A week ago the kind folks from Garmin paid a visit to our humble premises and they lent us a brand new Garmin Edge 200 unit. Coincidentally, we were off to Eurobike and while us, mere mortals were flying in, the tough cookies rode all the way from Gatwick to Friedrichshaven. To put it to test, James Olsen, the guy who designs our Pinnacle bikes, popped on his handlebar and rode all the way to Germany with the Garmin Edge 200. Let’s see what he thought of it:
I don’t really use GPS or computers (admitted luddite…), so it was a good unit for me to try. Simple and intuitive. It tracked speed well as it responded quicker than I expected for a GPS based unit, so makes a good choice for a faff-free wireless computer that I could transfer between bikes. In fact for this alone I’d consider it over a normal bike computer, cost considerations aside. I do use a phone-app GPS track-logger, so the 200’s main tracking feature is great – I find new local-ish trails by exploring and / or getting lost and the 200 has a much better memory than I have for where I’ve been. Being able to use it as it suits and swap between bikes as well as tracking rides so well makes it a useful item. Not so much a compromise as a simpler, lighter, cheaper GPS option for riders that still think paper maps are a good idea.
I also asked a few questions from the Garmin guys about the Garmin Edge 200, so here are the official answers:
What are the main features of the unit?
High sensitivity GPS – How fast, far and where you’ve ridden.
Simplicity – No sensors. Switch on. Press start. Ride.Measures speed, distance, time, average speed, total ascent & calories burnt
Garmin Connect compatible – Plan, review, replay, relive and share your rides.
Back to Start
Virtual Partner – challenge yourself or others over your regular rides.
What are the key differences to the Edge 500?
The Edge 500 is for training, racing and advanced ride data. It works with ANT+ heart rate, cadence or power meter sensors, includes an integrated barometric altimeter and is compatible with Advanced Workouts for targeted training and analysis.
The Edge 200 is for recreational riding and is designed to bring new life to every ride. It is not compatible with ANT+ sensors or more detailed training capability. Edge 200 users get accurate real time ride data, can see where they’ve been, and can plan, download and follow new rides from Garmin Connect. They can even get more out of their regular rides by challenging themselves using the Virtual Partner.
Are the data fields customizable?
No
What sort of GPS-related capabilities has it got?
Measures speed, distance, time, average speed, total ascent via the high sensitivity GPS receiver. The Edge 200 also records where you’ve ridden, so you can find your way Back to Start on every ride
Allows you to upload your rides to Garmin Connect, where you can see your route on a variety of maps, analyze your ride stats, and plan, search and download new rides to follow.
Race against yourself or others over your regular rides with the Virtual Partner feature.
The Garmin Edge 200 will be available soon, it expects to retail at £129.99 and for further info, check out this Garmin blog post!
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