Garmin Edge 530 Review

Garmin Edge 530 Test! Edge 530* and Edge 830 – are the newest GPS bike navis and bike GPS training computers from Garmin and are suitable for road cyclists, touring cyclists and mountain bikers!

You will learn in the test all important details. In addition, I explain the differences to the Garmin Edge 830 with touchscreen.

✅ Garmin Edge 530 (button operation): Fully featured GPS bike computer with button operation.
✅ Garmin Edge 830 (touch operation): Compact GPS bike navigation with full range of functions.

The range of functions of both GPS bike computers is identically extensive – only the operation differs. Therefore, I test, representative of both GPS bike navigation the Garmin Edge 530.

You’re in a hurry? Click here to go directly to the Garmin Edge 530

* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-22, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon

The button operation of the Edge 530 is a clear advantage, if you are often on the road with long cycling gloves e.g. with the mountain bike on the trail.

You prefer a GPS bike computer with touchscreen? The package and features presented here suit you? Then take a look at the Garmin Edge 830.

Garmin Edge 530 Highlights

What are the big features of the Garmin Edge 530? I go into the following topics in detail in the practice review:

✅ Hardware and technology
✅ Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 differences
✅ Functions: Key operation
✅ Functions: Mountain Bike Navi Functions
✅ Training functions
✅ Connectivity functions

I have tested the Garmin Edge 530 particularly extensively. One thing in advance: Thanks to the excellent navigation and the extensive training functions, the Garmin Edge 530 is not only interesting for MTBers, but also for ambitious road cyclists and touring cyclists.

Garmin Edge 530 bei Amazon kaufen*

Let’s start directly with the Garmin Edge 530 test

Technology – Garmin Edge 530

The Edge 530 GPS bike computer offers the best technology: Thanks to modern hardware, the map display works especially fast and the display is super readable. What about the scope of delivery and other features? Best read on 😉

Edge 530 Mountain Bike Bundle Unboxing & Scope of Delivery

The Garmin Edge 530 and also the Edge 830 are available as mountain bike bundle. The set comes with a comprehensive accessories package. So it can go directly on the trails or over the Alps 🙂

Here’s what’s included with the Edge 530 mountain bike bundle:

• Garmin Edge 530 bike navigator
• Standard bracket
• MTB mount from Garmin
• Silicone protective cover
• Edge remote control for the bicycle handlebars
• Speed sensor 2nd generation
• Fastening loop
• Micro USB cable
• Instruction
• TrailForks map and code

The hardware supplied is quite exciting and useful on the trail. Along with the useful hardware, TrailForks maps and an unlock code for TrailForks Trail Navigation are also included. An exciting combination!

Assembly and initial setup

So with the Garmin Edge 530 mountain bike bundle, there’s a big package of brackets and accessories. I present it to you in detail below:

Mountain bike mount: The MTB mount is screwed to the handlebar and the GPS bike navigator is thus held absolutely secure – even on the trails. For additional protection, e.g. from branches, the supplied silicone cover provides. The fastening loop provides additional perceived safety. Fortunately, the original mounts supplied already hold the GPS bike navigator absolutely securely on the bike.

two Garmin standard mounts: The mounts are attached to the handlebar or stem with rubber rings and also hold the bike navi absolutely secure. Convenient that these additional brackets are included. The mounts are ideal for use on a second or third bike, for example. Note: The Edge 530 has many bike profiles. Thus, in addition to the mountain bike, there are also road bike and indoor profiles. Ideal applications for the additional brackets.

Need another mountain bike mount? I have had good experiences with the Bracket from kwmobile in particular. It is top processed and virtually identical to the original Garmin mount – just without the logo. For this, the mount costs only about half.

Garmin Edge remote control: With this, the bike navi can be operated with the press of a thumb and without having to take your hands off the handlebar. This is particularly suitable for rapid descents or directly on the trail.

Speed sensor 2nd generation: Suitable for bicycle navigation when no accurate speed measurement is required or possible e.g. due to poor GPS reception. The speed sensor can also be used for indoor training and the sensor can also be connected to other devices than the Garmin Edge 530.

Garmin Edge 530 or 830 – what are the differences?

Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 – Differences between the two GPS bike computers:

• Operation:The most obvious and biggest difference. The Edge 530 is operated with seven keys. The Edge 830 is operated via touchscreen and three buttons.
• User interface: The user interface is adapted to the different operation.
• Weight: The Edge 830 weighs 97 grams and the Edge 530 weighs 76 grams. Thus, the Edge 830 is about 3 grams heavier.
• Scope of navigation: The Garmin Edge 830 offers significantly more extensive navigation functions, such as planning routes with intermediate destinations on the device. The function Roundrip Routing and the search for POIs and address. Thus, the navigation feature set corresponds to the Garmin Edge Explore or Edge 1030.
• Price: The Garmin Edge 830 Mountain Bike Bundle costs about €100 more.

Hardware and memory of the Garmin Edge 530

The Garmin Edge has the dimensions 50 x 82 x 20 mm and a weight of 76 grams (self-weighed). With these values, the GPS bike navigator also makes on the road bike a good figure.

Against water and dirt, the Garmin Edge 530 is protected according to protection class IP67 (dustproof and protection against temporary immersion). So you should be able to navigate in the rain without hesitation.

The GPS bike computer is operated using the following buttons. I describe the operation here briefly in overview and below in detail:

• Two buttons on bottom of housing: Round and Start/Stop button.
• Three buttons on the left side of the housing: Power, up and down.
• Two buttons on the right side of the housing: confirm and back

The Edge 530 supports three positioning standards: GPS, GLONASS and Galileo. The following positioning options can be set on the device:

• GPS
• GPS and GLONASS
• GPS and Galileo

In my GPS Navi test I have all combinations extensively tested in practice. In practice, there are hardly any differences between the selected satellite systems or satellite systems combinations: The Garmin Edge 530 bike navigator recognizes satellites within a few seconds and then you can start navigating.

The GPS signal is kept reliable. Say: high houses in the city or dense treetops: no problem 😉

As I said, I tested very carefully and could exclusively find strengths here.

The bike navigator has 16 GB of memory permanently installed. At the beginning there are still 7.3 GB free (according to Windows Explorer. There is no possibility to expand the memory, e.g. via microSD card.

Display – Garmin Edge 530

The display of the Edge 530 measures 2.6 inches with a resolution of 246 x 322 pixels. Positive Garmin Edge 530 experience: Even in difficult situations the display is excellent readable.

The display size is in my opinion the ideal form factor: With a compact housing design, the display and the presented bike navigation is still clearly readable.

The integrated brightness sensor regulates the display brightness very intelligently: In my Garmin Edge 530 test, the display brightness was mostly adjusted accurately and comfortably for the eye in many different situations.

Battery life of the Edge 530

The energy storage of the Edge 530 is a permanently installed Li-Ion battery.

The charging port has a microUSB connector and is located at the bottom, between the two buttons (for lap and start/stop). A sturdy rubber cover with attached seal protects the charging socket from the weather. The GPS bike navigator can also be charged on the go with a connected powerbank. I like the very much – positive Garmin Edge 530 experience so 🙂 even better would be a modern USB-C port.

But is recharging on the road necessary at all? In fact, Garmin claims a running time of 20 hours for the Edge 530 bike nav. In battery-saving mode, even 40 hours of bike navigation should be possible.

In the Garmin Edge Explore test, I repeatedly got approximately 19 hours of battery life while navigating. The display brightness was automatically regulated and I had my smartphone connected via Bluetooth while driving. Anyway, a very good value, which I’m sure will satisfy most.

If the round 20 or 40 hours is not enough for you, you can connect the bike navigator to the Garmin Power Pack: The Garmin Power Pack is connected via the connectors on the underside of the housing and the battery life of the GPS bike computer is thereby approximately doubled.

Sensors and connections on the Garmin Edge 530

Full equipment is offered in terms of connectivity: The Garmin Edge 530 has a strong hardware package of ANT+ and Bluetooth on board.

Synchronization for routes and activities, downloading updates and further data transfer is per Bluetooth with the smartphone. For faster data transfer, also WLAN is available.

Features of the Garmin Edge 530

The feature set of the Garmin Edge 530 is huge. In addition, Garmin Connect IQ apps can be installed. This allows you to expand the range of functions of the GPS bike computer even further. For example, there are apps for the connection of the sports portals komoot and Strava. So you can transfer your activities from the Garmin to komoot and Strava. The route download from komoot to your Garmin Navi also works wonderfully. I describe the setup of the komoot connect IQ app in detail in the comprehensive komoot test & field report.

I will now present the most interesting functions in detail:

• The capabilities of navigation.
• Trailsforks MTB Navigation
• MTB metrics Flow and Grit.
• ClimbPro

First, the question arises: How well is the Garmin Edge 530 operation implemented?

Edge 530 Key operation

In my Garmin Edge 530 test it shows: The button operation requires some training time. Garmin has adapted the menu structure and the use well to the button operation. It takes some time to understand the operation with the seven buttons and the menu structure. Until now, I was used to Garmin Edge bike computers with touchscreen operation and mastered the operation faster.

Probably because of the operation, Garmin deletes a few navigation features in the Edge 530 that are available in the Garmin Edge 830: These include route planning (and multi-destination routes) and address entry. These functions would probably be difficult to operate with the button control. Even with simple actions, such as selecting a target on the map or adjusting the map zoom, you first have to get used to the operation. When comparing directly with a touchscreen GPS bike sat nav additional steps are always necessary here..

A Garmin Edge with buttons or an Edge with touchscreen and buttons? Clearly the button operation has practical advantages: The bike navigator can always be operated well even in the rain or with long mountain bike or winter gloves. So a lot comes down to personal taste here. Just trying it out can help here 😉

Likewise, I recommend trying out the Edge remote: especially so you can keep your hand on the handlebars while riding.

Navigation – especially bicycle navigation

The Garmin Edge 530 offers best-in-class navigation when track navigating along planned routes. Routes can be planned with Garmin Connect or Basecamp, for example. Wirelessly transferring routes from a sports portal like komoot and Strava (directly from your phone or via wifi) is of course also possible and works wonderfully easy.

Turn-by-turn directions along the track can be enabled and disabled. With the navigation functions, the GPS bike computer thus draws from the full!

Now I’ll introduce you to all the Navi functions from the Navigation menu:

Back to the start

Returns to the starting point of a route and is only available when activity recording is active

Search map

Select a destination point on the map. The Garmin Edge 530 then calculates a route to the selected destination.

The Garmin Edge 530 is also capable of routing settings. These are of course taken into account when calculating the route. Example of routing settings:

• Mode: Mountain Bike
• Method: Minimize distance
• Routing by popularity: yes (prefers routes frequently ridden by other cyclists).

Routes

The routes planned in advance are displayed here. The routes can be transferred to the Garmin Edge 530 in many ways:

• gpx file downloaded from a sports portal like komoot or Strava and transferred to the Edge 530.
• Tracks or routes created with software such as Garmin BaseCamp or Garmin Connect.
• tours recorded with the Garmin Edge 530. These can be converted into streams on the device.

The route navigation mastered the Garmin Edge 530 excellent. In addition, the navigation can be adjusted over many settings to their own needs. For example, there are functions for turn-by-turn instructions and messages when leaving the predefined route.

Mountain Bike Trail Navigation

For MTB trail navigation, the TralForks service is integrated. TrailForks I present in the Garmin Edge 530 review below. This allows you to find trails in your area with bike navigation.

Favorites

A favourite can be selected and is then used as a destination for navigation and bicycle navigation. The Garmin Edge 530 calculates the route to the selected destination. As with “Search map”, the set routing settings are taken into account.

Favorites can be used:

• With the GPS bicycle navigator stored positions e.g. the own current position
• Waypoints previously saved to the Edge 530

Garmin Edge Explore 530 bike navigation experience

According to Garmin, the route calculation is now twice as fast! Which Garmin Navis are used as a comparison Garmin does not reveal. I can confirm that the route calculation is really fast and probably the predecessors Garmin Edge 520 and Edge 530 Plus are meant. The new processor is really fast and thus the zooming and rotating the map in the bike navigation also works very fast.

As you can see, the only navigation functions available on the GPS bike computer are destination entry on the map and via created favourites. Extensive route planning with multiple stopovers (POI search) on the device, address entry and round-trip routing does not master the Garmin Edge 530.

For one thing, Garmin probably wants to differentiate the GPS bike navigator from the Edge 830 and it would probably be awkward to use with the buttons anyway.

Trailforks – MTB trail navigation

A new menu item on the Garmin Edge 530 is “Mountain Bike Trail Navigation”. Garmin uses the TrailForks database, probably the largest mountain bike trail network in the world.

Technically, the trail database is an extra layer of trailforks data. Garmin also wants to provide regular updates for this.

Before the MTB trail navigation starts, some settings can be made for the start:

start location: –
Difficulty: Easy to Extreme Sport
Distance: in KM

A list of suitable trails is then displayed. If a trail has been selected, a destination can now be selected.

Flow and Grit – MTB key figures

The Grit and Flow values show the difficulty of a tour or how fluid the riding style is on the trail descent. The screenshots below show a tour including challenging trails.

Grit and Flow can be displayed as separate data pages. Garmin Connect allows for more detailed graphical analysis once the activity has been uploaded.

ClimbPro

ClimbPro displays climbs clearly and motivates! ClimbPro has two displays:

1. Own page with all climbs of the current route: The display is clearly arranged in a list.
2. automatically displayed ClimbPro page shortly before and during a climb: The current or upcoming climb is displayed clearly and in color. The Garmin Edge 530 displays accurate information on: Remaining distance, remaining ascent altitude and the average slope in %.

Training

The training functions of the Garmin Edge 530 GPS bike computer are really extensive. Another strength of the GPS training computer. Training plans, intervals, goals, segments or competing against activities (e.g. routes) are offered, for example.

Numerous performance values are also displayed such as current performance status, recovery value, and more.

Many of the extensive training features are based on Firstbeat integration. In total, 14 Firstbeat features are offered by the Garmin Edge 530. In the following the English designations for

• VO2max fitness level
• Functional Threshold Power (FTP)
• Aerobic training effect
• Anaerobic training effect
• Real time performance state
• Calories burned
• Training load
• Training status
• Training load Balance
• Workout Labels
• Recovery time Consultant
• Stress level quick test
• Heat and altitude acclimatisation
• Breathing rate

Comparison and difference: Garmin Edge 530 or 830?

Table could not be displayed.

Garmin Edge 530 Experience and Summary

The Garmin Edge 530 is a new, really powerful, GPS bike computer with the best navigation and button controls.

Garmin has put a lot of effort into the operation: All functions were placed directly accessible in the field of view and are therefore directly accessible. The button operation also allows operation in the rain and with thick gloves – but requires some training.

You prefer a touch screen operation? Then you are right with the Garmin Edge 830 as an alternative.

Buy Garmin Edge 530 – yes or no?

The Garmin Edge 530 is a fully featured GPS bike computer with the best navigation and long battery life.

Who loves the button operation, may first learn something and will then have great pleasure with the GPS bike navigator. A clear advantage is the operability in the rain and with gloves.

The mountain bike features of the new Garmin Edge 530 are heavily promoted by the manufacturer. Thanks to the enormous range of functions, the bike navigator is also ideally suited for hard-training road cyclists and touring cyclists.

* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-22, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon

Good

✅ Complete range of functions
✅ best navigation
✅ top readable display
✅ reasonable price
✅ Can be operated in the rain and with gloves on
✅ Expandable thanks to Connect IQ Apps (and compatible with komoot and Strava)
✅ Many interfaces For sensors: ANT+, Bluetooth, WLAN…
✅ and for positioning: GPS, Galileo and GLONASS

Bad

❌ Trailforks integration still buggy
Partly complicated button operation, e.g. courser navigation on the map.
❌ Navi destination entry restricted e.g. no address entry possible
❌ Complex initial setup: Login for komoot and Strava necessary

Alternatives to the Edge 530

Garmin Edge 830

Lightweight, small, long battery life: The Edge 830 can pass for the Edge 530’s big brother. You can dig a little deeper into your pocket and get even more comprehensive GPS bike navigation. The GPS bike navigator can be operated comfortably via the touchscreen.

To the detailed Garmin Edge 830 field test (test & experiences)

Keine Produkte gefunden.

Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT

Is also operated via the buttons and for the most part conveniently controlled with the smartphone. Dispenses with features such as wheel profiles and is therefore very much easier to use. The monochrome display is perfectly readable even in the most difficult situations.

* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-22, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon

To the detailed Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT field test (test & experiences)

What do you think of the Garmin Edge 530? Do you have any questions? Feel free to write me your comment.

The GPS bike computer tested here doesn’t suit you?

• In the extensive Bicycle Navi Test I have all recommendable bicycle Navis clearly in the comparison.
• In the Garmin Edge comparison you will find a complete model overview of all Garmin bike computers and bike navigation devices.

I regularly update both tests. Best check out the articles now.