The choice of a GPS device for your bike is a hot topic in any cycling debate. In this regard, Garmin is the reference brand when we talk about high-performance cycle computers. They are by far the best-selling devices on the market. Let's review their current range to recommend the best option according to your needs.
📖 Buying guide: the best cycling GPS devices on the market
Installing a GPS cycle computer on your bike has many advantages. Not only will it allow you to navigate preloaded routes and courses, helping you avoid getting lost. You'll also be able to record and track lots of useful data for your training: elevation, cadence, power... In this sense, Garmin offers cycle computers adapted to any cyclist profile... And any budget.
In addition to the specific features of each device, every Garmin records and provides basic data from any cycle computer: speed, distance, elevation, time, grade percentage, etc.
But before analyzing and comparing different models, let's dispel the idea that a cycle computer can only be used by high-level cyclists. On the contrary, a Garmin device is recommended both for beginners and high-performance riders. Amateur cyclists also need to record our training data or orient ourselves on unfamiliar routes that allow us to discover new places.
📖 How to choose a cycle computer for your bike
Garmin GPS Cycle Computers: the Edge range
Under the name Edge, Garmin groups its GPS cycle computers. There are five different devices. Each one is designed for a specific cyclist profile, with its own particular features.
Edge 130 Plus, the most affordable
This is the entry-level model in the range. It is Garmin's simplest and most affordable GPS cycle computer, priced under 200 euros. It is recommended for bike tourists who do simple routes or for urban cyclists.
📺 In this Garmin video you can get an idea of how the Garmin Edge 130 Plus works.
The device's screen is 1.8" and its graphics are black and white, intuitive, and easy to read. With it, you can synchronize training sessions previously created with Garmin Connect
, and also with TrainingPeaks
. Garmin Connect is the application that allows you to track, analyze, and share the sports activities recorded with your Garmin device. It even offers useful tips tailored to your needs. For its part, TrainingPeaks is another platform that provides planning and analysis tools based on your training data. The Garmin Edge 130 Plus also integrates the ClimPro function to know how much is left on a climb and thus regulate your effort. For its part, the navigation function is based on turn-by-turn directions on a dotted trail map. A simple but effective interface for easy routes, with the possibility of marking your way back from a specific starting point.
Recommended for: The Garmin Edge 130 Plus is particularly suitable for beginners or occasional riders. Also for urban cyclists who use the bike for their daily commuting.
Edge Explore
This is a mid-range GPS cycle computer. It improves the hardware level and data visualization compared to the Edge 130 Plus. The screen is touch, color, and 3".
📺 Here you have a promotional video of the Garmin Edge Explore.
The navigation function is also more advanced. It includes its own Garmin Cycle Map, pre-installed with turn-by-turn directions and trendline function. Thanks to this, it is possible to find the routes most frequented by cyclists, both on and off-road. Recommended for: The Edge Explore is a cycle computer intended for cycle tourists who like to do long routes, trips, and discover new mountain routes on MTB, without spending a lot of money. In addition, it expands compatibility. On one hand, with Garmin safety devices, such as the Varia radar or smart lights; on the other, with route or navigation apps like Komoot
and Wikiloc
, among others.
Edge 530
The 530 model raises the level in terms of the number of cycling-specific functions, at the same or very similar price to the Explore, more oriented to the cycle tourist not focused on performance. With the 530 it is possible to have exhaustive control of your bike rides, with detailed performance data.
📺 Here you have a presentation of the Garmin Edge 530.
If you follow a specific training plan to reach peak form for a carrera or a cycling event, you can record, analyze, and compare different sessions, thanks to its full-color performance graphs.
Edge 530 and 830 share the same functions, but the 530 does not have a touch screen.
Likewise, it is compatible with the electronic shifting
Shimano Di2. Thanks to this, it is possible to record and view on the device data from the shifter, transmission settings, or the status of the shifter and derailleur batteries. Regarding navigation, it comes with preloaded cycling-specific maps, whose routes are highlighted for better visualization. The 2.6" screen, unlike the Explore model, is not touch.
Recommended for: The Garmin Edge 530 is perfect for cyclists who want to improve their level and participate regularly in cycling tours, races, etc. In addition, its navigation functions are advanced and the battery life doubles that of the Explore and 130 Plus models, reaching up to 20 hours.
Edge 830
The 830 represents a step up to Garmin's high-end GPS cycle computers. It offers the added benefit of a bright and intuitive touchscreen compared to the Edge 530. However, both the 530 and 830 share the same training monitor, navigation, and safety features, such as the rear light radar Garmin Varia
, capable of detecting nearby vehicles and offering an anti-theft alarm system for your bike.
📺 In this video, our friends Bikineros make a very unique comparison between the 830 and 530 models from the Garmin Edge range.
Likewise, compatibility with other technologies, such as Shimano Di2 or the special e-bike control function, is total. The same can be said regarding connection with applications like Strava, Komoot, Wikiloc, or TrainingPeaks. Recommended for: The Garmin Edge 830 is ideal for those who ride regularly and take cycling seriously, having the best equipment for their rides. The Edge 830 has all the functions of the 530, with a better interface and touchscreen, surpassing the 350 € barrier.
Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin defines it as the "ultimate" GPS cycle computer. It is the pinnacle of the brand's current offering and the choice of many professional riders of all disciplines. It has all the training, navigation, and safety features of the 530 or 830 devices, adding other smart features such as the training assistant, which suggests routes and rides based on your current training load.
📺 Here you have a video made by Javier Bañón Izu about the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus.
You may be interested. In this link
you can see a conversation we had with Javier about gravel.
Likewise, there are more options to create routes and new itineraries using Garmin Connect. It is also perfectly compatible with Strava or Komoot routes, which can be automatically synced to the Edge 1030 Plus for totally reliable navigation.
The 1030 Plus offers exclusive features such as group chats for teammates or group rides and an assistant that notifies you when to eat and drink during the ride.
The 1030 Plus also adds nutrition and hydration alerts. It has a handy assistant that provides information about the cyclist's physical state, so they can keep real-time control of their energy. In addition, the device will notify you when it's time to hydrate or eat. In terms of safety, with the Edge 1030 Plus it is possible to chat with your group or training partners thanks to its group messaging service.
It also integrates Grouptrack, an exclusive feature that allows you to check the position of your companions on the screen in case someone gets lost or falls behind the group.
Recommended for: The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus should be the choice for high-level cyclists, experienced riders, and those who train in groups. In fact, it is the choice of many professionals. It also has very useful navigation and safety features, which are very practical for cycle tourists. Likewise, it has a generous screen size (up to 3.5”) and a battery life of up to 24 hours. As a result, the price rises to around 550 euros.
Which Garmin should I buy for my bike?
As you can see, the range of Garmin models is not difficult to understand and is grouped into only five models. This way, choosing the right GPS is simple. You just need to be clear about your needs, your level, and the type of routes you do. If you are a beginner, or your budget is more limited, an Edge 130 Plus or Explore will be your best option. Both have navigation features, which in the case of the Explore come with preloaded maps. They also allow you to effectively record and monitor your workouts.
If your profile is sportier or more advanced, you should choose between the 530, 830, and 1030 Plus models. Remember that the main difference between the 530 and the 830 is the touch screen on the latter. The 1030 Plus adds more battery life and specific features such as nutrition tracking or group chats between companions. All Garmin cycle computers come with a standard mount as standard, and certain models (1030, 830, 530) also include the front mount.
👉 Discover the range of accessories here
that we have available at Tuvalu