Garmin Bike Computers, GPS, Watches & Pedals For Sale

What are the main differences between Garmin Edge models?

Garmin Edge models differ around a few aspects from model to model and year to year:

• Screen size and type (touchscreen vs. button-operated)
• Navigation capabilities
• Training and performance features
• Battery life
• Price point

The range includes:

• Basic models: Edge 130 Plus
• Navigation-focused: Edge Explore 2
• Performance-oriented: Edge 540 and 840
• Premium all-rounders: Edge 1040 and 1040 Solar, as well as the newer 1050 models

Which Garmin Edge is best for navigation?

For cyclists looking for the best navigation capabilities:

1. Edge 1040/1040 Solar/1050: Offers the most comprehensive navigation features with a large 3.5" color touchscreen and detailed maps.
2. Edge Explore 2: Designed specifically for navigation, featuring a 3" touchscreen, turn-by-turn directions, and off-course recalculation.
3. Edge 840: Provides full mapping capabilities with a 2.6" touchscreen, suitable for those who want both navigation and advanced training features.

The Edge 130 Plus has basic navigation with turn prompts and a breadcrumb map, suitable for those who need minimal guidance.

How does battery life vary across the Garmin Edge range?

Battery life varies a lot across the range:

• Edge 130 Plus: Up to 12 hours
• Edge Explore 2: Up to 24 hours
• Edge 540/840: Up to 26 hours (up to 60 hours in battery-saver mode)
• Edge 1040: Up to 35 hours (up to 70 hours in battery-saver mode)
• Edge 1040 Solar: Up to 45 hours (up to 100 hours in battery saver mode with solar charging)

Remember that actual battery life depends on usage, settings, and environmental conditions.

What are the main training features available on Garmin Edge computers?

Training features on Garmin Edge computers vary by model, offering a wide range of capabilities to enhance your cycling experience. These may include performance monitoring tools such as VO2 max estimation, recovery time suggestions, and training load tracking. Many models also support structured workouts and training plans, allowing you to follow predefined routines or create your own.

ClimbPro is a popular feature for analyzing climbs, providing real-time data about the gradient and distance remaining on ascents. Power meter compatibility is standard across most models, enabling detailed analysis of your power output during rides. Advanced physiological measurements, like Functional Threshold Power (FTP) and stress score, are available on higher-end models.

For those who enjoy competition, Strava Live Segments integration allows you to race against personal bests or other riders' times on specific route segments. Mountain bikers will appreciate specialized metrics on some models, including jump count, Grit (which rates ride difficulty), and Flow (which measures descent smoothness).

Is a touchscreen necessary on a Garmin Edge device?

A touchscreen isn’t necessary on a Garmin Edge, but it can greatly enhance the user experience, especially when it comes to navigation. Touchscreen models, such as the Edge Explore 2, Edge 840, and Edge 1040/1040 Solar, offer intuitive interaction with maps and menus, similar to smartphones. This can make it easier to pan and zoom on maps or quickly navigate through different screens and settings.

What’s ClimbPro and which Garmin Edge models offer it?

ClimbPro is a feature designed to help cyclists better manage their efforts on climbs. It provides real-time information about the climbs on your route, including the remaining ascent, distance, and grade. This feature is particularly useful for riders who frequently tackle hilly terrain or want to pace themselves effectively on long climbs.

ClimbPro is available on the Edge 130 Plus, Edge Explore 2, Edge 540/840, and Edge 1040/1040 Solar.

Are there Garmin Edge models specifically designed for e-bikes?

While Garmin doesn't offer Edge models exclusively for e-bikes, the Edge Explore 2 includes features tailored to e-bike users. These features include range estimation based on battery life, the ability to switch between e-bike activity profiles and display the battery status when paired with compatible e-bikes.

What mapping capabilities do different Garmin Edge models have?

Mapping capabilities vary across the Garmin Edge range, catering to different navigation needs and preferences. The Edge 130 Plus offers basic breadcrumb navigation, providing a simple trail to follow without detailed maps. This is suitable for riders who need minimal guidance or prefer a streamlined interface.

Moving up the range, the Edge Explore 2 provides full-color maps with turn-by-turn navigation, offering a more comprehensive navigation experience. The Edge 540 and 840 models further enhance this with detailed maps, turn-by-turn navigation, and the ability to calculate routes on the device itself.

At the top of the range, the Edge 1040 and 1040 Solar offer the most advanced mapping capabilities. These include global maps, multi-continent routing, and point-of-interest search functionality. These high-end models also feature more sophisticated routing options, such as round-trip routing suggestions and popularity routing based on data from Garmin Connect. Higher-end models generally offer more detailed maps, better routing capabilities, and additional navigation features. 

Garmin Cycling 

Twenty years after the first Garmin cycling GPS hit the market, Garmin is still the premier technology. Garmin cycling computers don’t overwhelm casual riders but have all the data collection pro teams need.

Browse our Garmin product listings pages, curated by Garmin models & parts: Tactix, Forerunner, Fenix, Edge, Rally RS200 Review

What is the top tier model for Garmin bike computers? How does the hierarchy work?

The top tier Garmin bike computer model is the Garmin Edge 1040 Solar.

Garmin's product hierarchy for bike computers generally works like this:

• Entry-level models: Garmin Edge 130 Plus, Garmin Edge Explore 2

These are the most basic and affordable options, focused on providing essential GPS and navigation features.

• Mid-range models: Garmin Edge 540, Garmin Edge 840

These offer more advanced performance monitoring and training features, while still being reasonably priced.

• High-end models: Garmin Edge 1040, Garmin Edge 1040 Solar

These are the flagship models with the most comprehensive set of features, including advanced performance metrics, navigation, and solar charging on the 1040 Solar. They are the top-of-the-line and most expensive options.

The Garmin Edge 1040 Solar is the top-end model, offering the most advanced functionality, largest display, and longest battery life with its solar charging capabilities. It’s designed for the serious cyclist and triathlete who want the most comprehensive performance tracking and navigation features from a bike computer.

The Bike Computer & Electronics I Rely on for Gravel Racing - From TPC's Magazine

A GPS head unit, a.k.a. a cycling computer, is essential to making it to the finish of Unbound Gravel. The course is remote and unmarked, so riders have to rely on a GPS file of the route and turn-by-turn directions to navigate. Read the full article here.

Buying a bike power meter: What you need to know - From TPC's Magazine

Exactly how much power does it take to get up your local hill or to take your local KOM/QOM? Cycling is unique in that our work on the bike can be exactly measured. The tool that quantifies a rider’s work is a power meter. Power meters measure how much power a cyclist is producing on the bike, expressed in watts. Read the full article here.

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