Which Garmin bike computer is right for me?
The lineup of Garmin Edge GPS bike computers is as diverse as the cyclists who use them. So which unit is right for you?
Whether you’re a roadie, gravel grinder or mountain biker, a triathlete or casual commuter, or even just someone who’s ready to dust off your old bike in the garage and get some fresh air, there’s a Garmin GPS bike computer made for your needs.
We have so many options, in fact, that it can be tough to choose. And while we don’t think you can go wrong with any of our top cycling computers, we also want to make sure you select the head unit that’s right for you. Below we’ve outlined each of the Garmin cycling computer choices — from our more basic options to the most advanced.
For those who want more performance monitoring:
Edge 550 and Edge 850: If performance analysis — and improvement — is more your speed than simply getting from point A to point B, Edge 550 and Edge 850 might be right for you.
With dynamic performance monitoring, Garmin Coach training plans, heat and altitude acclimation2, advanced training features, smart fueling alerts2 offering custom nutrition and hydration recommendations, and more, 550 and 850 pack a serious punch when it comes to performance, all on a bright, vivid and compact display.
With the cycling ability feature, you can better understand your strengths and weaknesses as a cyclist. Thanks to superior built-in maps and trail mapping for cyclists, Edge 550 and Edge 850 can guide you where you need to go with back to start, pin dropping and more.
The difference between the two? Edge 550 is button-only, while Edge 850 has buttons and a responsive touchscreen for those who prefer a little of each. Edge 850 also adds a built-in speaker for audible navigation, workout prompts and a bike bell, as well as Garmin Pay™ contactless payments and on-device course creator.
For performance cyclists who want the longest battery life for their ride:
Edge 1040 Solar: Using Power Glass™ solar charging4, this premium bike computer gains battery life as you ride and helps take you to the peak of performance. When paired with compatible sensors such as the Rally series power meters or the HRM 600 heart rate monitor, the Edge 1040 Solar provides a host of features to take it to the next level.
With real-time stamina insights2, you can see exactly how much energy you have left in the tank, and recommended targets in the power guide feature2 help you manage your efforts throughout a ride. Cycling ability and course demand features2 help you classify your strengths as a cyclist (share them with your friends if you’re feeling extra competitive), focus on improvement and prepare for the demands of a course you plan to tackle soon. Oh, and did we mention loads of battery? Get up to 45 hours of battery life during intense use and up to 100 hours using battery saver mode so you can ride longer and explore further.
For cyclists looking for premium features on our largest display:
Edge 1050: Every ride is better with Edge 1050, our premium flagship cycling computer that allows you to never stop cycling. It shares the same performance monitoring features as Edge 550 and 850 but brings them to a larger display with greater battery life. Even with that vivid touchscreen display, Edge 1050 has the battery life to outlast even the longest of rides, delivering up to 20 hours per day even in the most demanding use cases. But Edge 1050 offers more than just impressive battery life. It comes with smart features that bring the cycling community together with enhancements to GroupRide, including in-ride messaging1, live locations, incident detection alerts3, in-ride climb leaderboards, postride awards and more.
Edge 1050 also boasts road hazard alerts1 that can alert you to potholes and other hazards, an on-device bike bell so you can alert fellow riders and pedestrians in your path, and many other advanced smart features and performance capabilities. One of those features allows cyclists to make contactless payments via Garmin Pay™ with participating providers so you can leave your wallet at home. Want more insights into what the Edge 1050 has to offer? Check out this video, and remember to never stop cycling.
Community features now available on even more Edge devices:
When you thought you couldn’t love your Edge device anymore, it got that much better. Users can also enjoy community features such as road hazards, GroupRide and more. So you can expect to see even more helpful reports coming through your cycling computers as you crush your workout.
Next time you’re ready to hit the trail, gravel or even your paved neighborhood streets, remember there’s a Garmin Edge GPS bike computer that checks all the boxes.
1When used with your compatible smartphone and the Garmin Connect™ app
2When paired with your power meter and/or heart rate monitor; sold separately
3When paired with your smartphone; see Garmin.com/ble. For safety and tracking feature requirements and limitations, see Garmin.com/safety.
4Assumes continuous 75,000 lux conditions during daytime rides
