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Benefit of upgrading 520 to 530 without power meter when outdoors?

Hi - I currently have an Edge 520 on my bike. I also have a Fenix 7. When I ride indoors on my smart trainer, I just use the Fenix to collect data that includes power so I can track training status (and Training Effect).

I'd like my outdoor rides to also contribute to Training Status for obvious reasons. I didn't care over the winter but now I'll be riding outdoors again. I don't have power meter pedals on my bike however. So my question is - is there any benefit to upgrading my Edge 520 to a 530 (or an 830) if I don't have a power meter? Will the 530 give me anything additional without the power data?

Thanks,

Michael

Top Replies

tmk2 over 3 years ago +1

Read this review:

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2019/04/garmin-edge-530-cycling-gps-in-depth-review.html

In the "What's new" section you'll find all the new features that came to the 530. You have to judge…
mcalista over 3 years ago +1

You can just passively record your rides on the fenix for Training Status (and advanced Training Load metrics), while using the 520 normally on the bike to view information. Then discard rather than saving…

All Replies

0 tmk2 over 3 years ago

Read this review:

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2019/04/garmin-edge-530-cycling-gps-in-depth-review.html

In the "What's new" section you'll find all the new features that came to the 530. You have to judge for yourself if any of them is useful or not.

0 Ultradianguy over 3 years ago in reply to tmk2

Yes I'm able to find reviews with google and I know Ray's site. I was looking for a little help with which features require the power meter from someone who has this model.

0 tmk2 over 3 years ago in reply to Ultradianguy

From the "what's new" list only the performance power curve requires power meter.

0 mcalista over 3 years ago

You can just passively record your rides on the fenix for Training Status (and advanced Training Load metrics), while using the 520 normally on the bike to view information. Then discard rather than saving on the 520 to avoid duplicates (or have them syncing to separate Garmin Connect accounts).

I never had a 520, but I did upgrade from the 520 Plus to the 530 for the larger display, the battery life and the more powerful processor to handle the demands of mapping and navigating long routes. The heat and altitude acclimation, Load Focus and hydration tracking are other advantages of the 530, but you could get these from using the fenix as above.