User submitted reviews
Review by AJL
The Garmin works well. It gets updates that get downloaded and installed smoothly.
The interface with the app is not as smooth. Connectivity some times is a problem. Some issues don't seem to have a solution. Ie: the emergency call (crash) feature. So I'm not sure it actually calls anyone in a crash. I just don't want to drop my bike to test it.
The majority of the issues are resolved by a tech support department that is easy to get connected with.
Bluetooth is where most of the connectivity problems are but once you get the hang of it or if you are technologically savvy person then the issue disappears.
The other problem I found is that it doesn't record all jumps on the mountain bike only some. Can't figure it out as I'm not such a great dirt and jump ridder and concentrate more on staying upright and improving my technique.
Don't get me wrong it is a great product.
Hope this helps if you are planning on getting one of this.
Review by alexjl
I use this for both my road and MTB rides. It has a lot of screens to customize for each type of ride. It offers a lot of flexibility.
The only think I would add is an easier way to select the bike being used at any point in time. It is necessary to access the app to select the default equipment for the activity. It should automatically select the default equipment for the specific activity.
It should also have a cadence sensor included in the bundle.
It is a good beginning.
Review by Dan
Screen about the same size As my old u it maybe a smudge larger but not noticeable and easy to view
Touch is pretty spot on
Processor is much faster than before
The jumps feature is kinda fun
The climbing results are nice too
Along with trails maps very cool feature
They claim better battery life but Im not seeing it.
The segments portion is a little clunky if you dont use strava
Overall its an upgrade worth getting
Review by Two Wheels
Combo offers just what I wanted for all three bikes (gravel, road, MTB). Went with the 830 for the touch screen and glad that I did - better than searching for buttons with protective cover and fingered gloves. Like the smaller footprint compared to 1030 series.
Review by Albert
easy to install, easy to use, accurate information, has the MTB tracks on the maps, a great tool for MTB
Review by Jesterrider
I have been using my Garmin Edge 820 for about six weeks, including a trip in the Canadian Rockies. I have found the Edge 820 to be very accurate in the data that it provides (speed, distance, heart rate, elapse time, course, altitude), and very reliable. The battery life is better than my Edge 800. I do not usually answer my phone or respond to messages while I am riding, but the blue tooth connection to my smart phone is very convenient in telling me who is messaging or calling me, thus allowing me to answer or respond if I need to.
Review by Kurt Arehart
I use the Edge 820 mostly for pure navigation, with little concern for training metrics.
After a rough start, I learned from fellow 820 users that when using a course developed in RideWithGPS, best to download as a TCX file, and never accept the Navigate To Start? prompt. Following these two tips, I have enjoyed a series of flawless navigation performances, including course types that used to trip up my Edge Touring, like heavy greenway content, out-n-backs and lollypop loops.
Review by Mark A
Horrible battery life compared to other models, even with most features disabled.
Touchscreen can be problematic to operate, esp. when there is precipitation.
The amount of features are amazing but after a while you start to ask yourself just how many you actually need. I found myself disabling most either out of the need for simplicity andor improving the battery.
Latest firmware upgrades corrupted the sync process (11.0 fixed finally).
In doing some research, the 500 series seems to be a better fit for me and will deliver much better battery life, i.e. it will survive 75-100 miles for a ride with juice to spare.
Sorry, Garmin, this unit was a bit underwhelming for what I paid.
Review by TC
I may have reviewed this already but I don't see it and now I have been using it for about a month. I agree with people that say the touch screen is not something for Garmin to be proud of. It can take several taps to get it to respond. It, therefore, is not up to date in this technology. That said, it otherwise works extremely well. I am not sure it is worth the upgrade to a so-so touchpad from the button 520 model, but it is very good. The one thing to note is that the beeper (if you are using a Garmin Varia with it) is quite faint. Use the included handlebar mount and I can't hear it at all. However, use it with a 3rd party mount that is metal and open in the back and I can hear the beep every time. Another minor problem is how long it takes for the incline percent to measure correctly. Not that important but it should respond better. Overall, despite that, very happy with it. Also, there are many display options to make it better set up for you.
Review by USPSTREK
Moving up from my Garmin 500 to the Garmin 820 is night and day, I only have more pros than cons since I only had it only 2 months in use, but its definitely technology in the right direction.
Review by Anonymous
If you're as tied into Garmin for your training needs like I am, then this is a great addition. The data and its integration with Garmin Connect and other sites is great. The only downside is the touchscreen is not that great. The 800 was better but the 800 doesn't integrate with Varia Vision
Review by jimifan73
I had a 510 that worked fine but I wanted to upgrade. The upgrades were the color touch screen, improved maps, and a few minor software things. The display is good, but essentially the same size as what I had. IMHO the 1000 is too big and the 510 is too small. The 800 seemed to be Goldilocks, but for some reason Garmin didn't stick with it.
Review by Old and in the way
I purchased the 820 to replace my 800 with map card. It is a little smaller and I like the new features like how it links to my iPhone. It came with an out front mount which was a nice touch. I like lots of data as I helps me focus on something other than how tired I am.
Review by Flash Bazbo
I previously owned a Garmin Edge 1000. I use the computer for training rides and racing - occasionally venturing out on long exploring rides. The map on the 820, although smaller, works just as well as the 1000 ever did. Sharp resolution. And the control buttons on the 820 are much more crisp and positive. I also prefer the smaller size.
Review by Anonymous
I also have an old Edge 500 (bombproof!) and an Edge 1000. The new 820 has a longer battery life than the 1000. The navigation is of course not quite as visible, given the 820's smaller screen size, however, it still navigates well...even on dirt trails. They have improved the software, with the latest update allowing 3 different 'sensitivity' settings for the touch screen.
Review by Anonymous
A great garmin at a good price. Replaced my 810 with this 820 and the only new feature that I use is the ability to sync over WiFi. Overall a great unit at a decent price.
Review by psclark2
I upgraded from the Edge 500, which I've been using for years - mostly I was looking for map capability for taking off into the country to chart new territory.
This is a worthwhile investment - tons of available information, easy to program and easy to use.
The only complaint, minor as it may be, is battery life seems to be about 12 of the Edge 500. I understand the additional capabilities eat more juice, but I'm used to recharging every 12-15 ride hours...now battery is low after 6 hours of saddle time.
Other than that, it's got a great display and lots of features and options. I considered the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt, but I don't regret the decision to stick with Garmin.
Review by Rollei
Once set up properly, which took a bit of studying, the unit works fine. I like how easily the head unit is Integrated with the sensors. The software is so so in the user interface department, which is SLOW, for 2019, standard. This is really annoying, and distracting, when you are riding.
My biggest complaint has to do with the screen. It is basically as good as my Palm Pilot from about 2004! The color and resolution on the screen are not acceptable in todays standards. Garmin, for charging $400, you can do better than that.
The few times I was caught in the rain when I was riding the screen when crazy! The rain drops randomly changing my screens and settings. I guess I could have changed the touch sensitivity then but I was too busy to not cause a crash in the pace line.
My 820 is out of warranty now so I will be replacing it with one of their competitors when it dies.
Review by Litespeed_man
Upgraded from the Garmin 810 and I really leak the small unit. It fits much better onto my stem which I like better than the out front mounts. Touch screen is easy to use and once you've had Garmin units for a number of years, their functionality is simple to learn and use. Great product and a good price on Bike Tires Direct.
The elevation function using the satellites seems to have a lag in measuring your data compared to the Garmin 810. My wife's 520 usually has 600 additional feet of climbing on an average 3000 ft. day.
Review by Fuelfool
Traded up, finally, after years with the 500. Works well but with two minor quibbles. First, the screen is more difficult to see in bright light. And secondly, when wiping sweat droplets off the screen, I sometimes inadvertently change pages, which can then be difficult to swipe, especially on the fly. That alone makes me almost prefer buttons instead. A little pricey compared to competitors, but okay if you catch a sale.