Garmin 520 Upload?

C3PO

Thinking about upgrading my Garmin 500 to a 520. I've read some very positive reviews but I want to be sure that I can upload completed rides to Strava via my iPhone rather than by USB and laptop as per my 500? The reviews indicate that I can tether the 520 to the phone and it will upload during a ride but are not clear as to whether I can upload via my phone after a spin is complete! Anyone know for sure ... hate to buy one and still have to use a cable and laptop?

Thud

it has that functionality. I have a blackberry and tethering on that is hit and miss so I've only done it once, not bothered with it since then (use the cable to upload). If you do tether you can enable live tracking so wife/fanclub can track your cycle in real time.

clog

I have a 1000 and not a 520 but i beleive that the process is similar. The device will upload automatically to a connected phone once 'end ride' is pressed. It then usually takes a minute or two before I get a message from Strava that a new ride has been uploaded.

Wishbone Ash

Yes, it will upload automatically at the end of a ride when you press 'Save' (and have the auto upload featured enabled).

On rare occasions it may not work if you are in a poor signal area at the end of your ride but will upload when it finds coverage.

Wishbone Ash

A disadvantage of the auto upload is that some people forget to charge the device afterwards. I've been on several club rides where Garmins have 'died' during the ride.

C3PO

Great thanks guys!

07Lapierre

Thud wrote: »

it has that functionality. I have a blackberry and tethering on that is hit and miss so I've only done it once, not bothered with it since then (use the cable to upload). If you do tether you can enable live tracking so wife/fanclub can track your cycle in real time.

You sure your using the right "Blackberry" ??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dmhF1rqaZk

C3PO

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

A disadvantage of the auto upload is that some people forget to charge the device afterwards. I've been on several club rides where Garmins have 'died' during the ride.

Good point! Don't mind connecting by cable when I'm at home but hauling a laptop with me on a cycling trip can be a bit annoying .... I'm not a Strava junkie .... honestly!! ðŸ˜

Unknown Soldier

No and yes is the answer...

First you have to have paired the device with your phone via bluetooth. Then you need to have the garmin connect app on your phone. And you also have to have your Garmin Account and Strava account connected.

The 520 will only shove the data to your phone>Garmin Connect, if Garmin Connect App is running.

Your best bet is for both the battery life of your 520 and that of your phone is to End/Save ride. Turn on Bluetooth and then your phone should "ask" to allow to connect. Then they "sync" and the ride goes up to Strava (Provided it is Garmin connected)

The Edge 1000 is slightly better in that it has WiFi too, so when that is on (obviously connected to your router/wifi) you can just Auto Upload and it appears on Strava, but again via Garmin Connect. But there is no "phone" stuff involved.

I found the edge 1000 Auto Upload a bit hit and miss so I prefer to save the ride and then in "Ride History" choose "Upload new rides". If that fails, and it has occasionally I just turn on BT and then sync to my phone.


You are talking 20-30 seconds to do any of the above and way...way handier than having to connect to a PC etc.

Unknown Soldier

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

A disadvantage of the auto upload is that some people forget to charge the device afterwards. I've been on several club rides where Garmins have 'died' during the ride.

It's quite handy to have "battery level" on one of the screens, so I've found!

Bolloxology

C3PO wrote: »

Great thanks guys!

Absolutely does.Pair it with your phone.
Mine uploads as soon as I step in the front door.

rollingscone

I use it with manual upload via Bluetooth.

It's pretty great and one of those small conveniences you'll never want to go back on.