Best Garmin

Perazzi · 04-05-2026 10:26PM #1

What are the best garmin to get for my bike mostly used for solo bike rides my old one packed up

Any help will be much appreciated

Seth Brundle · 05-05-2026 09:21AM

Best for what exactly?

I've a 1040 solar. I bought it because I simply couldn't read the figures on my old 520. However, while it is large, that comes with an added weight which puts pressure on the out-front mounts, causing the plastic holder to break.

Functionally, I think it isn't much different to to the other models now so is the increased price justified? I was able to get mine at a massive discount which made the purchase decision easier.

Are you after something basic so you capture the basic metrics? Are you wanting guidance going up hills? Are you wanting to be able to send & receive messages? I think the 1050 is able to facilitate tap payments. So more on what youre after would helpful help you.

Paddy3 · 05-05-2026 09:30AM

First question is what exactly do you use the Garmin for?

Garmin Edge Explore 2 has a reasonable big screen and perfect for navigation and all the basics but for performance/training probably not suitable. I think it can be got for a little over €200.

Regarding the screen size, I have the same issue regarding size but and I now have less on the screen and can change the screen using the Di2 buttons(including Di2 105). You can also but a remote for the Garmin which can change screens as well(If Di2 isn't an option)

Perazzi · 05-05-2026 01:15PM

Thanks for reply it’s just for leisure cycling and will go for garmin explorer 2

MojoMaker · 05-05-2026 05:09PM

You'd also find the Edge 530 for around the same money, maybe less, and it's not a huge jump to the Edge 540 if you think you'll grow into it.

JMcL · 07-05-2026 01:28PM

Edge 5x0/8x0 - are they at 50 now? - I'd say are the sweet spot in terms of cost and functionality. Which one depends on whether you prefer the touch screen on the 800 series. As MojoMaker says, previous generations tend to have decent discounts - I've had a 530 for years now and am very happy with it

G1032 · 09-05-2026 05:58PM

I bought a 540 having previously owned and 500 and after that an Wahoo Bolt.

I only bought the 540 because I have an Instinct 2 watch and thought I'd just stay in the Garmin ecosystem.

I find the 540 so unintuitive to use compared to the Wahoo. But I'll get over that or get used to it but what I can't seem to fix at all is the constant HRM or PM connection dropouts. It's infuriating. Same used to happen with PM with Edge 500 but never a single time did the same PM connection drop with my Wahoo Bolt. Nor did it ever drop with my 5 euro Bluetooth dongle connected to computer. But the Edge 5xx - disaster.

I've tried the last few weeks to fix by turning off Bluetooth on the phone before I go for a ride and it seems to be working but tbh, having to do that on this day and age is pretty much unacceptable on Garmin's part.

Googled and researched the issue extensively and it seems no fix for it yet after years and years of people's complaints..

gn3dr · 11-05-2026 05:00PM

I can't remember now but I believe my 530 is connecting to PM, HRM, lights etc. using Ant+ and not Bluetooth. Worth checking that maybe? As far as I remember you can set the connection type in the settings for each sensor.

JMcL · 12-05-2026 09:25AM

I've generally found ANT+ more reliable that Bt if that's an option (at least for some of the sensors). I did at one stage have to connect my Garmin HRM by Bluetooth, but I think I reverted to ANT

Best Garmin

Answers