New Garmin Edge 820 and Edge Explore 820 cycling computers feature GroupTrack

Garmin have announced two new bike computers to add to their extensive collection which feature comprehensive ride data and the new ‘GroupTrack’ feature.

With the two new computers riders can easily stay connected with family and friends, both in and out of the peloton, with the Edge 820 and Edge Explore 820’s numerous connected features. GroupTrack allows cyclists to easily keep tabs of everyone in their group should they get separated.

To help create a safer riding environment, both devices are compatible with the Varia cycling awareness line and include built-in incident detection. The computers also feature a compact design optimised for riding in any condition, built-in Garmin Cycle Maps with points of interest and bike-friendly trails. For cyclists seeking additional in-depth data the Edge 820 offers advanced performance monitoring including VO2 max, recovery advice, FTP and watts/kg tracking, performance condition, Strava Live Segments and advanced cycling dynamics.

GroupTrack

“We are excited to share the newest additions to our extensive cycling line-up with our announcement of the innovative Edge 820 and Edge Explore 820,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales. “Whether riders are chasing performance and racing goals or out for adventure and touring, the Edge 820 and Edge Explore 820 offer a full suite of features to help track data that is important to them.”

The Edge 820 and Edge Explore 820 allow riders to easily keep in touch with others in their pack. The GroupTrack feature offers enhanced situational awareness by allowing cyclists to ride at their own pace whilst seeing where fellow riders are, so if one person falls out of sight, they don’t fall off the device’s map.

The new maps also include preloaded Garmin Cycle Map for bike-specific turn-by-turn navigation, round-trip Course Creator and on-device course planning.  The computer's built-in GPS, GLONASS and altimeter provide accurate ride data so cyclists can know how far, fast and high they have ridden.

The Edge 820 and Edge Explore 820 can be paired with the full-suite of Varia cycling awareness products including the Varia rearview radar, Varia Vision and Varia smart bike lights to help create a safer riding environment. Additionally, the devices’ integrated accelerometer for incident detection automatically sends a rider’s location message to emergency contacts if assistance is needed. The devices are also compatible with ANT+® sensors, including speed, cadence and heart rate monitors.

The Edge 820 and Edge Explore 820 are ideal for riding no matter the weather conditions. Both devices feature a 2.3-inch high-resolution, capacitive touch display that is quick and responsive – even when wet or used with gloves – and the Edge 820’s ambient light sensor automatically adjusts the screen’s brightness so it’s easy to read at a glance even in direct sunlight.

The Edge 820 is compatible with ANT+ power meters, including Vector, the unique pedal-based power meter from Garmin that measures total power, left/right balance and cadence, and integrates with ANT+ electronic shifting systems and ANT+ bike trainers. Users can record advanced cycling dynamics to analyse their form, including where power is being applied on the pedal and throughout the pedal stroke. The Edge 820 also provides a variety of physiological data with the addition of a heart rate strap, so riders can view their cycling-specific VO2 max along with a recovery advisor, which analyses their data and tells them how long they should wait before attempting another hard ride.

Users can customise the Edge 820 and Edge Explore 820 by downloading free data fields. Users can also stay connected while out on a ride via incoming smart notifications, including incoming call and text alerts from a compatible smartphone. Additional connected features include live tracking, social media sharing and automatic uploads to Garmin Connect Mobile, a free online fitness community that provides easy-to-understand charts, graphs and maps to let users view their activities, track progress and more.

The Edge 820 and Edge Explore 820 feature up to 15 hours of battery life. The new Battery Save mode will extend battery life up to 50 percent by enabling the rider to wake the display only when it is needed while still tracking the details of a ride.

The Edge retails in the UK at £329.99 and The Edge Explore at £279.99.