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Garmin Bike Computers
Garmin are industry leaders in producing cycling GPS products. But their huge range also means there’s some confusion as to which computer is the right one.
The good news is the range caters to the full spectrum of cyclists. Those who are out for fresh air through to riders who are competing at the highest levels and need granular data to structure their training programs. As with most technology, it can be difficult to figure out which does what and how many features are relevant to you.
Now, which model will best fit your needs? Let’s take a moment to explain your options and help you choose.
RECREATIONAL RIDERS: GARMIN EDGE 130 PLUS & EXPLORE 2
The Edge 130 Plus is the starting point in the Edge range. It’s simple and compact with GPS functionality.
The Edge 130 uses 3 satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo), so it’s super accurate. It’ll navigate to where you want to go with turn prompts and a breadcrumb map (so you can track where you have been).
Like the more expensive Edge products, the Edge 130 is compatible with Garmin Varia products such as the RVR315. Varia products deliver much more awareness to cyclists by showing them any approaching vehicles from behind - directly onto their Edge 130 screen.
When paired to a compatible smartphone, the Edge 130 can also detect incidents and will send out a message.
Garmin’s Explore 2 is essentially a bigger, more colourful and feature packed version of the Edge 130 Plus.
The 130 cannot display detailed maps but the Explore 2 can. It also features an easy to use colour touchscreen.
SEEKING PERFORMANCE: GARMIN EDGE 540 & EDGE 840
You’re a weekend warrior, out on the road for fitness, riding MTB trails, exploring on a Gravel bike or commuting and you want more data than just getting from Point A to Point B, then the Edge 540 and Edge 840 will deliver.
Both Edge 540 and Edge 840 come in 2 types now:
There’s a bunch of features built into both, such as:
- Targeted adaptive coaching by using training prompts and suggested workouts.
- Power meter compatible and related metrics.
- Monitor and track real-time stamina to influence training efforts or how much the current pace can be maintained.
- Heat and Altitude acclimatization; displaying how your body holds up, when to eat and hydrate.
- Multi-band GNSS is used by both which is the leading GPS system.
- ClimbPro gives riders information on upcoming climbs (length, gradient and elevation) automatically.
- Garmin's CyclingAbility feature tells you your strengths/weaknesses leading up to an event, allowing you to focus your training.
- You can also use this Garmin cycling computer on your smart trainer, to get the best results from indoor workouts.
- Plus the usual list of navigation and ride metrics.
And the differences between the Edge 840 and 540 are:
- Edge 840 comes with or without touchscreen. The touchscreen version still has buttons though.
- Memory on the Edge 840 is 32Gb compared to 16Gb for the Edge 540. But this is only really useful for storing detailed map data. Useful for travelers to other continents.
- But, both store the same amount of data; 200 locations, 200 hours of ride history and 100 courses.
- Edge 840 can search specific street addresses
THE STEP UP: GARMIN EDGE 1040
We hate to use the word premium just for the Edge 1040, because all of Garmin’s products fall into this category but the Edge 1040 is a polished and sophisticated piece of engineering.
Like those above, there’s 2 options here as well:
But what makes the Edge 1040 so special? Why would you choose it over the Edge 540 and Edge 840? Here’s some reasons why:
- It's got a larger screen at 3.5-inches compared to 2.6-inches for both Edge computers above.
- Larger 64Gb of memory.</a>
- The quarter turn backing plate/mount is metal instead of plastic, so a little more durability.