Everything You Need to Know about the Garmin 830 Bike Computer

Garmin Edge 830 was launched in May 2019, and is still in use in 2022. It’s a strong contender in our annual list of the top bike computers . This is a great option if you are looking to upgrade your bike’s computer. What makes this bike computer tick. Is it worth the investment? How does it compare to other Garmin bicycle computer products?

Garmin Edge 830

After the Garmin Edge 820, a device that was already very impressive and had been available since mid-July 2016, the Garmin Edge 830 was introduced. It can provide you with vital directions while you are out riding, and it can also monitor your performance to give you the information you need to continue pushing forward. The 830 is a very affordable model that can be found in most stores for less than $400.

Check the Garmin 830 here.

Among the most notable are:

  • Touchscreen functionality is something that you can’t get with the Garmin 500 series bike computers. It’s available on the 830 or 1030.

  • If you’re doing longer rides, or taking on new routes, GPS directions and route calculation are important. This feature is especially useful for our gravel bike – where you might find yourself on country roads with no signs or landmarks in the metro area.

  • Preloaded maps that include details about elevation, addresses, points of interest, and more

  • You can choose to ride the most popular roads or trails in your region with treadline routing. Similar to the heatmap on Strava.

  • Incident detection: If you are involved in an accident, it sends your location to all emergency contacts.

  • Varia compatibility: Varia radar and view lights can be used with Varia radars and radars.

  • Pairing a smartphone with it will allow you to receive text messages, alerts, emails, and other communications. Smartphone pairing can sometimes be finicky.

  • Group messaging for separation

  • LiveTrack allows you to share your current location with others

  • Compatibility with Shimano Steps eBike System

  • Mountain biking metrics such as jump count and trail distance can be customized to suit mountain biking.

  • Advanced workouts can be done with TrainingPeaks(r), which is connected to the internet via TrainingPeaks(r). Training Peaks subscriptions are required separately from Garmin 830 investments.

  • Climbpro uses Climbpro to track ascents and grades

  • Grit and Flow, which gives ratings for difficulty in elevation and descent. Although we didn’t expect to use this feature, it was really helpful.

  • Connect IQ with apps and widgets, custom data fields, and apps

  • Overall, good battery life. However, we have a section below that compares it to advertised.

Some of the above features were available on the 820. Here are some changes that have been made to the 830.

  • Larger display size – The 830 has a 2.5" touchscreen. The 820 had a 2.3" touchscreen.
  • Comparing the 820 and this processor, you will see a marked improvement in processing speed.
  • Accurate mapping: Shows you exactly where to go when you reach a fork in your road
  • Trailforks maps
    • Displays Garmin Heatmaps and trail conditions
  • You can track your progress in different environments using Heat and Altitude Acclimation
  • Tracking and Smart Alerts for Hydration/Nutrition
  • Bluetooth Smart sensors, pairing, support
  • Bike alarm
    • Pin protected
    • Receive an alert when your bike is being moved
  • Find my Edge
  • Advice on weather and gear
  • Garmin Connect synchronization and the ability to join the community to discuss your accomplishments

Garmin 830 Edge users can take advantage of Smart Trainer Control, courses, training plans, virtual partners, calorie tracking and many other amazing features.

The 830, and all other bike computers, will perform better than a fitness tracker. However, it won’t provide a heart rate monitor.

GARMIN 830 EDGE FUNCTIONALITY

For basic use, the Garmin 830 Edge can be set up fairly easily. However, we find that first time using a Garmin requires some learning and tinkering. The majority of the setup can easily be completed using the Garmin Connect smartphone application (iPhone and Android). Turn it on and fill in your personal details. Your GPS will be ready for use. Bluetooth, USB and Wi-Fi are all possible options for the bike computer. The device can also connect via Bluetooth to the internet if Wi-Fi is not available.

The device can store multiple rides, which can make it easy to find past routes you’ve enjoyed riding while out on the trail or road. Although the Garmin app interface is not intuitive, it’s possible to load a route. We expect improvements in the future. It’s easy to get the route onto your device.

Strava is still our preferred method for tracking your rides and training. You will only need to upload a road to Strava. Although the whole process may seem a little complicated, once you are familiar with it, you’ll find it much easier.

GPS can be used in three ways: GPS + GLONASS (normal GPS), GPS + GLONASS (GPS + GLONASS) or GPS + GALILEO (GPS + GALILEO). You can save up 100 courses, 200 waypoints, or your favorite locations and have a history up to 200 hours. It has an IPX7 water rating and comes with an accelerometer, barometric altimeter, and ambient light sensor.

The 830 can be used with Garmin’s Rally bicycle power meter pedals. It is important to note that not all Garmin devices work with the 830.

Garmin 830 Battery Performance and Life

Garmin claims that the GPS-enabled 820 model has a battery life of 15 hours, which is more than the 820 model. Our testing suggests that this might be a bit too long. Maybe we were testing in areas that have a stronger connection to the GPS signal. GPS can cut around tall buildings and trees.

While we would expect to ride for 8 hours on a single charge, it is best to charge the battery at least once every hour. It is still better than an 820 and, as with all electronics, the battery will work best if it is newer.

The battery life can be affected by extreme cold, as with all electronic devices. You might want to charge your device more frequently if you’re a cold-weather rider.

Mounting the Garmin 830

Mounting the 830 is similar to mounting other Garmin devices. Mounting the unit is easy with the included mounting kit. It doesn’t require any screws or hardware. The mounting pad can be secured using rubber bands that are made for heavy duty and durable (all of which come with the Garmin). After the device is set to the pad, it can be secured in just quarter turn. This works for any device, 530, 820 or 830.

This system is popular for two reasons.

  • It’s easy to switch between bikes. Many serious cyclists own more than one bike. In the same time it takes to give your tires a quick pump, you can swap the computer between one and the other.
  • This setup is safer in case of an accident. Metal or hard plastic hardware sticking out of your handlebar has never been a favorite idea. This could be dangerous in a crash. The Garmin setup reduces the amount of parts that are attached to your bike.

What is the difference between the Garmin Edge 830 and the Garmin Edge 535?

Let’s get to the point. We believe the 830 is more valuable than the 530.

Garmin Edge530 was also announced, replacing the 520 model. So how does it compare to the other models? Both are almost identical and share many of the same features. Only one difference is the 530. The 530 doesn’t have a touchscreen. Instead, it has buttons that allow you to navigate through the bike computer.

There are a few other differences worth noting:

  • You can input addresses using the 830.
  • The 830 will show you places of interest, such as museums and restaurants. Only subsets of the 530 are shown.
  • The 830’s touchscreen makes it easy to navigate through maps and saves you a lot of time.
  • In most stores, the Garmin Edge530 is $100 cheaper.

What is its performance against the Garmin Edge 1030

Garmin Edge 1030 is another bike computer worth considering. Although it was released in August 2017, the Edge 1030 is a more recent model than the 830. However, it is regularly updated with firmware updates and new features.

An Garmin Edge1030 Plus Review was done. If you’re serious about comparing the two computers, check it out.

Both bikes computers have the same characteristics: touchscreen, 20-hour battery life, GPS, mapping, route creation, same apps and features, and identical connectivity capabilities. The main differences between the 1030&the 830 are:

  • The 1030 is bigger.
    • The 1030’s screen is 3.5 inches.
    • The 1030 is heavier and longer.
  • The 830 is quicker.
    • The Edge 830 was released with a faster processor. This is especially noticeable when route calculation takes place.
  • The 1030 is more costly.

Garmin 830 Touch Screen: Is it worth it?

Yes. We think that once you have used a touch-screen computer for your bike, you won’t want to go back. You need the screen to be responsive and easy to navigate when riding on roads or trails. You don’t want to be distracted from your route for even one second. It is not a good combination to fiddle with buttons while riding a bicycle.

Touchscreens are available on both the 830 and the 1030. We don’t see why you wouldn’t spend the additional $100 to get it all touchscreen.

What comes in the Garmin830 “Bundle?”

You may have noticed that the computer can be purchased by itself or in a bundle with the 830. This is a simple comparison of bundles versus non-bundle options.

The bundle includes: A computer, a mounting bracket and a flush mount bracket. This gives you two options for mounting your bike. A cadence sensor for your bike, a heart rate monitor and a speed sensor are included.

You will get the computer and the 2 mounting options, but not the USB cable.

You can decide if the cadence sensor or heart rate monitor is something you use. Many cyclists have these items from previous purchases.

Conclusion

Garmin Edge 830 is undoubtedly the best all-around bike computer. It should be at the top of your list if you are looking for a new computer. The touchscreen is a better option than the non-touch 530, so we think it would be foolish not to get it.

Get the Garmin Edge 830 here.

The 530 has all the features that you need for cycling on the trails or roads, including safety, performance and training. The 530 is a better choice for those who want to save some money and don’t need a touchscreen. While a larger screen may be a plus, the difference in price between the 830&1030 might give you cause for concern. Garmin Edge 830 is our top pick.

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