Upgrade from Garmin 520?
 

I’ve got a Garmin 520 that still works well, no real issues, except I would like a little larger screen and a touchscreen would be nice. A little more battery life for that occasional long day would be nice as well. Is the 830 or 1030 worth the $400 price as an upgrade over the 520?

The 830 and 1030 will let you do much better navigation. Both should have better battery life. The screen on the 830 is kinda small.

The 830 might be faster than the 1030 but it doesn't seem the 1030 is particularly slow (I have a 1030). Both seem to be fairly bug-free (now).

You might be able to sell your 520 for something.

Agree with NJ, I don’t find the 1030 slow.

As well I’d buy a 1030 over a same priced 830 for the larger screen. $400 is a good deal on that unit.

slowgo Thanks for asking this. I am in the same boat as you. I am trying to decide if I should upgrade from my three year old 520 to the 1030 since it's on sale right now. Trouble is, my 520 works great. Well great that is until I pair the 520 with my Varia. Then the battery life goes down terribly. Still trying to see if there's a way around that.

I am interested in hearing what you finally decide. Cheers.

I'm also in the same boat...I have a 520 that works fine, but I sure would like the bigger screen like the 1030. What I don't want is too many functions of the 1030.
Hey Garmin, how about a 130 with the display like the 1030.

How about an Edge Explore ?. Very close to the size of the 1030, doesn't have a lot of the fitness options, I think only allows one Activity profile, cannot interface with Di2. Has all the mapping and navigation, can use some of the iQ apps and widgets. Will connect to a speed sensor and cadence as well as Varia devices. $250. Not to be confused with the Edge Touring, don't get that unit.

You know Steve, there was a time when I thought the Explore might be good. It's been awhile and I can't remember why I discounted. I will take another look at it now that you reminded me. I'm getting old and forgetful, so I will investigate all over on that one. Thanks for the memory jog.

Now, I remember the reason I discounted the Explore. I was reading the review from DC Rainmaker (just looked at it again) and it says NO power meter support. I'm reading the manual and it reads that it does. Now, I'm confused. I do want to use my Vector power meter with it, but he may be referring to using with a controllable trainer which I can do without. Gonna have to sort this out and perhaps I will get the Explore. If anyone can clarify, I'd appreciate it. Cheers!

None of the Vector power meters show as compatible with the basic Explore on the Garmin site

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/611996#devices

That seems strange...I also looked at the manual and it does have the power data fields. I suppose it's a no-go until I get this clarified. Thanks again.

No power on the Explore units.

The idea behind the Explore models was to provide cheaper units for people who were not interested in training/performance features.

In any case, it would not make much sense to have power and not the other things that people using power might also be interested it. Nor would it make much sense to have a cheaper Explore unit that did most of what the more-expensive "flagship" 1030 (no one would buy the 1030 or the 830 or the 530).

​​​​​​I don't think it supports power. That said, even there's doubt (about this or any other feature that's important to you) it's wise to buy from a store with a generous return policy.

Personally, I think it makes sense to skip a couple generations unless you have a compelling reason.

​​​​​​You have a Fenix watch, right? I would be grateful if you could run it in bike mode with and without the Varia a few times and let me know how the radar affects the battery life. You can discard instead of saving the river to avoid duplication. :)

I did just what your considering, upgraded to the 1030......would very much encourage it. IT was an amazing upgrade!!

Alas, the Fenix belong to Mrs. NoWhammies. I'll see what I can do. Mind you she is VERY protective of her watch...

You could let her pair it to the Varia and see how it affects her battery without having to risk the consequences of talking her watch. :)