Garmin's development of the Edge 820 series includes the Edge Explore 820, which has been geared towards Adventure and Endurance cyclists who require greater mapping capability from a compact GPS cycling computer, but not all the race-level training technology favored by pure roadies. Riders will have access to all the fully customizable set-up from a broad range of activity/data fields, turn-by-turn navigation from a 2.3" hi-res color touchscreen, GroupTrack so you can monitor your fellow riders, better battery life, and much more. For Adventure and Endurance cyclists, the ability to upload maps is a crucial, and the Explore Edge 820 delivers. The only areas it really falls short of the Edge Explore 1000 is the lack of a MicroSD slot and landscape view options. You do lose some pure advanced cycling computer metrics as well, but Garmin's feedback from Adventure riders dictated the decision to add more mapping capability in the compact size unit, and deliver the unit at a lower price. At $349.99 (MRP), the Edge Explore 820 meets it's goals.

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 to go with your extra mapping capacity. Yes, you do have to use the USB cable for this and other data transfer, as the Explore Edge 820 does not have WiFi. For those who seek some connectivity, Smart notifications will allow you to receive text and call notifications while riding. Garmin is looking out for 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 unit is fully compatible with the Varia radar and lighting systems to offer you key information about traffic without having to turn and look.

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 Explore 820 is a solid upgrade from the Edge Touring, and gives you performance close the larger Edge Explore 1000. 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. We get a lot of questions from Adventure and Endurance cyclists who desire a more compact, color touch screen turn-by-turn navigation unit that hits the features they desire and skips those they don't. Now with the Edge Explore 820, the unit they have been asking for is here.