Garmin Edge 540 Cycling Computer Review

The Garmin Edge 540 Cycling Computer is a top-of-the-line yet affordable solution designed for recording bike rides, collecting fitness data, and aiding in route selection. Its cost-effective nature makes it a smart investment for cyclists of all levels.

This review highlights the cycling computer’s features, user experience, and performance. It is based on my first-hand experience using the device during several bike rides.

The Garmin Edge 540 cycling computer is not only a great cycling computer for cyclists looking to see their ride data and customize their routes, but it’s also a great cycling computer for beginner and unseasoned cyclists looking for a better solution than simply using Strava on their smartwatches.

This article uses affiliate links. These links will not impact your price but I will earn a commission for each sale that is made.

Garmin Edge 540 Cycling Computer: First Impressions

I ordered the Garmin Edge 540 cycling computer through REI because I had accumulated REI gift cards and points through previous purchases. I bought the bundle, which included additional sensors and mounts.

It cost around $450 total, but after using my gift cards and points, I got it for around $300. If you can use points and gift cards to get it cheaper, I recommend doing that.

The packaging was decent, and everything was secure when it came to me. In the box was the computer, three different mounts, including one handlebar mount and a few band-clasping mounts. The sensors for heart rate, cadence, and speed were included with my bundle. These sensors are crucial for tracking your performance and ensuring a safe and efficient ride. Charging cords were also included. Warranty, safety, and manuals were included, too.

The overall quality and design of the appearance of the Garmin Edge 540 cycling computer were satisfying. The unit appears to be very durable and lightweight. The design looked easy to use, too. It’s black in color and is around half the size of a standard smartphone.

Upon holding the device and sensors, I could tell they were going to last a long time and be able to remain on the bike even in the most rugged cycling conditions.

Setup and User Interface

The setup process for the Garmin Edge 540 cycling computer is remarkably straightforward. Pairing the device with the Garmin Connect app, installing and syncing the sensors, and enabling Bluetooth is a quick and painless task, providing a hassle-free user experience.

The walkthrough interface for setting up the device was also easy. The directions are simple and failsafe, and they also help you learn what buttons to press during live operation.

You can customize the device to your liking, including how the map appears on it, the display settings, and the route settings.

See the full technical specifications and feature list from the Garmin Edge 540 Cycling Computer website.

Display and Navigation

The display resolution is 246 x 322 pixels and is 2.6 inches in size. When I started using the device, the backlight was turned down a little, and I found it hard to read. Once I turned the backlight all the way up and at its brightest, I had no more issues reading the information on the screen.

The color and sharpness of the display are great. The speed of the data loading is probably about average, though I did notice some delays here and there, but not enough for it to be that much of an issue.

You can sync the device into many different applications, such as Strava and Komoot. I use Strava myself. However, I have noticed that it doesn’t immediately sync into Strava after every ride. It usually takes a few minutes to sync into Strava.

The real-time rerouting and calculation process is a feature I don’t use much, but I have found it to be quick, efficient, and helpful when trying to stay on my desired route.

Performance and Accuracy

I’ve used the Garmin Edge 540 cycling computer for gravel biking on a rail trail and mountain biking on a singletrack trail in the middle of a National Forest. The GPS tracking has been fairly accurate.

I purchased the computer with the bundle. It came with a heart rate monitor, speed sensor, and cadence sensor. I’ve found all the sensors to be fairly accurate. I didn’t use the sensors while mountain biking and I still found the data just from the computer to be very accurate compared to other recording sources I’ve used in the past.

I love the elevation feature of the computer. Being able to see the grade I am riding on really helps me decide how to respond and perform better. I found that the elevation tracking is on point and accurate.

I have a Garmin smartwatch. It’s an older model, and while it does really well, this computer definitely outperforms it with all of its additional features. These additional features include [insert specific features and their benefits].

Training and Workout Features

The Garmin Edge 540 comes with a variety of preloaded workouts, making it easy to follow a structured plan without needing third-party apps. With interval training capabilities, cyclists can set up personalized high-intensity routines to maximize efficiency. Additionally, the device allows for custom workout creation, so you can tailor sessions precisely to your goals and fitness level.

This cycling computer provides detailed metrics, including VO2 max, training load, and recovery time, giving you a comprehensive view of your fitness. With these insights, cyclists can monitor progress and adjust their training for optimal performance. These metrics are particularly useful for tracking cardiovascular fitness and ensuring balanced workloads.

Garmin’s ClimbPro feature automatically shows the gradient and remaining elevation for upcoming climbs, helping cyclists pace themselves on challenging routes. This feature provides real-time elevation insights, enabling smoother pacing and energy management on climbs, making it an invaluable tool for hilly rides and mountain courses.

The Edge 540 supports structured training plans, including synchronization with platforms like TrainerRoad, making it easier to follow a consistent regimen. With seamless syncing, your device automatically updates workouts and tracks performance, allowing you to stay on track with your plan wherever you ride.

Garmin’s Edge 540 is designed to help cyclists improve their fitness by tracking essential data, from daily metrics to advanced performance insights. With goal setting, personalized feedback, and detailed summaries, it supports continuous improvement by encouraging riders to progress in manageable increments, providing a motivating approach to fitness development.

Battery Life and Charging

The Garmin Edge 540 boasts an impressive battery life, providing peace of mind for long rides. Even with all features active and the backlight at maximum, the device can last for an extended period, ensuring it won’t run out of power when you need it most.

It takes about an hour to two hours to fully charge. I have an Apple Watch that I used to use for recording my bike rides. I could only use it for one ride, and then I would immediately have to charge it, or it would die. This is even after I’ve taken almost everything off the watch. Garmin beats Apple any day!

I didn’t get the solar edition, but I hear it will help add some additional charge to it. My thinking is if I use it for bikepacking, I’d just bring a battery pack and charging cord (same cord as my GoPro) and do it that way. I’ll have a charging pack with me, regardless.

Smart Features and Connectivity

The cycling computer will alert me when I get a text message or a call on my phone. It’s connected through Garmin Connect on my phone. You can press a button to ignore the alerts. I honestly didn’t know it did that until I was using it on a ride.

I also like how it alerts me when I’m nearing a road with a lot of traffic. It alerts me with both a message and a sound, which I feel is a very nice safety feature.

I do have issues with the Strava integration. It integrates seamlessly with Strava. However, it takes a while before it transfers the data over to Strava. It sometimes takes almost a half hour. I’m not sure if I am doing something wrong or if that is normal.

Garmin Edge 540 Cycling Computer Durability and Waterproofing

The Garmin Edge 540 cycling computer holds up to wet weather very nicely. I decided against getting the touchscreen version because I’ve heard it can mess up when it’s wet. I sweat on my rides, so my fingers are often wet, and that’s what I was afraid of.

That computer seems very durable. I’m sure it wouldn’t survive being run over, but in terms of falling off my bike, I’m sure it would be just fine.

Price and Value of Garmin Edge 540 Cycling Computer

The unit alone is about $350, which is very affordable to me. If you want to get the bundle, you’ll be paying about $100 more. The solar unit is around $400 for just the unit. Add $100 extra if you want the touchscreen version (Edge 840) of this computer.

When you compare the Garmin Edge 540 cycling computer to other cycling computers, you’ll pay around the same amount for its competitors. However, I did find that Wahoo charges at least $50 more than Garmin.

The computer’s features and benefits were worth the price I paid. I did use some coupon codes, though.

Pros and Cons of the Garmin Edge 540 Cycling Computer

The pros and cons of the Garmin Edge 540 cycling computer are as follows:

PROS

• Customization and built-in training events
• Ability to get other sensors and integrate them in
• Ability to integrate it into my phone and Strava
• Elevation gain tracking
• Fitness device features

CONS

• It is not as beginner-friendly to learn how to use
• Kind of pricey

As you can see, at least for me, the pros outweigh the cons. In fact, the cons are more a personal dislike more than anything else.

Final Verdict

The Garmin Edge 540 cycling computer was a great choice. It would be a great choice for any type of cyclist, from new to advanced.

I like it more than my previous Garmin watch, and I like it especially more than what my Apple watch has been able to do for fitness tracking.

It’s been one of the better cycling-related purchases I’ve made in a long time, aside from my gravel bike.

Garmin Edge 540 Cycling Computer Final Thoughts

If you’ve used the Garmin Edge 540 cycling computer, comment below and tell me what you think about it and if you have any tips for me.

If you’re interested in buying this computer, consider using my affiliate link here. It doesn’t impact your price, but I’ll earn a commission for every sale.

If you’re interested, please check out Bike Southern Illinois, my local cycling forum. It’s free to join, and there are no ads.

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