Do you often use your bike for venturing into unknown territories? Often use your phone for directions in the middle of a journey? Want to track your overall riding progress for training purposes?
Want something that functions similar to a car’s dashboard for your bike? If the answer to any two of these questions is yes, then you are probably looking for a bike computer.
Well, we have brought you this Garmin GPS computer comparison of ten in detail! You sure have heard about Garmin, right?
Go through the best ones that your money can buy right now.
Garmin GPS Computer Comparison 2020
Last update on 2020-08-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Picks of Garmin Bike Computer Reviews
Among all the variants that are available in the market right now, you will find many that are somewhat functional and some that are incredibly functional.
For your convenience, we have handpicked the ones that are in the category of being extremely functional. These are:
Garmin Edge 530
Are you looking for a cycle computer that has a precise GPS mapping capability? Looking for a device that comes packed with features? Then the Edge 530 is the one that you were looking for all this time.
This device comes packed with accurate GPS monitoring functionality with proper mapping.
With the intuitive interface, you will be able to venture through unknown areas without any hassles at all.
The device is extremely versatile. You can pair this with a Vector power meter.
After being connected to Aftermarket ANT+ supported meters, it will display all the power data seamlessly. You can also connect it with a plethora of compatible sensors.
Except pairing to any other external ones, the device will provide you the dynamic monitoring functionality that will give your altitude acclimation, heat, hydration level, training balance, VO2 max level, nutrition insights.
It even includes plenty of bike safety features. You can pair this device up with rearview lights and radar to increase your overall safety on the roads.
Besides that, it includes an anti-lost alarm, ability to group text among paired devices, emergency assistance, and tracking features.
The mountainous biking model includes integrated trail data, which means you will be able to see the difficulty level and get all the directional information of the track.
It even comes with a feature named as Garmin Cycle Map, which has all the popular routes listed around you.
You can increase the overall functionality with free apps from the IQ store and install widgets, data management apps, and more.
With the MTB dynamics function, you can challenge yourself with your past performance records.
The device can stay up for 20 hours with the GPS on, and with the power pack, you can get an extra 20 hours out of it.
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Garmin Edge 830
Are you looking for a bike computer that has a smooth touchscreen UI? Looking for a device with which you can get the exact direction towards the location you want to ride?
Then the Edge 830 is the one that you were looking for all this time. GPS mapping has never been this easy.
With the touchscreen capability, you can pinpoint the exact direction you want to head to, and the device will show you the shortest path.
You will not have to make unnecessary stops in the middle of the journey anymore.
If you are health conscious, this device will let you monitor different crucial factors easily.
With this, you can get accurate insights about your hydration, focus, altitude acclimation, overall heat produced, nutrition, and more overall body stats by attaching supported sensors.
You can not only monitor your health, but you can also monitor your bike with this device.
It comes with a security feature such as a bike alarm, that will buzz loud when triggered.
You can even track the location with your smartphone in case your bike gets stolen or lost.
With multiple devices paired together, you can even do group messaging. After connecting it with a supported smartphone, you can install rearview lights with radar so that you can ensure your utmost safety on the road.
You can browse through multiple cycling routes around you with the built-in app.
This feature will let you plan an adventure in the unknown territory without any possibility of getting lost in the way.
With the IQ store, you can increase the overall functionality by installing more featured apps and widgets.
ANT+ and BLE sensors are also supported. It has a battery life of 20 hours, which can be extended to 40 hours with a power pack.
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Related Guide: Garmin Edge 820 vs 520
Garmin Edge 130
Not all of us will prefer all the feature-packed cycling computers that are available in the market.
So, if you are the person who is looking for a simple device that only has basic features, then the Edge 130 might be the perfect one for you.
The device is as simple as a bike computer can ever be. It comes with a 1.8″ inch mono-color display that is easily visible under direct sunlight or dim lighting conditions.
The texts are clear and crisp. You will not have any problems with visibility.
It comes with a rugged body as well, which means it will be able to handle some drops comfortably.
You can connect different cycling accessories with the device. By installing smart lights and rearview radars, you will be able to increase your overall road safety.
The device has efficient GPS and GLONASS receivers built-in. You will be able to get the accurate stats over your distance covered, speed of the session, and the altitude you have climbed in the past sessions.
With the navigating feature built-in, you will be able to get exact directions back to the destination you started riding from.
It will also give you turn prompts on the way. You can even venture through online community courses as well. It also has a feature that will let you race with people in the Strava Live Segments.
Depending on how much load you put on the device, it can last for up to fifteen hours after a full charge.
Overall, this is an excellent compact device that is very straightforward and easy to use.
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Garmin Edge 1030
Are you looking for a device that has an advanced training app built-in? Are you a competitive rider who is always looking to overcome the limits?
Then the Edge 1030 is the one that you should get without any doubts.
Having an advanced training function built-in to your bike computer will let you progress efficiently and will allow you to push your limits gradually.
This device comes preloaded with the Strava training peak feature, which will set new goals for you every day.
It comes with a large 3.5″ colorful display that has full touch functionality. With the IQ store, you can install free apps to increase the overall features further.
The installed Garmin map app will provide you precise directions to the destination you want to reach. It will also give new navigation alerts throughout the ride.
The new group messaging app will let you stay connected with your cycling friends while riding on different routes together.
It even suggests preloaded texts so that you can quickly send basics texts on the go.
This device can be attached with flush mounts, which will keep your device secure on the handlebar.
It is also compatible with smart bike lights that will work as an indicator and rearview radar for increasing your overall safety on the roads.
With the built-in safety mechanism, you can stay worry-free in case of any significant accidents.
The device will automatically send information about your whereabouts to an emergency contact in such scenarios.
You can expect the device to keep running for up to 20 hours after charging it.
The battery life can also be extended by connecting a battery pack with the device. With that, you will get an even prolonged battery life.
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Garmin Edge 520 Plus
While you are out for an adventure with your two-wheeler, it is quite a hassle to pop up your smartphone every time to get directions.
A small device that has advanced navigation capability and can be mounted on your handle is undoubtedly convenient.
With the Edge 520 plus, you will be able to enjoy that convenience and even more.
It comes with a Garmin app that offers precise sequential direction to your preferred destination.
With that app, you can also see other riders around your location. It is a complete biker’s social hub.
If you are competitive, you are surely going to love the Strava Live Segment that will allow you to compete with your previous stats.
With this, you can improve your overall progress and push your limits a little more. You can even compete with your friend’s record as well.
This device features a safety mechanism that will let your emergency contact know your location automatically if an incident occurs on the road.
Also, by connecting to a compatible smartphone, you will receive notifications and can even send texts to your rider buddies.
You can keep track of your health tracks with the monitoring app built-in. With that, you can monitor your heart rate, hydration level, VO2 max level, and the recovery rate in each of your sessions.
It has a preloaded app that will let you know what changes in power, drag, and weight are required to excel with your bike on your big race day. Utilizing that, you will be able to plan your overall strategy to win.
Moreover, it can continuously function for up to fifteen hours, depending on the workload.
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Garmin Edge 520
Love cycling out in the rain but afraid about attaching any electrical device on your handle? You will not have to worry anymore.
This bike computer has water protection of IPX7, which will let you go for muddy adventures without any hassle at all.
The device comes with a high-resolution 2.3 inches color display that will output vivid and crisp texts.
Even with the compact body, the screen seems relatively large due to the larger screen to body ratio. It is visible at any given lighting condition.
You can easily connect with ANT+ devices for seamless transfer of data and control features.
By pairing it to a power meter, you will be able to expand the overall features.
You can track your FTP, cycling dynamics, heart rate, VO2 max level, recovery time, and then you can compare your stats with other bikers.
After pairing with a compatible phone and installing the Garmin Connect app, you will be able to see live tracking, get alerts, share media, get auto weather updates, and sync data throughout the devices.
You can even compete with your stats to push your limit even further. This device is a complete cycler’s social hub.
It comes with safety features as well. You can LiveTrack your bike if it gets lost or stolen. The device comes with GPS functionality as well.
With the information saved in the cloud, you can get the route information about the track you chose to ride. You can even get directions to your preferred location.
Depending on the overall workload, the device can stay on for up to 15 hours. Overall, the compact and rugged design makes this device a perfect traveling companion.
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Garmin Edge 25
Are you looking for a bike computer that is simple and straightforward? Looking for a device that has a small footprint and can track all your stats? Then the Edge 25 is the one that you are looking for all this time.
This small little device has a mono-color 0.9-inch display. It only weighs 25 grams.
The body is waterproof as well, which means you can set it up on your handle and venture on rainy days without having to worry too much.
With the GPS and GLONASS compatibility, you will be able to know about your location quickly. This feature will also track your overall distance covered, your speed stats, and your most ridden areas.
You can seamlessly connect the device to your smartphone. After pairing and installing the Garmin Connect app, you will be able to share your stats, ride details to your friends and family. You can also track your training in real-time and share it on social media.
As the device is ANT+ compatible, you can connect the device with a heart rate monitor, speed sensor, cadence sensor, and many more.
With this, you will be able to increase the overall functionality of your device further.
The Garmin Connect™ will allow you to download tracks and scrutinize personal post-ride stats. So, you can improve your overall performance and push your limits more.
As the device uses power-efficient GPS and GLONASS receivers, it can stay on for up to 8 hours.
You will be able to go for a moderately long adventure into the unknown with this on your handlebar without having to worry about it dying on the way.
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Garmin Edge Explore Bike Computer
Having a cycle computer that shows the sequential direction of the routes is undoubtedly a bliss.
But, having a device that can do the same in the rain is convenience taken to the next level. The Edge Explore is the device that we are talking about here.
This device comes featured with a 3-inch high-resolution touch screen. It is bright enough to provide proper visibility, even under harsh sunlight.
The texts are crisp, clear, and the screen is incredibly responsive. You can navigate through the screen even after wearing gloves.
With the included Garmin Map, you will be able to set a location and get sequential navigation throughout your entire ride.
You will also be able to browse through popular route lists, which will show you tracks taken by the majority of riders.
It will even give show you a direction to get back to the starting if you decide to head back while being on the route.
The device is compatible with a plethora of road awareness devices. You can pair smart lights and rearview radar to increase your overall road safety.
It also has some safety features built-in. In case of any incident, it will automatically send your location to an emergency contact.
You can expand the overall features by pairing the device up with your smartphone.
After installing the app, you will able to send quick messages to your rider buddies. It will also let you track their progress and overall stats.
Depending on how much workload it is handling, it can last for up to 12 hours after a full charge.
You can extend the overall battery life by attaching the powerpack. With that, you will get an additional 20 hours of screen on time.
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Garmin Edge Explore 1000
Looking for an adequate bike computer for touring? A device that has a large touchscreen along with optional navigation buttons on the front?
Well, the Edge Explore 100 is the one that you were looking for all this time.
The device comes featured it a large three-inch display, which has a high touch response. You can navigate through the UI even after wearing a glove.
It adjusts brightness automatically as it comes with a light sensor installed. The screen has excellent visibility under direct sunlight.
It comes with safety features as well. In case of any incidents, the device will automatically send your location information to an emergency contact within thirty seconds.
With the precise GPS receiver, you will be able to input a location, and the device will show you step by step directions to the exact location.
After inputting your desired point, you will get three round-trip options to get to the place.
The Garmin Cycle Map app will allow you to see on-road and off-road routes, and you will be able to browse from community routes as well.It is compatible with multiple cycle accessories.
You can pair up smart bike lights and rearview radar to enhance your overall road safety on the roads.
After connecting the device with your smartphone, you will get smart notifications such as calls and texts on the device.
It also supports quick text feature that will allow you to send short texts in just one tap.
The LiveTrack will let your family and friends get information about your ride in real-time.
It sports a battery life of up to 15 hours, and the whole unit is IPX7 protected.
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Garmin Edge 820
We are ending our Garmin bike computer reviews with this compact device. The Edge 820 might be the last in order, but not in features.
This small little device is equally capable and has most of the functionalities as the later in our list.
The computer comes packed with a high-resolution 2.3-inch touchscreen display. It has a great color output and excellent touch response.
As it comes with an ambient light sensor, it will adjust the brightness depending on the overall light around you.
With the GroupTrack feature, you will be able to see all your friends and family connected with the device on the map.
For this feature, you will not have to worry about getting separated while you are on a group trip.
As the device is compatible with ANT+, you will be able to measure your health stats easily.
With this, you will be able to measure your heart rate, cadence level, speed, and many more.
You can also pair the device up with several other sensors as well. After that, you will able to gain close insights into your physiological stats.
The VO2 max recovery sensor will scrutinize your overall performance and will advise you on the time of break you should take in between trips.
With the GPS functionality, you can rely on the device to give you directions in the unknown locations.
The Garmin Cycle Map app will guide you to your preferred location by giving your turn by turn directions throughout the entire trip.
You can expand the overall functionality by installing apps from the IQ store.
The unit has a battery life of up to 15 hours, and the body has an IPX7 level of protection.
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Features to Look for Before Buying Garmin Computer
Among all the devices available in the market, we have elaborately described the ones that are unique in the Garmin cycling computer comparison segment.
But, before you head out to buy one, there are some factors that you should keep in mind. These are:
The Screen
The screen is the most vital component for cycling computers. It is where all the information is going to be displayed.
For that reason, a device that has a clear and bright screen will be the most convenient.
So, when you are out in the market looking for a bike computer, factor the screen as your priority.
Sensor Compatibility
A device that can pair with multiple devices is future-proofed to an extent. They will let you expand the overall features of the computer.
Besides, there might be scenarios where connecting to some accessories such as smart lights, and rearview radar might be essential for you.
For that reason, go for the one that is compatible with multiple devices.
Design
The overall footprint of the device is also a crucial factor. A lightweight and compact device will be much easier to maneuver while you are on a trip. That is why you should factor in the design of the computer as well.
Precise Measuring Capability
As a bike computer is your trusted companion for riding, it should be able to measure all your stats precisely.
Without that, you will not be able to scrutinize your overall progress, and neither you will know in which category you have work on yourself for improving.
GPS
One of the main reasons behind getting a cycle computer is to get easy directions.
In that case, a device that has an accurate mapping and gives turn by turn navigation will make your journey much more comfortable. So, you have to factor in the proper mapping function as well.
Battery Life
The battery life depends on the overall workload you put on the device. But, if you require something that will stay up in the long adventures, go for the ones that have large battery capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best position to attach the computer on my bicycle?
The device should be attached to a position where you can get a glimpse of the screen comfortably. For that reason, the best place to mount the device would be on the handlebar.
How can I mount the device on the handlebar?
There are multiple flush mount accessories available in the market. You have to attach one to your handlebar and then safely secure your device on it. If you can not find a mounting device that can hold your device correctly, you can look for mounts from Garmin directly.
Does the device require any maintenance?
Most of the bike computers from Garmin comes with some protection against dust and water. For that reason, these computers require minimal maintenance. You can wipe the body clean with a cloth every once in a while if you want to.
Can I extend the battery life of my device?
With the powerpack offered by Garmin, you can extend the overall battery life of your computer if it is compatible.
My device is malfunctioning. What can I do?
First, restart the device, then check if any firmware updates are available or not. If the problem persists, contact the support team and follow the instructions carefully.
Final Words
In this article about Garmin bicycle computer comparison, we have gone through the devices that have features that are useful for your day to day cycling.
After going through all of them, we hope that you will find the one that suits you the most. We would like to end it here by wishing you good luck and hoping for your utmost safety on the road.