Garmin Edge 540 Solar GPS 2023

Suitability:A+Quality:A+Performance:A+At $400+ it better be good! It costs even more than my Wahoo elemnt bolt 2, just for context.But this has the “edge” over other devices in integration with other Garmin devices. Good for folks with Garmin watches and other gizmos. And finally, it uses USB C!Seller is reliable for me. Received package in about 2 days. YMMV

A good upgrade, but consider other brands too

I upgraded to this from a 10-15 year old head unit, so a big step up. As with all tech hardware these days, it comes with so few instructions that the first months of ownership are spent googling "how to" videos to figure out how to optimise and use it. I specifically wanted to keep buttons, as opposed to selecting a product that was touch screen, but it feels that this has too many buttons. It's fine, but other brands might be better...

Garmin 540 Solar

Excellent upgrade over my old 520. Battery life is excellent and unit is super easy to use as expected from Garmin. However the screen can be difficult to see with certain sunglasses on and in direct sunlight.

Great product

What an amazing upgrade from my edge130 plus. Easy set up as all sensors copied over automatically Garmin Connect. Can't fault the battery life, functionality and colour display.

Love it!

I had read plenty of initial reviews before buying this, and was a little skeptical about going with both the 540 and the solar version. After using it now for about 3 weeks I couldn't be happier. The "long hold" buttons takes a little to get used to, but if you watch any review videos before hand it's not too hard to figure out. The new climb pro feature is awesome, and the old version where it is only initiated with a route loaded is basically more souped up. Giving even more in climb details than before. The solar feature does seem to add battery life, but I suppose you could argue if it's worth the extra $100 or not (I got mine on sale so it made the decision easy for me). Had mine not been on sale I'd have probably been perfectly happy with the non solar ... MoreI had read plenty of initial reviews before buying this, and was a little skeptical about going with both the 540 and the solar version. After using it now for about 3 weeks I couldn't be happier. The "long hold" buttons takes a little to get used to, but if you watch any review videos before hand it's not too hard to figure out. The new climb pro feature is awesome, and the old version where it is only initiated with a route loaded is basically more souped up. Giving even more in climb details than before. The solar feature does seem to add battery life, but I suppose you could argue if it's worth the extra $100 or not (I got mine on sale so it made the decision easy for me). Had mine not been on sale I'd have probably been perfectly happy with the non solar version. It also uploads rides faster than any garmin I've had before. I've had 3 other computers and all would lag on the uploads. This one is super quick and on par with their watches. Highly recommended and super happy with mine.

Man, I'm old

I'm 45 and seriously outdated. I bought my bike from Mike's with the Christmas promotion... what a deal. But, my thought was to use my card to get a bike computer. I have always used a bike computer, never preferred apps or phones, etc. Bike computers just work and they're simple.I personally only use 2 major functions: speed and cadence. I live and die by cadence. For me, I know if I'm overexerting myself early or wearing my legs out with my cadence. This Edge does that no issues. I went with a Wahoo Cadence sensor due to pricing and it works flawlessly.My only complaint with this Edge is how difficult the setup is. Yah, you can use your phone and walk through, blah blah blah. But, when I hit the road, BAM! blue arrow flashing at me at 3 second intervals. ... MoreI'm 45 and seriously outdated. I bought my bike from Mike's with the Christmas promotion... what a deal. But, my thought was to use my card to get a bike computer. I have always used a bike computer, never preferred apps or phones, etc. Bike computers just work and they're simple.I personally only use 2 major functions: speed and cadence. I live and die by cadence. For me, I know if I'm overexerting myself early or wearing my legs out with my cadence. This Edge does that no issues. I went with a Wahoo Cadence sensor due to pricing and it works flawlessly.My only complaint with this Edge is how difficult the setup is. Yah, you can use your phone and walk through, blah blah blah. But, when I hit the road, BAM! blue arrow flashing at me at 3 second intervals. Apparently with all this tech you still have to hit a start button. What is going on in 2024? Anyways, you can change this, but of all the warnings and screens and popups, nothing told me the first time I'd be super peeved because my GPS bike computer needed me to hit a button even though it knew I was riding. It's almost like it was designed to torture the rider.I personally don't give 2 poops about networking, sharing my rides, networking with people on Facebook or interwhatever. This thing is eat up with social networking stuff. So, if you're Gen Z+ you'll love VLOGGING about it or whatever you do.All that aside, it does its job, doesn't drop signal, and has a long battery life. We just need less India programed, Gen Z gobbly goop, networking, social blah blah blah stuff in these computers.

Solar really works

I used this on a 10hr ride on a sunny day and the battery was still at 78%… definitely not a gimmick and really does work. Great improvement on my old 820

Super computer with all the features

Really incredible computer, light weight, solar feature is great for long days out/ bike tours, and the features and functions are excellent, particularly the route mapping and navigation