By Paul Norman

Published: Thursday, 09 June 2022 at 12:00 am


Garmin Edge bike computers are one of the most popular go-to choices for cyclists.

Over time, Garmin has increased the feature-set seen on its GPS bike computers and has extended these to all but its entry-level models.

So what does the Garmin Edge range offer and which one’s right for you?

What can a Garmin GPS computer do?

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A bike computer can track where you’ve been and performance metrics, as well as provide mapping on higher-end models.
Alex Evans

At a minimum, a bike computer will let you track where you’ve been, how far and how fast. It will usually have a GPS chip that keeps track of your position, although some budget models will pair with a smartphone and use that device’s GPS data. 

All Garmin Edge computers have their own GPS chips though, and get position data from the Glonass, Galileo and standard GPS satellite constellations.

That basic data can be augmented with a raft of extras. 

Most computers will give you mapping, letting you plan and follow a route, with turn-by-turn navigation. Cheaper models have just a breadcrumb trail that doesn’t superimpose your route on a base map. 

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You can pair devices such as power meters, heart rate monitors and cadence sensors with a bike computer.
Simon Bromley

You can also pair your computer wirelessly with peripheral devices such as a heart rate monitor strap, speed and cadence sensors, and a power meter to get more information on your performance.

Entry-level Edge models are controlled using buttons on the sides of the unit, whereas more expensive ones include a touchscreen. The screen gets larger as you move up the range too, and goes from black-and-white to a colour display.

All Garmin Edge computers let you control Garmin’s Varia front and rear lights, with the rear-facing units using radar to alert you via your computer of approaching vehicles. Most of the range can also be used to control the Garmin Virb action camera.

You can also link your computer to the Garmin Connect web app, where you can view and analyse your data and plan routes. 

There’s a supplementary Garmin smartphone app too. This allows you to pair your Edge to your phone, and they will ‘talk’ to one another, with the computer showing you notifications of incoming calls and texts. The app can also share your position and other metrics with other riders and family at home.

The Garmin Edge range explained

The Garmin Edge range starts with the basic models that feature simple black-and-white screen. Moving up the range gets you increasingly larger devices with larger format colour touchscreens and more training data available. That said, even the base models have a lot of Garmin’s features included.

As well as offering standalone computers, Garmin also sells bundles for each Edge model. 

These package up the Edge computer with other kit, such as a sensor bundle, which adds a heart rate monitor strap and speed and cadence sensors. 

Opt for the mountain bike bundle and you get an off-road-specific mount, a silicone case for the computer and a remote, so you can operate it without taking your hands off the bars.

Garmin has recently done some housekeeping on its Edge range, discontinuing some older longstanding models, so you might not see some familiar names below. 

We’ll start with the simplest, most affordable Garmin Edge computers, and work up from there.

Current models in the Garmin Edge series 

Garmin Edge 130 Plus

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The Garmin Edge 130 Plus was released in June 2020.
Garmin
  • Best for: Riders who want a simple GPS with plenty of features, including mountain bike metrics

The Garmin Edge 130 Plus builds on the 130, adding an accelerometer that allows the device to include mountain biking metrics and incident detection, as well as Climb Pro functionality, which shows the profile of a climb from a pre-loaded route.

There is still no base mapping on the 130, so you’re limited to breadcrumb mapping, but the device retains the same super-sharp screen as seen on the 130.

Syncing between the best cycling apps, such as Strava and Komoot, has been greatly improved with Garmin opening up its API. Battery life has shrunk to 12 hours, but that should be more than enough for the majority of riders.

Future firmware updates will also allow the 130 Plus to control smart trainers.

  • Read our Garmin Edge 130 Plus first look
  • Navigation: Basic, breadcrumb-style with no basemap
  • Training data: Basic speed, distance, time, elevation, heart rate and power data field, mountain bike metrics and Climb Pro
  • Connectivity: USB, ANT+, Bluetooth
  • Compatibility: ANT+, Garmin Varia, Connect IQ
  • Size: 40×62×17mm
  • Screen: 27×36mm, black and white
  • Price: £169.99 / $199.99 / €199.99 / AU$349