Garmin Edge 540 Solar GPS Cycling Computer Device

2024-06-16T20:00:00

I'm using this for mostly navigating on trails and other backcountry routes and It's been working great for that. The solar charging adds a little extra battery life, but nothing significant. A lot of great features that aren't really intuitive to use, but I'm sure there is a learning curve that takes some time.

Getty

Originally posted at

2024-05-22T20:00:00

I was curious about how well solar would work, knowing it wasn't going to be the sole means of charging. I was pleased with it. The only reasons I gave 4/5 was that I think there is too much info to try to get through for the casual cyclist. But after using it for several rides & a couple short tours, I think I have finally got it set up for my riding style. Love the longer battery life!

ZiZohn

Originally posted at

2024-05-09T20:00:00

So disappointed I didn't read other reviews before purchasing about sensors dropping. I trusted Garmin for the other products I've purchased.

Smitch

Originally posted at

2024-05-07T20:00:00

I upgraded from the 130 plus and the 540 Solar is significantly improved. I cannot recommend it enough.

Bryce3ee3

Originally posted at

2024-04-28T20:00:00

I bought the Edge 540 Solar about a month ago to replace an Edge 530. Most impressive was that the 540 was able to access and duplicate the settings on the 530, saving a lot of time and hassle. There are some differences in the screens and operating system, but it was generally easy to learn. There are some improved metrics and capabilities. The solar feature is nice in that extends the ride time on a sunny day. I also like the slightly larger and more easily visible display footprint. The one thing I don't really care for is the "feel" and "touch" of the buttons. They are a bit different than the 530 and I still have too many "misses" when I try to use them.

RS22

Originally posted at

2024-04-26T20:00:00

Had the 540 solar for a month now. Chose this based on numerous positive reviews. Its my first edge model, I was using a GPSMAP 64SX previously and this is just a massive step up in features as well as weighing far less. Really like how easy the menus are to navigate and the customizable data screens. Its everything I was looking for, plus does a ton of stuff I don't need.

Kevfaefife

Originally posted at

2024-04-17T20:00:00

Works like a charm except the buttons are a bit difficult to use

NYC23

Originally posted at

2024-04-05T20:00:00

I started in the Garmin family with the edge 520, after polar cyclometers, cycleops power meters, Garmin 520 was my first Garmin product. It was nice for a year and a half or so before issues such as power off in middle of ride even though battery was fine, restarts would get me back, I really liked the livetrack feature, the 520 was nice till I had a lot of issues and lost data. So I switched to wahoo. That lasted about 6-8 months, I missed the Garmin ecosystem and a lot of what was good wasn't available with wahoo, total bike mileage per bike, different types of bikes and rides. Wahoo didn't offer that. So I came back to Garmin in time for the almost release of the 540, but it wasn't out, so I got the 530, enjoyed it for almost a year, then I guess the battery is having issues, after a full charge and an hour ride, a couple days later I go to ride, now it has to be charged..so I charge it enough to get a ride in, this happened multiple times, so by now I'm able to move into the 540, I go with the solar, I've heard there was a battery improvement too, and the usb-c is great too. Lost the ability to have a self race, but the feature set on this is really great. Of course it's only a couple months with it and it's working great. I like the wider aesthetic, it makes it look thinner than the 530 even though it's not. Power has definitely not been an issue, but with solar, it's nice to see I gain minutes back a little. So far it's worth it. I'll send the 530 in for a new battery so I can have as a backup

Mutant33

Originally posted at

2024-01-28T19:00:00

I'm really enjoying my Garmin so far. It's a really smart device. It sends an alert when I'm approaching heavy traffic and I love that it has solar charging capabilities. I still haven't used it to its full potential, but it's been a pleasure to use so far. It's also a lot more user friendly than I had previously heard about. I love the push button version. Remember to buy protective screen and casing because it's not fully waterproof. I do wish those items were included with the device.

The K.

Originally posted at

2023-11-28T19:00:00

Is comes with no manual other than what the buttons do. It's like going from android to a iPhone. You have got to play with this a lot to teach yourself how to use it. I had to go online and ask a question to set it up. Is was going to return it the next day but I forced myself to learn this. I think it's overpriced for what it does. Especially when you have to buy apps like ride gps.

Denny@4853

Originally posted at

2023-10-23T20:00:00

So far, the Edge 540 Solar does everything well. It was easy to set up, and the buttons are the same as my older Edge 520 so it was a low learning curve to use it. The battery seems to last a long time. I used it for 9 hours and it still had 60% battery. The solar charging is an added benefit and reduces worrying about battery life during a century or other all day cycling.

Niles

Originally posted at

2023-10-22T20:00:00

Garmin has really put a ton of thought into the Edge 540 Solar. In addition to the solar capability, it now has a larger screen, better feed back following a ride or workout, the start screen has all of the information one could possibly need (weather, scheduled workout, training status...), control of what you are listening to is at your fingertips... My favorite feature is the two (2) personalized data points on the workout screen; it's a game changer!

Randy E.

Originally posted at

2023-10-08T20:00:00

It charges solar a little. It doesn't charge when off like they said. It has trouble turning on. It doesn't sync hardly at all.

Poor

Originally posted at

2023-08-10T20:00:00

Attention! Initial review after setup and first 50 km solo ride. My main sport is running and I've been using Garmin running-specific devices since 2009: Forerunner 405, 225, 735XT, 245, 245 Music, f?nix 6X Pro Solar, and Enduro 2. Love those and the overall development progress throughout the years. The logic says I have to go with Garmin when choosing a bicycle computer. Great experience and the data stays at one base. However, after today I'm sure the wearables team doesn't even speak to the cycling computer division folks because they're ashamed of them. There's almost nothing from the experience you have using wearables (except maybe glances). Navigation is awful. On a straight 5 km stretch the device shows arrows left and right marking intersections. The distinction between intersection notifications and actual turns is unnoticeable. That's how I missed the exit, luckily that was on the cycling lane and I was able to return. I was in luck in the second part of the route, I have been riding there with a friend a couple of weeks ago. The whole user experience is of automotive sector devices, e.g., some Tom Tom from 2008. An hour before sunrise, when it gets a little darker the contrast was almost off. Checked "Auto Brightness" is on. Combine that with screen glare and you have one awful combination. And I don't even have anything to compare to, is there anything? My Enduro 2 with magnifying glass mount?

Sandis

Originally posted at

2023-07-06T20:00:00

I bought this devise 2 months ago and have used it about 4 times only just because the device is very difficult to program, The Edge 540 Solar does not have a touch screen. This makes it difficult to program, even when I thought I have it all figured out. There is a constant beeping noice with arrow pointing to the right that comes on when the unit is in the "Train" position. Elapsed time and mileage covered does not record, neither does calories burned. I am not happy with the unit.

Ambu

Originally posted at

2023-06-16T20:00:00

Just bought this sucker. Put it on my bike and ready to roll but can't get it to start without beeping and this arrow ?? Need to visit the website as no instruction manual came with the box.

JF d.

Originally posted at

2023-06-14T20:00:00

My Garmin Edge 520 failed, so I had to look for a replacement computer. I suspected I would stay with Garmin, but I researched several models across brands to make an informed decision. I am glad I did the work but even more delighted that I stuck with Garmin and "upgraded" to the 540 Edge Solar. It is easy to use, and the data points (all of them) are straightforward and functional. This is the most utilitarian bicycle computer I have ever owned and used. Well done, Garmin!

Revelstoke

Originally posted at

2023-06-09T20:00:00

All aspects are great except one- I wish if I was running my fenix7 and the edge 540 at the same time doing a road cycle event it would group the two events into one event in garmin contact

PeteA

Originally posted at

2023-05-30T20:00:00

Bought this a few weeks ago during a Mothers Day sale after my Edge 520 bought the farm. Setup of the Edge 540 Solar was not in any way user friendly with the buttons but after a few rides and much angst was able to get it where I wanted it to be. Hoping that a future software upgrade will address the non user friendly setup issue. Once set up I very much like the Edge 540 Solar and it appears like any issues with battery life are behind me.

glam99

Originally posted at

2023-05-04T20:00:00

Great has great improvements when you ride ! Should all be the same

Tomas 2.

Originally posted at

2023-05-02T20:00:00

I purchased the Edge 540 Solar a month ago and it performs wonderfully. Lots of useful data and easy to use.

RBT 6.

Originally posted at

2023-05-02T20:00:00

I have had my Garmin 540 Solar for about one month and so far I am very pleased with it. It replaces my Garmin 520 in which the battery died and the upgraded software and features alone make it worth the money. As far as the additional money for the solar option, the jury is still out. If price is an issue, skip the solar and go with the regular 540. I'll know more after I log in a few five to six hour rides.

Indiana J.

Originally posted at

2023-05-01T20:00:00

I've used it on 10 rides now. Set up and menu navigation are both more difficult than my 530+ with seemingly extra steps to get anywhere. Some of the new features like climbing pro are great but?buggy. While claiming you can change two data fields on the screen, you can't. While customer service was surprised to see that, the "solution" offered - do it on the app, didn't work. Maybe with more tinkering, I'll get used to it but for now it appears to be a package perhaps needing some cleanup and/or less ambitious feature set.

Tobycat

Originally posted at