With the launch of the Garmin Edge 820 and Edge Explore 820, Garmin have added two new computers to their line-up that offer tons more navigation and connectivity features. While the Edge Explore 820 is primarily aimed at mountain bikers, the Edge 820 is all about performance analysis. Check out the official press release from Garmin:

Der Garmin Edge 820.
The new Garmin Edge 820.

“We are excited to share the newest additions to our extensive cycling line-up with our announcement of the innovative Edge 820 and Edge Explore 820,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales. “Whether riders are chasing performance and racing goals or out for adventure and touring, the Edge 820 and Edge Explore 820 offer a full suite of features to help track data that is important to them.”

Der neue Garmin Edge 820 Explore.
The Garmin Edge 820 Explore.

Key Facts of Garmin Edge 820 and Edge Explore 820

Edge 820 (€ 399.99; € 499.99 bundled with a speed sensor, cadence sensor and a premium heart rate monitor.) | Edge Explore 820 (€ 349.99)

  • Available from August 2016
  • 2,3″ high resolution color touchscreen
  • Up to 15 hours of battery life
  • Incident detection sends predetermined emergency contacts a message
  • Performance-features like Strava, VO2max, CyclingDynamics and many more
  • Smart features like GroupTrack, Smart Notification, Connect IQ
Garmin_Edge 820_Lifestyle_(c)Garmin Deutschland (3)

With the Edge 820 and Edge Explore 820 riders can easily keep in touch with others in their pack. GroupTrack offers enhanced situational awareness by allowing cyclists to ride at their own pace while seeing where fellow riders are, so if one person falls out of sight, they don’t fall off the device’s map. Additional mapping features include preloaded Garmin Cycle Map for bike-specific turn-by-turn navigation, round-trip Course Creator and on-device course planning. Built-in GPS, GLONASS and altimeter provide accurate ride data so cyclists can know how far, fast and high they have ridden.

Garmin_Edge 820_Lifestyle_(c)Garmin Deutschland (2)

The Edge 820 and Edge Explore 820 are ideal for riding no matter the weather conditions. Both devices feature a 2.3-inch high-resolution, capacitive touch display that is quick and responsive – even when wet or used with gloves – and the Edge 820’s ambient light sensor automatically adjusts the screen’s brightness so it’s easy to read at a glance even in direct sunlight.

The Edge 820 is compatible with ANT+ power meters, including Vector™, the unique pedal-based power meter from Garmin that measures total power, left/right balance and cadence, and integrates with ANT+ electronic shifting systems and ANT+ bike trainers. Users can record advanced cycling dynamics to analyze their form, including where power is being applied on the pedal and throughout the pedal stroke. The Edge 820 also provides a variety of physiological data with the addition of a heart rate strap, so riders can view their cycling-specific VO2 max along with a recovery advisor, which analyzes their data and tells them how long they should wait before attempting another hard ride. Additional performance data includes FTP and watts/kg tracking, and in-ride challenges through Strava Live Segments.

Garmin_Edge 820_GroupTrack_Left_(c)Garmin Deutschland

All information can be found on the Garmin Website.


Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of GRAN FONDO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words & Photos: Garmin