• Home
  • SUBSCRIBE!
  • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
      • Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus: What’s the Difference?
      • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
      • Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus vs 830 vs 530 Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830: What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs. 130 Plus – Premium vs. Budget Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge 830 vs 820: What’s the Difference?
    • Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer?
      • Which Garmin Edge Bike Computer has the Longest Battery Life?
      • Which Garmin Edge Bike Computer is Best for Mountain Biking?
    • Are Garmin Edge Bike Computers Worth It?
    • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
      • Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt: Which is Better?
      • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
    • 9 Great Upgrades to the Garmin Edge 530
    • 9 New Features in the Garmin Edge 830
    • The New Garmin Enduro Smart Watch – a Good Choice for Cyclists?
  • About
    • Start Here!
    • Contact Us
  • Product Reviews
    • 7 Great Budget Bikes You Can Buy on Amazon in 2023
    • 7 of the Best Budget E-bikes under $1000 for 2023
    • Bike Computer Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers for 2023
      • All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared: Edge 130 Plus vs Explore 2 vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040
      • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
      • Best Bike Computers – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
      • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Cycling Gear Reviews
      • How to Choose the Best Cycling Balaclava
        • 7 of the Best Cycling Balaclavas to Keep Your Head Warm this Winter
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women
        • 7 of the Best Women’s Cycling Jackets – Waterproof and Windproof
        • The Three Different Kinds of Cycling Jackets
        • Showers Pass Elite 2.1 Waterproof Cycling Jacket Review
        • Best Cheap Cycling Jackets under $100
        • Best Windproof Cycling Jackets
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women
        • Showers Pass Rogue Cycling Pants – Review by Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist
        • 3 Regular-Looking Pants that Work Well as Cycling Pants
      • Best Waterproof Cycling Gear for Men and Women
      • 7 of the Best Cycling Jerseys
        • Two of the Best Women’s Cycling Jerseys: Pearl Izumi and Sugoi
      • 7 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets and Dog Carriers
      • Adidas Cycling Glasses – Review after Eight Years of Use
      • The New Garmin Enduro Smart Watch – Is it a Good Choice for Cyclists?
    • Garmin Edge and Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared: Versus Posts!
        • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs. Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
      • Garmin Varia Vision and Varia Rear Light Radar
      • How to Upload Your Bike Rides to Strava While Garmin Connect is Down
    • Bike Pannier Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers
      • Review of the Two Wheel Gear Convertible Pannier/Backpack
      • Best Waterproof Bike Panniers for Touring and Commuting: Ortlieb Bike Panniers
      • Two Wheel Gear Classic 3.0 Garment Pannier for Bike Commuters – Review by Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist
      • Best Commuter/Bike Touring Panniers: Two Wheel Gear Classic 3.0 Garment Pannier Review
    • Bike Light Reviews
      • Complete Guide to Bike Lights
        • Best Budget Bright Bike Headlight – Lumintrail Review
        • Best Bike Light under $40 – Serfas Thunderbolt Tail Light Review
        • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting in 2023
        • Reelight Rl721 Bike Lights Review – Lights that are ALWAYS on
        • How to Choose the Best Bike Light
      • When to Use Flashing Bike Lights
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Bike Lights
    • Bike Saddle Reviews
      • 9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles for 2023
      • How to Choose the Right Bike Saddle
      • Zacro Gel Seat Cover – a Budget Solution for Saddle Discomfort
    • Headphone Reviews
      • Best Headphones for Safe Cycling
      • Aftershokz XTrainerZ Headphones – Open-Ear, Bone Conduction, Safe Headphones for Cycling AND Swimming
      • Review – AfterShokz Trekz Cordless Open Ear Bone Conduction Headphones for Safe Cycling
      • Jaybird Tarah Wireless Headphones Review
    • 7 Reasons to Use a Power Meter on Your Bike
  • Bike Computer Reviews
    • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
        • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
        • Garmin Edge 520 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT
    • 7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers for 2023
    • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Best Bike Computers – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
    • 9 Great Upgrades to the Garmin Edge 530 – Garmin’s Game-Changing GPS Bike Computer
  • Health Benefits
    • Cycling Weight Loss
      • A Guide for Fat Cyclists
      • How Cycling Can Help You to Lose Weight
      • The Top 10 Ride Your Way Lean Eating Rules, for Effective Weight Loss
      • 7 Steps to Lose Weight Cycling
      • How Many Calories Do You Burn Cycling?
      • How Many Calories Can You Burn Riding an Ebike?
      • Top 10 Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
      • Our Best Lose Weight with Cycling Posts
      • Intermittent Fasting, Cycling, HIIT, and Weight Loss
    • Cycling and Aging
      • Science Shows HIIT on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging – And We Show You How to Do it!
      • 5 Great Reasons to Take Up Cycling During Retirement
      • Science Says Exercise is a Miracle Cure and Protects You from Diseases
      • Science Proves Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
      • Science Shows that Cycling Really Does Fight Aging
      • 7 Tips to Help You Keep Mountain Biking after Age 40
      • Case Studies: Three Seniors who Regained their Health with E-Bikes
    • Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 7 Ways to Prevent Cycling Knee Pain
      • How to Cure Cycling Knee Pain with a Miraculous, Cheap Cure
    • Cycling and Strength
      • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
      • 5 Great Strength Exercises for Cyclists
      • Science Says Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
      • How Strength Training Can Boost Your Cycling Speed and Quality of Life
    • Cycling and Sleep
      • How Cycling Helps You to Sleep Better and Get Healthier
      • One in Three Cyclists Experience Reduced Stress Levels
      • Why Cycling May Be the Sleep Aid You Need
      • How I Became a Bike Commuter and Shed Stress Immediately
    • Cycling and Brain Health
      • Science Shows Five Ways that Cycling Boosts Your Brain Function
      • Research shows that cycling makes your brain grow
    • Kids biking
      • 7 Easy Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike
      • 7 of the Best Baby and Child Bike Seats to Keep Your Child Safe – Reviews and Videos
      • 7 Tips for Parents to Keep your Kids Safe on their Bikes
      • How to Transport Kids on Bikes (Video and Infographic)
      • Babies and Bikes: How to Get Kids Active from the Start
      • How to Encourage Kids to Ride Bikes
        • How to Help your Kids Bike to School
A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

Average Joe Cyclist

A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

  • Cycling Training Plans
    • Our Most Successful Cycling Training Plans
    • How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 1
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 2 – Interval Training
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 3 – Preparing for Your First Race
    • 7 Reasons to do High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Your Bike – and How to Do It
    • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
    • Science Shows HIIT on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging – And We Show You How to Do it!
    • Workouts and Stretching for Cyclists
      • Complete Guide to Stretching for Cyclists
      • Stop Doing Crunches! 10 Minute Complete Core Workout for Cyclists
      • Updated Video: 3 Hip Stretches to Cure Cycling Hip Pain
      • 5 Benefits of Cross Training for Cyclists
    • How to Protect Your Testosterone Levels from Over-Training
    • Research shows Amazing Benefits of Sprint Intervals in Cycling
  • Indoor Cycling Training
    • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers
    • 5 of the Best Smart Indoor Trainers for Effective Indoor Training
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • Guide to Smart Turbo Indoor Trainers
    • How to Get Started with Stationary Biking: A Guide to Stationary Bikes
  • Cycling with Dogs
    • 7 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets and Dog Carriers
    • How to Train Your Dog to Safely Run Next to You When You Are Cycling
    • Complete Guide to Taking Your Dog on Bike Rides in a Bike Basket
    • 6 Steps to Gently Train Your Dog to Go On Bike Rides With You
  • Lose Weight!
    • Cycling and Weight Loss
      • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers for 2023
      • 5 Quick and Easy Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
    • Our Best Lose Weight with Cycling Posts
    • Cycling Nutrition
      • Best Matcha Tea for Cyclists: My Matcha Life
        • How to Make Matcha Tea
      • How Protein Helps your Post Bike Ride Recovery
      • 5 Best Protein Supplements for Exercise Recovery and Health
    • Cycling Training Plans
      • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner’s Bike Training Plan
    • Cycling and Health
  • Tips & How-Tos
    • How to Prevent & Cure Cycling Knee Pain
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
    • How to Change Gears on a Bike – Beginner’s Guide
    • Bike maintenance
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
    • Top 10 Tips to Keep your Bike from being Stolen
    • Smart Phone vs a Bike Computer for Recording Bike Rides – Which is Better?
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • Do You Need a Cycling Jersey?
    • Complete Guide to How to Buy and Sell Bikes on Craigslist
      • How to Buy Used Bikes on Craigslist (and Other Online Marketplaces)
    • How to Understand Bike Terminology
    • 5 Things You Need to Know about Hydration for Cyclists
      • Hydration for Cycling – How Much Fluid do You Need?
  • Bike Commuting
    • Bike Commuting Tips
      • Top 10 Tips on How to Avoid a Sore Butt from Cycling
      • How Women Cyclists Can Prevent Saddle Soreness and Associated Issues
      • How to Choose the Best Bike Light
      • The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When They Try to Start Bike Commuting
      • 7 Tips for Going Car-Free
      • Can Cycling Cause Penis Numbness, Erectile Dysfunction, and Prostate Cancer?
      • Best Bike Light under $40 – Serfas Thunderbolt Tail Light Review
      • 5 Ways to Stay Visible in Traffic When Cycling
      • The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When They Try to Start Bike Commuting
      • 7 Helpful Tips for New Bike Commuters – Don’t Start Bike Commuting Until You Read This!
    • Winter Cycling
      • Safe Winter Cycling – How to Cycle Safely in the Winter
      • How to Dress for Winter Cycling – Cycling Clothes that will Keep You Warm and Dry
      • Our Top Tips to Keep You Warm and Dry for Fall and Winter Cycling
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Cold Weather Cycling
    • Safety for Cyclists
      • Top 10 Tips to Not Get Hit by a Car on Your Bike
      • When to Use Flashing Bike Lights
      • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting
      • Aftershokz XTrainerZ Headphones – Open-Ear, Bone Conduction, Safe Headphones for Cycling AND Swimming
      • Best Budget Bright Bike Headlight – Lumintrail Review
    • Benefits of Being a Bike Commuter
      • Survey Shows London Bike Commuters are Happier and More Productive
      • What Is the Function of Myelin in the Body?
      • Research shows that cycling makes your brain grow
    • Bike Maintenance
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • How To Clean Your Bike Chain the Easy Way
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
      • Inspirational Video: How to Fix a Bike Flat – with No Hands
    • Cycling Infrastructure
      • 3 Reasons Why We Need Separated Bike Lanes
      • Research reveals a surprising benefit of separated bike lanes
      • Montreal Cycling, Part 3: Separated Bike Lanes – What Other Cities can Learn from Montreal
      • Cycling and the Post-Covid Transformation
You are here: Home / Average Joe Cyclist Product Reviews / Bike Computer Reviews / Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer Review

Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer Review

March 2, 2014 by Average Joe Cyclist

Pin
Share
Tweet

Avatarwp-user-avatar wp-user-avatar-96 photoThis is a complete review of the Garmin Edge Touring Navigation GPS Bike Computer. This bike computer has some excellent features. Most notably, it was the first bike computer to be able to plot courses and then give turn-by-turn navigation directions and off-course alerts. I have a habit of getting lost … so I got a Garmin Edge Touring Navigator.

Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer Review. The Garmin Edge Touring is ideal for finding your way around. It was the first bike computer to be able to plot courses and then give turn-by-turn navigation directions and off-course alerts Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer Review
The Garmin Edge Touring is ideal for finding your way around. It was the first bike computer to be able to plot courses and then give turn-by-turn navigation directions and off-course alerts

I have absolutely zero sense of direction, to the point where if my instinct tells me to go in a particular direction, the safest thing is to set out in the OPPOSITE direction. So I needed a bike computer that would tell me where to go.

Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer Review. We were tired of getting lost - we needed a bike computer that would tell us where to go! Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer Review
We were tired of getting lost – we needed a bike computer that would tell us where to go!

What I really wanted was something that would TELL me directions, like the TomTom GPS in my car, or my wife, Maggie (Mrs Average Joe Cyclist). When I am riding a bike I don’t want to be peering at written instructions – I prefer a voice just telling me what to do.

 Unfortunately, no such thing exists, and I wish someone would get around to inventing one.

UPDATE: It is now possible to use Google Maps on your smart phone plus headphones to get spoken turn-by-turn directions. If you choose a destination and tell the app you are cycling, a voice will give you directions. It’s not perfect, because sometimes it tells you to use very busy roads (whereas Garmin Edge using cycling specific maps). However, if you stick to quieter roads, Google Maps will recalculate, and continue to direct you. If I did this, I would only use the headphone in one ear so I could still hear traffic. Here’s my post on how to choose the safest headphones for cycling.

The video below gives you an introduction to what the Garmin Edge Touring bike computer can do.

Tourers or Commuters?

Judging by the name, Garmin is targeting this bike computer at touring cyclists, rather than commuters, which I find odd. Bike commuters are a MUCH bigger market. However, despite the name, I could see that the Garmin Edge Touring would be the closest fit for my needs as a bike commuter.

Low Price/No Frills

I like the fact that Garmin has kept the price reasonably low by eliminating all the frills: it will not measure your heart rate or your pedaling cadence; however, it claims that it will figure out where you are, and help you to get someplace else. And that’s what I need right now.

I have lost interest in measuring my heart rate, having reached a stage of my life where I am just grateful that it is beating at all.

Related: How to Get Fit with a Heart Rate Monitor

First impressions of the Garmin Edge Touring

Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer Review. Little round stick people doing incomprehensible things ... Garmin Edge Touring
Little round stick people doing incomprehensible things …

My brand-new Garmin Edge Touring finally arrived in its distinctive black and blue Garmin packaging. When I ripped it open I saw that the Garmin Edge Touring is fairly large (it does have to show maps, after all). But it’s attractively styled in black and white. The manual is not supplied and must be downloaded. The only manual in the box was an amusing sheet of paper that featured a round stick person doing apparently incomprehensible things with a giant Garmin Edge Touring. After a while I realized he was demonstrating the simple quarter-turn mounting for the Garmin.

I like this eco-friendly option. I am so used to recycling huge quantities of unwanted paper when I unbox something, that it has become something of a ritual. I start with tossing out everything that is Not-English, and then move on to ditching the asinine “Safety Instructions” which tell you things such as “Do not shower with your new GPS” and “Don’t use your dog’s life jacket as a life boat.” As if anyone could be that stupid! Although I have to admit that I killed my Garmin Edge 705 (reviewed here) by taking it scuba diving at 100 feet, after forgetting it was in my pocket.

Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer Review. NEVER go snorkeling or scuba diving with your Garmin Edge Touring! Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer Review
NEVER go snorkeling or scuba diving with your Garmin Edge Touring!

Mounts for the Garmin Edge Touring

The included mounts are excellent and easy to use. I did not have to use them, as the Garmin Edge Touring fits perfectly into the mount I was using for my Garmin Edge 200 (reviewed here). This generation of Garmin mounts are a big improvement on the previous one, being much easier to install, and very secure. With the quarter-turn mount you can also pop the Garmin off with just a casual flip of the wrist, which is great when parking your bike in public places.

Getting Ready to use the Garmin Edge Touring

Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer Review. Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer acquiring satellites. Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer Review
Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer acquiring satellites

Like all GPS’s that I have ever heard of, the Garmin Edge Touring cannot pick up satellite signals unless you are outdoors, so I could not play with it much indoors. I did play around with it enough to realize that it has touch screen controls (this was after spending some time flipping it over and over, peering at it as I tried to find its buttons). Fortunately, I figured it out before I had to resort to the unmanly shame of consulting the manual. Touchscreen controls are a VAST improvement over my Garmin Edge 200 (reviewed here).

I discovered that you can type in an address, and then instead of pressing “Ride,” just switch the Garmin off. Then when you switch it back on, you can access that address under “Recent Finds” – saving you from having to laboriously type in addresses on the side of the road, and possibly being mistaken for a cycling geek who will spend money on cycling gadgets as cheerfully as a gambler hurling it into slot machines. This is EXTREMELY handy, and an option I know I am going to use a lot.

Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer Review. Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer POI. Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer Review
The Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer finds POI (Points of Interest)

Also, it has an option to find cycling-specific Points of Interest, which can come in handy. And of course you can plot a route using addresses, intersections and even GPS coordinates (handy for hiking or mountain biking).

Road Testing the Garmin Edge Touring

The first time I used my Garmin Edge Touring it was pre-dawn, which was not ideal. I battled to see what it was saying. Eventually I stopped and used the beam of my powerful LuminTrail headlight (reviewed here) to read it. Thus of course looking like an uber cycling geek, but at least it was pre-dawn, so there was almost no one around. I found my work address under “Recent Finds” and off I went.

Communicating by Squeaks

I quickly discovered the Garmin Edge Touring has a pleasant little squeak that it uses to try to get your attention – sort of like having a robotic squirrel on your handle bars. Also, as the light increased, I was more and more able to see the surprisingly clear instructions. Later, I learned that to get the backlight to come on, one merely has to tap the screen. It will stay on for 15 seconds by default, and you can easily change that default by hitting the Power button on the top left (if for example you are a slow directions-reader, like me).

Navigating with the Garmin Edge Touring

As you ride, the Garmin Edge Touring gives you turn-by-turn directions and countdowns. As in “turn left on Parker St. after 500 feet.” It will squeak to alert you to an upcoming turn, and squeak again if you miss your turn. This missed turn alert is very handy if you become absorbed in the scenery and forget to consult your bike computer occasionally.

As you approach your turn, you get a visual countdown of how far the turn is, so it is fairly hard to miss it – even for me, although I do manage occasionally. Luckily, if you do go off-course, the unit the unit will recalculate a new route, just as a car GPS does when you ignore it.

One of the best things about the squeaks is that once you reach your destination, the Garmin Touring plays a succession of happy, congratulatory squeaks. That’s fun! It makes me smile and feel good.

Another fun feature – this unit will show you points of Interest (POIs) specifically for cyclists!

BEST AND CHEAPEST BIKE COMPUTERS
Best-Bike-Computers-4-up1(1)
Best Bike Computers - check out our up-to-date listing of the best selling bike computers!
Best CHEAP Bike Computers under $100 - check out our up-to-date listing of the best cheap bike computers!
Best CHEAP Bike Computers under $100 - check out our up-to-date listing of the best cheap bike computers!

Battery Performance on the Garmin Edge Touring

You recharge this bike computer with a USB mini cable.  A 1-hour commute uses up exactly 11% of the charge, so I estimate the battery would last for 9 hours on one charge.

Things That You Can Do Online with the Garmin Edge Touring

There are of course many impressive and fun things that you can do with this bike computer, including: Create a user account with Garmin Connect, and use it to record your riding history. You can  see various reports, such as how many miles you’ve done over the last month. Connect via GPS to satellites and record all the relevant stats of your ride, including distance, elapsed time, moving time, average speed, maximum speed, elevation gain, plus a map of the route you took. All the time you’re moving, you can see most of these stats on the clear, readable face of the Garmin Edge Touring with your speed the biggest of all. Once you get home, you can plug your Garmin into your computer, upload, and see all the details of your ride. You can see how many calories you burned on your bike ride.

Also, following popular demand, you can sync all your cycling data from the Garmin Edge Touring with Strava. You can read about how to use Strava here.

New Garmin Edge Content!
ALL Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared in Depth: 130 Plus vs. Explore 2 vs. 530 vs. 830 vs. 1030 Plus vs. 1040
Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus vs 830 vs 530
Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt

The Cycling Modes on the Garmin Edge Touring

Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer Review. Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer routing modes. Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer Review
Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer routing modes

The Garmin Edge Touring has three modes: Cycling, Tour Cycling and Mountain Biking. Its default is Tour Cycling, which is reasonable, given that it is called the Garmin Edge Touring. You can also choose to avoid unpaved roads and narrow trails.

The Garmin Edge Touring has a Touch Screen!

Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer Review. Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer saved courses. Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer Review
Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer saved courses

The touch screen navigating system on this Garmin is really quite easy to use. Which reminds me of another great feature of the Garmin Edge Touring – I can control the touch screen wearing cycling gloves (lampooned here). This is a HUGE plus. It’s not as easy as without gloves, but it is possible. I cycle to work in sometimes pitch-darkness on secondary roads and off-road tracks. Before I had the Garmin Edge Touring , I often missed turns. But now I KNOW that I have to turn because of the squeaking. Plus the screen lights up so you can glance down to see what you are supposed to be doing.

Other things the Garmin Edge Touring does

Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer Review. Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer compass. Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer Review
Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer compass

As with other Garmins, you can customize the Time/Speed screen, although personally I have never felt the need to. The only things I am usually interested in are how fast am I going, and how far have I gone (i.e., am I nearly there yet). As with all other Garmins, these are great options. I love having all that data at my fingertips while I am riding, and then being able to upload it to Garmn Connect website.

As with all Edge models, you can use the Edge Touring with the Garmin Connect website. You can upload and save all your rides here, plan new rides and download them to the unit. You can also use it with the Garmin Adventures website where you can share your ride stories and swap routes with other people and enjoy it later. My favorite is being able to see my top speed for each ride, and also being able to go to “Reports” and see how many kilometers I have cycled in the last month. That becomes like a competition with myself, to see if I can cycle more than last month. It also has a compass mode, which I find useful when I completely lose my sense of direction (all too frequent, which is why I had to buy this in the first place).

What I LIKE about the Garmin Edge Touring

I LOVE this little bike computer. It sits there on my handlebars, looking good, telling me what time it is, how fast I am going, how long I have been going, and all those other good things that techie cyclists love to know. I usually keep it in the standard mode of showing data, not the map. AND THEN, just as I am approaching a place I have to turn, it suddenly lights up, SQUEAKS, switches to map mode, and tells me that my turn is coming up – such as, “Turn right on 10th Street”. Brilliant!   Already there have been many, many times when it has saved me from getting off track, as I become zoned out in the pre-dawn or after-dusk, and simply pedal along blindly and sleepily. It has saved my butt on numerous occasions, and for that I am grateful.

The Out-Front Mount

In addition to the standard quarter turn handlebar mount, Garmin now offers an out-front mount. It’s a great way to mount your bike computer on your bike – way out front so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road as much.

Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer Review. Carry your bike computer right in front using the Garmin out front mount, so it is easy and safe to look at. Garmin Edge Touring Navigator GPS Bike Computer Review
Carry your bike computer right in front using the Garmin out front mount, so it is easy and safe to look at


Bottom Line on the Garmin Edge Touring

You can get a Garmin Edge Touring for a good price from Amazon, which is where I got it from. It picks up satellites fairly quickly, and almost always knows where you are. It looks good on your bike, and is dead easy to take off and carry in your pocket. As with all Garmin Edge bike computers, it is impervious to wind, rain, sleet and snow. Also as with all Garmin Edge products, uploading your routes to your computer is easy and fun. The noise it makes is pleasant. The back light is very good, and the writing is very legible. It would be better if it TALKED to you, like GPS’s in cars do. I hope this gets invented one day – I am sure it will.

I would recommend the Garmin Edge Touring Navigator Plus to four groups of people:

  1. Bike commuters like me who have no sense of direction;
  2. bike commuters who frequently bike in the dark;
  3. pedestrians who tend to get lost; and
  4. absolutely anyone planning a long-distance bike trip.

No. 4 is actually the intended target demographic of this product.

The next time I do a cycle tour I am looking forward to using the Garmin Edge Touring, instead of having to stop and pull crumpled maps out of my pocket!


Check Out Our Most Popular Posts!

  • They look the same - but there are quite a lot of differences!. Garmin edge 1030 plus vs 1040 bike computers
    What's NEW about the Garmin Edge 1040? Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus: What’s the Difference?
  • All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
    ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED! 130 Plus vs Explore 2 vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040
  • 7 of the Best Cheap Bike Computers under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
  • 7 of the Best Health and Fitness Trackers
  • 7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers
  • Our Ultimate Gift Guide for Cyclists - 90 Top Picks from Budget to Luxury
  • 7 best dog bike baskets
    7 of the Best Carriers to Take Your Dog on Bike Rides
  • This graphic shows you the relative sizes of the 530 (left), 1030 Plus (center), and 830 (right)
    Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040 Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison with Reviews and Videos
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
  • 7 of the best indoor bike trainers
    7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers
  • Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs. 1030 Plus. Would a much CHEAPER bike computer work for you?
  • 7 of the Best Fitness Trackers for Cyclists to Track Bike Rides
  • Best road bike saddles
    9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles for Men and Women - Video-Packed Post
  • 7 of the Best Bike Computers
  • 5 of the Best Smart Indoor Trainers for Effective Indoor Training
  • 9 of the best waterproof cycling jackets for men and women. A great waterproof cycling jacket will keep you dry, and at the same time be breathable, so that you don't overheat your core
    7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women
  • 7 of the best waterproof cycling pants for men and women
    7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women
  • The Garmin Edge 830 on Maggie's bike
    Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 vs 1040
  • Get a new bike, and then get outside and have fun!
    7 Great Budget Bikes You Can Buy on Amazon - Cruiser, Mountain, Road and Hybrid
  • Our Most Popular Cycling Fitness Plans
    Our Most Popular Cycling Fitness Plans
  • Waterproof cycling jackets - group of cyclists
    Best Waterproof Cycling Gear - Includes Jackets, Pants, Gloves, and Balaclavas
  • Great bike lights will light up the night for you! Just be sure to get the ones that are right for you
    7 of the Best Bike Lights
  • 7 of the Best Women's Cycling Jackets
  • 7 of the Best Windproof Cycling Jackets - Find a Great Cycling Jacket Now!
  • How to Choose the Safest Headphones for Cycling
  • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers Compared
  • 7 of the Best Child Bike Seats Compared
  • How to Buy the Best Electric Bike
  • 7 best bike locks
    7 of the Best Bike locks Compared. Find the Best Bike Lock For You!
  • How to Train Your Dog to Safely Run Next to You When You Are Cycling
    How to Train Your Dog to Safely Run Next to You When You Are Cycling

Did you enjoy this post or find it helpful? If so, please support our blog!


average-joe-cyclist-mug-shot copyWe write this blog because we love cycling. But we also need to earn a living, so we REALLY would appreciate if you click through to one of our reputable affiliates for your online shopping. We are proudly affiliated with Amazon, which sells pretty much everything, and has outstanding shipping and return policies. When you buy from our affiliates we make a small commission, and this is the only way we earn any income. Plus, it costs you nothing at all - a real win/win situation!
Shop at Amazon in the USA:
Shop at Amazon in Canada:
Shop at Amazon in the UK:

Our Most Popular Posts about Garmin Edge Bike Computers
ALL Garmin Edge Bike Computers COMPARED: 130 Plus vs. Explore vs. 530 vs. 830 vs. 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs. 1030 Plus - Budget vs. Premium
Garmin Edge 530 vs. 830 vs. 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030: What's the Difference?
Garmin Edge 530 vs. 830 vs. 1030
9 Great Upgrades to the Garmin Edge 530 – Garmin’s Game-Changing GPS Bike Computer
Garmin Edge 830 vs. 820: What's the Difference?

Garmin Edge 1030 vs 820 vs 520 Plus


Garmin Edge 520 vs 520 Plus GPS Bike Computers


Garmin Edge 1030 vs 1000


Garmin Edge 520 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT

Garmin Edge 1000 vs 820

Garmin Edge 1000 vs 820 vs 520
Garmin-EDGE-1000-vs-820-vs-520-bike-computers-table(1)
7 Differences between Edge 1000 and 820
garmin edge 1000 and 820 table(1)
Garmin Edge 820 vs 520
Garmin Edge 820 Review
9 Differences between Edge 820 and 520
Garmin-edge-820-and-520-table(1)(1)
Garmin Edge 520 Review
Garmin Edge 520 Review
Garmin Edge 1000 Review
Garmin-EDGE-1000 table 2(1)
Garmin Edge 520 vs 25
garmin edge 520 vs 25
Garmin Edge 25
Review
Garmin-Edge-25-table(1)
Garmin Edge Touring Navigator Review
Garmin-Edge-Touring
Garmin Edge 1000 vs 810
Garmin Edge 1000 vs 810
Garmin Varia Vision Review
garmin-varia-vision-on-cycling-glasses-table1(2)
Garmin Edge Touring vs 810
EdgeTouring-vs-810

Related

Pin
Share
Tweet

Filed Under: Bike Computer Reviews, Garmin Edge Bike Computers Tagged With: Garmin Edge bike computers, Garmin Edge Touring, GPS bike computer

Comments

  1. Riley Thomson says

    March 7, 2014 at 10:21 pm

    I really enjoy the Gramin 200 but I think it would be awesome to have maps as well. Seems to me that is the difference between the 200 and the Edge. Or is there more differences?

    • Avatar photoAverage Joe Cyclist says

      March 8, 2014 at 8:57 am

      No, there are a lot of differences between the 200 and the Touring. For example, the compass, the ability to let the Touring plot out a random ride for you. Also if you save a course on the 200, you can try to ride it again using the saved courses feature. I say “try” because it uses the so-called “breadcrumb” method, which I find incomprehensible. I can’t follow a few dots on the screen. I need to look down and see a map and then the words “Turn left on 15th.” Breadcrumbs don’t do it for me. But then I am not good at maps. There may be people out there who can make breadcrumbs work, but I am not one of them. Basically the 200 is for people who want to record their rides and upload them to Garmin Connect. The Edge Touring does that, of course, but it is a massive step beyond that because it is a navigator.

  2. suratmi says

    March 8, 2014 at 7:58 am

    I don’t think it would be safe to cycle with a single Bluetooth ear-phone in one ear.

    • Avatar photoAverage Joe Cyclist says

      March 8, 2014 at 8:59 am

      My wife says that too. I have to admit I do it all the time, so I can listen to music when I ride. I find I can still hear perfectly well. I put the ear phone in the ear furthest from the traffic (the right one). Also the Garmin Edge Touring is for mountain bike navigation as well, and in off road riding, you would not have to worry about cars.

  3. Luc Le Blanc says

    March 13, 2014 at 10:32 am

    It’s sad we have to pay 3x the price of a cheap car GPS to get a handlebar-mounted unit that still won’t tell directions. Just like you, I don’t care to read a map display (let alone fiddle for my reading glasses), I just want to be told where I must turn.

    Would a cheap car GPS allow you to follow a ride that loops unto itself withouth telling you right away you’ve arrived at destination? If so, just connecting an external battery could do the trick… Or wait for Google Glasses 😉

    • Avatar photoAverage Joe Cyclist says

      March 14, 2014 at 6:38 pm

      Hi Luc. I once tried taking the car’s Garmin GPS on a bike ride with me. The battery lasted for a long time, but I could not hear the spoken instructions over the surrounding traffic noise. Now I have a TomTom in my car, and I can’t take it anywhere anyway. The battery never charges up, so it only lasts for a few minutes after removing from the car. I agree that the price is sad (and crazy). I don’t understand why that is. It might be because the demand is SO much greater for car GPS’s. Or maybe we are just being ripped off. All that said, I DO like my Touring. And at least it’s not $700, like the Garmin 800.

  4. Luc Le Blanc says

    March 14, 2014 at 7:40 pm

    I’ll wait for a talking bike GPS. I don’t usually ride on highways, so I could hear directions. I think there’s already a free Android solution that involves Open Street Maps. I just have to find a way to attach my 7″ Samsung on my handlebar 🙂

    • Avatar photoAverage Joe Cyclist says

      March 14, 2014 at 10:11 pm

      Interesting. I will check that out. Everything I have read suggests that Garmin is not even THINKING about talking bike GPS’s. What’s wrong with them? I think their execs have to try reading a tiny map on their handlebars while riding a bike in the pitch dark at 35 km per hour. Not to mention that the minute you take your eyes off the road you usually hit a pothole so big you could do yourself a serious injury …

  5. Luc Le Blanc says

    March 15, 2014 at 1:20 am

    Look for OsmAnd in the Google Play app store.

    • Avatar photoAverage Joe Cyclist says

      March 15, 2014 at 11:24 am

      Thanks!

  • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs 830 vs 530

Welcome to Average Joe Cyclist!

Welcome to our blog! I’m Joe Goodwill, an average cyclist, and I write a blog for people like me. People who love cycling but will probably never win any races, and who don’t necessarily look good in Lycra! I also write the Electric Bikes Blog and Average Joe's RV Living Blog. To find our most popular posts, check out our Start Here page.

Hi! I'm Maggie Neilson (aka Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist). Joe and I have done a lot of cycling, and we share what we have learned on this blog . We also write reviews of cycling products and trails! Get to know us better HERE.

How our Product Links Work

  • You pay EXACTLY the same price, whether you use our links or go direct to the websites.
  • Earning some commission enables us to spend more time writing posts 🙂
  • THANK YOU to all the good people who have bought through our links. Your support is sincerely appreciated.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Search Average Joe Cyclist!

Trending – Our Top Posts Right Now!

  • The Garmin Edge 830 on Maggie's bike Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 vs 830 vs 530 GPS Bike Computers: Full Review and Comparison of GPS Bike Computers with Navigation
  • Every body starts somewhere - and with enough determination, you could become one of the smiling competitors in a cycling event How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
  • How E-Bikes Can Help Couples to Cycle Together 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
  • 7 of the best bike computers, 2021 7 of the Best Bike Computers for 2023 – from Budget to Premium
  • They look the same - but there are quite a lot of differences!. Garmin edge 1030 plus vs 1040 bike computers Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus: What’s the Difference?
  • Cycling is a fantastic way to lose weight. And as a bonus: if you lose weight while maintaining your power, you will become faster on your bike 5 Quick and Easy Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
  • erectile dysfunction Can Cycling Cause Penis Numbness, Erectile Dysfunction, and Prostate Cancer?
  • This graphic shows you the relative sizes of the 530 (left), 1030 Plus (center), and 830 (right) Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus vs 830 vs 530 Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
  • Best Headphones for Safe Cycling
  • Which Garmin Edge Bike Computer has the longest battery life Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs Edge Explore 2 vs Edge 530 vs Edge 830 vs Edge 1030 Plus vs 1040

  • Click for our Best Cycling Training Plans!

Copyright © 2023 · Average Joe Cyclist, please contact us for syndication rights.

 

Loading Comments...