Having no sooner taken the wraps off their new Edge 20 and 25 computers last month, Garmin has launched its newest model, the 520, which for the first time, offers users Strava live segments.
This means, Strava premium subscribers, can send ride segments directly from Strava to their Edge 520 and receive instant data, to compete for such titles as “King or Queen of the Mountains”, and more.
According to Strava, the live segments features include:
● Live segment performance data displays on the device with continuous ahead and behind indicators.
● Visualise your current performance against your personal records and the top times for the King/Queen of the Mountain (KOM/QOM).
● A smooth integration provides a countdown to the start of a segment and immediate results when an athlete completes the segment.
Additionally, the Edge 520 offers the following features:
“The Edge 520 boasts a myriad of advanced analysis features including time in zone, functional threshold power, cycling-specific VO2 max and recovery time [when used with power and heart rate], indoor trainer support [via ANT+], cycling dynamics [when used with Vector or Vector 2 power meter] and in-ride challenges through Strava and Garmin Connect segments,” says Garmin.
“Additional connected features and a high-resolution, colour display offer cyclists a complete package of cutting-edge features in a compact, lightweight device.
“As the first GPS bike computer with Strava live segment challenges, users can send segments directly from Strava to their Edge 520 to receive instantaneous data, compete for King of the Mountain or Queen of the Mountain titles, and more.
“Users can also tap into their competitive edge with in-ride challenges through Garmin Connect segments. The Edge 520 provides new advanced performance and power analysis to maximise training efforts. Advanced metrics include time in zone, functional threshold power and watts/kg tracking, cycling-specific VO2 max estimate, a recovery advisor and cycling dynamics – revolutionary metrics that provide feedback to cyclists on their position and pedal form.”
The Edge 520 comes with a high-resolution, 2.3in color display, which falls in between the displays of the Edge 510 and the Edge 810. In addition, it’s compatible with both GPS and GLONASS satellite signals, and Garmin claims you can get up to 15 hours of use between charges of its lithium-ion battery.
Furthermore, the 520 integrates with Shimano Di2 electronic shifting systems, and with standard ANT+, devices like power meters and heart rate monitors.
However, the new 520 appears to navigate via buttons, rather than with a touchscreen.
Lastly, users can upload their ride data with Garmin Connect, and with a compatible Bluetooth device, users can make use of Garmin’s popular Live Tracking feature.
“In Garmin Connect users can download courses and follow them on the device, receiving turn indications throughout a ride, and compete against other cyclists on previously ridden courses,” says Garmin.
The Edge 520 is expected to become available before the end of September, with a suggested retail price of $299.99, and $399.99 when bundled with a heart rate monitor, cadence sensor and speed sensor. Don’t expect the UK prices to correlate directly.
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