Why We Like The Garmin Edge 540 Bike Computer
The Garmin Edge 540 Bike Computer is an advanced GPS cycling computer for serious cyclists that provides us with everything we need to be our best on the road, trails, gravel, or stationary trainer. Suggested daily workouts and personalized coaching adapt to our ongoing progress when we connect our compatible heart rate monitor or power meter, providing power targets, stamina insights, and current training load. These features are easy to use with reliable button controls, and the Garmin Connect app is even easier to pair and sync our data with our smartphone to share with training features such as Strava or TrainingPeaks.
Details
- An advanced GPS cycling computer for serious cyclists
- Easy-to-use button controls are reliable in any condition
- Suggested daily workouts adapt to our personal progress
- GNSS technology provides enhanced positioning accuracy
- See upcoming and remaining climbs with the ClimbPro ascent planner
- Power guide recommends power targets when paired with a power meter
- Ride maps highlight popular roads, trails, and points of interest
- Garmin Connect app pairs with Strava, TrainingPeaks, and other apps
- Item #GRMF06D
- Housing Material
- silicone
- Clock
- yes
- Wireless
- yes
- Operating System
- Bluetooth, ANT+
- Backlight
- yes
- Water-Resistant
- IPX7
- Battery Type
- Lithium ion cell contained in equipment
- Battery Life
- [demanding use] up to 26 hours, [battery saver mode] up to 42 hours
- Low Battery Indicator
- yes
- Mount Type
- out-front mount, standard mount
- Includes
- Edge 540, out-front mount, standard mount, tether, USB-C cable, documentation
- Dimensions
- 2.3 x 3.4 x 0.8in
- Face Size
- 2.6in diagonal
- Claimed Weight
- 80.3g (2.8oz)
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited
- Activity
- cross-country, enduro, gravel, road cycling, trail
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
4 based on 80 ratings
Review Summary
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageJune 16, 2024
Slow learning curve
Purchased about a month ago thought it had touch screen it doesn’t, the buttons are confusing and y tube videos aren’t great but maybe it’s from the generation I’m in. Anyway I suspect enough trial and error should get me there have to ask others for help who gave it as well and again not clear as they have the touch screen. Example did 142 mile bike ride got it downloaded and then I saved it but I can’t figure out how to review the information, and it doesn’t show up on my Garmin app. Hoping I’ll get use to it.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
June 10, 2024
I like the *lack* of a touchscreen
I've been using Edge computers for quite some time now, starting with the Edge 800. I had always chosen computers with touchscreens because I was of course used to using smartphones. Recently, I decided to replace my aging Edge 1030 (it's been dropped once too many times) and my local bike shop had the 340, the 540, and the 840. I chose the non-touchscreen 540 because I have historically had issues where rain or sweat would mess with my screen layout (yes I know you can lock the screen, but I sometimes forget.) I am happy to report that I really like the menu navigation via buttons on the 540. It does take some getting used to and it's not intuitive (subtract one star here), but once I got the hang of it, I decided it was a good interface.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
June 10, 2024
Worst product I ever owned
Menu navigation has no logic. Buttons have no logic either and are difficult to press. Unusable product.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
June 7, 2024
Sorely disappointed
The Garmin edge that I bought did not include a cable that was capable of charging the device. I had to go out and buy a separate cable for that! In addition, there were absolutely no instructions on how to use the garment edge. The website instructions were virtually useless. I ended up spending hours pressing various buttons until I was able to figure out some rudimentary functions of the edge. For such an expensive piece of equipment this sort of attention to the customer is exceedingly substandard.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 25, 2024
I'm mixed and somewhat disappointed
I'm coming from an Edge 510 that I literally wore out. My first reaction was how horrible the UI has become. First and foremost, there's no easy way to get back to a STARTING place. The online manual is dreadful because there are no pictures to show you what to look for. Too often, they present the order of steps for something, and it's too easy to miss a step because you are looking in the wrong place. The YouTube videos are almost as bad; the people typically go too fast. So, you see, stop, go to your Garmin, and do not see what they showed, so you go back, find where you left off, and go back and forth: it's a mess. As far as performance goes, meh! When I'm riding, my cadence and speed monitors keep flipping out and in, back and forth. Sometimes, I can't get my cadence to link at all. I've called for help, and they sent me the instructions to get some data for them, but the instructions do not work. The guy I talked with had an attitude issue, and it sure sounded like he was wasting his time talking to someone who couldn't figure this out on their own. And while I'm ranting. As I stated, I'm coming from the 510. There are a slew of features in this one that were not in my previous Garmin. I've tried searching for what any of these new features do and why I would want to use them (let alone figure out how to access them), and I find nothing. Would it have been that hard to provide a basic sentence or two about what the various features are for? So, yes, I am very disappointed with my unit.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 22, 2024
will return it
this review is based on my opinion: i started with the Edge 130 and loved it! but at my 48 years of age i needed a bigger screen to read better some of the screens. i got the 540 and guess what!!!! they made the letters smaller! the colors of the screen in certain light conditions make it harder to see the (specially the maps) the screen brightness in AUTO mode is super low!! i need external light from a lamp to see it clearly and if you turn off the auto brightness off your battery will die mid ride. in the 130 was basic (i get it) but you would just open it and go riding, but this new 540 the menus are so intricate that you will need an afternoon to set it up as you like it minor annoyance
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 13, 2024
Great investment!
So happy I got the 540! Very easy to use! Being an older genX, it only took a few days to get the hang of using the app (on my iPhone) and the 540 to find routes. I only gave a 4 star because I’m not able to use my Apple Watch for my heart rate. Other than that, love the 540
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 9, 2024
Tough to beat.
I bought the 540 non solar to replace my Edge 520 not because of a lack of ride metrics but rather, the battery life. With Rally pedals, RTL515, hr, it put too much demand on it and battery life was basically 1 ride. Edge 540 battery is quite strong and addresses the 520 shortcoming well. Besides that, the climb pro is pretty cool and the suggested workouts and other performance bits are pretty good as well. User teething issues were the button sequence isn't identical to 520 and it takes some practice to nail the sequence. Once learned, you're good. Lastly if you're already a Garmin user, the set up could not have been easier.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 8, 2024
Mistake - don't buy
I find the button menu absolutely horrid. Can someone tell Garmin it is 2024 and maybe you should be able to configure your edge 100% from your phone and maybe even start a ride from your phone. It works like a 2010 device
Originally reviewed on Garmin
May 8, 2024
Too small; too difficult
Too difficult to see and use the buttons. I returned it.
Originally reviewed on Garmin
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