June 17, 2025 • 16 mins
EP26 - Deep Dive chat covering the new features an recap of reviewers on the Garmin Edge MTB
Resources & Links:
- Buy one: https://the5krunner.com/GarminEdgeMTB
- All the new features: https://the5krunner.com/2025/06/17/garmin-edge-mtb-opinion-specs-first-look-review/
- Main Channel: https://the5krunner.com
My other channels: https://linktr.ee/the5krunner
—Credits: Content in this episode was generated using AI tools (NotebookLM) based on original content from @the5krunner, and other sources as cited.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
OK, let's unpack this. Today we're taking a deep dive
into the Garment Edge MTB. It's a bike computer that, well,
it truly surprised quite a few people with its recent release.
Definitely a surprise. We pulled together insights from
some top reviewers, folks like DC Rainmaker, GP Llama and also
a detailed look from the 5K runner.
Right the 5K runner. He's deep into the tech side of
(00:22):
performance, triathlon, cycling,you name it.
Always about going faster and measuring.
It exactly so our mission today is really to pull out the key
Nuggets from what they found to help you understand what this
new device means for cyclists, especially mountain bikers
obviously and well where it fitsin Garmin's lineup.
And this is where it gets reallyinteresting, because what
(00:44):
immediately grabbed reviewers attention, and probably yours
too, is that this just wasn't the device anyone was expecting.
Not at all. GP Llama actually called the
release of the Garmin Edge MTBA plot twist.
He noted that lots of people, himself included, were really
anticipating the edge, 5:50 and 8:50 instead.
Yeah, that was the rumour mill consensus, was it?
(01:05):
Yeah. Totally.
This wasn't just a surprise, wasit?
It kind of makes you wonder if Garmin is maybe subtly shifting
its strategy, perhaps testing a new, more niche approach before
a bigger refresh. It definitely threw a curveball
and what's fascinating here is that while yes, it's positioned
for Mountain Viking GP, Llama also clarified it's a purpose
(01:25):
built Garmin Edge, but it's verymuch an X50 series with the user
interface. It packs all the standard
features you'd expect from a capable Garmin unit.
So, you know, despite the name, it sounds like it could appeal
beyond just on bikers. And the 5K runner kind of took
that idea even further. He viewed it almost as an edge
150, you know, the smallest sortof bottom of the range edge
(01:47):
rather than the 550 or 850 people were waiting for.
Right, like a new entry point. Yet the 5K runner also called it
a welcome focus on MTV riders for the first time.
So there's this tension. Is it a new entry level device
or is it highly specialised? Well, DC Rainmaker characterised
the whole thing as a quirky product and launch.
Quirky. OK.
(02:08):
He described it as an in betweenproduct.
It somehow blends the new software platform from the Edge
1050 series with hardware designthat's more like the Edge
5:40-ish. It's a curious mix, isn't it?
Almost like Garmin is experimenting, maybe trying to
carve out a very specific segment.
So with such an unexpected entrythe the physical side of the
edge MTB immediately got attention.
(02:31):
How does this in between productactually feel, you know, in your
hand and on the trail? Yeah, that's key.
Reviewers consistently highlighted its compact and
rugged design. We're talking dimensions of 50.4
by 77.8 by 19.8 millimetres and weighing just 57 grammes, which
is light. It really is, GP Llama noted.
It's not quite 130 plus. Small, but not as big and bulky
(02:54):
as a 5:40 or 8:40. And for context, the Edge 540 is
81 grammes. So this MTB unit is
significantly lighter. That's a real plus on the
trails. Oh absolutely, and it's truly
built to shred. As Garmin puts it.
It's got 7 fully enclosed buttons designed specifically to
keep mud and grit out. That's crucial for off road.
Plus it has a scratch resistant Corning Gorilla Glass lens.
(03:15):
And importantly, it's button only, no touch screen.
That's a deliberate choice. Right, better for gloves and
mud. Exactly.
Fantastic for wet, muddy or gloved conditions where yeah, a
touch screen can just be frustrating.
And Speaking of the screen, GP Llama was impressed.
He found the colour screen bright and crisp, similar to
what you'd get on The Edge 1050.That's a bit.
(03:37):
To hear and DC Rainmaker echoed that he confirmed it's
definitely brighter than the Edge 540, although maybe not
quite as bright as that premium 1050 display still a significant
visual upgrade for a smaller unit and.
Beyond the unit itself, the mounts got some attention too.
In the box you get this new top tube mount, along with a
standard handlebar mount and a tether.
(03:59):
A top tube mount. Interesting.
Yeah, DC Rainmaker detailed thisone.
He admitted it's initially confusing to figure out how the
strap routes, but once you get it set up, apparently it's very
stable. He did add a word of caution
though, probably don't use larger devices like the Edge
1050 with this specific mount. They could get kneecapitated as
he put it on bumps. Yeah, unlike the smaller,
(04:21):
lighter Edge MTB, it really highlights how the mount is
designed for this compact form factor.
OK, so beyond the physical stuff, what truly sets the Edge
MTB apart? Or it's, well, groundbreaking
new features and top of that list.
Something really innovative. 5 Hertz GPS recording.
The five Hertz. This feature records 5 GPS
points per second, 5 Hertz. That's a big leap from the
(04:44):
standard 1 Hertz you find in, you know, most consumer GPS
devices. So why does this matter for you
as a writer? Well, the five T runner explains
that this higher frequency captures rapid changes much more
precisely, meaning meaning you get visually perfect path
representations around sharp turns, more precise peak speed
measurements, even detailed acceleration data.
Yeah, and GP Llama showed that while it doesn't necessarily
(05:07):
change your overall accuracy, itgenuinely smooths things out.
It addresses what he amusingly calls the Super Marioing or
Mario Karting of the GPS track you sometimes see.
Right where the track jumps around.
Exactly. DC Rainmaker demonstrated this
perfectly with a high speed Rd turn example.
The five Hertz line stays on theroadway while the 1 Hertz track
(05:30):
while it cuts in on the sidewalk.
It's all about precision in those complex fast movements.
But the way it's implemented, ithas a few quirks.
Apparently this 5 Hertz recording is only active when
the device thinks you're descending, and it's only
available in the new Enduro MTB and Downhill MTB profiles.
Right, specific modes. DC Rainmaker found the enduro
(05:51):
modes need for a manual toggle between climbing and descending
a bit cumbersome. He said it led to forgotten
toggles and, well, missed 5 Hertz data.
That's annoying. The downhill profile,
thankfully, is simpler. It automatically engages 5 Hertz
on descents. So it seems like Garmin is still
maybe refining the user experience around this powerful
new tech. Definitely feels like version
1.0 in some ways. And looking at the reviewer
(06:14):
impact in the future for five Hertz GP, Llama noted that while
Grumman Connect handles the fiveHertz data fine, Strava
currently only displays 1 Hertz data from the unit.
Really, that's a bit of a shame for Strava users.
It is, yeah. Hopefully Strava updates that DC
Rainmaker, though. Even though he found the actual
visual differences very minor, needing extreme zoom to spot
(06:37):
them, he firmly believes this will kick off a shift in
technology. I think so.
He predicts it'll become the norm for by computers in maybe
two to four years. He really sees it as a sign of
things to come across the board.But there is a trade off, isn't
there? The 5K Runner and DC Rainmaker
both flagged this. Yes, the battery life.
Enabling 5 Hertz recording apparently halves the device's
(07:00):
battery life, reduces it from maybe 26 hours in battery saver
mode down to around 14 hours in demanding use cases.
That's a significant chunk of ride time, something you
definitely need to plan for on longer adventures, but the
broader potential for five Hertzrecording is quite exciting.
The 5K runner sees it as a game changer, not just for mountain
biking, but for high res tracking and other sports too.
(07:22):
Things like windsurfing, skiing,motor racing, even sprinting.
Wow. He believes it can provide near
perfect movement profiles for athletes in those areas,
allowing for, well, unprecedented analysis of
motion. OK, so 5 Hertz is huge.
What about the other headline feature, Timing Gates?
(07:42):
Yes, timing gates. This new function lets you
manually create a start gate andthen up to 10 subsequent timing
gates along a course you ride right as you pass through them.
The Edge MTB tracks your split times for each sector and your
overall lap time. It gives you real time feedback
on whether you're ahead or behind your target splits.
It's kind of like personal segment tracking, but with way
(08:03):
more control. It is, but DC Rainmaker
emphasises some setup details here.
These courses have to be createdon the device itself, not in
Garmin Connect. That's you Okay?
Why is that? Apparently to ensure very
precisely placed gates in the correct direction of travel.
GP Llama confirmed the feature works, but he found the setup
using only buttons a bit challenging.
(08:25):
Because no touch screen. Exactly.
He mentioned nuances and specific button sequences, so
while it sounds powerful, it might take a bit of practise to
get right. And how did reviewers feel about
the implementation? Mixed, maybe DC Rainmaker called
it a bit rough around the edge. He particularly found having to
(08:45):
manually start a timing gate section cumbersome.
Yeah. I could see that.
He said he'd prefer an automaticpop up more like how Strava Live
segments work. Give Sense.
And the 5K Runner, while acknowledging the innovation,
also raised questions about its precision under trees.
You know where GPS signals can get weak?
Good point, so innovative but maybe need some refinement
(09:06):
especially for real world trail conditions.
Seems that way. Looking ahead, though, GP Llama
expects timing gates will probably come to the edge. 1050.
That fits Garmin's usual patternporting features up to the
flagship, and the 5K runner got very excited about its potential
for triathlon. He suggested it could be adapted
to mark transition points. Swimming.
(09:26):
Bike out, bike in, run out. For automated splits.
Exactly for a properly automatedmulti sports sports profile Audi
a huge win for triathletes giving immediate automated split
feedback in races. That'll be cool.
OK, so beyond those big features, the Edge MTB also
brings in new mountain bike specific profiles, right enduro
(09:49):
and downhill. Yep, the Enduro profile tracks
your total descent and descent per run and for the whole ride
gives you a clear picture of theeffort.
And the downhill one. The downhill profile
automatically laps each time youfinish a descent, which is
clever and make sure your trip back up on a shuttle or lift
doesn't mess with your actual ride stats.
That's smart. Really useful for gravity
riders. Very much so, and the device
(10:11):
also includes Garmin's established MTB dynamics.
Those are metrics like jump count, jump distance, hang time.
Right, the fun stuff. And also so GRIT, which rates
trail difficulty and Flow which measures how smoothly you ride
it, those are fantastic for understanding performance.
Grit assesses the trails technical challenge.
Flow looks at your speed and consistency.
(10:32):
Really unique insights for trailriding.
And there's more trail data too,with trail forks, maps preloaded
and an enhanced fork site mode. Correct, GP Llama noted.
This gives you more detail aboutupcoming trails at junctions,
names, difficulty levels, elevation profiles.
Super helpful when you're navigating unfamiliar trails,
trying to decide which way to go.
(10:52):
Definitely. And DC Rainmaker highlighted a
brand new post ride Trail Breakdown.
This gives details on all the trail types you rode, their
difficulty, the time spent on them.
Great for analysing your ride afterwards.
Assuming the trails are in trailforce, of course.
Exactly. He pointed out that limitation
for his own location might not be universal everywhere, right.
So despite being specialised, itsounds like the Edge MTB still
(11:16):
packs in a tonne of standard garment features.
Oh yeah, it's definitely not stripped down.
You get full mapping, navigationclimb pro.
Group ride, Group track, live track incident detection, bike
alarm. Advanced workouts, cycling
dynamics, music control, E bike support, even connect IQ add on
support their App Store for datafields and widgets.
(11:37):
Plus integration with various devices, the smart radars and
lights. In reach satellite communicators
for off grid safety. And electronic shifting like
Shwanadi 2, Synchro Shift and SRAM AXS.
It really is a comprehensive garment experience, even with
that MTB focus. It is, however, reviewers did
flag a few surprising emissions.Like what?
Well the Edge MTB lacks Wi-Fi, so activity sync is Bluetooth
(12:00):
only and map updates happen overUSBC.
OK, no. Wi-Fi.
Anything else? It also doesn't have a speaker
or a bell. And importantly, it emits
several advanced training and physiological features you find
on higher end units. Which one is things like power
guide for pacing efforts, acute load, training status, load
focus, those key metrics for managing training intensity, and
Climb Pro explore the feature for checking out climbs off your
(12:22):
plan route. Regular climb Pro is still there
though. So how did reviewers react to
those missing features? It was a bit mixed, GP Llama
remarked. He was unable to tell if it was
missing another arm or a leg. Feature wise, he found it still
pretty stacked despite those gaps.
OK, so he didn't miss them much.But the 5K runner found these
(12:42):
omissions somewhat pointless. He suggested Climb Pro Explorer
and maybe Wi-Fi are the only twoyou'd truly miss, and DC
Rainmaker also kind of questioned the value of
segmenting features quite like this.
So the debate seems to be, are these really crucial missing
pieces or just things that aren't essential for the
specific audience Garmin's targeting here?
(13:03):
Interesting point. It really feels like Garmin is
trying to hit a very specific price point and feature set with
this one. Speaking of price.
Yeah, GP Llama pointed out. It's priced at $399 US and €399.
That positions it, you know, strategically between the Edge
540 at $349 and the Edge 840 at $449.
(13:24):
So right in the middle. Exactly.
And the 5K runner described it as a relatively expensive entry
level byte computer, but then heimmediately clarified it's not
entry level at all. It's just the cheapest Garmin
Edge in the current range, whichI think gives you a really good
sense of where it sits in their current product hierarchy.
It's an interesting strategic play.
So, wrapping things up, how did the reviewers ultimately at
(13:46):
least see this device? GP Llama what was his final
take? He concluded that the Edge MTB
is without a doubt a very capable edge bike computer
that's more than just mountain bike focused, especially noting
how small and light it is. Right.
Broader appeal, perhaps? Yeah, he even questioned if
Garmin might eventually drop the500 series and just focus on
(14:06):
upgrading the 800, or maybe if this unit should have been
called the EDGE 550 Junior or Edge 550 MTB.
He felt the name might actually hold it back a little bit from
that wider appeal. And DC Rainmaker a bit more
sceptical. He founded an interesting unit
for sure, but he acknowledged it's unclear whether this is a
one night stand or something with longer staying power.
(14:29):
Is it a niche product or the start of something bigger?
He did note that all the new software features introduced
here, the five Hertz timing gates, they will eventually come
to the Edge 1050 and presumably to future Edge 550 and 850
models whenever they arrive. So the software innovation isn't
exclusive long term. Exactly.
He personally scratches his heada bit on the new model from a
(14:51):
hardware standpoint. He questioned why a separate MTB
specific device is needed instead of just say, a smaller
130 sized replacement that incorporates these advanced
features for everyone. That's a fair question.
So what does this all mean for you as a cyclist?
We've seen how the Garmin Edge MTB packs some genuinely
innovative features, like that 5Hertz GPS and timing gates into
(15:13):
a rugged, compact design. It's clearly delighting mountain
bikers for sure, but it's also raising questions about its
place in the wider garment ecosystem.
It's as fascinating blend, isn'tit?
Specialised capability mixed with some strategic emissions,
it shows Garmin is both innovating and, well, carefully
segmenting its market. Absolutely.
Ultimately Garmin is pushing theboundaries of what a by computer
(15:34):
can do, especially for off road riders.
But it also kind of highlights abigger trend in tech, doesn't
it, Where specialised features, once noosh, eventually trickle
down or expand into broader applications, transforming what
all our devices can do. So, thinking about these
specialised features in this ongoing debate among the
reviewers, do you think dedicated devices like the Edge
(15:54):
MTB or the future? Are we moving towards more
hyperfocused gadgets or will Garmin just continue to
integrate these kinds of innovations into its broader
Edge lineup? For all tyes of cyclists, it's
definitely something worth mulling over as you hit the
trails of the road with your owngear.
OK, let's unpack this. Today we're taking a deep dive
into the Garment Edge MTB. It's a bike computer that, well,
it truly surprised quite a few people with its recent release.
Definitely a surprise. We pulled together insights from
some top reviewers, folks like DC Rainmaker, GP Llama and also
a detailed look from the 5K runner.
Right the 5K runner. He's deep into the tech side of
(00:22):
performance, triathlon, cycling,you name it.
Always about going faster and measuring.
It exactly so our mission today is really to pull out the key
Nuggets from what they found to help you understand what this
new device means for cyclists, especially mountain bikers
obviously and well where it fitsin Garmin's lineup.
And this is where it gets reallyinteresting, because what
(00:44):
immediately grabbed reviewers attention, and probably yours
too, is that this just wasn't the device anyone was expecting.
Not at all. GP Llama actually called the
release of the Garmin Edge MTBA plot twist.
He noted that lots of people, himself included, were really
anticipating the edge, 5:50 and 8:50 instead.
Yeah, that was the rumour mill consensus, was it?
(01:05):
Yeah. Totally.
This wasn't just a surprise, wasit?
It kind of makes you wonder if Garmin is maybe subtly shifting
its strategy, perhaps testing a new, more niche approach before
a bigger refresh. It definitely threw a curveball
and what's fascinating here is that while yes, it's positioned
for Mountain Viking GP, Llama also clarified it's a purpose
(01:25):
built Garmin Edge, but it's verymuch an X50 series with the user
interface. It packs all the standard
features you'd expect from a capable Garmin unit.
So, you know, despite the name, it sounds like it could appeal
beyond just on bikers. And the 5K runner kind of took
that idea even further. He viewed it almost as an edge
150, you know, the smallest sortof bottom of the range edge
(01:47):
rather than the 550 or 850 people were waiting for.
Right, like a new entry point. Yet the 5K runner also called it
a welcome focus on MTV riders for the first time.
So there's this tension. Is it a new entry level device
or is it highly specialised? Well, DC Rainmaker characterised
the whole thing as a quirky product and launch.
Quirky. OK.
(02:08):
He described it as an in betweenproduct.
It somehow blends the new software platform from the Edge
1050 series with hardware designthat's more like the Edge
5:40-ish. It's a curious mix, isn't it?
Almost like Garmin is experimenting, maybe trying to
carve out a very specific segment.
So with such an unexpected entrythe the physical side of the
edge MTB immediately got attention.
(02:31):
How does this in between productactually feel, you know, in your
hand and on the trail? Yeah, that's key.
Reviewers consistently highlighted its compact and
rugged design. We're talking dimensions of 50.4
by 77.8 by 19.8 millimetres and weighing just 57 grammes, which
is light. It really is, GP Llama noted.
It's not quite 130 plus. Small, but not as big and bulky
(02:54):
as a 5:40 or 8:40. And for context, the Edge 540 is
81 grammes. So this MTB unit is
significantly lighter. That's a real plus on the
trails. Oh absolutely, and it's truly
built to shred. As Garmin puts it.
It's got 7 fully enclosed buttons designed specifically to
keep mud and grit out. That's crucial for off road.
Plus it has a scratch resistant Corning Gorilla Glass lens.
(03:15):
And importantly, it's button only, no touch screen.
That's a deliberate choice. Right, better for gloves and
mud. Exactly.
Fantastic for wet, muddy or gloved conditions where yeah, a
touch screen can just be frustrating.
And Speaking of the screen, GP Llama was impressed.
He found the colour screen bright and crisp, similar to
what you'd get on The Edge 1050.That's a bit.
(03:37):
To hear and DC Rainmaker echoed that he confirmed it's
definitely brighter than the Edge 540, although maybe not
quite as bright as that premium 1050 display still a significant
visual upgrade for a smaller unit and.
Beyond the unit itself, the mounts got some attention too.
In the box you get this new top tube mount, along with a
standard handlebar mount and a tether.
(03:59):
A top tube mount. Interesting.
Yeah, DC Rainmaker detailed thisone.
He admitted it's initially confusing to figure out how the
strap routes, but once you get it set up, apparently it's very
stable. He did add a word of caution
though, probably don't use larger devices like the Edge
1050 with this specific mount. They could get kneecapitated as
he put it on bumps. Yeah, unlike the smaller,
(04:21):
lighter Edge MTB, it really highlights how the mount is
designed for this compact form factor.
OK, so beyond the physical stuff, what truly sets the Edge
MTB apart? Or it's, well, groundbreaking
new features and top of that list.
Something really innovative. 5 Hertz GPS recording.
The five Hertz. This feature records 5 GPS
points per second, 5 Hertz. That's a big leap from the
(04:44):
standard 1 Hertz you find in, you know, most consumer GPS
devices. So why does this matter for you
as a writer? Well, the five T runner explains
that this higher frequency captures rapid changes much more
precisely, meaning meaning you get visually perfect path
representations around sharp turns, more precise peak speed
measurements, even detailed acceleration data.
Yeah, and GP Llama showed that while it doesn't necessarily
(05:07):
change your overall accuracy, itgenuinely smooths things out.
It addresses what he amusingly calls the Super Marioing or
Mario Karting of the GPS track you sometimes see.
Right where the track jumps around.
Exactly. DC Rainmaker demonstrated this
perfectly with a high speed Rd turn example.
The five Hertz line stays on theroadway while the 1 Hertz track
(05:30):
while it cuts in on the sidewalk.
It's all about precision in those complex fast movements.
But the way it's implemented, ithas a few quirks.
Apparently this 5 Hertz recording is only active when
the device thinks you're descending, and it's only
available in the new Enduro MTB and Downhill MTB profiles.
Right, specific modes. DC Rainmaker found the enduro
(05:51):
modes need for a manual toggle between climbing and descending
a bit cumbersome. He said it led to forgotten
toggles and, well, missed 5 Hertz data.
That's annoying. The downhill profile,
thankfully, is simpler. It automatically engages 5 Hertz
on descents. So it seems like Garmin is still
maybe refining the user experience around this powerful
new tech. Definitely feels like version
1.0 in some ways. And looking at the reviewer
(06:14):
impact in the future for five Hertz GP, Llama noted that while
Grumman Connect handles the fiveHertz data fine, Strava
currently only displays 1 Hertz data from the unit.
Really, that's a bit of a shame for Strava users.
It is, yeah. Hopefully Strava updates that DC
Rainmaker, though. Even though he found the actual
visual differences very minor, needing extreme zoom to spot
(06:37):
them, he firmly believes this will kick off a shift in
technology. I think so.
He predicts it'll become the norm for by computers in maybe
two to four years. He really sees it as a sign of
things to come across the board.But there is a trade off, isn't
there? The 5K Runner and DC Rainmaker
both flagged this. Yes, the battery life.
Enabling 5 Hertz recording apparently halves the device's
(07:00):
battery life, reduces it from maybe 26 hours in battery saver
mode down to around 14 hours in demanding use cases.
That's a significant chunk of ride time, something you
definitely need to plan for on longer adventures, but the
broader potential for five Hertzrecording is quite exciting.
The 5K runner sees it as a game changer, not just for mountain
biking, but for high res tracking and other sports too.
(07:22):
Things like windsurfing, skiing,motor racing, even sprinting.
Wow. He believes it can provide near
perfect movement profiles for athletes in those areas,
allowing for, well, unprecedented analysis of
motion. OK, so 5 Hertz is huge.
What about the other headline feature, Timing Gates?
(07:42):
Yes, timing gates. This new function lets you
manually create a start gate andthen up to 10 subsequent timing
gates along a course you ride right as you pass through them.
The Edge MTB tracks your split times for each sector and your
overall lap time. It gives you real time feedback
on whether you're ahead or behind your target splits.
It's kind of like personal segment tracking, but with way
(08:03):
more control. It is, but DC Rainmaker
emphasises some setup details here.
These courses have to be createdon the device itself, not in
Garmin Connect. That's you Okay?
Why is that? Apparently to ensure very
precisely placed gates in the correct direction of travel.
GP Llama confirmed the feature works, but he found the setup
using only buttons a bit challenging.
(08:25):
Because no touch screen. Exactly.
He mentioned nuances and specific button sequences, so
while it sounds powerful, it might take a bit of practise to
get right. And how did reviewers feel about
the implementation? Mixed, maybe DC Rainmaker called
it a bit rough around the edge. He particularly found having to
(08:45):
manually start a timing gate section cumbersome.
Yeah. I could see that.
He said he'd prefer an automaticpop up more like how Strava Live
segments work. Give Sense.
And the 5K Runner, while acknowledging the innovation,
also raised questions about its precision under trees.
You know where GPS signals can get weak?
Good point, so innovative but maybe need some refinement
(09:06):
especially for real world trail conditions.
Seems that way. Looking ahead, though, GP Llama
expects timing gates will probably come to the edge. 1050.
That fits Garmin's usual patternporting features up to the
flagship, and the 5K runner got very excited about its potential
for triathlon. He suggested it could be adapted
to mark transition points. Swimming.
(09:26):
Bike out, bike in, run out. For automated splits.
Exactly for a properly automatedmulti sports sports profile Audi
a huge win for triathletes giving immediate automated split
feedback in races. That'll be cool.
OK, so beyond those big features, the Edge MTB also
brings in new mountain bike specific profiles, right enduro
(09:49):
and downhill. Yep, the Enduro profile tracks
your total descent and descent per run and for the whole ride
gives you a clear picture of theeffort.
And the downhill one. The downhill profile
automatically laps each time youfinish a descent, which is
clever and make sure your trip back up on a shuttle or lift
doesn't mess with your actual ride stats.
That's smart. Really useful for gravity
riders. Very much so, and the device
(10:11):
also includes Garmin's established MTB dynamics.
Those are metrics like jump count, jump distance, hang time.
Right, the fun stuff. And also so GRIT, which rates
trail difficulty and Flow which measures how smoothly you ride
it, those are fantastic for understanding performance.
Grit assesses the trails technical challenge.
Flow looks at your speed and consistency.
(10:32):
Really unique insights for trailriding.
And there's more trail data too,with trail forks, maps preloaded
and an enhanced fork site mode. Correct, GP Llama noted.
This gives you more detail aboutupcoming trails at junctions,
names, difficulty levels, elevation profiles.
Super helpful when you're navigating unfamiliar trails,
trying to decide which way to go.
(10:52):
Definitely. And DC Rainmaker highlighted a
brand new post ride Trail Breakdown.
This gives details on all the trail types you rode, their
difficulty, the time spent on them.
Great for analysing your ride afterwards.
Assuming the trails are in trailforce, of course.
Exactly. He pointed out that limitation
for his own location might not be universal everywhere, right.
So despite being specialised, itsounds like the Edge MTB still
(11:16):
packs in a tonne of standard garment features.
Oh yeah, it's definitely not stripped down.
You get full mapping, navigationclimb pro.
Group ride, Group track, live track incident detection, bike
alarm. Advanced workouts, cycling
dynamics, music control, E bike support, even connect IQ add on
support their App Store for datafields and widgets.
(11:37):
Plus integration with various devices, the smart radars and
lights. In reach satellite communicators
for off grid safety. And electronic shifting like
Shwanadi 2, Synchro Shift and SRAM AXS.
It really is a comprehensive garment experience, even with
that MTB focus. It is, however, reviewers did
flag a few surprising emissions.Like what?
Well the Edge MTB lacks Wi-Fi, so activity sync is Bluetooth
(12:00):
only and map updates happen overUSBC.
OK, no. Wi-Fi.
Anything else? It also doesn't have a speaker
or a bell. And importantly, it emits
several advanced training and physiological features you find
on higher end units. Which one is things like power
guide for pacing efforts, acute load, training status, load
focus, those key metrics for managing training intensity, and
Climb Pro explore the feature for checking out climbs off your
(12:22):
plan route. Regular climb Pro is still there
though. So how did reviewers react to
those missing features? It was a bit mixed, GP Llama
remarked. He was unable to tell if it was
missing another arm or a leg. Feature wise, he found it still
pretty stacked despite those gaps.
OK, so he didn't miss them much.But the 5K runner found these
(12:42):
omissions somewhat pointless. He suggested Climb Pro Explorer
and maybe Wi-Fi are the only twoyou'd truly miss, and DC
Rainmaker also kind of questioned the value of
segmenting features quite like this.
So the debate seems to be, are these really crucial missing
pieces or just things that aren't essential for the
specific audience Garmin's targeting here?
(13:03):
Interesting point. It really feels like Garmin is
trying to hit a very specific price point and feature set with
this one. Speaking of price.
Yeah, GP Llama pointed out. It's priced at $399 US and €399.
That positions it, you know, strategically between the Edge
540 at $349 and the Edge 840 at $449.
(13:24):
So right in the middle. Exactly.
And the 5K runner described it as a relatively expensive entry
level byte computer, but then heimmediately clarified it's not
entry level at all. It's just the cheapest Garmin
Edge in the current range, whichI think gives you a really good
sense of where it sits in their current product hierarchy.
It's an interesting strategic play.
So, wrapping things up, how did the reviewers ultimately at
(13:46):
least see this device? GP Llama what was his final
take? He concluded that the Edge MTB
is without a doubt a very capable edge bike computer
that's more than just mountain bike focused, especially noting
how small and light it is. Right.
Broader appeal, perhaps? Yeah, he even questioned if
Garmin might eventually drop the500 series and just focus on
(14:06):
upgrading the 800, or maybe if this unit should have been
called the EDGE 550 Junior or Edge 550 MTB.
He felt the name might actually hold it back a little bit from
that wider appeal. And DC Rainmaker a bit more
sceptical. He founded an interesting unit
for sure, but he acknowledged it's unclear whether this is a
one night stand or something with longer staying power.
(14:29):
Is it a niche product or the start of something bigger?
He did note that all the new software features introduced
here, the five Hertz timing gates, they will eventually come
to the Edge 1050 and presumably to future Edge 550 and 850
models whenever they arrive. So the software innovation isn't
exclusive long term. Exactly.
He personally scratches his heada bit on the new model from a
(14:51):
hardware standpoint. He questioned why a separate MTB
specific device is needed instead of just say, a smaller
130 sized replacement that incorporates these advanced
features for everyone. That's a fair question.
So what does this all mean for you as a cyclist?
We've seen how the Garmin Edge MTB packs some genuinely
innovative features, like that 5Hertz GPS and timing gates into
(15:13):
a rugged, compact design. It's clearly delighting mountain
bikers for sure, but it's also raising questions about its
place in the wider garment ecosystem.
It's as fascinating blend, isn'tit?
Specialised capability mixed with some strategic emissions,
it shows Garmin is both innovating and, well, carefully
segmenting its market. Absolutely.
Ultimately Garmin is pushing theboundaries of what a by computer
(15:34):
can do, especially for off road riders.
But it also kind of highlights abigger trend in tech, doesn't
it, Where specialised features, once noosh, eventually trickle
down or expand into broader applications, transforming what
all our devices can do. So, thinking about these
specialised features in this ongoing debate among the
reviewers, do you think dedicated devices like the Edge
(15:54):
MTB or the future? Are we moving towards more
hyperfocused gadgets or will Garmin just continue to
integrate these kinds of innovations into its broader
Edge lineup? For all tyes of cyclists, it's
definitely something worth mulling over as you hit the
trails of the road with your owngear.
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