130 vs 520

I had to make the same decision (but against 520 plus). Bought the 130 because:
-the reduced navigation features are enough for me
-smaller device
-much better screen, readability much better in sunlight
-compatible with Bluetooth smart sensors (already have a bluetooth HR Strap) - 520 is not
-here in Switzerland: 100$ price difference between 520 plus and 130.

If you need training options buy the 520. I almost bought the Lezyne Super GPS: Much better battery. Whatsapp/Messenger notifications. Very good price. But it just felt too bulky. Wahoo is not really popular here (no stores to test it...).

Hello. Upgrading my old Cateye for a Garmin. I can’t really tell the difference between the 130 and 520 (not plus) besides color screen and some sort of directions capability. I’m assuming this thread is bias to the 130 but that’s not a bad thing.
My interests
Speed, cadence, heart rate, power (maybe), Strava (maybe). But not sure if I might gain interest in other features as I progress so “growing into it@ is a good thing as well. Thanks so much for the insight.

If you don't mind for the size and not going to use navigation that much go for the 520. It even has more features on the sport functions side. The biggest dis-advantage is, it is old hard (the same as the original 520 when it came out).
The 130 definitely has to many issue. Read through this forum and maybe DC Rainmakers blog. If still would prefer the 130 then wait until an acceptable working firmware come out - which must not be the next.

Hey Jim; Just to mess you up a bit with a contrary viewpoint...

The 130 is a good device in terms of form. It is a small, lightweight and efficient package. It has a great screen - better than the 520.

Hulster is correct that there are a couple of firmware glitches (North-Up, backlight) with the machine currently but I have some faith that Shawn-Garmin and his team will work those out soon enough.

Where the 130 lacks, is some intentional loss some bits of functionality over the 520. There are a few data fields that are deliberately missing from the 130 that I sure wish Garmin would kindly consider adding (and may do so if enough sound off here!). Like:
- vertical speed
- adjustable speed setting for auto-pause
- battery % (Shawn, this is a gimme for you to consider...)
- live temperature display field (even as it is already recorded in FIT file)
- better lap features
- some advanced power metrics

I have fixed a couple of the above (VS and batt%) with Garmin Connect IQ fields. Hardly perfect but manageable. Wish I didn't have to do that as these are really simple additions for Garmin.

What you need to consider is the better mapping on the 520, 130 shows bread-crumb route on a clearer display. The 520 shows more of the route and a where you are on map on a bigger less-clear display. Only 520-Plus has navigation. This is probably the key distinction and I think how Garmin should position the 130 against the 520 - instead of removing some useful functions in the 130 to deliberately downgrade the unit. Personally, I am more than fine with the simple route display. Have pedaled all over Europe (old Edge 500 with same route display) with turn by turn instructions and never got lost.

The 130 has all the connectivity and Strava integration you need and is spot-on for picking up and tracking GPS. I have not experienced any issues with battery life (have had four sensors paired), uploads, or live segments as reported elsewhere. All in a nice little device - 30g lighter.

Let us know what you decide to do!

Thanks! What are the sports functions that the 130 is missing?

Jim, there really aren't any "sports" functions missing in the 130. It's all there.

if you specify what are you looking for I or others can confirm if the 130 (or another device) can deliver.

Thanks! What are the sports functions that the 130 is missing?

Sports functions are primarily missing data fields for power meter. But there other options and config stuff limited by design.
Best is you have a look at the manual or ask upfront as bretonsmith mentioned.

I have a 1030 and got the 130 for my wife to use with her Vario Radar. I've actually started using the 130 for most cases, even a 100mi mtn bike race a couple weeks ago. Unless I need mapping, I love the smaller size of the 130 and the crispness of the display, despite the smaller size.

One short coming is the lack of multiple profiles. This means you can't have multiple data screen layouts for different bikes or types of biking. I have a different set of fields generally for road vs mountain biking and this doesn't support that. Also believe the 130 doesn't directly support power meters.

I haven't had a single issue like those mentioned above. As for battery, a lot of the complaints were how fast the battery % went down. From my experience, the reported battery % was just wrong (probably why Garmin didn't give direct access to it without a CIQ field). Once I get the low battery warning at about 20%, it still can run for over 5 hours. With minimal back light, I am regularly seeing 14+ hours.

Hi,

I am also looking for a compact device to use on my commuter bike for tracking. Navigation is not important. I am using an Oregon 700 for that on my touring bike. I also don't need training functions.
I was thinking of buying the 130 but then also looked at the 520 plus as the 130 may be too small but as far as I understand the 520 plus is using old hardware.

Which one would you recommend.

Kind regards,
Kris.

Hi,

I am also looking for a compact device to use on my commuter bike for tracking. Navigation is not important. I am using an Oregon 700 for that on myFor touring bike. I also don't need training functions.
I was thinking of buying the 130 but then also looked at the 520 plus as the 130 may be too small but as far as I understand the 520 plus is using old hardware.

Which one would you recommend.

Kind regards,
Kris.

For commuting? Clearly the 130. One of the biggest complains is about not all measurments trace made available as datafield. That should not count for communting, as the most expect to be needed for that are available. But for communting maybe a smartwatch is even better? Or an Edge 25.

I bought the Edge 130 and I am pretty happy with it.

I don't wear a watch. I did in the past but now I am no longer wearing one since years. I am not just used to it anymore I guess so I was not considering this option.
The Edge 25 could have been a good option but what I like about the Edge 130 is that I have a lot of flexibility to add and customize the data screens.