Used a Garmin Edge 800 for about 5 years. Its been on 99% of my bike rides. I rate it as the most reliable and best value piece of technology I've bought, not just for biking. Its been excellent and as a MTB Guide its also been a critical piece of kit.
As an example of how waterproof these computers are, after my last ride I noticed the battery was low so placed it in my pocket. Completely forgot about it and it ended up in the washing machine and tumble dryer, I'm happy to report that it survived. :P
Honestly, I am more surprised with the dryer survival. Most devices are pretty good at water proof-ness (is that a word, lol) the extreme heat is by far the worse enemy to electrical gadgets. Congrats on your success story. Truly impressive!
#GMBN I have had an Edge 130 for about two years now. Works great for all things bike. Strava live, navigation and push notifications all work perfect. I’ve found the other units too bulky for MTB. Get the 130 and you will be happy.
That’s my thoughts initialy too. I really just want something that can be used to gather more accurate data than my iPhone and is as minimal as possible. Don’t see why an MTB rider wants a huge device sticking off their cockpit. Unless they ride blind and don’t want to take their phone out of their pocket to check the map.
Going to get one tomorrow. I was planning on getting the 520 plus, but seeing the 130 that's all i need and being cheaper. £99 from Halfords atm. So am I right in saying my routes i record on the 130 will upload to my strava account once paired obvs? I don't have any premium strava accounts, don't do that live segment stuff, just want to record my strava from the 130 other than my expensive phone in my bike bag on rides. I want to leave my phone at home, record from the 130 on my rides, add the strava? Can this be done?
How weird. I searched for bike computers on RU-vid as yesterday I was annoyed constantly rummaging in my pocket for my nearly flat phone every 5 minutes, trying not to get lost in the New Forest. I ended up coming out not quite where I intended on to Beaulieu Road at nearly midnight. It says Beaulieu Road on the picture of that 520 Plus on it's box?!?! 😳 WTF? It's a sign from the heavens I should buy it! 🤪
I used to use Garmin, went to Wahoo and liked it a lot, but back to Garmin now with the 1030 and the Fenix 5+. Garmin is much better for navigation and with Di2, while I like Wahoo's for workouts and how it connects to other services. But in general, if I had to choose to stay with only one it'd be Garmin.
I've had the week off work and discovered your channel on Monday, I'm addicted and have spent the week watching your vids,n not much else! I Love them, Thank you!
Yes, would be ACE. I have a fenix 3 and use DW Map from the Garmin app store. You can use a laptop and create breadcrumb trail that you upload to the watch - great for exploring. Garmin F5 has native maps I think so not sure how that compares. Also, you can buy a watch bar mount from Garmin. The watch goes on straight on the bar rather than your wrist. You do not want to take your hand off the bar to look at your watch....
Well these computers connect to a watch? I have a garmin vivoactive 4, and was wondering if it'd be worth getting a computer to go on my bar or just stick to the watch. Like the computer won't do heart rates and calories, so can the computer connect to the watch and pull that data?
Wahoo Elemnt Bolt crushes Garmin. Battery life, customizable pages, notifications, 2tone display is so easy to see... I gave my garmin away to a kid on the trail
How does Wahoo Element do with off road/MTB trails (such as Trail forks app)? It looks like the Wahoo web page is very geared toward road cycling. I don't ride on pavement much.
Michiel Nooren the garmin edge 130, which was designed for a similar purpose with a similar feature suite, is $50 cheaper than the bolt. Not saying it’s better or worth it or whatever, but it is something to keep in mind.
In case of a crash I prefer not having my watch (fenix 5 plus) on my wrist, but on the bars. I've had my wrist broken on 3 places, just because of a watch. I've never had a broken gps when falling with the bike, even though I've had a couple of direct hits on the gps in those cases (garmin geko 201, garmin gpsmap 60csx, garmin gpsmap 62st). No specific bike options, but I use them for geocaching/walking as wel, so I need a versatile one. When my shoulder is ok again, I will be using the fenix 5 plus in combination with speed/cadance sensor and heartrate monitor with the watch placed on the handle bars with the holder.
I personally use a smart watch, the only reason is cause of its out of the way and I don't need anything on my bike that may fall off on rocky terrain, very helpful video though, nice to see different brands thanks gmbn 👍
I use a Wahoo Element Bolt, works great and no touch screen so works with gloves and sweat, I like it for the heart rate monitor. Before that I always used Trailforks app with the maps downloaded on my phone. Never get lost and does not run down the battery. Has saved me in remote areas of UT where GPS does not work.
I use a watch. Its a Garmin Forerunner 410. Had it for about six years now. It doesn't have all the extras of a smart watch but works good for mountain or road rides and automatically downloads to Garmin and Strava. My only issue with it is in winter when my left wrist is exposed to the cold. I have been considering a handlebar computer but am concerned about battery life on cold winter rides.
You are definitely correct about using Strava on your mobile phone compared to a dedicated GPS unit like these Garmin units. I've sworn I've ridden a trail faster than my PB but Strava said it was a few seconds slower. Definitely not consistent.
Plus one for that combo... when mbuk switched to OS where I have to pay to download the mags routes I stopped my mag sub...not going to pay twice..already paid fir mag! Rather put them in by hand on viewranger and make public
I use a 520plus and love it. All the info I need and easy to read on the fly. A quick stop with some brake shudder had set off the incident detection though.
I used to use my phone until I got sick of it losing signal and screwing me on my sessions... So I bit the bullet and bought a GARMIN. After 2k miles I can safely say it was my best investment EVER! (other than my bike itself of course) 🤙
You guys should do a ride with the watch, bar mount and phone in the back pocket to see the difference in ride distance, elevation etc... Would be cool to see a comparison.
I have both a 130 and a 520. I use the 520 on my road bikes. When I got into mountain biking, I tried the 520 on the mountain and fatbike but it was just a bit to large and fell off a couple times while racing. The 130 has been great. Yeah it isn't as robust with info but it is perfect for riding offroad plus it controls my bluetooth headlight and taillight. Now only if GMBN and Garmin were giving one away as I'm in the market for a 520 Plus. My current 520's battery only lasts for around 6 hours (it's 4 years old). I'm fully ingrained in the Garmin ecosystem. I also own a Forerunner 230 and 920xt for running and Duathlons.
One thing you missed, the price. For example, that edge 1030 is about the price of a new bike for me, so the budget also plays a big role in buying a GPS device.
For training, smartwatch/Fitbit/etc and the smaller the better, less of a target for crashes. If you plan a multiple-day ride off-road, an old Garmin etrex (any version: 20, 30, etc) is fine; it uses AA batteries that last for days, and compared to these new GPS units with touch screens, an old etrex is much more durable. I've had an etrex fly off my bike and tumble down a mountain cliff with barely a scratch and worked for three days on the lowest battery setting, while my friend's newer touchscreen GPS died the first day of our month-long trip. And good luck trying to get a touchscreen working after a crash.
I'd like to see some in-depth videos showing how to use these for navigation, from finding/ creating/ loading routes to using them out in the mud and rain, while wearing gloves etc - I really don't care about the other features! FWIW I currently use a phone with Locus Map pro which works pretty well, but would prefer a purpose built device, with longer battery life, tactile buttons etc.
You keep saying Fenix 5 - but the box says Fenix 5 PLUS - its two difference watches with a big difference in features. Garmin Fenix 5 does not have music/spotify/wifi/wallet/maps - The PLUS version does :)
I'm a bit of a Garmin geek I'm afraid, I have the 1030 on my road bike with the vario radar and Vector 3 pedals, I use my Fenix 5 on the mountain bike and I also have the front light which I switch between both bikes.The light is really good when used with the computer as it adjusts brightness based on speed. I might need help 😂
I've got a Garmin Vivofit HR watch, but since I its no competition for my Wahoo Elemnt Bolt. That thing is the business, especially paired with Komoot and Strava.
I have an old Garmin edge 200 Works like a charm. Has breadcrumb gpx navigation and records (probably for days on end). Also didn't break the bank. If I forget mine I turn on strava on my phone.
Why is it that when a company becomes a partner of a well liked RU-vid channel they stop all testing and reviews of competitors? Garmin is a monopoly and they buy market share with sponsorship! Very disappointed GMBN!
For me it's the Garmin Edge 1000 I use it for MTB and Road, great piece of kit. Used it in all weathers all terrain and never had a problem. The limitations are probably me.....
In missing outdoor device etrex/gpsmap/... They have separate batteries. Empty pop in New and you good to go fore 15u. Ideaal fore bikepakking ,24hrs race etc
Is it possible to see the heart rate of your watch on the gps computer? When you have both and you start an activity on the gps, will everything be synced in the garmin connect app?
How about a small Garmin handheld. Like a Oregon 650 or 700. Similar size & if you have maps loaded it can guide your around city, cycle path maps, off road, todos etc.
I use a Garmin edge 130 MIP display...no others gps has that resolution (303 x 230)I don’t care if it is black and white...any can’t match day or night visibility.
Neil u said garmin edge 1030 is the most expencive, but the fenix 5 plus is more expencive product there. I use a garmin fenix 5 for mtb and garmin edge 1000 on road bike, both are very good
I use the older Garmin Edge 520. Mine doesn't do the V02 Max or Cycle Map. The V02 Max doesn't bother me. If I went for the Edge 520 Plus the I may use Cycle Map. I use mine on a older Garmin Out Front mount. If mine came off the mount I would still have it. As I use the included lanyard and loop it around the brake line. I am looking to get a Garmin watch to record other activities and in case I leave my computer at home or lose it. I just use it record my rides. Then upload to Garmin Connect which is synced to Strava.
I've got tom tom watch with heartrate monitor and gps, that works well for tracking my rides and a basic route map. I pull out my phone with komoot if i need a more detailed map
I had a Garmin Edge 800 but it got stolen while I was in Chatel, replaced it with an Edge 810 with the insurance money and it's been great. Done a few 80 mile + epics with it, even have a cable to connect it to my Exposure lights and use them as a battery pack. I've also got a really old Edge 200 that I use for commuting and that refuses to die, must be over 5 years old now and the only way you'd know is the battery doesn't last as long as it used to. My friends have had a few of the newer Garmin GPS units and they've had a few issue with them, mainly random crashing mid-ride and the touchscreens not working in the wet. Most have now switched to Wahoo and I most probably will when I decide to upgrade (or the 800 dies). Sadly Garmin have a habit of having one good product cycle followed by a bad one and I think this current one is a bad one.
I have a Garmin Edge 705 which I have had for years. The TOPO map that came with it isn't particular good and the small screen size doesn't help either. The original battery only lasted 3 years but I bought a new one off the internet and fitted it myself. That's been going for 5 years without a problem. The unit is extremely tough - has survived multiple crashes and two washes in a washing machine (still had to dry it out though). The 'get me back to my start point' feature has been useful on more than one occasion. Didn't find it so good for navigating but very good for recording all my trips and heart rate monitoring. Living in the the Czech Republic I now use Mapy.cz on my Samsung phone. Excellent maps (free) and pretty good for navigation. However not good in a crash (broken screen can testify to that) and have to hide it in inclement weather. As I use the phone and Garmin nav in tandem I don't feel inclined towards anything new. Strava et al has no interest for me. I just want to ride.
@Ikreisrond As I have got older my eyesiht has got worse and find the Garmin screen too small. I prefer to use my phone for the maps and the Garmin for recording the trip.
FYI at beta firmware 4.19 the pop up turn notification is not working.....the distance to the turn will not change. I've missed a few turns on my rides because i thought the turn was still far away.
in a case of a crash ,isn't a watch just as much prone to get damaged as the bar mounted unit? also, after a whole day of riding your wrist will get tired, no matter which strap you're gonna use - these watches are quite heavy!
Consider it the rally car driving of the biking world. Expert races are 3-6 stages (essentially dh races from 3-15 minutes), with liaisons of 2000+/- meters of climbing, 30-50 km distance.
I had been using an edge 820 but unfortunately I lost the bloody thing! So disappointed. Got to try and save for a new one now. Just need to decide what to do. Computer or watch!
Started with the Garmin 820. Difficult to see map as I need reading glasses. Incident report doesn’t work if no cell service. Lasted a year and had to send back They sent me a refurbished and said it was covered for the remaining warranty. Unfortunately warranty was up at a year. Have a Garmin watch now and use it all the time. Pretty accurate. Garmin Forerunner 935. Just got a Garmin mini in reach. I ride in areas where there is no cell service so this works by satellite. So good for emergencies. It is very small and keep in my pocket. Can send preset texts. Can send other texts but like the old cell phones you have to scroll through and takes awhile. They do make bigger ones with maps if you are really going into the wilderness. Of course you have to pay extra for satellite service for these devices but worth it if you ride remotely.Love tech stuff.
Garmin VivoActive 3, no need for a Fenix 5 for me. I only use it for GPS tracker, and connect to Strava and record my tracks, and need stopwatch and timer. All the rest I consider junk (like music etc, I cannot fit any earphones wearing my full face helmet so yeah......
What are the maps like? I use O.S. maps to plot routes and the 25,000 have lots of detail, tracks, paths, bridleways etc. Can this unit use OS mapping? Is the screen transflective? Visible in bright sun? Can gpx format files be loaded into it and not only by bluetooth but also directly via usb?
If you record your ride on the watch to get your heart rate etc, and use the computer to direct you on the same ride, Q1) will the two recordings show up separately on Garmin Connect? Q2) If they do, are you able to sync them together if you wanted?
A1) yes A2) no A better course of action would be to check your watch's options for 'broadcasting HR', so your computer can record the HR data directly from the watch. That said, optical wrist HR sensors usually perform pretty poorly when it comes to MTB, so using a chest strap HRM would be better again.
Neil can you save routes you've followed with those devices and then upload them online so we can download them as GPX files and follow the routes ourselves?
I bought myself a Garmin Edge Explore some time ago...and I'm absolutely NOT happy with it. I didn't know anything about navigation...didn't know that the Explore only uses the GPS satellites...not Glonass, not Beidou, not Galileo etc... resulting in the fact that I'm loosing the signal regularly in the woods. Currently swapped to using my phone (Xiaomi Mi 8). What a relief. This phone supports "Dual frequency GNSS" and GLONAS, BEIDOU,GALILEO,QZSS .Signal is much much better,and I'm not loosing signal anymore. I'm quiet surprised that a company that is specialized in navigation sells such rubbish.
I’ve a Garmin edge 520 and I like it when it works. It doesn’t always start recording when I’ve selected start...I could be well into my ride before I notice it asks if I’m riding as it’s detected movement. Well yeah I riding-I turned it on and selected to ride. It also doesn’t always keep to the trail when recording my route. I do like the incident detection feature-I feel safer on my solo MTB rides. I’m considering a switch to wahoo element-any one use it/opinions?
Hey! I need help. I don't care about train parameters, i just want a first GPS no navigate maps, import GPX tracks, good screen size and go for trails in my MTB. What was your advice? Edge 520 Plus, Edge 530 or Edge Explore? I'm just a weekend rider. Many thanks
