How to Choose a Bike Computer

Built for mountain biking, this compact Garmin bike computer is made to hold up to mud, grit and branches. Multiband GPS gives you superior accuracy and position tracking on the descent.
Imported.
View the Garmin Edge Product LineView all Garmin Cycling ComputersBest Use | Mountain Biking |
---|---|
GPS Tracking | Yes |
Current Speed | Yes |
Maximum Speed | Yes |
Average Speed | Yes |
Speed Comparator | Yes |
Odometer | Yes |
Trip Distance | Yes |
Auto Start/Stop | Yes |
Stopwatch | Yes |
Countdown Timer | Yes |
Clock | Yes |
Alarm | Yes |
Lap Timer | Yes |
Cadence | Yes |
Dual Bike Memory | Yes |
Altimeter | Pressure-based |
Target Zone Indicator | Yes |
High/Low Target Heart Rate | Yes |
Exercise Log | Yes |
Illumination | Luminous Face |
Smart Device Notifications | Yes |
Low Battery Indicator | Yes |
Batteries | Internal rechargeable lithium-ion |
Battery Life | Demanding use: up to 14 hours; battery saver mode: up to 26 hours |
Wireless | Yes |
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
I bought this model to try out not sure I i will keep. most likely not dont want to risk having issues with this model too. I have had issues with multiple of their products, multiple 540s, 840, and explore, so my expectations werent high for this device. Have only had for a couple of weeks and its been working fine so far, not like that meant anything before on their other products, theres just some features that I still dont understand how to use. I dont like how when in use my screen will change from my data screens to the maps and another that shows half map and half other data then shortly after will switch back to the original screen, It does this all ride.
Leaving this review as I rely on reviews myself... Ultimately, I returned the unit - I bought it to help me navigate XC/MTB trails in NE USA and I found just about everything associated w/that to be done poorly. Screen is too small for the UI design. Off-axis visibility is poor and I had to turn off adaptive brightness to set it to 100% brightness at all times instead. UI is very poor - hard to see which fork to take (and ForkSight might be good when exploring, but not when navigating a route). Zoom on the route would constantly zoom out. Buttons were too hard to push (i get it, it's a balance, I just couldn't press them w/o having fingers on the side opposite to the button i'm pressing). Overall, relief at having returned it. The only aspect of Garmin Edge I liked was Garmin Connect linkage w/TrailFoks. The app on the phone is ... ok, compared to the old school Wahoo Elemnt app. Just about everything else - glad I no longer have the Edge.
Absolutely love this little computer. Highly recommend it. But, I also highly recommend reading the manual, unlike I did. Took three rides before I read it and finally got it.
Easy to set up. Lots of features. Lots of data fields to display to ride. Seems to be very accurate. I have it paired with a wheel sensor and HR monitor
Good concept but fell short for me. It is extremely small. Very hard to see especially if you have diabetic retinopathy and had eye surgeries. The buttons were extremely small and very difficult to use when riding. Navigation was useless and any warning was so small and lasted about a second so I could not read it. I could not get it to work with my Dexcom G7 even though I downloaded the CGM app and contacted the developer. Bought an SWMotech phone case and mount and another mount for my BMW GS motorcycle. I do use the Garmin speed and cadence ll sensors on my bicycle and use Samsung Health and either Trek Ride Club or Super Cycle depending on the occasion. And my Dexcom and Omnipod send me any low glucose alerts without a glitch.
I bought this Edge two months ago. It is my 4th Edge from Garmin. I bought this particular Edge without throughly investigating and understanding its capabilities. I assumed it would be advanced, similar to previous Edges. Simply, I am not happy about two things. First it is not a touch screen device, you have to use small side keys - this is my fault, I should have investigated more before ordering it. Second issue - sometimes device goes dark and starts rebooting during my ride. This is extremely frustrating especially when I am on a street with traffic. I totally loose my radar connection and need to stop and wait for rebooting. I am not sure if this is a software or hardware issue! In general, I love Garmin products, they make very functional and great devices. Unfortunately, this one did not meet my expectations!
We're sorry to hear you haven't had a great experience! We would like to look into the reboot concern. Please contact our cycling team at 1-800-800-1020 option 3, then option 6 (please have your Edge with you when you call). Phones are open Monday - Friday 7am-7pm Central. »CP
This was my first device. I did not research much and bought the MTB thinking that trailforks are pre-installed. However figuring out how to have a turn by turn directions and following a route is very complex and confusing. The Garmin courses is missing many trailforks trails for MTB and so you have to push each trail manually in the area you ride. The videos could have been more helpful on the navigation part.
We're sorry to hear about the trouble. Please get in touch with our cycling support team at the following link: http://ms.spr.ly/6425suKib -MR
I bought this for the durability, but the functionality of the Edge MTB unit is terrible. I downloaded a file for a route I was suppose to take and it constantly put me off course. It kept getting an error and constantly told me to make a U Turn even though I was clearly on the route. Would not recommend.
I'm very sorry to hear about your experience! We'd love an opportunity to look into this with you. Please give Garmin Support a call at 1-800-800-1020 Monday-Friday, 7am - 7pm Central. (KS)
I have a 1050 and when the MTB came out I figured I’d give it a try and reduce the risk and potential $$ of smashing that big computer on the MTB and gravel bikes. I was disappointed it wasn’t touch but the buttons are big and easy to use with summer gloves and I’m getting use to operating the thing. Screen is bright enough, plenty of MTB modes which I haven’t completely zeroed in on yet. One buggy thing is my power meter reconnects maybe a dozen times at the start of each ride. I even deleted and reinstalled and still an issue. It might be the PM or the Garmin - not sure - they are both new. All in all I’m glad I purchased. On the road I love the big screen of the 1050 and keep the map display up - great to anticipate changes in road at speed. In the woods, the big screen isn’t as needed but there is some data that I like having at a quick glance and this MTB hits the right balance.
If you are a Garmin person, this is a no-brainer. Buttons are laid out just like the watches. Super simple setup if you already have a Garmin Connect account. Several different profiles from MTB, Road, Gravel, etc. The top tube mount is fantastic. Trailforks is preloaded so no account needed, which helps justify the cost.