription fee for the companion app.)
no subscription required. If Garmin decide to do so, I’m ditching their devices. Unless the hardware is free, I wouldn’t buy a device requiring a recurring subscription fee.
Also of note is that Specialized ditched the payment required for ANGI back a month or two ago, assuming you bought a Specialized Helmet (as opposed to just the pod for a 3rd party helmet).
The crash detection is making my nuts. Rip through some high speed rock garden and it’s always freaking out that I’ve crashed. I turn it off, but it just turns itself back on. Also, it would be nice to turn off the jump feedback. 50 to 100 notifications gets pretty annoying. And still no word back from Garmin about the crazy zooming out…
DC Rainmaker wrote:
> Also of note is that Specialized ditched the payment
> required for ANGI back a month or two ago
Wow, that’s great news! I wonder why Specialized hasn’t spread the news better. I bought my ANGI helmet just a few weeks ago, and the stuff in the box said I needed a subscription after the free trial. You think they’d at least put a sticker on the box saying the service is now free.
Thanks for the heads up, D.C.
Hi Ray, have you seen any issues with pairing with Polar OH1 heart rate monitor? My Edge sees it as a found device but will not mark it as connected. OH1 is working, pairs with other devices just fine. Garmin support just says ‘oh well it’s a third party device’… any ideas would be much appreciated.
forget this, I got it to work! garmin crazy menu system and different buttons to the 130 argghh
Thank you for the detailed and thorough review, as always! Here is my question: Does the edge 530 allow you to race a segment against your own recent efforts, like the 1030 (per Garmin’s web site)? Or does it only allow you to race against your PR? I am asking because I recently got back into riding, and it would be demoralizing to race against my PRs, but racing against my recent efforts would show progress. Hopefully, that makes sense :) Thank you!
It does allow you to race against your PR, rider ahead on the leader board, KOM, recent effort, but you have to select which you want, after the segment starts.
When I first set up my 530, I transferred over all my ,fit files from my 820. In hindsight it was not the right thing to do. The results were a bit of a mixed bag. Some things worked, others didn’t. The 530 connects to all my old sensors just fine, but nothing is listed on the sensors page. I’d like to delete all my sensors and add them back in, but given how big of a pain in the arse the 530 is to set up, the last thing I want to do is a complete factory reset. Does anyone know how I can reset my sensors without having to reset the entire unit?
How much internal memory does the 530 have? The text here says that the 530/830 are pretty much identical under the bonnet apart from the touchscreen but the Garmin site says that the 830 has 16Gb but no mention for the 530. I just wanted to see how much mapping could be loaded.
I’m currently using a Wahoo Bolt but considering switching over to a 530 for a couple of reasons – partly because my eyesight could with something a little bigger and a little brighter, but also I’m currently also using a Fenix 3 and I think there’s benefits to having all my kit in the same ecosystem…
This is more a general garmin query than strictly a 530 question – but is there any kind of “live link” between garmin devices? eg – can I get the HR data off a 945 (my other intended purchase) and have that on the 530’s display while riding?
In fact, you can. The Forerunner has the option to broadcast HR data gathered from its sensor. If you enable HR broadcasting it will pop up as a normal ANT+ HR sensor on your Edge.
Here’s a link to the FR935 manual, but it will work similarly on the FR945: link to www8.garmin.com
Note though that the wrist worn optical HR sensor is likely not to be as acurate as a chest strap.
I’ve used this mode a couple of times both indoors and outdoors with my Fenix 5 to see whether this is a useful backup option in case I forget my HR chest strap or if my batterie dies. Eventually I decided to just let it slide. Wrist HR does not work for me. Your mileage may vary though.
Then there is the option to use the Edge in “extended display” mode. In this mode, your FR945 is recording the activity whereas your Edge is just displaying data gathered by your watch. For full details, check out Ray’s recent post about this mode: link to dcrainmaker.com
Thanks Sebastian,
Sounds very much like I can set up the devices the way I’d like – It may take some fiddling but it’s doable!
The extended display mode sounds interesting – any idea if this can be used with Zwift ?(running off an iPad)
I see all my Strava Segments on Garmin Connect but somehow some of those segments won’t show up on the Edge 530. Any ideas?
Do you have more than 100 segments starred? Garmin is limited to 100.
Are those segments maybe downhill, even slightly? Or have wonky altitude data that makes them slightly downhill. Strava doesn’t allow live segments that are -0.25% is lower. That’s 2.5 meters of drop per kilometer.
Thanks for your reply. I have only 41 segments starred. Since I live in the Netherlands most of them are 0%.
I live somewhere very flat as well but that doesn’t prevent GPS altitude Inaccuracies from making Strava think segments are slightly downhill. GPS is more accurate for position then it is for altitude. GPS can easily be out by 2 meters and that’s all it takes over a 1km segment for Strava to think it’s downhill Just view the missing segment on a computer on Strava’s website, mouse over the start, note the altitude, mouse over the end and compare altitude.
I looked at a few segment but most of them have the same start alittude as the end altitude. Most of them are short segments though. Can that be a reason they won’t show up on the Edge?
Other than that make sure it is fully syncing. Segments can sometimes take a few syncs to all make it there. After that I don’t have any ideas, contact garmin support?
I tried to sync again the next day and somehow they are now on my Garmin…
Just got the 530 and love the larger sized screen. But one thing that is confusing – with my Varia Radar 510, on my 520 I had it show up as both a light and a radar, and I could swap the light into different modes.
With the 530 it is only added as a radar, and there is no light control. Anyone else notice this or have a way to work around this. I tried deleting and re-adding, and always the same. Odd.
Have you tried adding it as a Light rather than as a Radar?
I had issues with this at first as well. Added it as a radar first, deleted it and then added it specifically looking for a Light sensor.
I miss the icons next to the display on the Edge 520. When I get stressed out I can forget stuff like which button is new lap and which button is start/stop. Not sure why Garmin has opted to remove the icons on the 530?
Can you use heart rate sensors from a watch like the Fenix 5 to pair with the computer?
Absolutely. That’s exactly what I did.
Thanks for a thorough review! One question about navigation:
I purchased 530 mainly to get turn by turn navigation when touring by bicycle. 830 isn’t available yet locally, so I opted for 530.
Now as there isn’t a way to plan routes in the device itself, what device platform & software would offer a good combination in creating them and loading to 530? Google Maps app in my Android phone does not seem to include route export. Preferably I’d not take a laptop with me when touring, so mobile platforms would be nice.
Any help appreciated!
Hi Jes,
You can create routes on the devices or in Garmin Connect phone app or Strava (the use the Connect IQ Strava app to import on the device) or using another Connect IQ app like link to dynamic.watch
HTH
you can also use ride with gps on the phone and the IQ app. My preferrence and works great.
…I forgot to add rwgps accepts addresses so very good for using as a typical satnav way.
Thanks Leo 2019! About the RideWithGps: According to the mobile app info text, route planning is suggested to be done using web site and the site is not optimized for phone or tablet browsers at this time. So, using RideWithGps would require me to take a laptop to my tour, which I’m trying to avoid.
you can do it on the iphone. It works fine. I have my log in remembered and add the page below to my favourites so I’m directed straight to the route plannng page. For just putting in from where and to locations it works great though you can do more detailed routes.
Just be sure to select follow roads option
link to ridewithgps.com
6day old unit and first ride out using route navigation and four times this happened.
The first time it happened the unit seemed to be stuck in some eternal loop and when I turned it off it then went into a loop of turning off then on. Spent 20mins on the side of the ride trying to sort it out. Has anyone else had the issue and was it ongoing / was replacement needed? I’m tempted to just get a refund as I’ve already had more than my fair share of dodgy Edge units over the years.
Should mention it has the latest firmware installed.
Are you on beta firmware from roughly last week? That has a ton of fixes in it: link to www8.garmin.com
(Note: The beta is obviously beta, though generally I find good luck with beta software. As you can see it’s massive in the number of tweaks this time – I’ve never seen something so big from Garmin before).
No it’s the 3.50 but I’ll give the beta a try. Will be back to confirm if the unit starts behaving. Cheers
Ray, Garmin Edge 530… Have you been in recent contact with Garmin about some of the ongoing issues. I have a couple of Edge 500s, yes the original ones, and they are rock solid in what they do. So with that, has Garmin said the 530 button issue fully resolved. Is it reliable to the point of major updates being over? I’ve been keeping tabs on this site but it’s not clear where we are in this product rollout cycle. Would prefer to hold off until it’s ready for general consumption as it were. Perhaps an update may be in order, if there is such a thing (like software versions to look for and if possible, serial numbers to look for of when they started manufacturing new units with the new buttons) as this would be very helpful in knowing when to take the plunge as it were. Thanks for all your good product reviews.
I don’t really think there’s any button issues at all these days. Those were sorted a long while back ago. I’ve seen maybe one or two comments since then, so I’m not sure if those are just expectation type things, or just a random lemon.
I also don’t really see any major issues with the product either. I use it almost daily without any problems. They’ve just dropped a huge beta firmware with lots of fixes or tweaks, though many of them are things you probably never knew existed as issues. Sorta if X & Y + Z = bug type things. Not discounting those, but just putting them in perspective.
Generally speaking Garmin doesn’t publish any serial numbers, and realistically speaking the units they said were impacted were already fixed on the line before the first people starting noticing them in since-shipped units (which was within the first week). Those people got replacement units already.
I personally have had a number of problems with the 530, but at least my buttons work : ) But now it seems the last beta has fixed everything! Zooming, map orientation, fork sight and always tuning on the crash alert even after you’ve turned it off has been addressed. And my biggest issue…. Nice jump! Can now be turned off!
I received mine on release day in the UK from Wiggle and it’s worked without a single real issue. Niggles that updates have resolved but no crashes, button problems or lost data. It’s done a few thousand km now.
Am I the odd one out or is it just that we (the users) only report problems?
To be honest I don’t use a lot of the fancy features, TBT navigation and always have Bluetooth off. This may help with stability.
Despite my lack of issues I still follow this page as it’s more current than the Garmin forum.
Paul
The back button on mine is not great. It’s a week old but maybe I had one that had been lying around in the warehouse since launch. It does work but you need to press it quite hard, more so than the others. Otherwise it doesn’t do anything.
I currently have a Bryton Rider 10. Now that I’m riding more, I’m getting into areas I haven’t ridden before and it’s annoying to me to have to keep referring to my phone. I’m thinking of either the 530 or 830. I always have my phone with me.
I know the 530 doesn’t have the ability to route to an address or POI directly. While I’m on a ride with just my phone and the 530. Is there a way for me to find a POI or address on my phone and then load this into the 530? or do I need the 830 for this?
Also, is there any difference in the way the 530 and 830 work when loading routes from Strava?
I Got my Edge 530 last week and today I wanted to try out the routing features. It (or more accurately I) failed.
I created a route on strava, connected 530 through my iphone BT and the 2 routes showed up in the 530 while I was sitting in my kitchen.
I started pedaling (& recording) and then 5min later stopped to select the route i wanted to do but couldn’t find it in any of the menu. I thought maybe I need to select it through the CIQ / strava menu, it said you have to stop recording to access CIQ. In the garmin menu, i could find course, segments even workouts but no “route”. To me these words are all synonyms and it ‘s possible different corp use similar words differently.
I’m in need of an Idiot guide to garmin navigation.
Indeed, technically speaking you ‘did it wrong’, though, I totally agree you. And was the main point I’ve made repeatedly that Garmin needs to streamline 3rd party routing into the device natively, and not through a clunky Connect IQ app. I’d argue it’s really the singular area that technologically speaking Wahoo does something better feature-wise than Garmin these days.
(Note: Wahoo does lots of user interface type things better than Garmin such as Strava Segments and more, but features-wise from a base technology standpoint those days are mostly gone. But Wahoo’s implementation of 3rd party route/course loading is so much better/easier than Garmin’s to use. It just works. At least until you start riding anyway.)
As for the ‘proper’ way you were supposed to access those Strava routes, it’s:
A) Pre-ride, open up the Strava Routes Connect IQ App. If it’s the first time you’ve done so, you’ll need to authenticate.
B) Find the route you want to ride. Just keep choosing the yes/ride option.
C) At this point the CIQ App basically transfers it to your device and it’s there forever.
D) You can now ride/select it whenever you want right from the normal menus.
Cheers.
Hi
Just wondering whether it is better to upload the openstreetmap instead of the included trailfork map? Love the reviews.
No, I wouldn’t.
The Garmin data includes baked in trail popularity (heatmap-kinda) data that you won’t get elsewhere.
Anyone else have their screen destroyed with the lightest of falls from waist height?
Hi,
Is it possible to upload track (GPX) from smartphone directly to the unit (via BT or WiFi) without internet connection?
I have Bolt and the Wahoo Android App requires internet to upload GPX, well at least mine fails if there is none.
Thanks!
There used to be a way with gimporter, but that broke with a recent upgrade from the Connect Mobile app
link to apps.garmin.com
I know there are apps that do it, for instance the Easy Route app (I think Ray has a review or mention of it elsewhere) allows you to send the GPX file it creates to the smart phone Garmin Connect app and from there send it to your Edge device.
I just got prompted today to install firmware 4.10 from my current 3.50.
I did a search online and found nothing about the patch, anyone else got the update/updated it?
link to forums.garmin.com
I saw the same and the link to the details (link to www8.garmin.com) shows a pretty extensive list of fixes / updates.
I’ve seem this before, I had to re-do the bluetooth setup between the 530 and the smartphone after the firmware update. It didn’t happen with the previous update.
Actually I’m seeing a recurring issue with the iPhone Bluetooth connectivity since doing the 4.10 FW update. I went thru a re-pairing process, but after powering off the 530 and powering it back on, the connection problem is happening again. I didn’t see this with the original FW or the previous update.
That is an absolutely superb review, I came here to see what the 530 I’ve just bought does that I don’t know about and I’ve learnt a lot.
Thanks for the review. I’m subscribing to your newsletter!!
Thanks, appreciate it!
Hi Ray,
Thank you for your consistently helpful reviews. I picked up a 530 bundle and am confused about pairing sensors. The V2 sensors were supposedly pre-set up on the head unit. I have a powertap g3 hub and am happy to use the speed readings from the hub instead of the v2. Will the 530 automatically use the g3 instead of the Garmin sensor? When I go to add sensors, the g3 doesn’t come up as a speed selection. Should it? Finally, I want to use the v2 cadence sensor since it will aid me on the trainer in winter. The 530 seems to find it no problem, but will it get overridden by the g3 cadence estimates? Thanks again, Ray!
Brilliant and massively informative reviews. I have just clicked the link to buy a 530 afternoon nearly going for the Wahoo Bolt. Thank you.
Map Problem
Is anyone else having a problem with the maps on the 530? It was working fine but then, when I updated the maps using Garmin Express, the only map installed (other than the base map) was the Europe ‘North East’ (I live in the UK). I can’t seem to get garmin express to install the correct maps….. any help or experience with this?
Thank you
Simon
When Garmin Express updates maps, it doesn’t necessarily update your specific maps – but just whatever maps/sets have updates for them. Yours may or may not have an update that day/week.
That said, I’ve never heard the European ‘North East’ terminology. Though, I’ve got an Edge 530 here sitting next to me I need to unbox that came from CT UK, so it should reflect yours if yours was a UK bought unit.
Fwiw – here’s how Garmin names their maps: link to garmin.com
Have you used Garmin Express on a Mac? It seems that there is an issue, you may have to update Garmin Express and re-install the maps.
I had same issue on my Edge 530 and it worked.
link to forums.garmin.com
After a 6 day tour, me using new Edge 530 and other rider using an iphone, I saw a significant difference in gps data. The garmin device consistently recorded fewer km and elevation changes compared to brand new iPhone X. For example 1727 m climbing versus 2270m and 94km distance versus 101km distance. We were never more than 20 meters apart. Has anyone else seen such discrepancies in data?
Which was right though?
Meaning, if you looked at tracks and stuff? Generally speaking most people would likely find that the Garmin records better tracks than the iPhone, but you’d really need to compare the tracks side by side.
If you’ve got the exported track files, you can do so with the DCR Analyzer: link to dcrainmaker.com
In the early days of my bike tracking, I used an iPhone. I also experience slightly shorter distances and elevation gains after doing the same routes with a garmin device. But after looking back at the old tracks, I’d say it was more due to the wandering GPS track of the iPhone while the Garmin was more accurate.
Does the 530 allow pairing with a Garmin watch? Specifically the 935? It’s redundant to have a Garmin product and have to track my workout on the unit and my watch. Thanks for the great review!
Sorta. You can mirror the FR935 to your Edge 530. Or, you can pair your Edge 530 to your FR935’s optical HR sensor.
Here’s more on the mirroring bits (but see the caveats): link to dcrainmaker.com
Ok.. Been using the Edge 530 for a few days. A couple of quick questions:
-Should I be able to see Strava Starred Segments on the Edge 530? I see information in the docs about a Strava Segment Explorer Widget, but I don’t see the widget in the ConnectIQ store. I’m also not paying for Strava Summit.
-When I ride, should the Edge 530 automatically connect to my phone using Bluetooth? Or is this only supposed to happen when I have Garmin Connect open? I notice when Garmin Connect is open, it connects, but I don’t think it is always connected. Sometimes I see it connecting and disconnecting. This is with a Samsumg Galaxy s9+. I just want to make sure the notifications happen.
It seems like either the most recent update to the Garmin Connect app or the Garmin Edge firmware or both has made it necessary to restart the Garmin Connect app each time I power on my Edge 530. I have a short video showing it, The Garmin app is open and the Edge 530 is on, but it won’t connect until I quit the Garmin Connect app and restart it. I’ve gone thru the re-pairing process more that once and it hasn’t had any effect on the issue.
I’m trying to find a new GPS unit to replace my old Garmin Dakota 20 and rather than buy several units my thought is get a unit I can use for all many purposes (biking, tramping/hiking and kayaking). In terms of kayaking does anyone have any experience of using the Garmin Edge 520/520/820/830 through a clear dry bag (salt water is always bad for waterproof devices)?
Whilst in a drybag, do the buttons press ok on the 520/530 and does the touchscreen work ok on the 820/830?
Thanks
You could bet the MTB bundle which includes a waterproof remote. Or maybe a Fenix 5X instead.
I currently have a GPS watch and not idea for nav while kayaking as its difficult to check the watch while paddling.
As for the remote, nice idea but it would also need to be in the dry bag to protect it from the salt water.
I’ll take a dry bag into a shop and report back on my thoughts.
After checking both the 530 and 830 in an electronics dry bag both units were perfectly usable. No issues pressing buttons on the 530 and no touch issues on the 830.
I did find the touch experience a lot more pleasing and logical. As a righty I would prefer the up/down and enter buttons on the right and back on the left side.
In the meanwhile I’ve been using the Edge 530 for a couple of months but it’s acting quite buggy/laggy.
On longer rides I encountered it just automatically restarts during the ride which is quite annoying.
I did the latest firmware update last week and went for a 150km ride today. It didn’t automatically restart this time, but the screen just froze … Just while I was climbing up a hill I had to reset the device. Also quite annoying :p
Result is also I’m missing some data for the climb.This freezing of screens also occurs sometimes while just navigating the settings menu. Quite odd.
In a few weeks I’ll be on vacation and planning to do Ventoux once again. Trying to break my previous times, but if it happens there I will just go mental I think :D
1. How much space is available on a new Garmin Edge 530 unit and how much is used by the base map (gmapsupp.img)? I’m trying to work out how much custom map data (eg, OpenStreetMap) can fit.
2. How may speed/cadence sensors can be paired with the unit. Suunto in their infinite wisdom only allow one for their Spartan Ultra which is painful if you have a MTB, road/gravel bike and a wind trainer.
thanks
1) Ask and you shall receive: link to dcrainmaker.com – A listing of all the sizes for each unit.
2) It’s roughly 20 or so before you hit the limit.
Thanks Ray. 16GB free on the 530 is plenty.
Hi Ray,
Thanks for the great reviews, I recently upgraded from my original Edge 520 to the Edge 530. I’ve been very pleased with it. I found a widget/field called Wind Field that you should try.
My only issue is that I’m seeing a recurring problem with the iPhone Bluetooth connectivity since doing the Edge 4.10 FW update. I went thru the re-pairing process several times, and it works fine immediately after that, but after powering off the 530 and powering it back on (usually for some period of time, like over night), the connection problem is happening again. I didn’t see this with the original FW or the previous update. My workaround is to stop/kill the Garmin Connect app on my iPhone and restart it, once it restarts, the Edge connects to the iPhone just fine, till the next time.
Doug
its been like that for me since ages, for alls units : 520/520plus/530
My old Edge 1000 now used for indoors instantly connects to my phone, every single time.
My Edge 530 will mostly only connect if I take out the phone and open up the app. Weird
Yesterday, i just received a GPS firmware update
Curious to see if that fix it, since I almost always loose the signal during a ride
Like very every time in MTB
And already so often while road biking
Anyone else with this issue ? (530 here)
I have just ordered one.
The coupon code (DCR10BTF) on the “Clever Training” website is really a good deal !!!
I compared with the price on the online (german) shops I usually buy stuff from and I have saved around 37 EUR
Thanks for the support Eric, I appreciate it!
Pretty happy so far going from a Wahoo Bolt to the Edge 530 but one thing is driving me crazy: How do I handle red light stops during timed intervals in a structured workout? I understand that a stop means I am not doing the interval as prescribed but there has to be a way to at least stop and restart the interval somehow. Any ideas? On the Bolt jumping back and forth between intervals was quite easy but the Garmin seems to be forcing me to bomb through every crossing if I want to follow a workout. :|
Just returned my 530. Liked the unit generally, but the audio volume is so low that I could never hear my Varia Radar alerts. I could live with the lack of Dropbox file sharing and having to set up the screens on the unit itself etc. but not being able to hear the Radar alerts? Nope. Does Garmin actually ride a bike when testing?
Sadly stuck using an Edge 25 to display radar and my Bolt for everything else until a viable solution appears.
Maybe I missed it, but there is no mentioned of audio volume in the review.
thanks for this superb review. A question though that keeps bugging me. In the upper front left there seems to be a little dot behind the glass that looks like a camera (as you see it on a cellphone). Can you tell me what that is? Obviously some kind of sensor or somtething like that. I have been wondering for a while now what that might be..
How many connect iq data fields can the 530 display? I currently have the 520 and its limited to four fields.
Hi all, sorry if this is a real stupid question, but I can’t seem to find the details about the following:
If I want to use the Edge 530 for navigation and I want to use gpx files found on the web, or created by myself in either Komoot or Strava. How do I get those on the device WITHOUT using a desktop computer/laptop, only using my android phone. What steps does one you follow to achieve this? One store I asked said you can only do it from your desktop/laptop with a usb wire. However, I think I read in different reviews that you can do it with the Garmin Connect app.
I currently have a Wahoo Elemnt Roam, but am a bit dissapointed about the navigation (as I was warned about in the Roam review on this site, but I had to be stubborn). So I am investigating if I can still switch it for an Edge 530. My main (and only) reason for using a bike computer is: Navigation. And it needs to work without a desktop computer because I plan to do multiday bikepacking tours with no fixed routes in advance. So I want to create the routes on the road. Hope you can help. Thanks so much in advance!
I’ve used email to get gpx files into the iPhone Garmin Connect app and then transfer the route from the phone to the Edge 530. I’d think that it would work similarly on an Android phone.
On an iPhone I open the gpx file attached to the email, then use the “send to” icon to get the list of available apps. and select Copy to Connect. Once it’s in the Garmin Connect app select Training -> Courses -> “Course Name”. Then select the 3 dot menu selector (upper right corner) and select Send to Device. The course should then be transferred to the Edge head unit and you can select it for use from the Courses menu in the Edge.
Thank you very much. This was exactly what I was looking for.
Have it since a couple of weeks a like it a lot. Many useful features plus sufficient and well build hardware. What deserves more mentioning is in my view how well the Komoot App is working on the Edge when it is installed via Connect IQ. It is super easy now to plan routes inside your Komoot account on your computer, smart phone or anything else that can get online, and get it transfered to the Edge, instantaneously and automatically. Just make sure your Garmin Connect account is linked to your Komoot account. So to answer the question above, no need to exchange files manually. Just make sure your Edge can get a Wifi Connection. I havent tried it via USB or BT.
This review helped making the decision between Wahoo and Garmin. Bought it from Clever Training as recommended, which provides a good deal.
Thanks for the info on Kommot, sounds great.
I tried it on my 945, with no success.
I downloaded the App on my phone and created a route.
I downloaded via IQ Store on my device 945.
I connected the Komoot App to Garmin connect.
when I open Komoot on my device it asked me to connect via Garmin Connect, I again logged in and allowed the two Apps to transfer data. however at this stage I got stock. after I signed in on Garmin connect (Mobile App) I get an error message on my device “IQ!”
i tried a few times but I get the same thing every time.
Any idea why?
Hi,
I dont know the 945. What you did sounds correct, though. Cannot help here, sorry.
I just got me one of these.. look forward to starting to use it!
Does anyone know if the 530 can also be used for hiking? In my case, it would be climbing in the mountains with Topo maps. Many thanks
“Can be” and “is ideal for” are two different things. It definitely can be used for hiking in the mountains, but its probably not idea for it. It will probably record okay data, but the GPS algorithms are going to be optimized for being mounted on a handlebar, so you might get less than stellar tracks. The other part is that you either need to use a CIQ Hiking app (they exist, not sure on Edge compatibility) or else just manually change the activity type from Bike to Hike afterwards in Garmin Connect or wherever you track your fun.
If you mainly plan to bike, but occasionally use the Edge for hiking it will probably be just fine.
I’m also keen to use for hiking (aka. tramping in New Zealand) and kayaking but manuals and other info on the web appears to be light on this. I don’t want to invest in a separate GPS just for hiking/kayaking and would like to use a Garmin Edge 530/830 or this purpose.
Also, if you’re doing something like a bike packing adventure and want to lock your bike up and climb a mountain on foot.
From what I’ve seen there are lots of options to customise bike riding but “Assumption is the mother of all fryups” so:
1. Can one create non-biking activity profiles like on Garmin handheld and watch GPS units (Hiking, kayaking, Mountaineering)?
2. As part of these activity profiles can you set the course routing to be hiking/direct?
Bonus question for those that know Komoot:
3. When syncing a route that contains waypoints, do the waypoints also sync (ie, lunch stop, top of pass)?
PS: Why CIQ Hiking app?
Hi everybody!
I would like to know, if it is possible to use the Garmin Edge 530 as a controll head-unit with my smart-trainer (brand new Elite Suito was ordered yesterday). I would like to download a structured workout from trainingpeaks to my device. The Edge should control my smart-trainer in ERG-Mode (same as Wahoo does it with the Elemnt and the Wahoo Kickr)?
Best regards
Martin
Can you send a Waypoint to navigate to from the cell phone during a Workout. For Instance, you planned a route from A->B->C->D, but before arriving at B, you notice you won’t have time to finish the whole route, so you decide that from there you will skip B and C, and do something like A->NEW->D. Is it possible to make this kind of changes in routing without stopping the tracking of activities?
My unit won’t give me alerts and/or guidance on Strava segments. I do have Strava Summit and all (?) segments are on the Edge. When I approach a segment my Fenix 5+ switches to the usual segment alerts screen, the Edge doesn’t. Any idea what is going on? Do Strava segments work for everybody else?
Hello Dembo,
have you enabled the segments on the device as well?
Hi Andras,
yes I did and the Strava segments are all there. It appears that segments don’t work if you are navigating a course which baffles me as a former Wahoo user. There might be some – inconvenient – workarounds such as planning and loading the route from Strava but to be honest: I have no idea what Garmin’s idea is with regards to Live Segments – me just circling around and hitting a segment out of pure luck?
Thanks for the in depth review!
Quick question, is it possible to navigate to a random point on the map? So in other words, can you pick a random spot on the map and navigate there, or when on a pre loaded route, decide to go somewhere else? I understand it does take you back to the original route if you’ve gone off course, which is already a big help and why it has an advantage over the wahoo elemnt (although they are much cheaper).
Anyone knows how why auto start/stop doesn’t work in Workout mode, and whether there’s a different setting than the regular one to make it work? I ride outside in Workout mode with structures time intervals but if I got a red lightning, the device doesn’t auto pause.
Hello All,
is there a way to measure resting HR with the unit, apart switching it on in the morning, make a 3 minute workout meanwhile lying in the bed and then manually search for the lowest value?
Is there sth in the connect iq store to help me do that more automatically?
Anyone having issues pairing with Garmin Connect with iOS13?
Upgraded to an iPhone 11 and the Edge will not pair to Garmin Connect, just constant error messages and Garmin support were unable to assist other than saying they are looking into the issue.
I had the same problem, I just went from an iPhone 8 to an iPhone 11 and I have a Edge 530. It took me quite a few tries to get it paired, here’s what I can offer. All the usual stuff first:
1 – Completely remove the 530 entries from the iPhone BT screen
2 – Remove the iPhone from the Edge 530
3 – Power cycle the iPhone and the Edge 530
4 – Cycle the BT and Wi-Fi off and back On on both devices (I know, seems odd, but give it a try)
5 – Now power off on the Edge 530, open the Garmin Connect app on the iPhone 11 and click the + in the upper right corner, or go to the Garmin Devices menu and then power on the Edge 530.
6 – Now, when the 530 is presented, initiate the add device strictly from Garmin Connect. This worked for me. It seems like what was causing me issues before was that I was first going into the iPhone BT screen and pairing one of the BT instances (they look the same now, but on my 520 there was a BT and a BT-LE entry) from the 530 and then trying to finish via Garmin Connect and it was failing every time.
Good Luck with it.
So I’d basically only like to point out, that the alarm feature sadly works. I had a very slow crash with a car and it immediately send my GF my emergency information.
That’s all :/
Hope you’re OK.
Yeah I’m alright, thanks. Just not quite sure about the state of my bike. That’s the joy of having a carbon bike, you may not even see damage. But considering the front wheel is the only thing that hit the bike and it’s still true and only my fork/handlebar was out of allignment, I’ll call myself very lucky.
Good to hear..
Hello,
I have bought the Edge 530, works great and all but I just can’t seem to figure out how to stop (or disable) turn by turn navigation when using the imported Strava route.
I already know the route so I’m using it just to have the ClimbPro function and/or virtual partner on.
Tnx
Hi – to quote Lawrence Olivier in Marathon Man “is it safe?”
I have been trying to justify ditching my 820 for a 530 and keeping life simple but have held back until I don’t risk getting a beta version as per normal Garmin tactics.
I won’t quote you if it again ends up like pulling teeth (see what I did there?) but will value your expert view
Cheers, G
Currently have the edge 520, the edge 530 is on sale for 235usd. For the price, is it worth the upgrade?
Yeah, that’s a really solid price! I’d jump on that! I wouldn’t expect any sales on the Edge 530 (there haven’t been to date).
Where is it on sale for $235?
I’m located in Australia and currently ebay is having a 20% sale off tech and one of the vendors is selling garmin products so yeah. Not sure if this would benefit anyone overseas
Thanks so much Dave. Haven’t seen that discount in the USA.
Edge 530. Issue with Climb Pro. Early on any course loaded through Garmin Connect or Easy Route would produce climb pro qualifying climbs.
Now month later I wanted to extend the distance of a known course. So I go through the creation process of known climbs and add some streets/roads : send to Garmin connect and :send to device.
Any thought? Every setting for CP Is turned on
Climb Pro screen doesn’t show any more
Hmm, that’s odd. Probably worth raising a support ticket to Garmin so they can see if there’s something on that specific course/route that’s trigging it to fail/catch.
There’s a boat load of firmware updates in the beta version queue
link to www8.garmin.com
Some are related to ClimbPro as well as many others. Hopefully those get released soon.
I live in North America and bought the unit in North America. So the unit is pre-loaded with maps for North America. What do I do when I go on a cycling vacation in Europe? How do I get and load the maps for Europe?
Nevermind. I found the answer: link to dcrainmaker.com
Hi!
I have an issue with syncing of the Edge 530 to Garminf Connect Mobile during an activity. While riding today on Gran Canaria (yes, very nice:-) I had some issues with the route I created through EasyRoute and synced before the ride, so I decided to tap out a route in Connect Mobile hoping for a better experience. Connect Mobile route creation was better than expected, I hit “send to device” but I did not manage to sync the device and never got the route to my Garmin. I tried while auto-paused and after hitting stop. Do I really have to save my activity (breaking up my Strava ride in two?) if I want to sync a course to my device during a ride, or is there a better way?
yes you do
Syncing device while riding is not workiing
You can clean up your feed by combining your Strava activities using this website app. link to gotoes.org A little tedious but works quite well.
Thank you both!
Does anyone’s 530’s TBT distance countdown gets stuck at the initial distance – that means the turn distance does not decrease as you get closer to the turn. I’ve missed a few turns and was confused by the unit’s navigation when i came across this thread link to forums.garmin.com
It’s quite a huge bug and not sure why Garmin is not putting all stops to resolve it.
The 5.0 Version of firmware released today with a bunch of fixes.
link to www8.garmin.com
I’m hoping it fixes some recent issues that I was seeing.
Now if it’ll just stop raining, maybe I can get out on a ride to try it out.
Downloaded new 5.0 for the edge 530 this morning.
My issue was known climb pro hills were no longer being sent to device on a revised/edited course.
5.0 – those previously loaded courses no longer do climb. I suspect that previous “hills” and algorithms/definitions have changed. Repeat. Previously saved climb pro courses loaded to the 530 now no longer have that feature.
Now. 5.0 still shows climbs on some well known gravel races. So the feature still works. Something in the mapping is off. Ride With GPS ive had the best luck with.
Garmin connect maps and Easy Route The 2019 DK100 course only shows one “climb” now. I believe prior to the 5.0 update there were 3 on my previously loaded course.
Ray,
Here’s a feature that I’d request (but doubt if it would be implemented). I’d like to see the option of having Garmin notifications (like the hydration, nutrition, or navigation) sent to the Apple Watch. I often don’t hear the notifications from the Garmin head unit, but I never miss the tone and haptic notices on my watch. Seems like it would be possible via bluetooth, even if it required the phone and the Garmin Connect app.
Ray and others,
My 530 loaded the new software last night and left the unit plugged in. Seemed to be working last night. Work up this morning for a ride and the unit looks turned off and non-responsive. Press power and nothing, plug back in and nothing. Power on holding lap and start button, nothing. Any thoughts? Suggestions?
If you have a different cable with the same connector, you might try that. I’ve have cables go bad, so that’s worth a short to see if maybe your cable is bad and wasn’t charging your Garmin.
Similar issue last Sunday on mine. Completely unresponsive. There was the grey circle in centre of the screen with a line through a gap, similar to when charging.
Phoned Garmin, they suggested holding the off button for more than 30 seconds (I had tried holding but probably less than this)
Eventually it powered up – and wanted Version 5 so I installed that.
Everything working fine since.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for your responses. I did try multiple cables and power bricks thinking that maybe the cable was not working and/or the power brick damaged the unit. I am using an Anker mutliport USB brick. I did try Erik’s option and held the power button for 30 sec, that did the trick. Prior to that I had tried the various resets, hold the start/stop and lap button while holding power and the down button while holding power. My guess is I never held those down long enough.
Curious what the issue was. As I think back, the unit never went to sleep mode when I plugged it in, so may be some issue with the 5.0 software after I initially installed it. But it does seem to work and show charging, will update you all as I use it.
I’ve had a few of those lockups/hangs with the “power” symbol always showing. It you look back, (quite a few postings), I included a picture and in those cases it did take a longer hold on the button reset combo to get it out of that condition. I’ve just recently installed the 5.0 firmware update, but haven’t done any outdoor rides yet to put it through it’s paces. I had also seen a case or two where the navigation kind of locked up (usually with a “Calculating %”, in those case I just stopped and restarted the route that I was doing, I didn’t have to do a reset of the head unit.
Seems to be this problem after charging the 530.
Hold power button for 35 secs or longer to turn it OFF, same to turn it ON.
then repeat to until it starts behaving properly.
I’m on version 5
is was not mentioned in the navifation section. Is it possible to follow a gpx track on the 530? I mean not routing. Just a GPS track to follow.
I have no need for routing but i do like to see the map with the track I like to follow.
Hi eveyrbody, is it possible to easily compare your current velocity to the average one? My old analog Cateye computer had a small plus or minus sign next to current velocity if I ran faster or slower than my average velocity. It is one feature, that I miss on my Polar M460 (among many others). Wahoo Elemnt Bolt does have this feature with small arrow, so I am wondering, if Garmin can do this as well. TIA. Ritchey
Hello, you can set a race pace, against someone else, or against yourself.
I just bought an Edge 530 today to replace my 520 which broke, and I must say that while it looks beautiful the buttons are just terrible. The haptic feedback from the button makes it feel like it’s been pressed before the button actually registers so there’s a lot of missed clicks, maybe 20-30% loss of clicks on the down button in particular. For me, the entire reason for selecting the 530 over the 830 is physical buttons that can ostensibly be operated while wearing gloves in winter. Hopefully I simply won’t need to do a lot of button pressing once I start my rides in the winter.
I decided I just couldn’t live with the wonky down button so contacted Garmin for warranty support, which has been good so far. I did have to put a deposit for the full value of the unit to expedite shipment of the replacement but that will be refunded when they receive the original. The replacement unit buttons are better, they are not great feeling buttons but at least none of them has the false click sensation that was leading to the missed clicks on my original 530.
The screen on my Edge 530 died after two years, it sometimes blinks to life when riding along. It’s possible (barely) to operate the unit just based on the sounds it makes with no display, but I’ve switched back to an old Edge 800 now even though it renders my Varia useless since it isn’t compatible. Very disappointing product longevity.
Hi all, my Edge 530 (5 rides old) prompted me to update before my ride yesterday which I cancelled, then after the ride I updated & then spent nearly as long trying to reconnect it to my iPhone 11 running iOS13 (consulting a few websites for ideas) all without success, so was unable to retrieve the ride log for Strava upload! Thus at this point my 530 is useless as I cant connect it to my iPhone, so before I put it up for sale, has anyone any suggestions on how to fix this? It constantly fails to pair after the pairing code appears. Thanks in advance..
A little more research suggests the latest v5.00 of the firmware fixes this, so will check later as I would have thought that was the latest version that I updated to?! ..
Try connecting the garmin to a computer using a cable to make sure its up to date?
It was‘nt on v5.00 & I can confirm that once I upgraded, it connected to iPhone 11 & iOS 13.3 ok :-)
Hey Ray, did you have any chance to play with the eBike ANT+ support? Curious to see how it looks like, there does not seem to be much on the internet about it but it seems like a new feature of the *30 series, right?
No, unfortunately I don’t have an ebike that supports it yet.
Hi @Fabio, I have an Orbea Gain with the Garmin Blutooth module and I can see my power staus , battery charge status and remaining range on the 530
See attached photo.
They are just normal data fields
Someone posted a video of the gamin transmitted module retrofic on the older Orbea bike with ebikemotion motor(its not my vide) link to youtube.com
It is a shame that Edge 530 cannot send Varia Radar alerts to phone. This is a missing security feature. Who cares about hydration alerts when a mostly basic security feature is not implemented…
Hmm, I’ve never heard of this request before. The Edge 530 beeps and all – why would you want it to send it to your phone?
Easy. If I’m listening music while riding (I know I should not) with headphones connected to my phone is very dificult to hear the Garmin/Varia beep when car is approaching. If the Edge could send this beep to the phone, I could hear it thru the headphones.
I agree. The merits of riding with headphones in is debatable, but plenty of people (myself included) do it. Having the Varia alerts beep in my headphones would be a great feature. I mean navigation alerts are pumped through the phone via the IQ Connect app, so they thought there was a benefit to this.
Hi Ray,
Great review as usual at least when it comes to new features and GPS. May be you could improve even further.
For some folks like me who like riding in the mountains the accuracy of inclination matters a lot as well.
Since E520 is not able to measure inclination reliably (I returned my E520 twice only to recognize that all 3 units where not being able to show inclination at least roughly correct.) I wonder if that is fixed with the E530 so that accuracy comes into the range of the E510 again?
For me that would be a trigger for purchasing that device and selling my E520 to someone may be in the Netherlands who may not need much inclination accuracy.
Buy the way I am a little suspicious now with Garmin service. May experience with E520 and Index Scale is, that they are quick in accepting returns for replacements. But I think Garmin just collects and sends the mail functioning part to someone else as a refurbished one as offten as you like.
Its fixed ! :) I had the same issue(some Connect IQ app works better than garmin one)
Good to hear, than I tell my wife that I have a idea for Christmas.
And I sell my e520 to someone in the Netherlands. ?
Thanks Rivellon
Torn between the 530 and 520 Plus(discounted ~$100). are the features of the 530 worth it with such a price delta on the 520?
No normally not. But my problem is that I trusted the review and did not expect that the grad measure is not reliable at all. But of course I hesitate to throw more money at Garmin because the 520 does not work as claimed.
It honestly depends on what priceyou’re talking about for the Edge 530 and the Edge 520 Plus. If you’re saying the Edge 520 Plus is $100 – then of course, go with that.
But the Edge 530 has been discounted on Amazon for much of the last 3-4 weeks at $260ish, and at that price, assuming the Edge 520 Plus is roughly $200 or so, I’d go Edge 530.
Ultimately just depends on what features you plan to use.
My point is that I feel bad even spending another 100€ for the E520 only because the E520 is not performing as claimed. Unfortunately DCR is missing like other to check accuracy of the Grad measure. After Grad was acceptably performing on the E510 it did not work reliably on the E520 and users here say that bug is fixed with E530.
After reading your excellent review I purchased an E530 recently. Unfortunately, despite numerous attempts, I am unable to get it to connect to my SRAM etap derailleur. When I go to “Add sensor” it detects the shifting sensor with the ANT+ code but it will not connect to the sensor. I have successfully connected to my cadence sensor. I have followed various tips on how to get the devices to connect including resetting the dérailleurs by removing and reinserting their batteries and resetting the E530 before attempting to connect. I have made sure that the dérailleurs are awake, being aware of their 30 second time out.
I am beginning to despair of ever getting my shifting info on the E530 but hoped that you or one of your readers might have any suggestions. Thanks!
UPDATE – I tried again and got it to work! I am not sure what I did differently this time but am delighted to have got it working! Thanks.
Just got an E530 for Christmas, wont connect to any of my Mac computers, so I cant load routes i want to do.
Can you see it in the Garmin MacOS app?
Yes on my phone
On your phone is the iOS app, you need the MacOS app installed to use it with a Macintosh computer.
Hi I’ve been using the 530 a while now and overall i like it a lot. However the popping-up of the segments and climbpro pages when following a route can be quite annoying some times. In particular when on the Mountainbike and following a route I keep watching the map page (as directions are useless in the woods), it happends then that the segment page and/or climbpro keep popping up, while im trying to read the map and determine where to go. Is there a way to leave both features on (im aware that i could turn both of completely of course) but have them as a page where i can decide myself whether to switch to or not (no auto-function).
In the activity’s main setting page i can turn on/off climbpro, in the settings for this activity’s climbpro page there is another switch (something like “show before climb”, mine is in german sorry) but they seem to be linked: When turning one on/off the other is also changed.
Any help with off course issues when you cut a pre loaded course or a road closure etc. Had to just turn it off, how to turn off course during a ride?
Thank you for the EXCELLENT in depth review!
My only complaint so far is I feel like when I go to press the buttons it could turn it starting an unlock.