Garmin Edge 840 & 540 In-Depth Review // Enhanced ClimbPro, Solar Charging, Dual-Band, and More!

[@hardmtnbiker]

I actually bought the 530 a few years ago because I wanted the buttons. I also liked the smaller size and felt the 1030 has too big. The only downside I felt was not having touch screen functionality on maps, scrolling is just not that good with buttons.

[@rollingreclinerRecumbent]

Picked up an 840 non-solar today. Updated the firmware from version 7.18 to the latest 9.09 and went for several rides with hills. Love, Love, Love the auto Climb Pro. It assumes your intended climb route based on popularity, but if you make a turn otherwise it will adapt. New fonts are easier to read and a much improved UI. Keep in mind, there is about a 7 second delay adjusting the grade values.

[@2alistanos]

I'd love my 1030 to get that feature, love it!!! but i dont want to create routes for every ride as its needed now in 1030s....

[@Rorolap]

7s ? It is too much long !!

[@adammillsindustries.]

Wonder if they can speed it up with an update? 7 secs is like sex for many people.

[@michaeljames2250]

I’m definitely thinking seriously about the 840 now. Thanks

[@DesFit]

You’re welcome!

[@athanasioskoultoukis551]

Great review as always 👍 I was thinking for the the 530 but now I am convinced that the 840 Solar is the one I need since we have a lot of sunny days here in Greece!!😎

[@DesFit]

Thanks and enjoy!

[@Chiefhao]

very in depth review and awesome video quality. I just purchased the 840 and don't regret it at all. Ive been using it for MTBing and its so feature rich. The touchscreen itself is a blessing over just only having buttons

[@DesFit]

Thanks and glad you're enjoying your bike computer!

[@nicholassanchez3994]

Give this man a glass of water 💧 Very interesting video, for I have been struggling as to which direction I should take. Thanks so much!

[@bladd2000ify]

have beeeeeeeen waiting for your report of 540/840. Thanks Des!

[@DesFit]

Sure thing! Thanks!

[@FabOnABike]

Thanks a lot for this. Only bought the 830 last year but was looking at the 1040 Solar because of Solar and the new Interface.. Now that it's there for the 840 Solar and also the new ClimbPro (especially also when not on a pre-loaded route) means i have sell the 830 🙂

[@DesFit]

Thanks and enjoy!

[@conde35]

Nice review. I bought a 840 Solar and I'm very happy with it

[@DesFit]

Enjoy!!

[@bonn1771]

Amazing video Des. Looking forward to your next new bike computer video

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@vosch8229]

Nice new devices, but I want to point out something else: no matter what cycling profile you chose (road, indoor, mountain bike, ...), in Garmin Connect (or the app), you can only set one default device for cycling. So if I switch bikes a lot, I often have to change the gear I used. Wouldn't it be possible to set a default bike per profile? I think that would make sense. For years, people are complaining about this, but nothing seems so happen.

[@jeffsancricca7041]

Karoo 2 has that feature..

[@vosch8229]

@@jeffsancricca7041 Thanks for the info. I will keep that in mind.

[@Dunc2222]

Would it be sufficient to just change the bike listed in Strava later? That's what I do. Or are there other reasons you would like to switch the bikes within the Garmin Edge? (If so, kindly educate me.)

[@vosch8229]

@@Dunc2222 Well, first and most important: I don't want to have to do some work later. Sometimes I tend to forget that. That's why I want that feature. Second: I don't use Strava (or very rarely). Third: it does not have to be the Edge that "choses" the bike, I would rather have that done by Garmin Connect. Not every bike activity is recorded with the Edge, sometimes just with a Forerunner.

[@Dunc2222]

@@vosch8229 Thanks for the reply. Great points, i get it.

[@Dunc2222]

Terrific review, as usual. I appreciate your thoroughness, attention to detail, and great production quality. I would be interested in your thoughts comparing the 840 and 1040. Thanks.

[@jdsenior74]

Thanks for another great review DesFit as always 😁👍

[@DesFit]

Sure thing, and thanks!

[@MatsobaneKhwinana]

Thanks, this was really helpful!

[@DesFit]

Happy to help!

[@alecfotsch3533]

As always a very useful rundown. Thanks!

[@DesFit]

You’re welcome and thanks!

[@IowaNinersFan]

Thank you for the reviews of both units. I currently have the Edge 130 Plus and feel like I've outgrown it. Leaning towards the 540 Solar since I don't need the touchscreen feature (that's what my phone is for) same for the storage unit.

[@MiamiCycling305]

Climb Explorer means absolutely nothing to me living in Miami. Good thing I am headed to Europe for a few weeks this summer to ride. Will purchase 840.

[@woutergeuens8812]

Thanks for those wonderfull reviews! Keep it up ;)

[@DesFit]

You’re welcome and will do!

[@VampireRhino]

Switched from wahoo to 840 and at first it looks not so easy and ergonomic as bolt but its packed with features. Garmin connect is great - no need to subscribe to TP premium to properly analyse workouts. With garmin wearable like fenix or other watch it’s great and hard to beat - especially if you want to progress with your workouts and health stats.

[@FSEVENMAN]

My previous garmin had a touch screen I think it was the 810 and I was searching for a new one and it came down to the 540 or the 840 I wasn't interested in solar although I think that would be good for a bike trip, but not necessary with this battery life on either 1 but today I landed on the 840 and I can't wait till it arrives great video thanks for your informative help with my decision.😊

[@perryvath7617]

840 with buttons looks tempting, plus ability to change mounting tabs. I love my 530 but mounting tabs broke during an unplanned dismount, so it’s rubber-banded on. Maps are time consuming with buttons only when lost, but touch-screen is often useless in the high humidity where I live. I’ll have to get one.

[@Gufolicious]

Always instalike before watching! Gj again sir!

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@ilovephotography1254]

Nice presentation. Thanks for sharing.

[@DesFit]

You’re welcome and thanks!

[@asenchristov245]

Unfortunately, the strava live segments are almost useless if you want to keep your rides private. What I mean is that you cannot race your own PRs. After contacting Garmin they sad that not being able to access your PR on your device that actually recorded it is a feature, not a bug. 😞

[@shawnhall1971]

Been waiting for this, thanks!! Wondering if there is any word on an update to the 130 plus?

[@Kzuke]

Nice review! I'd be interested in an 840 (solar) vs. 1040 (solar) comparison now that you've had the 1040 for almost a year. I'm in the market for something with a long battery life and touchscreen like the 1040, but now the 840 complicates the decision...

[@osint6372]

I just bought an 840 and I have kept in the box. I am trying to find a place where I can find a 1040 to check the size. I am on the fence to return the 840 and get a 1040.

[@Rorolap]

​@@osint6372why you want 1040 and don t use 840?

[@abegoldberg4030]

WOW! Amazing video and content. Thank you SO much providing this overview. Been using 530's (his/hers) for several years. No issues to speak of. However, the new climb pro feature looks pretty appealing. Could be an upgrade in the near future. Thanks again so much for info. Cheers! (PS Still loving my F7X!)

[@kieranocallaghan1164]

Great video Des. The 540 and 840 software certainly has significant advances from the previous generation. It’s a shame garmin don’t follow Apples software model of adding new features to previous gen models. There is no mention from garmin regarding a processor or ram upgrade compared with previous models so I’d imagine the new features could be deployed to old models. I might hold off to see what a Karoo 3 looks like.

[@pulazz]

TBH my 3 year old garmin fenix 6 is still getting decent amount of new features that were released eg on garmin fenix 7. So the claim about garmin not adding new features to old models is not entirely right

[@prodius24h]

Кагда выйдет Karoo3 ?

[@getur99]

Gotta be looking at spring 2024 for the k3 now?

[@kieranocallaghan1164]

@@getur99 I would think it will arrive shortly with K2 units after being discounted. Hopefully

[@getur99]

Northern hemisphere autumn seems like a strange time to release a flagship product.

[@cvdavis]

Great overview

[@haniels5171]

Thank you for the great video. Very informational. I would highly suggest if you could please SLOW DOWN in your speech and break it down to smaller segments. This will allow for more information retention and easability to watch the videos. Thank again!

[@bettinapoulos7891]

Fantastic review..

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@GroomsJk]

Great review. Can you do a comparison/recommendation btw Wahoo ROAM2 and Garmin 840 for MTB/Road - now that ROAM2 has Trailforks capability. I was leaning toward ROAM2, but now the 840 for the touch feature. Thanks - J

[@ThatJohnJohnson]

Hi. Great video as always 👏😀I wonder about the readability and brightness in dark conditions, what option do you have then? Do you have to set the backlight to always on manually each time when riding in the dark just like I have to do on my 520 plus, or is there some neat automatic mode?

[@GilbertoValor89]

Great video as always! I've been looking into the Edge 130 plus but this video is very important and I am now considering the 540. What bicycle would you recommend for someone who wants to start communicating to and from the gym and for overall health?

[@robertstad8796]

Great review, thanks. How do you get those colored datafields and icons on there?

[@Kevllarr]

Hey Des, with the out front mount which comes with the Edge 840, do you think you can change the quarter turn mount insert to one that has a GoPro/camera mount on the bottom, such as the Friction Flange Mount Adapter that Garmin sells? I'm planning on getting the Edge 840 as my first bike computer, but also want to mount my front light onto the bottom of the out front mount if that makes sense.

[@dakhemyst]

Thanks for this review! I haven't found anything relating to details on Trailforks routes and the 540-1040 Garmin series. On the Fenix models, we can navigate to specific trails on the Trailforks app, but can't seem to find this feature on my 840. Any tips relating to this? Thanks!

[@troycollett8540]

I have a 520 so I’m trying to decide between 540 or 840

[@michaellanger5671]

Thanks for the great summary! I really enjoyed this video and might upgarde my 830. But I guess you still can't upload maps of other continents for free like with F7/Epix...

[@mariopejovic]

Des Delivers! Great review as always Des. I might finally get one of these this year. Deciding between series 5 and 8 is harder than before. But don't think solar charging is a deal breaker on either of models. Does climb prediction work only on the paved roads or it can 'predict' offroad paths and trails?

[@DesFit]

Off-road as well, both for gravel and MTB. As mentioned in the video, some short, punchy climbs may not be recognized but overall it still works quite well for MTB. Thanks!

[@MiegmaishMenas]

My gps broke and it’s not a cost that I was planning and I’m a week away from a long trip, so needed a solution. There seems to be some good sales on the 530, ordered one for 180 eur. Even with this new one here, pretty sure I’ll have some great value.

[@HandfulOfHypercubes]

Regarding brightness: the 530 has much more vibrant colors than the 1040, especially for yellows and greens, which are washed out on the 1040 (even non-solar). Do you think it is also the issue with the new 540 and 840? In Poland we have OSM maps with marked tourist trails of various colors, and I couldn't read them without hacking my own custom map on the 1040...

[@SeeYouUpTheRoad]

Hello thank you for the video! Currently I hate ClimbPro. As someone that climbs 1,000,000 feet per year I don't find any value in it. I have deactivated it on my 1040 Solar. I hated it popping up while I had my primary screen with power data, HR, cadence etc. I also hated it popping up as I had a course loaded in and what I needed more importantly was the next cue not ClimbPro. The default metrics on ClimbPro are completely irrelevant to me. I don't need to know my speed I don't need to know how much is left of a climb or the gain remaining. So my question is how can I modify the ClimbPro screen to show my power, w/kg, HR or my preferred metrics?

[@alangordon3283]

Stop hating.

[@ysongmtb521]

​@@alangordon3283stop using it hehe joke only

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome & Thanks :)

[@DesFit]

Very welcome 👍

[@LukaNyan]

530, 540 or explore 2? I don't use strava segments or a power meter. I like the climb pro free ride 2.0 feature on the 540/840 but maybe climb pro 1.0 with premade routes is fine too. Of course the best one would be the 840 with touchscreen, but that's too expensive. I also have a smartwatch showing me some training effect, v02 max, etc so maybe I don't need all those fancy datas on the 530/540/840. What are your thoughts? Thanks a lot for the future reply

[@nolimit7185]

Great video! Out of the habit of using a smartphone, I sometimes try to touch the screen on my Bolt v2. Should one migrate from Bolt v2 to the new 840?

[@mattwild1847]

Excellent video, seems as the 530 are being sold less than £200 and the wahoo Bolt is £250 and update coming soon(summit climb) how long do u think before updates stop coming to the Garmin 30 range?? Also is the 540 worth the extra £100 over the Bolt?? Thanks

[@GlobalAdventurer]

I have the Explore 2 which I love. But I'm wondering if they will ultimately come out with a solar version? I'll keep what I have but I'm anticipating a replacement in the future, maybe.

[@steveave5911]

During the usage of Climb Pro on my Edge 840 (no course loaded) how to get the upper data fields to display: Distance to the top and Asc. remaining? I always get a nav. map which I don't want as it takes up half my screen.

[@Bob-ze1zo]

Any thoughts on the solar option? Is it worth the money?

[@nielsmeijer3152]

What would be your pick between 1040 and 840 when they are similarly priced? For road and XC MTB use mainly.

[@fengcarlos]

You think the Free ride climb pro will come to the Garmin watches?

[@zuzanaz.2975]

Just returned my second edge 530 due to barometer issue (same issue on both devices). Wet sensor. Considering to buy 540. Wondneing if this issue Is fixed.

[@tammobehrends6218]

As the 1040 will get all the new software features as well and already dropped significantly in price. How would one choose between 1040 and 840 being at the same price? ... getting a bigger screen, more storage and Unified Training Status.

[@DesFit]

Probably comes down to size as in some may prefer a smaller device, myself included especially for mountain biking. But I also tend to like the inclusion of more buttons which offers a little more flexibility with usage.

[@lovestory9478]

What do you prefer 1030 plus or 840 sir ? Give me the reason .thanks

[@mustafagurubey]

Hello, I have a Garmin 540 device. I cannot use the ClimbPro feature. I would be very happy if you could help me. thanks

[@rajvinjamuri7]

How does a Garmin Fenix watch compare for biking?

[@DesFit]

It provides nearly the same functionality except for the automatic climb detection without a route. The biggest differences will be usability with a watch on your wrist vs a bike computer on your bars which is easier to view at a glance.

[@otg42]

Is there a setting to show the percent gradient with a decimal value? For example, 7.4% instead of 7% gradient.

[@tariqkamil7853]

Will or is this feature climb pro, within the edge explore 2? So I need more on call navigation rather than planned routes

[@howie_mtb]

Has there been any improvement for MTB trail navigation?

[@EricMarenyi]

How do you get an emulator/simulator to overlay on the screen? I would like to run one on my computer to browse the climb pro climbs without fumbling around on the device.

[@kivinprod]

nice one, thnx

[@goldenretriever6261]

Bought a 540 and had to adjust the screen brightness to 40%. The automatic setting is too hard to see.

[@reimonandisuwa]

i dont have the three dots on climb explore widget. how do i enable it? hence, when i ride (with preloaded course or free ride) it only show climb profile, but i can't get the detailed Climb Pro page. what should i do i had this when still using 830

[@adammillsindustries.]

I’m thinking of returning my 1040 for 840. I’d get 100 bucks back. I’ll have buttons and touchscreen choice too. Should I? Talk to me Goose.

[@DesFit]

I’ve been meaning to do an 840 vs 1040 video. Spoiler: usability wins over size 😎

[@adammillsindustries.]

Cool cool, is the Solar version worth it in the U.k though? You only get 25 mins an hour in a sunny place.

[@DesFit]

Non solar should do you fine 👍

[@jovecvetanoski4057]

How many data fields can be selected on edge?

[@Digitall3]

I think I already know the answer.. but do you know if there is any plan for these new climb pro and power guide features to come to the 530?

[@DesFit]

Only to the 1040.

[@Stancke0]

How is the screen/cpu responsiveness? Not always happy with that on my 830… Music Control available on these Edges?

[@DesFit]

Music controls, yup. Screen responsiveness is good, definitely a bit faster than 830.

[@rollingreclinerRecumbent]

840 here. Screen responsiveness is snappy except when creating a course on the device itself. Better to do that elsewhere and upload.

[@gword809]

With the dual band GPS do you feel a speed sensor is still needed to get the most accurate distance? Thanks!

[@DesFit]

Some situations still necessitate a speed sensor for the most accuracy such as tunnels and trails with lots of switchbacks but unless you’re encountering tons of these on your ride dual band is just fine.

[@gword809]

@@DesFit thanks! I am in Colorado as well and ride some pretty remote MTB areas with tons of tree cover and many switchbacks.

[@brangas]

Hi, great video. i'm new to this garmin: a short question: can i create an workout on a real map, then put my bike on erg? (or erg is supported with map? and/or structured workouts?) and if not on erg, is garmin 840 showing the shift gear number of the bike (stages sb20)? Thank you

[@Dunc2222]

What is erg?

[@kekkonenprkl]

I was just wondering, are those ClimbPro improvements going to come to Fenix 7 (and related series) watches? Considering those features are quite beneficial for may different sports.

[@DesFit]

A good question but my thinking is that the calculations for other types of activities that involve paths or routes that could have many more options than cycling routes is likely extremely complicated. Like hiking paths go in all sorts of different directions in some areas. Possibly over time but I don't see that anytime soon for other activity types.

[@kekkonenprkl]

@@DesFit Wish they could add that for cycling modes at least. But i understand they would prefer everyone buying one of the Edge x40 devices to companion that watch.

[@DesFit]

When they first come out with a feature, it’s generally on the newest hardware. That doesn’t exclude it from possibly being added later via software update, such as PowerGuide and Cycling ability (both on 1040 first), HRV status, training readiness, nextfork, as well as plenty of other features which were added much later than when the Fenix 7 came out.

[@iam.mike82]

Does the Strava live segment works when ClimbPro is on? On my current 530 it doesn't.

[@DesFit]

Yup it does.

[@suttipongtrinate7354]

I have 520 now which one is recommended to move on? 540 or 840?

[@DesFit]

I’d go for the 840 if you can as it has benefits of both buttons and a touchscreen.

[@prodius24h]

Когда выйдет Karoo 3 ?

[@BrianRouse]

Is the wahoo competitor model to this the Bolt or Roam?

[@DesFit]

Interestingly, the larger size of the 540 makes it closer to the ROAM now vs the BOLT. Feature wise the ROAM and BOLT are nearly identical.

[@adamreynolds6827]

Is the new freeride climb feature likely to come to the explore 2? 540 vs explore 2 is a hard decision!

[@michwoz]

Not likely. Same with 530 and 830. Garmin has to artificially segment their offer to justify high prices of the new units.

[@DesFit]

Only confirmed for 1040. But another way to think about segmentation is it offers lower priced options for those who may not need all the features.

[@adamreynolds6827]

@@DesFit To be honest, its not too big a hardship to pre-load a course on and get the climb data

[@pszemysuaf]

@@adamreynolds6827 I suppose it is a hardware issue after all - new maps featuring climb data on x40 devices are much heavier at roughly double the size of x30 ones (e.g. EU C+W ~13GB vs 7-8GB), let alone potential cpu/ram updates in the newest devices making it possible to operate smoothly. Truth be told, I couldn’t stand the lag when dealing with maps zooming on my 530 that is now 4 years old and its battery has degraded considerably (I had the unit shutting down before a longer ride end on two occasions this spring.). So I wanted to upgrade to a touchscreen, but 1040 size factor was a dealbreaker for me - I’d need to upgrade two custom out-front mounts on my road bikes (certainly $150-200 extra). Now the full set of buttons in addition to the touchscreen and a compact size on 840 makes it a perfect computer for me, which is why I ordered the 840 solar version - no brainer for me. Seriously, I doubt x30 devices would run with the new UI software and any extra data for processing. My 530 is massively underpowered and much slower than an office calculator… Just my 2 cent worth

[@adamreynolds6827]

@@pszemysuaf Yep that all makes sense! The explore 2 came out with the 1040 so could be considered part of the X40 series ... although it may have an old chip in to keep that cost down. 840 solar is so so expensive! For me at least

[@AlwaysBeCycling]

Is your Vo2 max really 63???

[@DesFit]

Usually more like 59-60

[@AlwaysBeCycling]

@@DesFitimpressive, fam! keep up the good work all around

[@DesFit]

Thanks and happy riding!

[@ДмитрийСергеевич-в8о]

140 will be released?

[@donbarnard82]

Booo! Can't order it yet. :)

[@saidul02]

hey no one noticed, that table looks like giant phone

[@rayekhoury]

to confirm, the only difference is the touch screen? same screen size, same size, same features?

[@DesFit]

There are differences other than the touchscreen which I went through in the video between the 540 and 840

[@LuisMartinsmw]

I want to like the garmins, but software always felt so finicky, and designed by windows 95 specialist. Why won’t garmin invest in design and stability is beyond me.

[@kimwarner6050]

What's going on with the 140 edge for us poor people?

[@vishalkarna3763]

Garmin 840 and 540 are overpriced units. Except the Route free ClimbPro it is not worth upgrading considering the high prices. Garmin has started to take full advantage of folks who are in Garmin Echo system. I hope they provide provide periodic sales/discounts to retain their customers.

[@tenzinjangchup8069]

You talk so fast like chatgpt

[@tomprentice6935]

⚔️😎👌🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿(stroke)

[@dvdsaiz]

Incredible the same aspect and screen for so many years. Bezels, screen, over 45 years old imposible see the numbers on this small screens. Other brands will come and will make better job. Garmin on cycle is the same as 10 years ago. Completely boring brand. Bye Garmin.

[@DesFit]

The bezels and screen may largely remain the same but software features are hard to compare with other options.

[@flow2tech]

I'm over 50 ..I can still see them but I've spent the last 25 years eating a ton of carrots.. 😆

[@dvdsaiz]

@@flow2tech Me too. Good luck yours.....jejeje

[@arafat.techlead]

Hi, how are you bro? 🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩

[@osint6372]

Does anyone know why the 840 won't update any maps through GARMIN EXPRESS with a no space message.....I guess I have to remove any preloaded maps?

[@sq3lvdtomek247]

@PM As I know, because of the new version of ClimbPro You should remowe and load again maps, as they are different than that installed previously (to be compatible with new CPro version) Update software, reload maps! 🙃

[@osint6372]

@@sq3lvdtomek247 I actually modified one map. I used central Europe instead of the entire European Map and it worked. But I wonder if I delete everything and try again if it can hold both North America and Europe.

[@sq3lvdtomek247]

@@osint6372 You can try. Nothing to loose. Maybe the maps have larger volume of data now, because of the modified Climb Pro