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.<\/p>\n
So what does the Garmin Edge range offer and which one\u2019s right for you?<\/p>\n
What can a Garmin GPS computer do?<\/span><\/h2>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> A bike computer can track where you\u2019ve been and performance metrics, as well as provide mapping on higher-end models.<\/span><\/figcaption> Alex Evans<\/i><\/span><\/div>\nAt a minimum, a bike computer will let you track where you\u2019ve 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\u2019s GPS data.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nAll Garmin Edge computers have their own GPS chips though, and get position data from the Glonass, Galileo and standard GPS satellite constellations.<\/span><\/p>\nThat basic data can be augmented with a raft of extras.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nMost 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\u2019t superimpose your route on a base map.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> You can pair devices such as power meters, heart rate monitors and cadence sensors with a bike computer.<\/span><\/figcaption> Simon Bromley<\/i><\/span><\/div>\nYou 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.<\/span><\/p>\nEntry-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.<\/span><\/p>\nAll Garmin Edge computers let you control Garmin\u2019s Varia front and rear lights<\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\nYou can also link your computer to the Garmin Connect web app, where you can view and analyse your data and plan routes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThere\u2019s a supplementary Garmin smartphone app too. This allows you to pair your Edge to your phone, and they will \u2018talk\u2019 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.<\/span><\/p>\nThe Garmin Edge range explained<\/span><\/h2>\nThe 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\u2019s features included.<\/span><\/p>\nAs well as offering standalone computers, Garmin also sells bundles for each Edge model.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThese 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nOpt 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.<\/span><\/p>\nGarmin has recently done some housekeeping on its Edge range, discontinuing some older longstanding models, so you might not see some familiar names below.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWe\u2019ll start with the simplest, most affordable Garmin Edge computers, and work up from there.<\/span><\/p>\nCurrent models in the Garmin Edge series\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\nGarmin Edge 130 Plus<\/h3>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> The Garmin Edge 130 Plus was released in June 2020.<\/span><\/figcaption> Garmin<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n- Best for:<\/strong> Riders who want a simple GPS with plenty of features, including mountain bike metrics<\/li>\n<\/ul>
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.<\/p>\n
There is still no base mapping on the 130, so you\u2019re limited to breadcrumb mapping, but the device retains the same super-sharp screen as seen on the 130.<\/p>\n
Syncing between the best cycling apps<\/a>, such as Strava and Komoot<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\nFuture firmware updates will also allow the 130 Plus to control smart trainers.<\/p>\n
- Read our <\/span>Garmin Edge 130 Plus first look<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
- Navigation<\/strong>: Basic, breadcrumb-style with no basemap<\/span><\/li>\n
- Training data<\/strong>: Basic speed, distance, time, elevation, heart rate and power data field, mountain bike metrics and Climb Pro<\/span><\/li>\n
- Connectivity<\/strong>: USB, ANT+, Bluetooth<\/span><\/li>\n
- Compatibility<\/strong>: ANT+, Garmin Varia, Connect IQ<\/span><\/li>\n
- Size<\/strong>: 40\u00d762\u00d717mm<\/span><\/li>\n
- Screen<\/strong>: 27\u00d736mm, black and white<\/span><\/li>\n
- Price<\/strong>: \u00a3169.99 \/ $199.99 \/ \u20ac199.99 \/ AU$349<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>
The latest deals on the Garmin Edge 130 Plus<\/h5> <\/div> Garmin Edge Explore<\/span><\/h3>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> The overall dimensions of the Edge Explore are similar to the top-end Edge 1030.<\/span><\/figcaption> Garmin<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n- Best for:<\/strong> Riders wanting navigation functionality but not interested in performance metrics<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>
There\u2019s just one Garmin Edge Explore now, and it\u2019s a big one. In terms of form factor, it is most akin to the Edge 1030, with a large colour touchscreen, a weight of 116g and up to 12 hours battery life.<\/span><\/p>\nAt under half the price of the Edge 1030, the Edge Explore cuts out many of the performance features of the latter to concentrate on navigation, including the Garmin Cycle Map and turn-by-turn navigation. There\u2019s also the ability to create a route on the device itself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nYou get the basics such as speed and distance, and can hook up via ANT+ or Bluetooth with peripheral devices.<\/span><\/p>\n- Navigation<\/strong>: Turn-by-turn directions, Garmin Cycle Map, automatic re-routing, colour mapping and back-to-start feature<\/span><\/li>\n
- Training data<\/strong>: Speed, altitude, power, heart rate, cadence, calories<\/a>, distance, time, temperature,<\/span><\/li>\n
- Connectivity<\/strong>: USB, Bluetooth<\/span><\/li>\n
- Compatibility<\/strong>: ANT+, Bluetooth<\/span><\/li>\n
- Size<\/strong>: 105mmx55mmx22mm<\/span><\/li>\n
- Screen<\/strong>: 39mmx65mm, 240\u00d7400 pixels, colour touchscreen<\/span><\/li>\n
- Price<\/strong>: \u00a3219.99 \/ $249.99 \/ AU$N\/A<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>
The latest deals on the Garmin Edge Explore<\/h5> <\/div> Garmin Edge 530<\/span><\/h3>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> The Edge 530 is the first computer with WiFi connectivity.<\/span><\/figcaption> Matthew Allen \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\nBest for:<\/strong> Riders wanting the functionality of Garmin\u2019s larger computers but in a compact package.<\/span><\/p>\nA bit larger than the Edge 520 Plus, the Edge 530 weighs 76g and has a slightly larger screen too at 51x38mm, while battery life is increased to a claimed 20 hours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIt ups the training emphasis, adding effectiveness measures and VO2 max<\/a>, as well as recovery time. It also adds the ClimbPro feature, which tells you how much further a climb goes on and how steep it gets ahead.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe Bike Alarm is also a nice security feature that tells you via your smartphone if the bike is moved while you\u2019re away from it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIt\u2019s also the first model up the range to get WiFi-connectivity built in, so you can exchange data wirelessly, rather than needing to use a USB cable to connect up to your computer.<\/span><\/p>\nAs with the Edge 520 Plus, there\u2019s a colour screen with basemaps. What you don\u2019t get with the Edge 530 is a touchscreen. For that you\u2019ll need to step up to the Edge 830 or Edge 1030.<\/span><\/p>\n- Read the full review of the Garmin Edge 530<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
- Navigation<\/strong>: Good, aimed primarily at following courses created in advance, with excellent turn-by-turn instructions and hazard warnings. Non-touchscreen means browsing map is mostly a waste of time<\/span><\/li>\n
- Training data<\/strong>: Speed, altitude, power, heart rate, cadence, calories, gear selection<\/a> (for electronic drivetrains), distance, time, temperature, navigation, performance monitoring and more<\/span><\/li>\n
- Connectivity<\/strong>: USB, Bluetooth, BLE, WiFi<\/span><\/li>\n
- Compatibility<\/strong>: ANT+ and ANT+ shifting, power meter and bike trainer, Shimano Di2, Vector power meter, Garmin Varia and Virb<\/span><\/li>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2018\/12\/Garmin-Edge-830-4-80a99c2-fa2daf5.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>At a minimum, a bike computer will let you track where you\u2019ve 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\u2019s GPS data.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n All Garmin Edge computers have their own GPS chips though, and get position data from the Glonass, Galileo and standard GPS satellite constellations.<\/span><\/p>\n That basic data can be augmented with a raft of extras.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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\u2019t superimpose your route on a base map.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n All Garmin Edge computers let you control Garmin\u2019s Varia front and rear lights<\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n You can also link your computer to the Garmin Connect web app, where you can view and analyse your data and plan routes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n There\u2019s a supplementary Garmin smartphone app too. This allows you to pair your Edge to your phone, and they will \u2018talk\u2019 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.<\/span><\/p>\n 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\u2019s features included.<\/span><\/p>\n As well as offering standalone computers, Garmin also sells bundles for each Edge model.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Garmin has recently done some housekeeping on its Edge range, discontinuing some older longstanding models, so you might not see some familiar names below.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We\u2019ll start with the simplest, most affordable Garmin Edge computers, and work up from there.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n There is still no base mapping on the 130, so you\u2019re limited to breadcrumb mapping, but the device retains the same super-sharp screen as seen on the 130.<\/p>\n Syncing between the best cycling apps<\/a>, such as Strava and Komoot<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n Future firmware updates will also allow the 130 Plus to control smart trainers.<\/p>\n There\u2019s just one Garmin Edge Explore now, and it\u2019s a big one. In terms of form factor, it is most akin to the Edge 1030, with a large colour touchscreen, a weight of 116g and up to 12 hours battery life.<\/span><\/p>\n At under half the price of the Edge 1030, the Edge Explore cuts out many of the performance features of the latter to concentrate on navigation, including the Garmin Cycle Map and turn-by-turn navigation. There\u2019s also the ability to create a route on the device itself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You get the basics such as speed and distance, and can hook up via ANT+ or Bluetooth with peripheral devices.<\/span><\/p>\n Best for:<\/strong> Riders wanting the functionality of Garmin\u2019s larger computers but in a compact package.<\/span><\/p>\n A bit larger than the Edge 520 Plus, the Edge 530 weighs 76g and has a slightly larger screen too at 51x38mm, while battery life is increased to a claimed 20 hours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It ups the training emphasis, adding effectiveness measures and VO2 max<\/a>, as well as recovery time. It also adds the ClimbPro feature, which tells you how much further a climb goes on and how steep it gets ahead.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Bike Alarm is also a nice security feature that tells you via your smartphone if the bike is moved while you\u2019re away from it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s also the first model up the range to get WiFi-connectivity built in, so you can exchange data wirelessly, rather than needing to use a USB cable to connect up to your computer.<\/span><\/p>\n As with the Edge 520 Plus, there\u2019s a colour screen with basemaps. What you don\u2019t get with the Edge 530 is a touchscreen. For that you\u2019ll need to step up to the Edge 830 or Edge 1030.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/10\/Andrew-Feather-lighweight-cannondale-04-24c5ca8.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>The Garmin Edge range explained<\/span><\/h2>\n
Current models in the Garmin Edge series\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Garmin Edge 130 Plus<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2020\/06\/Garmin-Edge-130-Plus-data-screen-view-12a124d-scaled.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>The latest deals on the Garmin Edge 130 Plus<\/h5>
Garmin Edge Explore<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2017\/10\/Garmin-Edge-Explore-GPS-bike-computer-662d157.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>The latest deals on the Garmin Edge Explore<\/h5>
Garmin Edge 530<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/21\/2019\/08\/Garmin-Edge-530-7-38e9138.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>