User submitted reviews
Review by AnonymousAll you need in one compact unit.by AnonymousCycling EnthusiastNE Ohio7 of 7 customers found this review helpful.I upgraded to the 530 because I appreciated it's functionality over my older 520. Lots of training dynamics data, maps galore should you want to consult them, and an easy-to-read screen. I prefer a smaller display than the 1030 range, more compact in cockpit and lighter. Good visual interface with Garmin Varia radar. Only drawback is that the battery may require more frequent recharging, depending how many features you activate.
Reviewed 6/5/2020Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I upgraded to the 530 because I appreciated it's functionality over my older 520. Lots of training dynamics data, maps galore should you want to consult them, and an easy-to-read screen. I prefer a smaller display than the 1030 range, more compact in cockpit and lighter. Good visual interface with Garmin Varia radar. Only drawback is that the battery may require more frequent recharging, depending how many features you activate.
Review by HalloweenEagleBikeSolid, compact, do-it all bike computerby HalloweenEagleBikeCycling EnthusiastSwedesboro, NJ9 of 10 customers found this review helpful.The Edge 530 has been a great addition to my cycling. With the integration w Garmin Connect, its very easy to create training workouts, custom routes, and also more detailed performance stats from each of my rides. I've used it for both road, gravel, and mountain biking and its well suited for each discipline. The battery life is solid. I've only done 1 longer (5 hours) ride with it, but had no concerns of it dying somewhere along the way. Normally, I use it for several 60-90 minute rides a week and typically only charge it once every other week. It integrates seamlessly with all of my sensors (garmin speed and cadence), heart rate strap (garmin chest strap), and lights (garmin varia headlight, garmin varia radar). It has changed my cycling experience. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that periodically there are some small annoyances like auto downloads restarting your ride, but these are few and far between.
Reviewed 4/3/2020Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by HalloweenEagleBike was helpful/No, review by HalloweenEagleBike was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
The Edge 530 has been a great addition to my cycling. With the integration w Garmin Connect, its very easy to create training workouts, custom routes, and also more detailed performance stats from each of my rides. I've used it for both road, gravel, and mountain biking and its well suited for each discipline. The battery life is solid. I've only done 1 longer (5 hours) ride with it, but had no concerns of it dying somewhere along the way. Normally, I use it for several 60-90 minute rides a week and typically only charge it once every other week. It integrates seamlessly with all of my sensors (garmin speed and cadence), heart rate strap (garmin chest strap), and lights (garmin varia headlight, garmin varia radar). It has changed my cycling experience. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that periodically there are some small annoyances like auto downloads restarting your ride, but these are few and far between.
Review by mikeMuch better than my garmin 520by mikeCycling Enthusiastshallotte, ncroad and gravel use. Computer boots up much quicker and has much longer battery life per charge than my garmin 520.
Reviewed 10/12/2023Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by mike was helpful/No, review by mike was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
road and gravel use. Computer boots up much quicker and has much longer battery life per charge than my garmin 520.
Review by Control FreakMuch improved from the last modelby Control FreakCycling EnthusiastEast Tennessee2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.The Edge 530 replaces my 5-yr. old Edge 820. I am much happier with the 530 because: 1, my screen would go haywire in the rain; 2, much faster processing with routes; 3, better looking screen that does not reminds me of my Palm Pilot; 4, much better battery life. The new firmware is also less buggy so, yeah, I am glad that Garmin (finally) up their game. I was seriously considering switching to a Wahoo Element or a Karoo Hammerhead. I would have given it 5 stars if the screen has better resolution and color-there is not excuse in 2021 to have a screen from a 20 yr. old flip phone!
Reviewed 9/2/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Control Freak was helpful/No, review by Control Freak was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
The Edge 530 replaces my 5-yr. old Edge 820. I am much happier with the 530 because: 1, my screen would go haywire in the rain; 2, much faster processing with routes; 3, better looking screen that does not reminds me of my Palm Pilot; 4, much better battery life. The new firmware is also less buggy so, yeah, I am glad that Garmin (finally) up their game. I was seriously considering switching to a Wahoo Element or a Karoo Hammerhead. I would have given it 5 stars if the screen has better resolution and color-there is not excuse in 2021 to have a screen from a 20 yr. old flip phone!
Review by NC_CyclistGreat Deal on Garmin 530by NC_CyclistCycling EnthusiastWilmington, NCGarmin 530 has everything I need and more. I like that it turns on and is ready to go right away, syncs with my phone so I receive texts and weather alerts, uploads to Strava right after each ride, has customizable dashboards, easy map loading, and many more options that I haven't used yet. Price is always the the difficult part in making the purchase, but Western offered a great price, so I couldn't pass it up. No complaints.
Reviewed 8/22/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by NC_Cyclist was helpful/No, review by NC_Cyclist was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Garmin 530 has everything I need and more. I like that it turns on and is ready to go right away, syncs with my phone so I receive texts and weather alerts, uploads to Strava right after each ride, has customizable dashboards, easy map loading, and many more options that I haven't used yet. Price is always the the difficult part in making the purchase, but Western offered a great price, so I couldn't pass it up. No complaints.
Review by manholemagnetDefinitely choose the 530 for longer battery lifeby manholemagnetCycling EnthusiastDenver, CO1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.I received a Garmin 520 Explorer as a gift. On the first ride, the extremely short battery life caused the unit to shutdown after approximately 3.5 hours. Big surprise and quite annoying. I returned the device and upgraded to the 530. The battery life is significantly better--approximately 3 to 4 times longer between charges. The Garmin 530 does what it is supposed to do, so there's that. The illumination is good --especially when riding at night or in dim natural light. My main disappointment is the learning curve necessary to manage the various functions. It is anything but an intuitive process and the "get started" booklet is basically a waste of paper; entirely insufficient. Users who want to actually use the device will need to download the more detailed manual from the Garmin website. The GPS works fine although it takes me a few minutes to locate a satellite signal; better to wait before pedaling down the driveway. I find that the post-ride map/graphic of the route is very general; vague and not helpful. All in all, I believe that the 530 provides the best value for the money. For casual riders, a wireless cycle computer still may be a simpler way and less expensive way to go.
Reviewed 8/14/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by manholemagnet was helpful/No, review by manholemagnet was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I received a Garmin 520 Explorer as a gift. On the first ride, the extremely short battery life caused the unit to shutdown after approximately 3.5 hours. Big surprise and quite annoying. I returned the device and upgraded to the 530. The battery life is significantly better--approximately 3 to 4 times longer between charges. The Garmin 530 does what it is supposed to do, so there's that. The illumination is good --especially when riding at night or in dim natural light. My main disappointment is the learning curve necessary to manage the various functions. It is anything but an intuitive process and the "get started" booklet is basically a waste of paper; entirely insufficient. Users who want to actually use the device will need to download the more detailed manual from the Garmin website. The GPS works fine although it takes me a few minutes to locate a satellite signal; better to wait before pedaling down the driveway. I find that the post-ride map/graphic of the route is very general; vague and not helpful. All in all, I believe that the 530 provides the best value for the money. For casual riders, a wireless cycle computer still may be a simpler way and less expensive way to go.
Review by manholemagnetDefinitely choose the 530 for longer battery lifeby manholemagnetCycling EnthusiastDenver, COI received a Garmin 520 Explorer as a gift. On the first ride, the extremely short battery life caused the unit to shutdown after approximately 3.5 hours. Big surprise and quite annoying. I returned the device and upgraded to the 530. The battery life is significantly better--approximately 3 to 4 times longer between charges. The Garmin 530 does what it is supposed to do, so there's that. The illumination is good --especially when riding at night or in dim natural light. My main disappointment is the learning curve necessary to manage the various functions. It is anything but an intuitive process and the "get started" booklet is basically a waste of paper; entirely insufficient. Users who want to actually use the device will need to download the more detailed manual from the Garmin website. The GPS works fine although it takes me a few minutes to locate a satellite signal; better to wait before pedaling down the driveway. I find that the post-ride map/graphic of the route is very general; vague and not helpful. All in all, I believe that the 530 provides the best value for the money. For casual riders, a wireless cycle computer still may be a simpler way and less expensive way to go.
Reviewed 8/14/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by manholemagnet was helpful/No, review by manholemagnet was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I received a Garmin 520 Explorer as a gift. On the first ride, the extremely short battery life caused the unit to shutdown after approximately 3.5 hours. Big surprise and quite annoying. I returned the device and upgraded to the 530. The battery life is significantly better--approximately 3 to 4 times longer between charges. The Garmin 530 does what it is supposed to do, so there's that. The illumination is good --especially when riding at night or in dim natural light. My main disappointment is the learning curve necessary to manage the various functions. It is anything but an intuitive process and the "get started" booklet is basically a waste of paper; entirely insufficient. Users who want to actually use the device will need to download the more detailed manual from the Garmin website. The GPS works fine although it takes me a few minutes to locate a satellite signal; better to wait before pedaling down the driveway. I find that the post-ride map/graphic of the route is very general; vague and not helpful. All in all, I believe that the 530 provides the best value for the money. For casual riders, a wireless cycle computer still may be a simpler way and less expensive way to go.
Review by TailwindSolid upgrade over the Garmin 520 Edgeby Tailwind79015Really like the larger screen & is much faster than the 520 Edge. Also, the ability to load proper maps is a big plus. Battery life seems to be quite good as well.
Reviewed 8/5/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Tailwind was helpful/No, review by Tailwind was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Really like the larger screen & is much faster than the 520 Edge. Also, the ability to load proper maps is a big plus. Battery life seems to be quite good as well.
Review by Marin bikerVery impressed!by Marin bikerCycling EnthusiastMill Valley, CaBetter screen resolution, faster, much better battery and more capabilities as compared to my 2 year old Garmin 520+!!
Reviewed 8/6/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Marin biker was helpful/No, review by Marin biker was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Better screen resolution, faster, much better battery and more capabilities as compared to my 2 year old Garmin 520+!!
Review by ZimZimDifficult setup and fragile - but great device when workingby ZimZimCycling EnthusiastSandpoint, Idaho2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.Use the Edge 530 for gravel and road rides. Creating a course on Garmin Connect is a bit of a chore but is easy to follow once uploaded to the 530. My eyes are not working so well now and I really appreciate the easy to read data screen. I was using a Wahoo Bolt but just could not see the screen. I passed it on to my daughter and purchased the 530. The 530 is a huge step up in the display over the Wahoo.
After a month of use I dropped the 530 from a height of about 2 feet. No visible damage but the screen no longer worked. Garmin did send a refurbished device for a $130 charge. The 530 is quite fragile - certainly not a robust as a Wahoo device. I now have a silicon sleeve that, hopefully, will preclude damage should the 530 be dropped. My experience with the 530 is really great; with exception of the fragility. a silicon protective case is, in my view, an absolute necessity.
Reviewed 7/30/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by ZimZim was helpful/No, review by ZimZim was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Use the Edge 530 for gravel and road rides. Creating a course on Garmin Connect is a bit of a chore but is easy to follow once uploaded to the 530. My eyes are not working so well now and I really appreciate the easy to read data screen. I was using a Wahoo Bolt but just could not see the screen. I passed it on to my daughter and purchased the 530. The 530 is a huge step up in the display over the Wahoo.
After a month of use I dropped the 530 from a height of about 2 feet. No visible damage but the screen no longer worked. Garmin did send a refurbished device for a $130 charge. The 530 is quite fragile - certainly not a robust as a Wahoo device. I now have a silicon sleeve that, hopefully, will preclude damage should the 530 be dropped. My experience with the 530 is really great; with exception of the fragility. a silicon protective case is, in my view, an absolute necessity.
Review by ClarenceThis is a very good bike computer.by ClarenceCycling EnthusiastWestchester county, New York1 of 2 customers found this review helpful.I use this computer when I ride during the weekdays. I like that it does not have a touch screen, as my 830 has. Sometimes on my 830 I accidentally touch the screen and I can not get back to the original screen. What I do not like about the 530 is that when initially entering data, it is more difficult to enter and save data without a touch screen. Since my 530 was a replacement for my 820, I wish I could have transferred the data from my 820 to my 530.
Reviewed 7/9/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Clarence was helpful/No, review by Clarence was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I use this computer when I ride during the weekdays. I like that it does not have a touch screen, as my 830 has. Sometimes on my 830 I accidentally touch the screen and I can not get back to the original screen. What I do not like about the 530 is that when initially entering data, it is more difficult to enter and save data without a touch screen. Since my 530 was a replacement for my 820, I wish I could have transferred the data from my 820 to my 530.
Review by OldBikerRunnerLots of features at a fairly reasonable price.by OldBikerRunnerCycling EnthusiastWisconsin4 of 5 customers found this review helpful.As winter falls upon Wisconsin, I have been training (biking & running) indoors more often. The profiles allow me to set certain data fields for indoor biking vs ones I want for the open road. I used to use my Garmin watch for the bike, but having a head unit is a great improvement. Being cheap I utilize Garmin Segments, creating ones to mimic Strava segments, which then allows me to race against them. This feature alone makes the purchase worth it for me. I had been trying to take the crown on particular segment all summer and with the real time feedback, I smashed it by 20 seconds. We don't have many "climbs" in Wisconsin, but I could see how that new feature would be very useful after using it just two times. I had a couple issues with losing connection to my Garmin Vector pedals, but since the latest update, that has improved. Connects well with other sensors: heart rate strap, speed/cadence sensors on my other bikes. Nice to have decent mapping as well. I find the menu arrangements slightly different than other Garmin products. I also sometimes wish I had spent more for the touch screen model.
Reviewed 12/12/2020Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by OldBikerRunner was helpful/No, review by OldBikerRunner was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
As winter falls upon Wisconsin, I have been training (biking & running) indoors more often. The profiles allow me to set certain data fields for indoor biking vs ones I want for the open road. I used to use my Garmin watch for the bike, but having a head unit is a great improvement. Being cheap I utilize Garmin Segments, creating ones to mimic Strava segments, which then allows me to race against them. This feature alone makes the purchase worth it for me. I had been trying to take the crown on particular segment all summer and with the real time feedback, I smashed it by 20 seconds. We don't have many "climbs" in Wisconsin, but I could see how that new feature would be very useful after using it just two times. I had a couple issues with losing connection to my Garmin Vector pedals, but since the latest update, that has improved. Connects well with other sensors: heart rate strap, speed/cadence sensors on my other bikes. Nice to have decent mapping as well. I find the menu arrangements slightly different than other Garmin products. I also sometimes wish I had spent more for the touch screen model.
Review by Jarmstrongpdx More than enoughby Jarmstrongpdx Portland 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.Bought computer on a recommendation from a friend. Did a lot of research as well as to size features battery life etc. computer works great and was relatively easy to set up. Not as intuitive as older models and not as easy to set up pages as previous models is my only gripe! Mapping capabilities, features and connectivity to Garmin connect was seamless overall good purchase very happy
Reviewed 5/26/2022Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Jarmstrongpdx was helpful/No, review by Jarmstrongpdx was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Bought computer on a recommendation from a friend. Did a lot of research as well as to size features battery life etc. computer works great and was relatively easy to set up. Not as intuitive as older models and not as easy to set up pages as previous models is my only gripe! Mapping capabilities, features and connectivity to Garmin connect was seamless overall good purchase very happy
Review by Jarmstrongpdx More than enoughby Jarmstrongpdx Portland 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.Bought computer on a recommendation from a friend. Did a lot of research as well as to size features battery life etc. computer works great and was relatively easy to set up. Not as intuitive as older models and not as easy to set up pages as previous models is my only gripe! Mapping capabilities, map features and connectivity to Garmin connect were seamless. Overall good purchase very happy
Reviewed 5/26/2022Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Jarmstrongpdx was helpful/No, review by Jarmstrongpdx was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Bought computer on a recommendation from a friend. Did a lot of research as well as to size features battery life etc. computer works great and was relatively easy to set up. Not as intuitive as older models and not as easy to set up pages as previous models is my only gripe! Mapping capabilities, map features and connectivity to Garmin connect were seamless. Overall good purchase very happy
Review by mpeiBest value for Garmin cycling computersby mpeiCycling EnthusiastCincinnati, OH4 of 4 customers found this review helpful.Higher models do not bring an additional benefit and I am no fan of the touchscreens anyways. Navigation, etc. is handled through the smartphone anyways. It works great with speed and cadence sensors.
I love it.
Reviewed 8/8/2019Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by mpei was helpful/No, review by mpei was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Higher models do not bring an additional benefit and I am no fan of the touchscreens anyways. Navigation, etc. is handled through the smartphone anyways. It works great with speed and cadence sensors.
I love it.
Review by Mills-FrannyThere is a reason Garmin is a Leader...by Mills-FrannyCycling EnthusiastVancouver, WAThis bike computer does it all! I use it to mtn bike and road bike. I also use it for triathlon races. Syncs perfect with my 945 LTE watch. Garmin offers so many features, and constantly stays up to date with technology
Reviewed 1/21/2022Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Mills-Franny was helpful/No, review by Mills-Franny was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
This bike computer does it all! I use it to mtn bike and road bike. I also use it for triathlon races. Syncs perfect with my 945 LTE watch. Garmin offers so many features, and constantly stays up to date with technology
Review by John KA great ride computer for the moneyby John KCycling EnthusiastOhioThis is one of the most affordable, feature-packed ride computers on the market. Proven technology, rugged construction, reliable performance. I use this computer on a regular basis for ride of 20 to 60 miles. I can't think of anything I don't like about it, because it is perfect for me.
Reviewed 12/8/2022Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by John K was helpful/No, review by John K was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
This is one of the most affordable, feature-packed ride computers on the market. Proven technology, rugged construction, reliable performance. I use this computer on a regular basis for ride of 20 to 60 miles. I can't think of anything I don't like about it, because it is perfect for me.
Review by AnonymousGreat smaller form factor GPS for the multi-discipline cyclistby AnonymousCycling EnthusiastPortland, ORGreat GPS if you want to stay in the Garmin ecosystem and not want to have a touch screen (although initial setup is slow due to the button-only interface). Really liked to new popularity coloring on the maps and the built in TrailForks integration.
Reviewed 8/7/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Great GPS if you want to stay in the Garmin ecosystem and not want to have a touch screen (although initial setup is slow due to the button-only interface). Really liked to new popularity coloring on the maps and the built in TrailForks integration.
Review by ZimZimReally great bike computer - one flawby ZimZimCycling EnthusiastSandpoint, ID 3 of 3 customers found this review helpful.The screen is very easy to read (screen set up with speed, cadence, HR, gradient, clasped time, time of day). Initial setup a bit tricky but once set up no problems. The big flaw is that it is a very delicate device. Had it for a month and it slipped from the hand and hit the floor. Completely dead. If Garmin won't repair it I'll get another - and put a silicon case on it. Would be a five star review if it was not so delicate.
Reviewed 7/17/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by ZimZim was helpful/No, review by ZimZim was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
The screen is very easy to read (screen set up with speed, cadence, HR, gradient, clasped time, time of day). Initial setup a bit tricky but once set up no problems. The big flaw is that it is a very delicate device. Had it for a month and it slipped from the hand and hit the floor. Completely dead. If Garmin won't repair it I'll get another - and put a silicon case on it. Would be a five star review if it was not so delicate.
Review by jboehlkeEdge 530 so good I bought two! by jboehlkeCycling EnthusiastPortland, OR 2 of 3 customers found this review helpful.Fantastic product significantly larger screen with similar footprint than the 530 and far better screen resolution, this thing is amazing. Gifted 2nd one to Pop for his 70th bday. I have mine paired with rear blinkie radar and front light, all purchased from Western, could not be more pleased with the product and the latter with the shop.
Reviewed 6/24/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by jboehlke was helpful/No, review by jboehlke was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Fantastic product significantly larger screen with similar footprint than the 530 and far better screen resolution, this thing is amazing. Gifted 2nd one to Pop for his 70th bday. I have mine paired with rear blinkie radar and front light, all purchased from Western, could not be more pleased with the product and the latter with the shop.