Garmin has filled the gap between the Edge 520 and the Edge 1000 with the exciting new Edge 820. You will have access to all the fully customizable individual training features you have desired, along with a 2.3" hi-res color touchscreen, WiFi compatibility, Strava live segments, GroupTrack so you can monitor your fellow riders, better battery life, and much more. For cyclists truly using their GPS as a cycling performance training tool, Garmin has carried all the features of the Edge 520 forward, filled in the missing pieces and outstripped the Edge 1000 in many ways. It integrates with ANT+ electronic shifting systems and ANT+ bike trainers. This much anticipated product is now here.

As a GPS first and foremost, the Edge 820 delivers exceptional GPS and GLONASS receivers, as well as an altimeter to provide you with the most accurate ride data. The preloaded Garmin Cycle Map offers on-device course planning, turn-by-turn navigation, and a round trip Course Creator. You stay connected with automatic uploads, Live Tracking, social media sharing, audio prompts, weather updates, and the ability to send and receive courses. Smart notifications will allow you to receive text and call notifications while riding. Garmin is looking out for road cyclists with Incident Detection via an integrated accelerometer, with the ability to automatically send a location message to emergency contacts if you require assistance. Of course the Edge 820 is fully compatible with the Varia radar and lighting systems to offer you key information about traffic without having to turn and look.

All this technology allows the rider to focus on what is important, training and racing. The advanced cycling dynamics are most welcome, with options that offer you side to side power, through Power Phase, as well as Platform Center Offset (for compatible powermeters). You get VO2, FTP and watts/kg tracking, as well as a recovery advisor, performance condition, a stress score, and the Strava live segments, as well as the huge options you have enjoyed on the 500 and 800 series Edge units to date. Cyclist tracking physiological performance data analytics in-depth will be able to tap into Garmin's ConnectIQ with various apps, such as those from Baron BioSystems for detailed biometrics while riding and full analysis afterwards.

From a hardware perspective, the biggest news is the extended battery life. Rated at 15 hours when actually being used, the smart new system features a Li-Ion battery with Battery Save mode that will extend battery life up to 50% while still tracking the details of your ride. The Edge 820 series units weigh only 2.4oz at external dimensions of 1.9" x 2.9" x 0.8" (same physical size as the Edge 520, and just .3oz heavier). The stable and secure quarter-turn mounting system is still being used, and you get Garmin's extended out-front mount, a standard mount, tether (for safety) and a USB cable with your unit. The actual set-up and customization process is simple and easy to navigate, though you have a tremendous number of options.

There has been increased competition in the GPS and cycling computer markets. Garmin set the early standard, then had to combat and pay attention to the challengers, who could easily see where Garmin was great and where it lacked. The company has worked hard to add new features, be more responsive and forward thinking, and keep firmware updated. We love the changes and new features Garmin has brought to this fully functional GPS cycling computer. Excel Sports has been carrying Garmin's cycling products from an early point in Garmin's efforts. We appreciate the excellent hardware, accuracy, and level of support Garmin has brought, and built to our industry. The Edge 820 has addressed almost all of the questions cyclists have had with the 810 unit. There are others features Garmin may simply never adopt or add. Some may be from safety concerns, and others may be related to the corporate world, but the company remains responsive and forward thinking, despite it's considerable size. Once cyclists can see all the Edge 820 has to offer, there will be fewer questions about what it doesn't. We are more than pleased to be a Garmin cycling dealer, most our staff chose Garmin over all other similar products, and we hugely excited about the Edge 820.