Reviewed: Garmin Edge 820

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It was bound to happen: The Garmin Edge 520 and the Edge 1000 got tossed in a blender and the result is the Edge 820, which combines some of the best features of the 1000 with the smaller size of the 520. Perhaps most exciting is the inclusion of turn-by-turn navigation and the ability to find bike-friendly routes while you’re out on the road or trail. It even throws in a few new features like incident detection and a physiological data screen.

In theory, the Edge 820 should be the head unit to end all head units. But while it’s very good — perhaps Garmin’s best to date — it’s got a few niggles that prevent it from ascending to that title.

Let’s start with the awesome sauce: The Edge 820 has WiFi, which makes for easier and quicker file transfers, uploads, and updates. It also has a new physiological data screen that shows you advanced cycling dynamics in real time, like left-right power distribution. Add this to the Vo2 Max estimate feature, FTP, and recovery advisor, and you’ve got a thorough tool for tracking all the data you’ll want to load into your training program or discuss with your coach.

And it’s got a full-color touch screen. Gone are the two side buttons of the 520; scrolling through your data pages is quick and easy, though accidental swipes are also fairly easy to make. Still, the touch …

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