Sunday, March 18, 2012

Connected Garmin Edge 510 & 810 for cyclists announced

Garmin Edge 510 810

Garmin Edge 810 and 510 GPS cyclometers

Garmin has announced two new cycling devices, the Edge 510 and Edge 810, featuring real-time connectivity for live tracking, social media sharing and weather updates. Also announced this morning was the new Garmin Connect mobile app.

Basically, these two new models update the Edge 500 and 800 with connectivity features via a Bluetooth connection with an iPhone or Android smartphone. Here’s a very cool video showing off this functionality:

Garmin Edge 810

The top of the line Edge 810 has a 2.6″ color touchscreen display, and allows for the addition of detailed maps like City Navigator, topo maps or BirdsEye aerial imagery. One interesting line from the news release may portend some new functionality: “With the use of optional Active Routing Maps, the Edge 810 provides cyclists with bike-specific routing guidance based on riders’ bike type and preferences to further enhance the cycling experience.” After asking about this, it is apparently going to be an EU only feature though.

Garmin Edge 510

This 2.2″ touchscreen model does not allow for maps to be added, but brings GPS+GLONASS capability, making it “suited for the most challenging conditions, such as canyons and adventures with heavy tree cover.” Why didn’t they give the 810 GLONASS or the 510 map capabilities? Your guess is as good as mine. The 510 also offers an optional tether for extra security when  mounting. Clearly they are targeting the 510 for mountain bikers.

Other functionality

The two new Edge units offer all the functionality you would expect:

Both the Edge 810 and 510 accurately track speed, distance, time, GPS position, elevation, calories burned, climb and descent. For even more real-time data on display, the 810 and 510 sync wirelessly through ANT+TM technology with compatible third-party power meters as well as Garmin heart rate monitors and speed/cadence sensors. For extra-precise climb and descent data, they incorporate a barometric altimeter to pinpoint changes in elevation. The new activity profiles feature allows cyclists to customize data fields and device settings based on their cycling activity, such as training, racing, or road and mountain biking. Switch profiles with a simple swipe of the touchscreen and the device will be set up to show the data riders need for that ride. When a ride is complete, the 810 and 510 display any new personal records achieved, such as farthest distance, most ascent gained and more.

Garmin Connect mobile app

The Garmin Connect mobile app will allow for shareable live tracking, real-time weather conditions, alerts and forecasts, and wireless data transfer.

Garmin Connect Live Track

Garmin Connect Live Track (click for full size image)

Availability

The Edge 510 and 810 are available immediately, carrying an MSRP of $329.99 and $429.99 respectively. The Garmin Connect app will be available January 10.

Garmin Connect app weather Edge 810

Garmin Connect app and weather on the Edge 810

I’ll update this post with links to the full news release when it becomes available. UPDATE: Done! Here is the news release.

About Rich Owings

Rich is the owner, editor and chief bottle-washer for GPS Tracklog. Connect with him on Twitter, Facebook or Google Plus.

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