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 |
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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 |
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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.
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 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.
Watched a few youtube videos, took the computer on a few hikes so I could concentrate on using its many features, and found that it's remarkably intuitive. The online user manual is also well written and organized. I think Garmin has created a great mtb computer.
The device crashes on the regular. I did a single 2 hour ride and it power cycled 3 times. It is so unreliable that it isn’t servings its purpose of helping my training. I’m not going to stop my ride to sort it out. It’s too distracting and counterproductive to my training.
We're sorry to hear about your experience and would love to help! Please contact Garmin Product Support by visiting this link, entering Edge MTB, and seeing the Contact Us for More Help section: http://ms.spr.ly/6423sJGZc ^DK
I like this overall for abusive use. I wish it was a bit more intuitive on the use but overall I like it. A little clunky to get started.