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Garmin Advice

Hi Everyone,

 

I'm looking to update my bike computer as the one I am currently using has just died and is a couple of years out of warranty. 

 

I think I've narrowed it down to either the 520 or the 810. I currently have a Tom Tom Multisports watch with HRM and Cadence, which I use. I don't think I would use the directional feature that much as I generally look at a map before I leave and take it from there. I could do with at least an 8 hour battery life which both have and I cannot decide which one suits me best. Both are around the same price with the 520 at £241 including HRM and cadence or the 810 at £272 or £307 with EU maps.

 

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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10 comments

Avatar
kenyond | 8 years ago
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My mate loved the 510 until he got the 1000, ive got the 25 and tbf the thing is great, connects to all my sensors easily, will connect to varia lights etc to, small with only 4 buttons mine sits nicely out of the way on my top tube keeping my cockpit clear and tidy (until I start needing my front light)

Avatar
Redvee | 8 years ago
1 like

810s can be bagged for £180 from a German supermarket next week.

 

https://www.aldi.co.uk/specialbuys/dates/thursday-29th-september/c/2016-...

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EddyP | 8 years ago
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The majority of Garmins that I have seen are touch-screen, is it possible to get a touch screen Garmin?

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pruaga | 8 years ago
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I wouldn't pay extra for mapping, because both those units can use the free OpenStreetMap data, albeit with size restrictions of the 520.

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Nat Jas Moe | 8 years ago
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I have to say that my Garmin 810 works a treat, having had a Bryton Rider 20 which died after a cloud burst, I moved to one with navigation as an optiion and think its fab. Does what it says on the tin and very happy with it and the battery life as well.

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racingcondor | 8 years ago
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I know a few people who have had battery connector issues (fixed by Garmin) but have to say mine has been excellent. I'd recommend the 810.

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King_Louis | 8 years ago
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I've been offered an 810 for £160 from a mate so I think I'm going to give it a try. Worst case scenario I sell it on amazon for £200.

What sort of problems are people experiencing?

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thereverent | 8 years ago
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Friends have had problems with the 810. I'd go for the 520 unless you want the mapping functionality then look at the 1000 (£318 on wiggle at the moment) or the 820 (£290).

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amazon22 | 8 years ago
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The 520 is buttons, not touchscreen. I had one, it worked fine, albeit requiring a lot of button pressing for some functions, but I needed better mapping rather than just a breadcrumb, so moved upwards. The 810 is older and won't be supported for as long as the 520. I tried one - it was a complete dog and was returned within 48 hours. The 520 can take ConnectIQ apps and data fields, although these are reasonably limited at the moment. I've recently tried an Elemnt - it has a lot in its favour, but is still pretty buggy, and I found the side up/down buttons difficult to use - you don't get a positive feedback like the bottom row of buttons, which is a real shame. It does the basics ok and Wahoo are responsive to making it better.

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Russell Orgazoid | 8 years ago
0 likes

Both are touchscreen which is crap with gloves on imo. Physical buttons are my choice.

Hence I would suggest a Wahoo Elemnt. Better value too.

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