Garmin launches new computers Edge 820 and Edge Explore 820
Have you ever missed the start of a group ride and wished you could know which way your friends went? Now you can, thanks to Garmin’s new Edge 820 and Edge Explore 820 with GroupTrack. This new built-in feature allows you to track up to 50 Garmin-equipped riders within a 10-mile radius right from the 820’s screen while you ride.
Both models are compatible with the Varia cycling awareness accessories, such as the Varia Vision heads-up display. The units also include a feature called Incident Detection, which uses the unit’s built-in accelerometer to sense a bike crash and automatically notify emergency contacts of your location.
These new GPS computers also come with Garmin Cycle basemaps that have bike-specific turn-by-turn navigation, round-trip Course Creator, and on-device course planning. Both models are Connect IQ-compatible, so users can download free data fields and customize them to their personal needs.
Although there is not a microSD port to expand the 820’s 16GB memory like there is on the Edge 1000, these units are much smaller than the 1000—the same size as the Edge 520. The 2.3-inch-tall resolution touchscreen features a capacitive touch display that is claimed to work with gloves and when wet.
Both models are ANT+ enabled and work with compatible heart rate monitors, and cadence and speed sensors. The 820 and Explore 820 have a 15-hour run time but feature a new Battery Save mode that can extend battery life by 50 percent while still tracking your ride.
The Edge 820 has a few extra features that the Edge Explore 820 lacks. It is compatible with ANT+ power meters, and allows the rider to view his or her cycling-specific VO2 max, FTP (functional threshold power), and watts/kg tracking. It also recommends how long a rider should wait before attempting another hard ride, based on gathered data. In-ride challenges are available through Strava Live Segments, too. The Edge 820 also has an ambient light sensor to automatically adjust the screen so it’s easy to read even in bright sunlight.
The Edge Explore 820 retails for $350 while the Edge 820 goes for $400.Garmin also offers the Edge 820 in a bundled package that includes a speed sensor, cadence sensor, and a premium heart rate monitor for $500. These GPS computers are available now.
