Garmin have launched the Edge 520 and the new GPS cycling computer will feature Strava live segments, providing live, real-time data for Strava Premium users chasing personal bests and King/Queen of the Mountains titles.

The feature will allow the user to see instantaneous data – live segment performance information, with indicators to show when segments are nearby. It will also allow users to instantly compare performances with their personal records and with the Kings and Queens of the Mountains. There will also be a countdown to the start of the segment and immediate results at the end.

The new Garmin Edge 520, pictured, will feature Strava Live Segments (pic: Strava)

Strava’s chief product officer Aaron Forth said: “Our job is to motivate athletes, and we’ve learned that making it easy to compare and compete is a powerful tool for motivation.

“This integration will be a game-changer for many athletes and marks the beginning of an exciting new way to experience Strava during a ride.”

The live segments will only be available to to Strava Premium subscribers. The service is available for £3.99/month or £39.99/year.

Later this year, the new feature – pending a firmware upgrade – will also become available on the Garmin Edge 1000, 810 and 510 devices.

For more information visit www.strava.com.

Aside from being the first unit to feature Strava Live segments, the new Edge 520 computers – which Cannondale-Garmin will be riding with at the Tour de France – is bigger than the 510 (2.3in screen compared to 2.2in).

The units, which feature tactile buttons on the side for navigation, seemingly as opposed to being touchscreen, also looks set to include phone call notifications – like those on the Edge 1000.

ANT+ compatibility ensures the units can be used with most standard ANT+ devices like power meters and HR monitors, with the unit offering ‘new advanced performance and power analysis to maximise training efforts’.

Garmin say advanced metrics include time in zone, functional threshold power and watts/kg tracking, cycling-specific VO2 max estimate, a recovery advisor and cycling dynamics – ‘revolutionary metrics that provide feedback to cyclists on their position and pedal form’.

The units will cost $399.99 (£256) in a bundle with HR monitor, cadence and speed sensors or $299.99 (£192) as a standalone unit.