Garmin 520 crazy design

[kgreene10]

I was really excited about the new Garmin 520 but I now see in DC Rainmaker's review that it has two buttons on the bottom!

That means that your out front mount has to be far extended so you can squeeze your finger between the stem and the bottom of the unit. One of the buttons is the lap.

This is just insane to me. How could Garmin think this was sensible? It's very anti-aero, awkward, and potentially dangerous. Am I missing something?

[eddief]

I have a 500 on the standard Garmin bar mount. It has always seemed to me to be lame to have the buttons on the side of the package. Seems like finger leverage would be more natural to be able to squeeze the buttons if they were located top and bottom. You know index finger on top, but not on the button and then use your thumb on the bottom to hit the button. Or the other way around. Side to side, not as good.

[aosty]

#thread_hijack
I'm about to go on a long-ish journey and just discovered an out-front mount doesn't work with a cord for an external battery pack.... cord hits the stem. :rolleyes:

[11.4]

Even with a K-Edge short handlebar extension mount, the buttons are no problem to manipulate. It's slightly smaller than the 510 and sits slightly higher on the mount. Just rotate the mount slightly higher if you have huge thumbs and want a little more room.

[kgreene10]

Even with a K-Edge short handlebar extension mount, the buttons are no problem to manipulate. It's slightly smaller than the 510 and sits slightly higher on the mount. Just rotate the mount slightly higher if you have huge thumbs and want a little more room.

That solution seems like it will work but also sounds like it will sacrifice aero. I'm not typically that concerned about aero (I race a regular round tube frame) but the Garmin and mount are the first things to hit the wind and this have an outsized impact on air flow. It sounds like you have had hand son the 520. What's your sense? I'm coming from a 500 that's set up with just a couple of mms between it and the bar.

[bicycletricycle]

are you sure having the garmin out farther makes that much of an aero difference? rotating it up or down would but as long as it is level it will have the same frontal area.

also, all that area is going to run straight into your body right afterwards.


I can't say anything about the actual buttons or computer because i don't use them.

[rzthomas]

are you sure having the garmin out farther makes that much of an aero difference? rotating it up or down would but as long as it is level it will have the same frontal area.

also, all that area is going to run straight into your body right afterwards.


I can't say anything about the actual buttons or computer because i don't use them.

Yes, this. I can't imagine that the aero damage by rotating the Garmin by a few degrees is anything more than nearly immeasurable.

[kgreene10]

Cervelo, Zipp, and an aero specialist I know in Europe think handlebars can have an outsized effect on aerodynamics. Cervelo claims 30% of their aero improvement on the new S5 is due to bar shape alone. So the first thing that touches the wind seems to matter. I don't know of the tests were done with a rider or mannequin on the bike, and that could clearly cancel out the effects.

As for the position of the Garmin, Sky asked K Edge to redesign their mount to get the computer closer to the bars. It could all be collusion between pro teams and industry, but if it isn't, there's some rationale for putting the compute close in.

11.4 says that sticking your finger between the bar and computer isn't as awkward as it sounds, but it would clearly become more so as you minimize the space. I would be really bothered if messing with the computer caused me to lose control of my bike.

The design of the 500 worked well and was sensibly designed for its application. I'm getting a 520 and hopefully will need to eat my words.

[oldpotatoe]

Yes, this. I can't imagine that the aero damage by rotating the Garmin by a few degrees is anything more than nearly immeasurable.

Agree, about as much as 'return to center' bar ends on tri bars, in spite of manufacturer's claims. A flappy jersey or fat sunglasses are probably more of an issue, IMHO, of course.

To the OP, ya got one coming, I guess. Install and report of the lack of 'aero-ness' makes a real difference.

For blackdog right below. I think he bought it, read the review, now is having 2nd, 3rd thoughts perhaps. I agree with you tho.

[Black Dog]

You are on a non aero bike worried about the minuscule effects of the angle of your gps in a amateur races. Perhaps you should take a deep breath or two and find the perspective that is missing here. 😀

[djg21]

I use a k-edge adjustable stem mount with my Edge 810 on both my road bike and my mtb. I don't like having my GPS sticking out from the bars where it is more likely to be damaged in a crash, or bumped into in the garage.

http://www.acecosportgroup.com/k-edge-computer-mounts/garmin-computer-mounts/garmin-stem-mount-adjustable.html

If anyone wants an out-front mount, I have a black one (the original and not the XL so it will not work with the Edge 1000) that needs a home.

[A1CKot]

I think the solution is to return it or sell it and never use a computer again. I love riding without one:beer:

[chiasticon]

agree that any a駻o drag is pretty damn minimal. personally, I barely ever use the lap button (just auto lap) and I seldom pause rides. so other than at the very beginning and end of the ride, I wouldn't be bothered by either one being totally blocked. but that's me. I agree it is a weird design though.

[mktng]

come on guys.
No Garmin No Rules

[R3awak3n]

#thread_hijack
I'm about to go on a long-ish journey and just discovered an out-front mount doesn't work with a cord for an external battery pack.... cord hits the stem. :rolleyes:

You need one of those L shaped ends mini sub cables.

[bicycletricycle]

I think the solution is to return it or sell it and never use a computer again. I love riding without one:beer:



This is kind of a jerk comment for this thread , however , I agree with it.
:)

I wonder if it could be mounted on the top tube behind the stem, more aero but harder to reach and farther out of view I guess.

[benb]

There have been tons of computers with buttons on the bottom edge facing you for years.. not sure how this is a new problem.. no need to futz with your computer in a race.

Aero concerns are hilarious. You probably have to sit up to touch the computer.. that's way more of an aero penalty. Back to "don't futz with the computer in a race".

[kgreene10]

Aero concerns are hilarious.

I guess any equipment issue will be negligible to some riders / forumites. I just think it's a shame to be able to make a better product but not do so. Anyway, as I say, I'll report back when I get it and would be happy to be pleasantly surprised by it.

[DrSpoke]

I use a k-edge adjustable stem mount with my Edge 810 on both my road bike and my mtb. I don't like having my GPS sticking out from the bars where it is more likely to be damaged in a crash, or bumped into in the garage.

http://www.acecosportgroup.com/k-edge-computer-mounts/garmin-computer-mounts/garmin-stem-mount-adjustable.html

If anyone wants an out-front mount, I have a black one (the original and not the XL so it will not work with the Edge 1000) that needs a home.

I've got the stem mount on my mtn bike and like it a lot Like you, I like that it doesn't stick out in front of the bars and also seems more secure than a couple of band mounts.

I don't mind the out front though on my road bike.

[shovelhd]

The lap button is very important for intervals. Even you rec riders do them. :)

It's a bad design. The solution is the PC8 :)

[ptourkin]

#thread_hijack
I'm about to go on a long-ish journey and just discovered an out-front mount doesn't work with a cord for an external battery pack.... cord hits the stem. :rolleyes:

This depends on the out front mount you use. I charge my 810 with an external battery/dyno hub on brevets and ultra events but I do have to change my Barfly 2 out for the original model as it gives clearance for the cord. I also have to ditch the Barfly when using a handlebar bag or aerobars. Try and borrow a couple other mounts or use the L as suggested.

[ptourkin]

The lap button is very important for intervals. Even you rec riders do them. :)

It's a bad design. The solution is the PC8 :)

:( Thanks for reminding me. It's coming up on a one-year wait for me :(

[shovelhd]

Sorry. I haven't even placed my order yet.