New Garmin Edge Provides Strava Live Segment Data

Published July 1, 2015 02:10PM

Garmin today revealed the Edge 520, the first GPS bike computer with Strava Live Segments, and a new Varia line of smart cycling devices designed to help keep cyclists safe.

Garmin Edge 520

Strava fans should celebrate the release of the Garmin Edge 520, which provides live segment tracking along with advanced metrics such as functional threshold power, watts/kg tracking, a recovery advisor and a VO2 max estimate, making this computer one of the most exciting and innovative tech products available for cyclists and triathletes.

As the first GPS enabled cycling computer with Strava Live Segments, users can upload segments directly from Strava to their Edge 520 to receive instantaneous data, compete for KOM or QOM titles and chase personal bests. If you recently bought an Edge 1000, Edge 810 or Edge 510 and are feeling some buyer’s remorse, don’t worry. Garmin is releasing a software update to install Strava Live Segments on those devices. The Edge 520 can also pair with compatible ANT+ indoor trainers and has up to 15 hours of battery life.

The Edge 520 has a 2.3” high-resolution color display, making it slightly smaller than the Edge 510 with a MSRP of $299.99.

Garmin Varia Rearview Bike Radar

In an effort to make cyclists safer, Garmin created the Varia Rearview system, which serves the dual purpose of alerting motorists to the presence of the cyclist while notifying the cyclist of an approaching car.

Here’s how it works: the radar tail light transmitter detects approaching vehicles from up to 150 yards away and increases brightness as a car approaches. A radar display unit mounted to your handlebars will change color as cars approach to notify you of potential risk. If you pair the radar with an Edge computer, an overlay will appear on your screen, showing up to eight vehicles as they approach. The price for the radar tail light transmitter is $199.99, not including the display, which you don’t need if you have a compatible Edge computer. The price for the radar and the display is $299.99.

Garmin Varia Smart Bike Lights

The Varia headlight uses GPS data from a compatible Edge computer to adjust its beam automatically depending on your speed. The faster you go, the further ahead the beam will project. Slow down and the beam will adjust accordingly. It shines at 100 lux at 10 meters and features a high-beam cut-off to prevent blinding oncoming vehicles. If you don’t have an Edge computer, you can buy a remote to manually control the light. The headlight and remote bundle has a MSRP of $299.99 while the headlight alone is $199.99.