Garmin Edge 130 Plus bike computer displayed on a bicycle handlebar, showcasing its compact size and clear display.
Garmin Edge 130 Plus bike computer displayed on a bicycle handlebar, showcasing its compact size and clear display.

Which Garmin Bike Computer is Right for You?

Garmin Edge GPS bike computers come in a wide variety, catering to the diverse needs of cyclists. Whether you are passionate about road cycling, adventurous gravel riding, thrilling mountain biking, triathlon training, daily commuting, or simply rediscovering the joy of cycling, there’s a Garmin Bike Computer designed to enhance your experience.

With such a comprehensive range of options, selecting the perfect device can seem challenging. While every Garmin computer offers excellent features, our goal is to guide you toward the model that best aligns with your individual cycling style and objectives. Below is an overview of the Garmin GPS bike computer lineup, ranging from entry-level models to advanced, feature-rich devices.

For Cyclists Focused on the Joy of Riding:

Edge® 130 Plus: The Edge 130 Plus is an excellent entry point into the world of Garmin bike computers. It provides essential navigation with turn prompts and a breadcrumb trail, allowing you to confidently explore new routes and track your journey. Utilizing GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite networks, this device ensures accurate location tracking in various environments. Priced accessibly, the Edge 130 Plus is ideal for cyclists who value exploration and peace of mind. It also includes safety features like incident detection and awareness, offering added security for riders of all confidence levels, ensuring loved ones can be notified if needed.

Garmin Edge 130 Plus bike computer displayed on a bicycle handlebar, showcasing its compact size and clear display.Garmin Edge 130 Plus bike computer displayed on a bicycle handlebar, showcasing its compact size and clear display.

Edge® Explore 2: The Garmin Edge Explore 2 is a user-friendly touchscreen GPS bike computer perfect for cyclists who prioritize ease of use and reliable navigation. It offers turn-by-turn directions, maps tailored to different ride types, off-course recalculation, and the ClimbPro feature to help you manage ascents by displaying remaining climb and grade. Beyond navigation, the Edge Explore 2 excels in connectivity, featuring smart notifications, group messaging, spectator messaging, and live event sharing. Stay connected with fellow riders and those at home effortlessly. For added security during stops, the PIN-protected bike alarm sends notifications to your paired smartphone if any unauthorized movement is detected while you are away.

For Cyclists Seeking Performance Monitoring:

Edge® 540 & Edge® 840: For cyclists who are more interested in performance analysis and improvement than just reaching a destination, the Edge 540 and Edge 840 (including solar models) are outstanding choices, offered at competitive mid-range prices. These computers are packed with advanced performance features, including dynamic performance monitoring, personalized adaptive coaching, heat and altitude acclimation insights, and comprehensive training metrics. Both models are equipped to track mountain biking-specific data like jump count, jump distance, and hang time. Garmin-unique metrics such as Grit, which assesses ride difficulty using GPS, elevation, and other data, and Flow, which measures trail descent smoothness, provide scores to track your progress. In case of detours, the Edge 540 and 840 can intelligently guide you back to your route or starting point. The key distinction between them lies in the interface: the Edge 540 is button-operated, while the Edge 840 offers both button controls and a touchscreen for user preference.

Garmin Edge 130 Plus bike computer displayed on a bicycle handlebar, showcasing its compact size and clear display.Garmin Edge 130 Plus bike computer displayed on a bicycle handlebar, showcasing its compact size and clear display.

For Performance Cyclists Demanding Extended Battery Life:

Edge® 1040 Solar: The Edge 1040 Solar is a premium bike computer engineered for peak performance and endurance. Featuring Power Glass™ solar charging, it extends battery life while you ride, ensuring it can keep up with your longest and most demanding cycling adventures. When paired with compatible sensors like the Rally™ Series power meters or the HRM-Pro™ Plus heart rate monitor, the Edge 1040 Solar unlocks a suite of advanced features. Real-time stamina insights allow you to monitor your energy reserves, and the power guide feature provides recommended power targets to optimize your effort throughout your ride. Cycling ability and course demand features help you understand your strengths as a cyclist, focus on areas for improvement, and prepare for challenging routes. Battery life is a standout feature, offering up to 45 hours in demanding use and up to 100 hours in battery saver mode, empowering you to explore further and ride longer.

For Cyclists Desiring the Brightest and Smartest Cycling Computer:

Edge® 1050: The Edge 1050 enhances every ride with its premium GPS capabilities and smart features. Despite its vibrant touchscreen display, it boasts impressive battery life, lasting up to 20 hours even under heavy usage. Beyond battery performance, the Edge 1050 excels in community engagement, enhancing GroupRide with in-ride messaging, live locations, incident detection alerts, in-ride climb leaderboards, and post-ride awards. Whether you’re participating in group rides or solo adventures, the Edge 1050 connects you. It also provides road hazard alerts for potholes and other dangers, an on-device bike bell to alert others, and Garmin Pay™ for contactless payments. For a deeper look into its features, check out this video. Embrace every ride with the Edge 1050, and never stop cycling.

Garmin Edge 130 Plus bike computer displayed on a bicycle handlebar, showcasing its compact size and clear display.Garmin Edge 130 Plus bike computer displayed on a bicycle handlebar, showcasing its compact size and clear display.

Enhanced Community Features on More Edge Devices:

The capabilities of your Edge device continue to expand. A recent software update has brought community features like road hazard alerts and GroupRide to Edge 540/840/1040 and Edge Explore 2 users. Expect more helpful and interactive features to enhance your cycling experience through your Garmin bike computer.

Whether you’re hitting the trails, gravel paths, or city streets, Garmin provides the technology to support your cycling journey. Explore the full range of Edge GPS bike computers here.

1When paired with your compatible smartphone; see Garmin.com/ble. For safety and tracking feature requirements and limitations, see Garmin.com/safety. 2When used with your compatible smartphone and the Garmin Connect™ app. 3When paired with your compatible sensors; sold separately. 4Assumes continuous 75,000 lux conditions during daytime rides.

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