Customer Reviews for Garmin - Edge 540 2.6" GPS Bike Computer - Black
Customer Rating
5
on September 1, 2024
Posted by: Brian D
Other than taking a bit to remember which button does what thing, this cycling computer is great. Has all the functions you want, intuitive displays, and awesome battery life.
Pros : Great price for all of the ride tracking metrics. Battery life is great, 12hr ride and still had over 30% Turn by turn directions on bike paths and some trails (lags sometimes) I still use Trailforks on my phone for trail navigation. Notifications of sharp turns/known hazzards on bike paths/roads. Cons : I upgraded from the 510 due to age and battery life, however navigating with the buttons is really slow and non-intuitive, where the 510 the touchscreen was standard. Once you figure it out what all to click to navigate, it's still slow but you know what to expect. It's 100 more for the touch screen option, seems steep being it was standard on the 510. Syncing with MTB Project to get the trails on the device is still a bit clunky, but is cool once you figure it out.
The buttons and features take a little bit to become familiar with and make me wonder if I should've gone with a touch screen version but purchasing as a bundle is really convenient.
This is a great size for a cycling computer. Not massive like the 1040 but not so small you have to squint to see it. It just has too much going on with the user interface. Not very intuitive or easy to read/see while riding. The actual data screens are very nice and easy to see. This would be more of a tech savvy intermediate to expert rider.
If you're like me, you do t barely look at your computer during a ride. It's just there collecting data. The 540 does that. You can look at it, of course, and it's pretty sweet, but I don't really pay attention to mine. When I do notice it, what I appreciate is that the data screens can be customized to show the stuff you care about, and if you're like me, you limit the number of data fields so the numbers render larger and more readable. I also am annoyed by the touch screens on many newer computers. The 540 is all buttons. What this achieves is that when you do want to adjust something, it's a deliberate action. Not like some rich x teen computers that activate commands when sweat drips on the screen. Buttons since that prob. The 530 is also smallish. Which is you're not going to look at it much, it doesn't need to rival the screen size of your Maxi Phone. Save a few grams with the 540. You shouldn't care about that, either, but the idea just nags at you. So, submit. This jus the computer that's everything you need, and nothing you don't.
I have been a long-time user of Garmin Edge products. The 540 is a great device and a nice upgrade from the 830. I thought I'd prefer the non-touchscreen model, but after some use, I miss the touchscreen. This is my personal preference, though. I'm still more than happy with the unit and can recommend it.