Garmin Edge Explore 2

[m3bas]

So have been tempted by the new Garmin 1050, but looking at the models the Edge Explore 2 seems like a great size.
I have an 840 but just want a slightly larger screen.

Is anyone using an Explore instead of 840/1040/ etc?

I do use it for training, but really only to view data and record intervals, etc, which then synchs to trainingPeaks. Some of the other training features seem good but have never used them.

Seems like a great size, and not missing anything useful other than maybe wifi connectivity.

Also much cheaper than the 1050!

Thanks

[mathemagician]

Wife has one. She hates it- but that's more to do with the Garmin UI and nothing to do with the unit itself. Actually hate is a strong word, she's getting more used to it.

The screen isn't anywhere near the quality of the 1050, or 1040 tbh, but it's plenty clear enough. All the features that have been stripped out of it compared to flashier models are things she'd never use anyway (nor would I tbh, and I take cycling way more seriously than she does).

The only thing I'd say is slightly annoying is not having WiFi- in reality it's not that big a deal but just means you need it paired to phone & running Connect to upload activities.

As ever, DC Rainmaker probably had the most comprehensive comparison on his review of it...which I can't be bothered finding the link for

Sent from my CPH2207 using Tapatalk

[Flasher]

I went from an 830 to the Explore 2 due to the slightly larger screen, does everything I need and the battery seems to last forever, not had a moments trouble with it, thoroughly recommended.

[BenSiskri]

Yeah, my next bike computer; and funnily enough I watched and read the review yesterday by DC Rainmaker. None of the other well known You Tube channels have reviewed it.......
It's not really a performance/ racing unit, but is better suited for touring/exploring; no point paying for features that aren't of use.

[Miller]

I've had an Explore 2 since it was released, must be a couple of years now. It does everything I need it to and it's a standout for value in the Garmin product line if you're not too training-focussed. Decent sized screen and excellent battery life.

I do have a few things I wish were better though:
- When navigating a route I find the line of my route doesn't stand out enough against other map elements, some irrelevant road can look a lot like the navigation line. In a built-up area it's almost unusable.
- font sze and map element size: the UI on these things is designed by 20- and 30-somethings with excellent eyesight. They need to get some over 50s to test before release! Older eyes don't focus so close and it can be struggle to read small text. I have often seen older riders, who spend a lot of money on kit, peering hopelessly at their bike computer. It's not just Garmin, I have a cheapie Chinese Coospo which while functionally good has even smaller text.
- my particular unit has taken to sometimes going into the Incident Detection screen if I even stop at a traffic light. I do not have incident detection set to on. This is annoying but I view it as a h/w fault and maybe not fixable.
- the USB port cover is loose.

[m3bas]

Thanks for the replies.
I note Garmin has just heavily discounted the Explore model so might wait a couple weeks to see if something new is out.