I love it! The only struggles for me are things I just need to learn to do. Like import routes from strava, and to turn off certain notifications. Like segments and KOM alerts.
I was a little reluctant to purchase the Garmin 840 because of all the reviews that said how complicated it was to use and understand. But when you look at all the bike GPS units on the market it is hands down the best unit out there. The battery life is outstanding, the ability to set up the data screen in an infinite amount of configurations, tge elevation profile while climbing, and the GPS maps are all outstanding. There is a learning curve, but with any electronic product with so many different features that is to be expected. There are plenty of videos on the 840 as well as the online users manual, which I downloaded. I opted to go with a non solar charge model as I wanted the brightest display that I could get as I have enough trouble trying to look at and read the screen on GPS units. If you’re on the fence of whether to get the Garmin 840, just ask yourself if it’s worth some extra time to really learn the unit. If you want a unit that you don’t want to customize, and has a simple screen layout, then the Garmin might not be for you.
Love the size, customability, graphics, and tie in to my Garmin watch & app. But, due to the excellent navigation, it drains the battery. I ride about 2-4 hours per day, 6x per week and sometimes in sub 40°F weather. I feel like I should charge up the device daily. Buying the Solar version would give me a little peace of mind, knowing that if I forgot to charge, the Sun will at least save my ride record until I get home. The takeaway: if you ride daily or long, think about the Solar...you don't want to miss a PR or a KOM!
I've only had this a few weeks but I find it really quirky. To be more clear, it's as if it was designed by a team but no one on the team ever talked to anyone else on the team. The user interface is inconsistent - the menu icon pops up in different places as does the "check mark" and "X" for accept and exit.
It has an "incident" function that can call for help if you crash. It uses any type of phone but won't use Garmin's own "InReach" satellite communicator. Cell phones don't work everywhere, the InReach can. If only the two units could talk to each other.
My initial stumbling block was, in the manual it has an illustration of a large right arrow that it says you should press to start the unit. When you turn on the device, an identical right arrow appears on the screen but pressing it does nothing. You have to press a physical button on the lower right corner of the 840. Bizarre. Did no one ever give the unit and a manual to a new user have them try it out?
So far, I've found it most useful if I turn off all the "gee whiz" flashy features and just let it display the map and the Vario radar data. Keep it simple. I just need the basics while on the bike, I can save all the geeky data for after the ride.
Response from GarminBy Cecil with Garmin, Fitness, September 30, 2023
Thank you for posting a review we appreciate the feedback and would encourage you to reach out to our team so that we can more details from you and offer further assistance.
Please reach out to our team at: product.support@garmin.com