Which Garmin Bike Computer Is Right for Me?
October 29, 2024
The lineup of Garmin Edge GPS bike computers is as diverse as the cyclists who use them. So which unit is right for you?
People ride bikes for different reasons. Whether you’re a roadie, gravel grinder or a mountain biker, a triathlete or casual commuter, or even just someone who’s ready to dust off your old bike in the garage and get some fresh air, there’s a Garmin GPS bike computer made specifically for your needs.
We have so many options, in fact, that it can be tough to choose. And while we really don’t think you can go wrong with any of our computers, we also want to make sure you select the option that’s right for you. Below we’ve outlined each of the Garmin GPS bike computer choices, from our more basic options to the most advanced.
For those who just want to enjoy the ride:
Edge® 130 Plus: Complete with turn prompts and a breadcrumb map to track where you’re going (and where you’ve been), Edge 130 Plus utilizes three satellite systems — GPS, GLONASS and Galileo — to ensure you know exactly where you are in a variety of environments. At an entry-level price point, it’s the perfect bike computer to help you explore the unknown while maintaining peace of mind. Even better? It boasts extra awareness and incident detection1, so if you aren’t the most confident rider, your loved ones will be able to find you should the need arise.
Edge® Explore 2: Garmin Edge Explore 2 is a dependable, easy-to-use touchscreen GPS bike computer perfect for anyone who enjoys being on a bike. Featuring turn-by-turn directions, ride type-specific maps, off-course recalculation and the ClimbPro feature to monitor remaining ascent and grade of your ride, Edge Explore 2 will help you find more than just routes. It’s also perfect for staying connected — with smart notifications, group messaging, spectator messaging and live event sharing2. The options for maintaining contact with other riders and your fans back home are endless. And if you need to make a pit stop? No worries — the PIN-protected bike alarm will notify you on your paired smartphone should anyone be feeling a little handsy while you’re inside grabbing a coffee.
For those who want more performance monitoring:
Edge® 540 and Edge® 840: If performance analysis — and improvement — is more your speed than simply getting from point A to point B, both Edge 540 and Edge 840 (and their solar models) are excellent options that still come with a lower to midrange price point. With dynamic performance monitoring, targeted adaptive coaching, heat and altitude acclimation3, advanced training features and more, 540 and 840 pack a serious punch when it comes to performance. They both track specific mountain biking metrics, including jump count, jump distance and hang time, as well as features specific to Garmin such as Grit®, which rates the difficulty of a ride using GPS, elevation and other data, and Flow™, which measures how smoothly you descend a trail so you’ll have a score to improve on the next ride. Edge 540 and Edge 840 are even smart enough to guide you back to the route or to your starting point if you decide to deviate for a little adventure. The difference between the two? Edge 540 is a button-only device, while Edge 840 has buttons and a touchscreen for those who prefer a little of each.
For performance cyclists who want the longest battery life for their ride:
Edge® 1040 Solar: Using Power Glass™ solar charging4, this premium bike computer is guaranteed to take you to the peak of performance. Plus, it gains battery life as you ride. When paired with compatible sensors such as the Rally™ Series power meters or the HRM-Pro™ Plus heart rate monitor, the Edge 1040 Solar provides a host of features to take it to the next level. With real-time stamina insights3, you can see exactly how much energy you have left in the tank, and recommended targets in the power guide feature3 help you manage your efforts throughout a ride. Cycling ability and course demand features3 help you classify your strengths as a cyclist (share them with your friends if you’re feeling extra competitive), focus on improvement and prepare for the demands of a course you plan to tackle soon. Oh, and did we mention loads of battery? Get up to 45 hours of battery life in demanding use cases and up to 100 hours using battery saver mode so you can ride longer and explore further.
For cyclists looking for the brightest and smartest cycling computer:
Edge® 1050: Every ride is better with Edge 1050 — the premium GPS computer that allows you to never stop cycling. Even with a vivid touchscreen display, the Edge 1050 has the battery life to outlast even the longest of rides, delivering up to 20 hours per day even in the most demanding use cases. But the Edge 1050 offers more than just impressive battery life. It…