Garmin 820, ELEMNT, or something else? Help me pick a computer!
 

I'm really stuck between some features/tools of the ELEMNT vs the Garmin 820. I've read DCRainmaker's reviews and understand pretty well the pros and cons of both. I'll list what I like/don't like about each below. I'd be very grateful for thoughts, advice, etc.

Functions To Be Used

• Manage indoor trainer workouts (like the Garmin can do)
• Track HR, power, speed, distance, etc data from rides
• Integrate with Strava smoothly
• Navigation, ideally with advanced routefinding like the Garmin unit has

Sensors

• Polar H7 (Bluetooth Smart) HRM
• Stages Power Meter Crank (Bluetooth/Ant +, will be buying soon)
• iPhone 7 Plus

Pros/Cons
Garmin Pros

• Can do all functions I'm interested in

Garmin Cons

• Doesn't work with Polar H7 HRM I already have, would have to buy ANT+ HRM
• Finicky software, after reading reviews, especially with WiFi connection to upload data post-ride

ELEMNT Pros

• Works with HRM I already have
• High-contrast screen works well outdoors in bright light
• LED notifier lights are nifty/helpful

ELEMNT Cons

• Can't manage structured workouts

So, three core questions: first, of the two options above, which would you buy? Second, are there other options besides these two I should consider? Finally, what ANT+ HRM straps would you guys recommend? I'm bummed I won't be able to use my Polar as I use it for gym workouts/lifting weights/etc. My phone obviously can't use ANT+ so it's annoying to have two HRMs if I go with the Garmin + a new HRM.

a garmin HRM can be found on sale for about $30.00 so not a bad option for getting an new HRM in light of what an 820 cost, also look for a garmin 820 bundle and get more sensors HRM included. i'm in the same boat as far as looking to buy a great bike computer, i hate like crazy to buy garmin but looks like the serious answer is garmin.

I love my Garmin 810. It has been absolutely fantastic with zero issues... I'm in no rush to move to an 820... are 810s still available?

I actually just started playing around with Workouts this week... works great!

As for HRM... i'm using an inexpensive dual mode Wahoo HRM that does both BT and ANT+.

I will say i've only had one issue with a Garmin product and that was with my 920XT watch.. Garmin customer support was top notch!

Having used an 810 since April on a hundred rides, the BT sync to my iPhone and Garmin Connect Mobile, has worked flawlessly. It's one of the best features.

I see an 810 on Amazon for $299. I suspect they can be found cheaper. I payed $279 for mine at Amazon 6 mos. ago.

I have an ELEMNT and think it's great. I especially love the screen visibility compared to Garmins, and the configuration and customisation of it using the iPhone app is a breeze. It's nice that it works with BLE sensors also. The support of Strava (and others) is very nice, just uploading through my iPhone or WiFi. I never have to attach it to my laptop for any reason.

However, it does not do on-computer routing, it can only do pre-loaded routes (with TBT if you make them with RideWithGPS and Komoot). If you need that, you need to be looking at the higher number Garmins (820 etc).

Also the ELEMNT, as you point out, does not support structured workouts. It may do in the future, but I would not buy a device based on promised functionality. This isn't an issue for me as I use TrainerRoad and my iPhone for basement riding.

Polar V650 does everything except structured workouts.

It is half the price of the Edge 820.


-Tim-

I think most cyclists will tell you the Element isn't in the same class as a Garmin. Some people seem to experience a lot of bugs with Garmin hardware but with all the millions of them out there it stands to reason that most people using them are happy. If structured workouts are that important to you I think they're the only ones who have that and everything else. I like the navigation on my 800 well enough.

If you buy one there's a bundle that comes with an HRM which will save you some money.

I use a Fenix 3 watch, it's mostly the same software as the 920XT, but in a round body. I love it. It's not as great for cycling as the Edge units are, but it isn't far behind; obviously much better for running though. :)

Also love the data from the HRM-Run.

That is an interesting statement. Why is the Elemnt not in the same class? Only features it misses on is TBT directions on the fly. It still does TBT just can not change on the fly. Cause it does not have a Color screen? I choose the Elemnt over the Garmin primarily cause it did not have a color or touch screen. Color screens even when showing black and white do not have the readability in bright sun that the Elemnt screen has. Touch screens are a pain in the butt in any kind of wet situation which my hands are any time I am biking.

Elemnt being able to configure with the phone makes it so easy to setup and get going. Many for some reason think it means it is tehtered to the phone which is not true at all.

If you like Strava Segments I think the Elemnt handles these much better than Garmin, check out DC rainmakers review on that.

I think the combination of navigation, structured workouts, battery life, touch screen, lack of kludge in general (special cases, special batteries, etc), color in the screen, and the bugs in the Element, all together, put it in a different class.

You don't value several of these features so it's natural that you'd feel differently. It's a matter of opinion, so there's plenty of room for everybody.

I'd strongly recommend buying whatever you get at REI or LLBean or Backcountry.com or anywhere else with a generous return policy. No matter what cyclocomputer you get, there are people who hate it, you might be one of them. Keep your options open.

Have you actually used an ELEMNT?

The color screen on the Polar V650 is spectacular even in bright sunlight. You might change your mind if you saw it.


-Tim-

Not sure you have used an Elemnt. Have you?
Structured workouts, yeah if that is a feature you need then no choice.
Batteries? What do you refering to? Elemnt last 17 hours with GPS, Garmin 820 is 15 hours.
Color screen is not a good thing for some, see comment.
What bugs? Mine has worked without issue.
What kludges? special cases? Not sure what you are referring to? Again have you used one or even read a review on one?

Another issue that just occurred to me: will either of these screens look "normal" with polarized sunglasses? My riding glasses are polarized Rx and sometimes the polarization can make screens look rainbowed/weird/blank. Have any of you used these computers with polarized glasses?

Are you trying to tell me that it CAN do structured workouts?

Like I said (and this is just basic common sense) if you don't value those features you're going to reach a different conclusion. But the fact that you don't care about structured workouts doesn't mean the OP should stop needing to do them so he can buy an Element.

Okay I agree with that statement. What I do not agree with is your other complaints that do not have merit such as Kludge, battery life, bugs. Also it is important to note that while color screen looks like an upgrade in some uses it may very well not be one and one should evaluate that decision. Touch screen though for a device like this is probably not a great idea, they tend to be a little difficult to use while biking with wet hands.

I can't speak to any specific device but this is the reason I had my riding glasses made without polarization.


-Tim-

No it cannot. But if that was the only complaint you had about it, I wouldn't have commented.

All your other complaints seem to be based on what you've read other people complaining about in forums, I would guess? A second hand opinion isn't worth much in my experience.

Every LCD screen will be affected by polarized glasses. However only at certain angles. My elemnt with my polarized glasses is only darkened if I look at it sideways which would be very difficult to do while on the bike.

One more question, I think-- can anyone think of a reason not to order a Garmin from an EU-based site? There's a German site that has the 820 that would end up costing me $300 including shipping, which is a great deal. They load the EU basemap but it looks like I can change those maps. Does that sound right? Any other reasons to avoid ordering from there?

Only concern I would have is return policy if you need to return it.