Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - Edge 540 2.6" GPS Bike Computer - Black
Average customer rating
4.2
(282 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 282 reviews
5 Stars
170
4 Stars
48
3 Stars
27
2 Stars
16
1 Star
21
Customer Reviews for Garmin - Edge 540 2.6" GPS Bike Computer - Black
Customer Rating
5
Great overall bundle
on March 18, 2025
Posted by: Jakob V
I got this bundle as an upgrade from an older Garmin 520 computer I had. It's been an improvement in every aspect! I elected to get the non-touch screen version. I haven't run into any use cases where I felt I would need the touch screen, but certainly could be a nice feature.
The basic use of the computer is very intuitive and easy to get right into. Easily navigable and customizable data screens for different types of riding. Even now, I'm still learning new functions of the device to better optimize route finding. I love the auto-detection of climbs that navigates to a screen showing the current and upcoming grades so I can better manage my efforts mid-ride.
I also really appreciate the long battery life. I'm able to get through multiple rides per week over several weeks before I need to recharge the device. There is the solar option, but I haven't found the battery life lacking in the standard model with pretty regular use. Solar would however be great if you are planning on multi-day camping excursions mountain biking or bike packing where you might not have access to charging or would need to prioritize a phone charging. The 540 has so far proven pretty durable in weather I've encountered.
Lastly, I haven't had any issues with connecting the bundle devices and integrating with my other Garmin devices. The only knock I have so far is I haven't been able to link the HRM strap to Zwift, so I end up using the bluetooth broadcast mode on my watch. There may be a way to connect-- I'm still working on it.
The basic use of the computer is very intuitive and easy to get right into. Easily navigable and customizable data screens for different types of riding. Even now, I'm still learning new functions of the device to better optimize route finding. I love the auto-detection of climbs that navigates to a screen showing the current and upcoming grades so I can better manage my efforts mid-ride.
I also really appreciate the long battery life. I'm able to get through multiple rides per week over several weeks before I need to recharge the device. There is the solar option, but I haven't found the battery life lacking in the standard model with pretty regular use. Solar would however be great if you are planning on multi-day camping excursions mountain biking or bike packing where you might not have access to charging or would need to prioritize a phone charging. The 540 has so far proven pretty durable in weather I've encountered.
Lastly, I haven't had any issues with connecting the bundle devices and integrating with my other Garmin devices. The only knock I have so far is I haven't been able to link the HRM strap to Zwift, so I end up using the bluetooth broadcast mode on my watch. There may be a way to connect-- I'm still working on it.
Written by a customer while visiting ExpertVoice.com
Customer Rating
2
The Buttons Suck
on March 17, 2025
Posted by: BuyersRemorse
I have buyers remorse on the 540. The buttons are horrible. You have to click them in just the right place/manner, or, you accidentally click one or two other buttons inadvertently because you have to secure the unit to be able to firmly click a button. I switched over from the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt (which had its own issues) but the button setup on the Bolt is WAY easier to use than the Edge 540. I cant count the number of times I inadvertently clicked the Lap button. I'm sure all of the other bells and whistles on the 540 are better than sliced bread, but the button issue is @#**'ing frustrating. I watched a review that said as much, yet I bought the 540 because it was on sale. Now I know why it was on sale.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Edge 540 has Improved Features
on March 5, 2025
Posted by: TJL5
I purchased my Edge 540 a month ago to replace my Edge 530 which was great but was damaged beyond repair in a crash. I think the improved features of the 540 are great. I am completely satisfied with my new Edge 540.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Love it.
on March 3, 2025
Posted by: Cateye
Easy. Lots of info. Color graphs. Glad to have it. Like a cycling partner anytime!
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
2
Maps? We don't need no stinking maps!
on March 2, 2025
Posted by: Silent BoB
I got the Edge 540 for my Pinarello Dogma F/SRAM Red AXS bike, as an upgrade from my Edge 130-Plus. I ride for fitness and got the 540 for its integration with SRAM shifters and the additional fitness tracking features. Maps I don't need. I plan my routes in advance so I always know exactly where I am going. I'm not one of those people who doesn't know how to read a map and needs a computer to tell them where they are or what to expect down the road. I guess if someone is traveling to places unknown and wants a computer to tell them where they are the map features could be useful. But really, they could just learn how to read a paper map and figure out their route that way. Personally, I wish Garmin would make computers for people like me whose main focus is physical fitness and performance. All the added navigation features just bloat up the computer needlessly. Seriously, I think Garmin focuses on navigation because they think all the pretty maps will make their products more attractive to novice riders. But a lot of us serious cyclists don't need or want them.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
3
Okay
on February 27, 2025
Posted by: @quadsofsteel
Bought this to replace a 530 that was on its way out. Some updated features which are okay but some are annoying. Climb pro being one that I find really finicky. The stamina feature is kind of cool. Buttons are a bit clunky although bigger and more pronounced than the 530.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Great starter pack !
on February 23, 2025
Posted by: Jose P
This works great ! I love the simplicity and all the other feature I don’t use lol
Written by a customer while visiting ExpertVoice.com
Customer Rating
4
Good with Some Caveats
on February 17, 2025
Posted by: Reacher
In general, I'm very happy with the device. It interfaces well with my sensors (heart rate, power, Di2, Varia Radar), and provides reliable navigation and recording of rides.
A few points of frustration:
1. The auto brightness setting is way too low for everyday use. This has been reported by several people in the forum, but remains unaddressed.
2. Climbs - I get "Climb Finished" notifications too soon.
3. End of Life for the ConnectIQ RideWithGPS widget - makes it tougher to get routes with cues into the device. The auto-upload of RWGPS pinned routes through Garmin Connect strips cues out. Manually uploading them through the widget retains the cues, but the widget is becoming unreliable, which brings me to item #4.
4. File system - a recent upgrade moved to the MTP file system which means I can no longer drag and drop routes from my MacBook via cable connection without use of a third party app/utility (OpenMTP).
1. The auto brightness setting is way too low for everyday use. This has been reported by several people in the forum, but remains unaddressed.
2. Climbs - I get "Climb Finished" notifications too soon.
3. End of Life for the ConnectIQ RideWithGPS widget - makes it tougher to get routes with cues into the device. The auto-upload of RWGPS pinned routes through Garmin Connect strips cues out. Manually uploading them through the widget retains the cues, but the widget is becoming unreliable, which brings me to item #4.
4. File system - a recent upgrade moved to the MTP file system which means I can no longer drag and drop routes from my MacBook via cable connection without use of a third party app/utility (OpenMTP).
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin