Garmin Edge 130: Super-Detailed Review!

[@pittviper6320]

Great review. I bought this garmin edge 130 after watching this review and reviewing a few more. I've been using it for about a month now and I think it's brilliant! It has everything that I could want. Easy to use, gps is great and is cheap. Don't be fooled by the size of it. It has a lot of power and data and does everything that I could want from a head unit. Definitely worth a look if anyone is looking for their first unit or is looking to get a top quality unit at a good price!

[@lexville12]

With the recent updates, you can send courses from Strava over to your Garmin? thanks

[@andylanegra-thoughtsfromth7451]

Your reviews are always so detailed. Thank you for taking your time to do this!

[@jimdennison]

Really useful review ! You swayed me to get one of these instead of the more expensive 520 (partly because I already have a Bluetooth, rather than ANT+ HRM). Managed to get one 6 months old on eBay for £100 ($125) ! 🙂👍

[@jarretgosbee7717]

This is awesome. I have an edge 800 and 935. I keep my edge 800 for races even though my primary device is my 935. WIth extended display I can get the benefits of more data fields and an easier to read display while not duplicating data. LOVE IT!

[@mats12east89]

Hi mate, I stumbled across your reviews and I am blown away by your detailed description of the Garmin cycling computers and wearables. Amazing!

[@richardschultze650]

The device is very well built. The screen is one of he best I have ever seen. However, 15hrs battery life seems to be wishful thinking. After I used the 130 for six hours with GPS on and connected to a heartbeat sensor, the battery indicator was on zero (built in datafield). The Strava segments are only working when the device is not navigating a route, means that one can either navigate a route or follow Strava segments. I could not find anything about this in the manual. Another issue is not necessarily Garmin related, but is due to the limitation of turn by turn navigation. Since there are no underlying maps, I assume that the device identifies turns by their angle. Every diversion of more than 90 deg (?) from the current heading is interpreted as a turn. Therefore sharp curves are interpreted as turns. This can become annoying when you do curvy roads in the mountains and have the alarm on, but does it not really do any harm. On the other hand the device does not identify turns below a certain angle and consequently does not give any warning. This will make your loose you way until it triggers an alarm. The device is only to limited use for riders who are navigating through unknown terrain.

[@winterjohannes]

Thanks for the review, I´m waiting since the 25 for a mini Garmin who is able to work with powermeters. Perfect for racing, saves a about 80g to my Edge 1000. And if its not the weight its the technical nerd inside me ;-)

[@emilegoguely4032]

My thoughts exactly (my 1000 is getting banged up + is hard to fit on the TT bike)

[@jlebrech]

edge 500 replacement finally. i'm on using my phone now with quad lock tho.

[@chopstickhero]

thanks for the review. I lost my Edge 500 and looking for a replacement. this will most likely be it. Nice shirt too!

[@edp3601]

This looks really promising - good signs for other units to come. Waiting to see what the 830 is like before buying a new cycling computer. Hope it comes out soon!

[@janisalberins4139]

Just to consider if you want to buy this garmin device. The battery life if not great on this, if you want to cycle more than 2-3h and I it gets much worse if the temperature is low. I planned to do a 100k bike ride during January, and the device started to shut down automatically in 30-40 mins. I fully charged it last night. I also take in to account that I have used it for almost two years and battery life is getting worse over time. But I have to say that my friends have garmin 520 and they had no problem with battery, and they have owned the device for longer than I have. Everything else work fine on this device. I has no problem using my sensors - heart rate, speed, cadence and power.

[@NathanKull]

Remote display is HUGE... Definitely the key feature for me.

[@andrewpemberton4687]

Great unit in every way, and the screen is excellent, unfortunately the battery life is not good enough for an all day ride. If you run a HRM, speed sensor and maybe have your phone linked to it and are using it to navigate then 6 hours riding time is about the limit. You can probably get 15 hrs with no sensors, phone or navigation in use - i got 12hrs before the battery warning message appears.

[@kierenkd]

Looks great. I would live to see a 130+ with B&W maps

[@chuckkoehler9526]

I want to use the return to start function without a planned route, so how do I set up the device for a route start (with no course) with a return to start later on?

[@pittviper6320]

Hi. You just have to ride to wherever you are going and when you want to return to the starting point, you can then press the return button which will ask you if you want to return using the same route that got you there or by a straight line which basically means the shortest route back to the start. Hope this helps you.

[@chuckkoehler9526]

@@pittviper6320 Thanks, I downloaded th manual to see how to do it online. I don't have it yet, but might get one later on.

[@ericlamoureux1012]

TY for the great review (as always) - Maybe I'll give up my Wahoo? BTW - Love the T !

[@SafadosAteus]

Can you keep on recording your ride while using the navigation functionality in this unit? Thank you!

[@benmiller388]

Will it upload Training Peaks training plans?

[@arplast1]

Excellent review thanks👏👏 Very informative and everything I wanted to know👍

[@MatthiasEffpunkt]

still looks like a afforable re entry into the bike computer world. replacing my forerunner 310xt soon thanks for the review, old but still helpful to me

[@richardphipps4750]

Hi dc rainmaker, just a quick question can you charge it with a power bank, without it stopping the activity? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[@miniwarrior7]

It appears to have the garmin mount charge pads for powerd garmin mount adapter

[@Liofa73]

It's not the smallest device Garmin has ever made that connects to a power meter. The Edge 500 connected to a power meter via ANT+. That's how all power meters connected in about 2011 until Bluetooth was implemented in these types of devices.

[@Dcrainmaker]

The Edge 130 is far smaller than the Edge 500. The Edge 500 measured 1.9" wide by 2.7" tall and 0.9" thick. The Edge 130 measures 1.6"w by 2.5" tall and 0.6" thick. It's also almost half the weight - 33g vs 57g for the Edge 500.

[@rodneyktc]

Hello, thanks for the review, I use the garmin 25 and I like the fact that I can read it at night I leave the the backlight on. Can I do the same on this one? (Since i ride at night most of times)

[@nickcartman]

The newest Bryton rider 410, 450 and aero 60 all have Galileo, Beidou, Glonass and QZSS for the same price. It's pretty rare.

[@Dcrainmaker]

The point of my 'rare' comment, was that in April (when this was filmed/uploaded), it was rare. Bryton announced those units starting in June (which...is after April).

[@thelovebeard]

Was thinking of getting this to replace edge 25. Does anyone know if u can charge mid ride with power bank without it going into save mode

[@miniwarrior7]

It appears to have the charge contacts on the garmin mount for powered garmin mount adapter

[@byronwellburn]

Nice review. Think I might buy one now. Cheers 👍

[@Whiskey6Radio]

Question. Does the 130 have a dedicated screen that shows your bread crumb patch you have already taken?

[@kostassarad9729]

Nice video! How long is battery life when the waist band is connected or a watt meter?thank you!

[@Countrystock]

Can you download your completed ride via Bluetooth ???

[@baddriversofcolga]

Seems to be a good competitor to the Lezyne Super GPS. Although the Lezyne has better battery life (24 hours) and costs $50 less, but this does have a better screen.

[@curtisgoodwin8962]

Best tee ever dude !!

[@FleurvanhH.9954]

Question; do you need to buy additional sensors in order for it to display basic things such as speed, distance covered, total distance, time, total time, etc?

[@zedzed2625]

no you do not. you only need additional sensors for cadance, heart rate and power meter for well...power

[@kvbcycles]

Thanks for detailed review, but wondering if you could answer this question: what is the internal memory size in MB? I am not a competitive cyclist, I'm a tourer, cycle long distance, use big tracks. I have an old edge 200 with 4MB memory which is too small so looking to replace with edge 130, but finding out how much internal space is available seems impossible! Thank you.

[@boochuck]

Is there a way you can have these mounted when you demo? The hands climbing all over it and it rolling all over the place is distracting and difficult to watch.

[@virtualZ161]

I will using the Garmin 130 for secondary power source with the Assioma pedals. Does the unit collect the necessary power data for Zwiftpower’s dual recording power analysis tool?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup!

[@remlr92]

I bought mine 2 weeks ago. I think it’s great so far. I have one issue with the altimeter though... I almost have to recalibrate it manually everytime i go for a ride. I live at 45m, sometimes it shows 80, sometimes -30! What about you? Thanks

[@robertnobles8189]

I get crash notifications on my 130+. Almost annoyingly often when I am just coming to a full stop from a fast descent. It beeps and says it is notifying my emergency contact after a count down to ignore.

[@kristenflethj3573]

Great video, thanks a bunch. Can you still create a workout in the Garmin Connect app and transfer to the unit? (or is that a structured workout, that only the 130 plus supports?

[@markwilkinson3903]

Interested to see your test ride with the 130 and PowerPod, on the dual out front mount. Potentially super compact training setup. If my seemingly indestructible 510 ever dies, this would be more compelling to me than the 520(+) or beyond.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hang tight!!!!

[@markwilkinson3903]

DC Rainmaker “Aeropod” Announced !! About to head over to your review now.

[@darwinlifeonearth]

Hi i watched your video and ❤️ it. I am thinking of buying it over my current cheap one. Can i ask you a question. I have 2 bikes, each already has speed and cadence sensors. Can this edge 130 plus be used in any of those without setting up sensors everytime i want to ride on either one of my bikes?

[@domestique3954]

didn’t know they have them in so small to run them with a powertap! good job!🚴🏽💦

[@janijordaan9264]

I need help!! Can I load strava live segments on it?

[@noudsmeenge30]

You will get a notify wenn you hit a segment

[@Jace_Roams]

Thanks for the review!

[@PuneethBedre]

Hi DC rainmaker! Great video, thanks mate. Between a dedicated bicycle computer and a sports watch, like the forerunner 635, at face value the watch seems a lot more versatile. While, I guess, one won’t be able to check his speed and power output on the fly, the forerunner is compatible with speed and cadence sensors which can collate the information for later. This seems like the only obvious difference between a watch and a computer. Is there any others? Such as precision of data collection etc? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Maybe a video on how good sports watch are for cycling is a good idea?

[@miniwarrior7]

The watch is vary capable ive used forerunners and vivoactive for the last 6 years on bike tracking just speed and cadence. Only recently did I move up to the much better slightly more expensive edge530 for the advanced power monitoring

[@FOATE]

So navigation is cool but im probably not going to use it when riding locally, so can I use this thing to improve gps tracking on apps like Strava without setting a predetermined route?

[@rajb2r]

The Extended Display option - it says you can mirror data from Feinix 5 family on the screen of EDGE, does that mean I can track my ride on my Fenix and make edge show it on it's display ?

[@eazyasyoulike]

I have a Vivoactive 5 Watch and just bought an Edge130 plus. I record my gym workouts and walks on the Vivoactive 5 and for What I want it is really good, I bought the Edge 130 Plus for some extra features on my bike rides like segments. I know I can broadcast the heartrate from the watch to the Edge which is useful. i am just wondering how the overall health features on the watch will be affected, will the bike rides recorded on the edge and related data be synced from Connect app to the Vivoactive 5 and used in the overall health metrics on the watch?

[@amckimmey]

Even though it doesn't display left right power meter balance, will it at least collect that data for later analysis?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Nope, doesn't do that either unfortunately. :(

[@DaviCupra]

I have a road bike and mountain bike, can you select or tell the Garmin wich bike you are riding so that you can save or know your total time ride, distance etc of each bike?

[@jorgitogaitan]

hey Boss! interesting review. I would like to see a comparison between 130 and wahoo mini. thanks!

[@eitanfrankowitz6992]

Do you need to buy the sensors in order to calculate your speed?

[@miniwarrior7]

No it uses gps

[@dlonrazurc]

Hi, since it supports Connect IQ how does the Specialized Creo SL data fields look like? Similar to your Levo?

[@ManolovicX]

Does it feature an odometer or total distance in the device and not on strava or the dedicated app?

[@Gemzy275]

My 130 doesn’t show navigation instructions. I can see the track and my position is correct, but there are no arrows or similar to show me when to turn. All my settings are correct so I should see them. Also when I set the ‘distance to next ...’ there appears to be one and that is the finish...

[@karllindberg4830]

Does this device do strava live segments to show immediately if you get a KOM or PR?

[@zemuguello3089]

How easy is it to swap bikes? I am looking to replace an Edge 500 and this looks perfect for it, but the Edge 500 requires you to go 5 levels down in the menu in order to switch bikes. Which is insane...

[@Cicadawee]

Very nice review....in the basket.

[@karllindberg4830]

Will the garmin 130 sync your ride through bluetooth to strava? Or do you need to plug in into the computer to upload a ride?

[@pikoliii]

It will sync it via bt trough the phone.

[@ArashFallah]

Nice! How does this compare with the Lezyne offerings?

[@Dcrainmaker]

In some ways Lezyne is actually more full featured here (as is Polar and the M450/460), but I'd say that Garmin has a more cohesive platform. I'll be doing some comparison type posts/videos in the weeks ahead.

[@ArashFallah]

Great! As always really appreciate all your efforts.

[@bitchoflivingblah]

Yep I'd agree, as a user of Polar M450. There's nothing here that would want me to move to this Garmin 130. The 520 or 520 Plus are the next step up for me.

[@ArashFallah]

Thanks! I use Garmin watches for cycling as well, but with my watch getting older I'm looking for a cycling computer that doesn't break the bank. So 130 or Lezyne are ideal for me.

[@nickcartman]

The problem with the Lezyne mini series is the lack of sound alert so you have to constantly look at your screen (not safe). Only the Lezyne super has sound. I also find their X-lock really hard to attach and detach. The screen is also too small for me and I find it hard to navigate. The cool thing is you can search and send routes directly via their app.

[@deepakvrao]

They should have it customisable by a phone app, like the Wahoos.

[@timod13]

Do you have any insights into why Garmin don't ditch the charging/data ports on the Edge range in favour of the "terminal" style configuration of the wearables and some handheld units? This is always a weak point in the design as far as water ingress is concerned.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Tim O'Dwyer I suspect just ease of use for folks having to carry less cables. The port is IPX7 waterproof (even with the lid off), so you can go down to 1m deep. I’ve shown it underwater in some past videos a while back.

[@timod13]

@@Dcrainmaker Thanks so much for your reply and for all of your content. Is this a new feature for the 130? I live in the tropics and have seen several other units (810, 1000, etc) suffer water damage from heavy rain due to an improperly inserted charge port plugs. Great news if so!

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@timod13 Actually been around about a decade. Now...what can get folks in trouble is the microSD card slot on some of the older units (like the 810/1000) where it wasn't protected. I killed an Edge 800 back in the day when I got gel (like, sports gel) in there somehow. Doh! These days the microSD card slots are totally sealed up inside a coin-cell battery style o-ring lock system that requires a screwdriver/coin to open.

[@chuckkoehler9526]

Is there any way to just go riding with the device (without a pre-planned route) and tell the device that I want my current location to be my starting point, and then ride on a spontaneous route, and then tell the device that I want to go back to starting position?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yes, back to start on the 130. But you’ll need to follow the exact same route back.

[@dieteresplanduyt6272]

is it possible to connect multiple speed sensors to this unit? I currently use the 510 with different bikes, each with their own sensors

[@jamesward2141]

I have an 810 which i bought to replace a lost 500. I hate the resistive touch screen and the fact it’s colour. I’ve had it for about 5 years and the battery has always been rubbish. Can’t do a full days riding on it with sensors connected. I don’t use any of its features either just speed cadence and hr! Going to get the 130 I think because of the crisp black and white screen and the battery life.

[@EugeneTayam]

Nice review as always! Sorry if I missed it but can it sync to Strava automatically via wifi?

[@LucasWeitzendorf]

You can link Garmin Connect to your Strava account. Works with every device.

[@miniwarrior7]

No need for wifi it would hurt this weak battery more

[@allenpearson5659]

Will this work with and support Garmin XT920 in triathlon?

[@freeridefried]

Can’t believe it only has a maximum of 3s average power as a data field. For me using a power meter, it is a huge downside. This is just silly from Garmin in my opinion, does not even cost anything. What do you think?

[@gsrsilver]

Can garmin 130 control bontrager ion led lights or any other remote lights?

[@jjgarcia6833]

Does this unit and the 520 plus send physiological data to Garmin Connect. I have the Edge 520 and use a HR strap but seem to still have to use my Fenix watch to mesauser training effect and to see that type data. Basically I would like to be able to not have to use my watch on rides.

[@RobinsonHooi]

can i add clock in the field?

[@alrocky]

yes

[@machine7767]

Use a tripod to hold your camera while going through the various setup options and screens on the device . Between the movement of the device and camera I was getting really sick.

[@robertoreilly6256]

How do you adjust the autolap on the garmin edge130

[@agathosl9534]

The volume is sooooo low...

[@hymen0callis]

at least 10 dB. Not so great.

[@jazzis4u1]

Must be drowned out by the voices in your head

[@matthewlcooke]

Does anyone know how to use this on multiple bikes? Thanks **Two bikes with two power meters is what I meant.

[@miniwarrior7]

Garmin sensor pooling typically lets you pair multiple device and it will just connect to whatever is available. Can you not pair a second sensor? Sounds like a bug

[@nethklau]

Anyone know can the data field can show the current time (clock)? Thx

[@contaandroid7612]

Whitch is better gps, this or garmin edge 520 plus? The price is about the same, can you please help?

[@Wrockyy]

+1 for the standard USB connector rather than the cradle connector that the 20 and 25 units use.

[@nordicdiver]

How will the Strava live segments be visual?

[@Thecyclist84]

It has live tracking?

[@dennismascardo6256]

Ray, any idea why i`m having issues pairing via bluetooth with my 4iiii precision? i was able to pair it via ant+ but prefer to use ble to save power. i tried everything, removing all paired sensors and disabling as well the ant+ for the 4iiii, still no luck.

[@Dcrainmaker]

There's no savings of power via BLE (being honest), so I'd pair via ANT+. My guess on why it's not working on BLE is that the BLE power meter spec is a mess, and more importantly 4iiii doesn't' single-channel transmit, so it dual-channels left and right separately on BLE (which is wonky), thus head units have to select one side or the other. Vector and SRM single-channel (funnel both left and right into one channel), which helps the situation.

[@landuytdieter]

Is it possible to connect more than 1 speed sensor on that device

[@gazs.glide1]

Have you used this with the ebike yet?

[@nikkiesteban]

Can you adjust or define your own hr zones?

[@miniwarrior7]

Always

[@bengt_axle]

Do you find that the Edge 130 (with its monochome display) has a better sunlight readability than the Elemnt Bolt?

[@timvandelaak]

Like the know that 2

[@DaviCupra]

Does it show ambient temperature?

[@curtisgoodwin8962]

Best tee ever !

[@moscar52]

Awesome T-shirt

[@MTBIKEXC]

Nice shirt!

[@JohnJez]

Hello I don't suppose anyone can help me. I have just purchased my Garmin Edge 130, when I load a course the breadcrumb navigation line is not filled, as as you ride the course it then turns black, videos on KZbin have a solid black line from the start in which they follow for the navigation. Do anyone know if the no filled line can be changed to a solid? Thank you for your video it has really helped me. Regards Alex

[@lindawilson989]

I would love it if I could actually switch it on

[@danieldavies8251]

Wdym 😂👏

[@erlendbor6101]

Migth be late but you’ll need to hold the on button in

[@MrAhmaddjango]

hi... i just tried my 130 today... but the battery life is quite bad... i used it with my hr and power meter with gps+glonass... after my 2 hour ride... the battery is about 50%... which is to me is not good... or is it i did somthing wrong... my previous 520 battery life is much much better

[@JakobThusgaard]

Is that the standard mount ?

[@kelkel1816]

Hey DC, will the Garmin 130 connect with the 2018 wahoo core? Thanks!!

[@Robbeans81]

have you had any problems with the map the wrong way up ? and very poor battery life?

[@BrianRouse]

Is the intent to compete with the elemnt bolt?

[@Dcrainmaker]

They already do with the Edge 520/520 Plus. This is mostly intended to compete with Lezyne and Polar.

[@markgray4804]

DC Rainmaker I kind of disagree. This looks squarely as an entry point challenger to the Elemnt Bolt, at a price point that will be attractive in comparison. Not to say it is better, but it will push more people onto a Garmin, rather than Wahoo track. Not a direct competitor, but a sneaky undercut!

[@blekfut5763]

1:32 - LOL... "never"? Really? Have you ever heard of Edge 500? The best Garmin bike computer ever? That was the real workhorse, not a fancy gadget... And it was CHEAP.

[@djgarrett21]

Why intentionally hobble this by not allowing metrics like TSS, NP, L/R power, etc.? I understand Garmin needs to differentiate their product line but consumers know that a device like this is capable of metrics that seems to be purposefully omitted. This could be a home run if Garmin allowed it to be.

[@mbuenaflor]

how about the display at dark or night ?

[@FishStang]

So should I get this or the 520+ for $50 more?

[@miniwarrior7]

80 more for 530 edge with power dynamics, color, full maps, better cpu

[@JogBird]

i got a samsumg xconnect4 to use as a bike gps and navigation... it cost 99$