Garmin has launched the Garmin Edge Explore 2, which, when paired with the new Edge Power Mount, can be charged while you ride, using an electric bike battery or Cannondale’s SmartSense power bank.
While part of Garmin’s Edge range of bike computers, the brand says the Explore is focused less on the demands of performance-minded riders, and more on the needs of everyday cyclists.
That means there’s a focus on navigation, ease of use and the ability to charge the device on the go, according to Garmin.
The Garmin Edge Explore 2 costs £249.99. The Edge Explore 2 Power Mount Bundle, with included Edge Power Mount, is priced at £339.99. The Edge Power Mount is available separately for £109.99
Power on demand
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The Edge Explore 2’s battery life is up from 12 hours to a claimed 16 hours of “demanding usage”. Battery saver mode squeezes out up to 24 hours, according to Garmin.
However, while it doesn’t offer solar charging like the new, flagship Garmin Edge 1040 Solar, the Edge Explore 2 can be charged on the move.
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The Edge Power Mount is an out-front mount that can be plugged into an electric bike (via a separate cable) for continuous power.
When hooked up to an electric bike, the computer will also display the bike’s battery life and assistance level, while also tailoring navigation advice based on battery status, according to Garmin.
If you’re not an ebike rider, the Edge Power Mount is compatible with the power bank on Cannondale’s SmartSense system, which debuted with the 2022 Cannondale Synapse to offer integrated lights and a radar.
The Edge Power Mount is also backwards-compatible with the Edge 1040 series, Edge 1030, Edge 830 and Edge 530.
Climb like a pro
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Updated features on the Edge Explore 2 include Garmin’s ClimbPro feature, which was absent on the previous model.
ClimbPro enables riders to see the remaining ascent and gradient break-down of a climb when following a pre-defined course.
The Edge Explore 2 can also be used in conjunction with the brand’s range of Varia Radar devices.
Stripped-back data
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In terms of data, the Edge Explore 2 records the basics, such as time, speed and distance, and is compatible with heart rate monitors and power meters.
But if you want the computer to analyse power metrics, such as FTP, this isn’t the head unit for you.
Navigation and live tracking
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The Garmin Edge Explore 2 doesn’t appear to have the Multi-GNSS GPS connectivity introduced on many of the best bike computers and the latest cycling watches, retaining GPS instead.
The Edge Explore 2 comes with ride profiles, such as road and gravel, already loaded.
Turn-by-turn navigation can be paused at any time if you want to go off-course, according to Garmin.
You can create routes in the Garmin Connect app or upload from cycling apps such as Strava and Komoot.
The Trendline feature offers routing “based on billions of miles of ride data” from Garmin Connect, and enables riders to view popular roads and trails, high-traffic areas to avoid, and searchable points of interest from the computer.
Garmin has not released the Edge Explore 2’s dimensions or weight, but says it retains a 3in touchscreen.
The new device also comes with GroupTrack. When paired with a smartphone, this function helps you locate and contact your riding mates if you separate on a ride.
If it detects you have crashed, the Edge Explore 2 will now send a message to pre-selected contacts, according to Garmin.