Garmin Edge 540 Series In-Depth Review: 17+ Things To Know!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 มิ.ย. 2024
- Garmin’s Edge 540 is part of a twofer of new cycling GPS units, alongside the touchscreen-enabled Edge 840 that was concurrently launched. These two units are nearly identical in software features and functionality, while their core hardware difference is that the Edge 540 doesn’t have a touchscreen. But both units got a slate of new software and hardware features, with the most notable being a new free-style ClimbPro mode that doesn’t require that courses be loaded to get information about upcoming climbs in real-time. And on the hardware side, both models got multi-band (dual-frequency) GPS/GNSS, USB-C charging, and the option for solar panels.
But alongside those headliner features, there are a literal slate of smaller features. Many (if not all) arrived on the Garmin Edge 1040 series last summer, and now have arrived here, making the Edge 540/840/1040 near identical in terms of features, and really only separated by hardware differences.
And unfortunately, it’s those hardware differences that have challenged my use of the Edge 540. Specifically, the button-only configuration compared to the touchscreen-equipped Edge 840 sibling. While button-only had never been a problem for me on the Edge 530, it doesn’t feel like the new user interface layout is ready for a button-only configuration yet. But, more on that as we roll.
- Added solar panels for Edge 540/840 Solar editions
- Added multiband/dual-frequency GPS
- Added USB-C connection for charging/sync
- Made it slightly chubbier to accommodate solar panels (non-Solar edition is also same new dimensions)
- Completely revamped the user interface everywhere (matches Edge 1040)
- Added Power Guide race/training pacing feature
- Added ClimbPro Free-Ride mode, which automatically triggers ClimbPro without a route
- Added Climb Explorer dashboard for finding nearby climbs
- Added Connect IQ Widget Glances to Homepage/Dashboard
- Added Training Status 2.0
- Added full automatic race/event suggested workouts using a periodized/phased daily plan leading up to event, inclusive of any Garmin wearable data shifts (e.g., automatically reducing planned workout if you got no sleep on a redye flight)
- Added Course Demands to compare course features to ride needs
- Added Real-Time Stamina to show energy/distance/duration left during workout
- Added Location Search Widget
- Added ‘Recent Finds’ from navigation panel (so things you recently searched for)
- Added new ‘Bike Shops’ & ‘Water Stops’ categories for navigation search (and completely re-did other categories to mostly get rid of auto stuff)
- Added Post-Ride ClimbPro Splits on device
- Added re-scheduling of primary workouts
- Added support race/event driven Daily Suggested Workouts (expanded from initial Edge 1040 launch)
- Added paired sensor information to summary page (even for non-Garmin sensors)
- Added support for Shimano STEPS sensor type (eBike component)
- Added new consolidated post-ride Highlights screen with PRs
- Added estimated battery remaining when toggling Battery Saver mode
- Added manual WiFi sync all button (a ‘do it now’ option, but removed single-ride upload option)
- Added phone-based config of data fields/data pages
- Added ability to use phone for typing text on Edge
- Added ability to manually transfer sensors and device profiles to Edge from phone at any time (not just first setup)
- Added ability to transfer courses to Edge from phone mid-activity
- Added Garmin Connect IQ App Store on-device marketplace
- Changed nearby POI/Things search to be virtually instant
- Far faster route calculation/recalculation times
- Increased ClimbPro coloring to show more gradient definition
- Now automatically changes map popularity type to match activity (i.e., Road vs. MTB)
- Changed screen background default from black to white for improved “readability”
- Removed horrifically unreliable duplicate Bluetooth pairing process for phones
- Removed Varia Vision sensor support
- Removed device transfer (sharing between units)
- Same 2.6” size/resolution as before, however, Garmin says it has improved contrast ratio and color filters
- Weight is 85g for Edge 540 solar
- Battery life up to 48 hours non-solar, 78 hours solar. Up to 34 hours with Multi-Band GPS mode with Solar (battery chart lower down)
- Simplified Bluetooth phone pairing to single connection (versus previous dual legacy BT and BT smart)
#GarminEdge540 #Edge540 #GarminEdge540Review - กีฬา
Thanks, I’ve been a fan of you in-depth reviews for over a decade now. I can never get enough detail. Keep it up.
Thanks Ray a very good summation. It's great to know all these options in a snapshot
Thank you for this! I'm buying one. That V02 max is impressive!
You always make the Best 👍 videos !!! Thank you for this Review !!!
Ringvaart? BTW thanks for your accurate and relevant reviews. They are the most reliable source of info for potential buyers.
Thanks for putting this together, Ray!
Question: does the screen or data fields refresh faster on the new gen Garmin devices?
Love this video! Thank you! Buying today
Super entertaining (and informative of course!)
I have the Edge 130, and its good enough for me!
Great Review!! Ironman Kärnten-Klagenfurt, Good Luck!! 😉💪🏻
Hi. Great video as always 😀What about the experience in different lighting conditions? 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?
Thanks DCR. You showed me why I don't need this device. I'm an older cyclist that doesn't care about racing or performance increase. I just want to stay as fit as I can and I want to see my gears and a couple other bits. I wish Garmin would put the ability to view your gears on the Explore because that seems like the computer that would be perfect for me. If they have the 840 and the 1040 why does the 540 need all those metrics?
Great video. How can we get the solar info on our fenix 7x solar devices. The time added back would be useful to know
I debated waiting for the 540/840update, but instead got an Edge Explore 2 last year. At the price point that would seem to be an intriguing option for more casual riders (like myself), who prioritize maps/courses but don't do any structured training.
Do you know if Garmin Edge Explorer 2 will restart my bike mileage by calendar year? I don’t want to keep building my mileage on last years totals.
@@bigmac3006the mileage gets carried over
Always the Best
Guys just a question:
The 540 costs the same as a new 1030 plus. I don't see big technology advance (even if in the future something more could be implemented). Would it be wise to go for a 1030 and skip this one? To be honest: loads of people still goes with the 000 series of Garmin and goes just fine
Thanks Ray
I have ordered few hours ago, Garmin 540. It will be my first Garmin bike computer ^^ thx for the video :)
Hey there, been looking for my first bike computer at the moment, may I ask how the 540 has been for you so far? I hear a lot of negative feedback on the button control, but I can't find a long term review on whether they updated the UI
@@gregor9921 hi, the buttons are working fine. But the filling of pressing them is like it's not pushed. You need to get used too it and it works ok. But rest of the Garmin works. I really like it how it's works. Only you have to get used to the buttons.
@@gregor9921no not updated ui as of March 24, or capacity for 2 map regions... Dumb free climbpro steal all the storage by doubling map sizes as dc said. It needs to be optional data. U should get the 840...thats what he said in this vid, not a 540.
Is there any improvement in the 540 or its x40 siblings about elevation measurement?
The review shows the ClimbPro screen but does it reflect reality of going up? For example, since the GPS is accurate and it has all maps loaded ,is there a setting where it shows your verticals so far, VAM & grade based on the map instead of the barometric altimeter?
My edge 530 is absolutely terrible when measuring any vertical metrics: it shows 8% grade on flats, 1% grade on steeps, the Climb Pro feature start after I'm halfway up, and also
a loop ride back to where I parked is recorded to have let's say 500m of up and 200of down,...? My fenix 6X is better but typically off by 15% once i have elevation correction done by TrainingPeaks postride.
I would like the next bike computer I buy to have +/- 10% or better vertical accuracy.
How does the 540 accuracy compare to the 530? I moved from a 510 to a 530 last year and feel the 530 is less accurate than the 510. In fact, I bought a speed sensor to compensate for the lack of 530 accuracy. I also use the Edge for hiking and there the speed sensor obviously isn't much help.
Legend! I just did like and subscribe so they won't punish you 🤣
Thanks for the review! Question 👉I just bought a Edge 540 and been looking for a way to transfer/set my odometer from my 830. I'm cycling from Victoria to Patagonia, my total distance is currently 11,430km on a profile that I created for the trip. I'd be bummed to have to start at 0km in the middle of the trip.
Hey there, been looking for my first bike computer at the moment, may I ask how the 540 has been for you so far? I hear a lot of negative feedback on the button control, but I can't find a long term review on whether they updated the UI
Thank you
Any rumours of a karoo 3? It just looks so much better. I'm using a bolt v1 and nothing has tempted me to upgrade yet.
The solar not adding much battery life isn’t a big deal to me honestly. What it does it prevents it from dying and basically holds the battery life steady even with all day rides. For bikepackers that’s pretty huge! I do wish it could solar charge while powered off tho
Nice 🤝😎
Hi, Is there a way to add MinuteCast widget as a data screen? The only way I can seem to get to it is through the ConnectIQ menu option which is buried in the sub menus.
Thanks.
Will maps off Trailforks be more user friendly on 540 vs 530? I like my 530 for mountain biking but I find maps for backcountry rides to be clunky. If maps don’t work better, I don’t think it’s would be worth the upgrade since my battery still charges.
Wish I still had 530 not my new 540.
Choice is 840 or 530, not 540. It's a dog
Is this screen capture on the unit or a separate software/camera?
It sounds the best idea was to make the 840 only and lower price from 830 point to some point around halfway between 830 to 530 prices. Then end the 500 series or just keep the 530 as is. Since 840/540 mostly all the same features and body except for a few things.
hi,when will the update on the 1040 of the "free ride climpro" arrive? now it's only in beta version
fabrizio
Hi Ray......can you get training peaks workout over on 540, can't get it to work and Garmin Australasia couldn't help
Is there any difference in the sound/beep volume between the 540 and the 840? I have a hearing problem and know from a friends device that I can hear the 840. I currently have an older model and the sound is not loud enough.
How does the 840 deal with sweat? Is there a risk that he will change the page on his own? being someone who sweats a lot on summer days I wanted to know if there was this danger.
On Strava segment the time you are ahead or behind, how is called in the new x40 series?. Thanks
Can You synchronize device during activity? Can You add new route while activity? For me it’s the most important thing that could convince me to change my 530. 😅
If not - i go for Karoo or wahoo
I so wish I had listened to his advice on buying the 840 over the 540. I honestly just thought I wouldn't use most of the advanced features, so it was a good way to save money. But the menus are an incomprehensible mess. I have pretty much given up trying to change or look at anything during a ride beyond the default screens. I just wait until I'm home and can sit and muddle my way through it. If I could go back, I would absolutely find the extra $100 for the 840.
Hey there, been looking for my first bike computer at the moment, may I ask how the 540 has been long term? I hear a lot of negative feedback on the button control, but I can't find a long term review on whether they updated the UI after a while to suit the buttons
@gregor9921 I can only speak to my experience, but I have not been happy with the 540 at all. Beyond the issues mentioned above, there is a bug that will sometimes cause it to throw an "out of memory" error at around 50 miles into a ride, and the device will reboot (many users report that this is happening to them when it reroutes, but it happens to me even when I'm not using navigation). After the reboot, it will come back to the workout but it will be paused by default, so if you don't notice it happened, you can't restart it, and you lose the remainder of the data from the workout.
I had also hoped that this computer would get me into Garmin’s ecosystem, so I could take advantage of some of their cool features like training load and body battery, even though I no longer use Garmin wearables. But while Garmin will let you manually upload workouts to their site, they will not factor them into any of their metrics if it did not come from a Garmin wearable.
The navigation on the device drives me absolutely insane. What happens is that when you use Garmin’s route creator, it will add a little loop or side street into the route that you did not notice-a very easy thing to do when planning 40+ mile routes. Then on the ride, it will begin hounding you that you missed a turn. So, you will stop and turn around only to have it take you around the block and deposit you right back at the same point where you first started. Over time you learn that you can’t trust the navigation, so each time it starts to tell you you’ve missed a turn, you have to debate whether you really did, or if it just wants you to go around the block again. It’s absolutely infuriating. And because the buttons make it so hard to zoom in and out, you can’t conveniently just pan out to see if it’s a real missed turn or just another side street that the route creator added in on it's own.
I don’t mean to make it sound like it’s all bad. It has great battery life (I only have to charge it about once a month with my 6-10 hours of riding per week), it syncs up with my Garmin HR monitor and my Wahoo cadence sensor flawlessly, and it came with several mounts so I can swap it between bikes very easily. That said, if I had it to do over again, I probably would not purchase the 540 or the 840; I would look at the offerings from Wahoo or other rivals first, and I would put them through their paces within the return period. My problem was that by the time I really started to dig into the device and realized that there were a lot of things I didn't like about it, it was already too late to return it and try something else.
Anyway, that’s just my experience, but I hope it helps.
As a new rider or someone new to riding - should I buy the Garmin 530 although its 4 yrs old or the 540 - what would you pick for someone new to riding (transferring from running to riding)
I wish I still had my 530, not new 540.
Agree the touchscreen has overtaken the push button option, and the menus need better UX thinking
So I imagine lots of people will want to upgrade to a 540. Should I snatch up a good deal on a second hand 530 or also go for the 540?
If you want a good deal, get the 830
I really dislike the button navigation, so I recomend the 840 for the new generation.
✌️
Don't get 540. But they still sell 530 brand new.
My 810 is still going strong with 10 hours battery life, only annoyance is it doesn't always upload long rides via bluetooth so I need to plug it in. Will I notice a big difference going to the 840?
I'm still using my edge 800!
DCRainmaker reviews in 4k
@DC Rainmaker Ray, I know you have some influence with Garmin here. I have a Fenix 7 which I use for running and Edge 530 I use for cycling. No one can use a watch for cycling, so I rely on the ecosystem of metrics working together, its so frustrating the Edge telling me I am unproductive and Fenix 7 telling me different. This should work together. Despite Garmin telling me by email that no customer will be left behind and to expect updates to my Edge, now they expect me to upgrade! I am not unreasonable and understand that technologies moves on and you sometimes need to upgrade, but in this case Garmin should support me with tradeins or the like. Please help!
The morning 540/840 was released I placed my order for the 540 - based on owning the 530.
Afterwards I sat down with coffee and watched the full DCR review. I immediately cancelled my order and re-ordered the 840 instead. So glad I did. I’ve been using for four days now and the touchscreen is awesome. Well worth the extra $. However don’t buy the solar.
makes sense. I bought the 540 solar and sent it back.
Right choice
why dont buy solar?
40min gained in a 3h10min ride sounds pretty good to me, that's more than 20% battery saved. Not sure why that's being downplayed so much. I imagine in Summer these numbers can be even higher when you're riding midday. Even the partly cloudy short ride had around 10% battery gained.
I'm really confused by the "charging" results during sleep, it seems like it really doesn't do anything when sleeping, at least way less than during rides.
It’s fine if you’re doing crazy long rides in sunny conditions. Else, it literally takes 60 seconds to charge that same 40 mins worth of battery. That’s how fast it charges.
Have had 1040 solar since launch and it does help but like DC says not a huge deal. I do like it makes it so I don’t have to charge as much because who wants to do that 🤣
@@Dcrainmaker True, but I bought the 540 Solar for crazy long rides in sunny conditions. LOL! Will be riding in the AIDS LifeCycle SF to LA again in June. Last year I had to keep charging my 130 at lunch to get through a day. On a 79 mile ride last Sunday I was thrilled to pick up an hour and 18 minutes! Totally agree on the buttons, btw!
@@Dcrainmaker so for multi-day bikepacking events it'd be worth it you reckon? would save on battery packs (don't have a dyno)
Question is, can you finally disable the annoying virtual partner feature that nobody uses?
I'm really surprised that Garmin ditched device to device transfer. Me and many ppl n my cycling club who are ride leaders would share a pre planned route easily at the start of a ride. Now its a big headache trying to download a file then sending it to Garmin Connect then transferring to device. Too many steps and so far mixed results depending on which online service you used to create the route. One of my friends with a 1040 can't use any of the routes I've created. How can an expensive dedicated cycling computer not share a tiny text file?... Crazy.
Could you make video comparing beeping sound from all those x40 Garmins and Wahoo etc while using Rear Radar units (eg. Varia) Today I have always app running on the phone to have those beeps reaching my ears. Which one is the loudest?
I don’t have that handy, but I shot something perhaps useful an hour or so ago: A Beepin’ Edge 530 vs 540 Volume Test
th-cam.com/video/LmjiyY5jM8w/w-d-xo.html
@@Dcrainmaker Thanks. It seems it is louder than previous one. If I could have another kind request. Previous devices has buzzer holes located in the center of the lock. Which was covered nicely by additional battery. If you have one of those could you connect it to x40 and try again. Simple reply here would be enough.
My 530 split in half. Garmin offered me a refurbished 530 for $130usd. Should I do that or use that $130 toward a 540?
So in order to have the full potential of the computer, you need a power meter too?
Correct. This is true of all bike computers and cycling-focused watches.
Love they are doing solar and all but with anything but 1040 it makes the screen so small or so it seems on the video. I have 1040 solar and it does help but the battery life is epic without it. Good to have choices.
The screen size is the same size as the X30 units, the device/bezels just got bigger.
@@lukas_berger thanks and did not know that. I have a 530 but after getting the 1040 I am not sure I would go back.
Will ClimbPro Free-Ride mode be coming to older garmins?
Not
I'm curious too.
Went to an Edge 540 after using a Wahoo Bolt v1 for several years. At first, the steep learning curve of the Edge and relative lack of intuitiveness soured me on it. I ALMOST returned it after getting confused on a ride due to an errant button push. Ultimately, I stuck with it and I'm glad I did. It's powerful. The ClimbPro is a useful tool, it's intensely customizable, it has many more features than the Bolt v1, the app works well, it uploads lightning fast, and the battery lasts forever. I'm also excited to see it play nicely with the Varia radar light, which I plan to get later in the winter. One knock remains untempered: navigating within the device during rides is a pain in the ass. You're fine as long as you're sticking to whatever screens you have programmed to appear during rides. Going beyond those is clumsy, especially if you're wearing gloves. In truth, Wahoos are just easier to manipulate while riding. I can't deny that. But, I'd rather see the things that the Garmin offers than what the Wahoo offers. One big asterisk, though, is that I've never used the Bolt v2.
And that u can only load one map region? Dutch the gimmick of free climbpro and allow 2 regions, especially in EU. Or at least have all that extra fcp data as a separate optional file... So u can have 2 regions or 1+fcp.
Not impressed with 540 v my old 530.
Can it auto switch from mutliband to regular gps depending on conditions? Or if you want mutliband is that always on?
Yup, also has Autoselect (SatIQ)
@@Dcrainmakerand it also downgrades the GPS if battery saver mode is on and when (I assume) it kicks in at x? %
@@rupedog Correct, if battery saver mode kicks in, it's lesser.
I have a feeling that a lot of cost cutting was done here. All 4 versions (540, 540 solar, 840, 840 solar) have the same case which is ridiculous. Non solar versions should either have bigger screen or they should be smaller. Also 840 shouldn't have physical buttons, if it is touchscreen device, it should be like smart phone. And then, on top of that, 540 has an interface that, probably, was designed with touch screen in mind and then modified to be used with buttons. And in spite of all those cost cutting measures, it is still more expensive than previous generation of devices.
and the solar part is crap. And it crashes.
Has "Virtual Partner" been deleted or selectable on/off when navigating a route?
I found an answer. Looks like my 830 received an update at some point and VP is now selectable in activitiy profile
Do you know if Garmin Edge Explorer 2 will restart my bike mileage by calendar year? I don’t want to keep building my mileage on last years totals.
Nope, stays total.
I only have a Garmin VIVO active watch now I’ve had three Garman computers since 2011 the last one 2021 went flying off my outfront I come out and that was because of fooling with buttons. Yep they’re at once the 510 I’ve never gone back to Garmin.. except my Garman watch however, I’ve been using not the most technologically advanced and they haven’t really updated anything lately. Very plain may be a dated design and that is LEYZNE computers . I got the macro that I bought during Covid. I use it on three bikes holds a battery charge for days instantly change to three different bike profiles doesn’t have all the bells and whistles. In fact, it doesn’t even make a noise or a sound, but he gets the job done for the metrics I need I’m not too crazy about their app sometimes that gets a little buggy but they’re not super expensive, so I’m kind of contemplating whether I wanna make a move or not back to Garmin or even Wahoo . Even though LEYZNE , does not come out with anything new, their computer twist locks are solid ☝🏻. One set up on the mount. It doesn’t come off through gravel through mountain, biking, or road biking. It doesn’t easily twist off fooling around with buttons like my Garmin did . nor does the twist lock break over time use and extreme Florida heat in the summers . But I’m so glad you gave a nice honest review on Garmin’s latest computers. It’s so good to know all the metrics and everything appreciate what you’re doing. Thank you.😊
That "trainerroad shows improvement, Garmin flatlines or says unproductive" is very relatable 😜 it made me turn off my Garmin training status
Hi DCRainmaker, what are your thoughts on buying the 540 for $350 vs the 530 for $250? Any recommendations there? First bike computer.
530 I would choose, or 840, not 540. I had 530, now have just 540
I don't see any point to buy solar garmin (watch or edge) for 95% regular users . For now solar chargin is marginal help.
Sir ..want to ask...can we changes map view to HR view when climbing ?..( i don't need the map view )
Yes
Right now, (Garmin HP) the 530 is listed at 239,-€ 540 at 399,-€ (non solar), that's the prices I compare and for my choice I don't know if the difference between those units is worth 160,-€
and then there's 1040 for 499 EUR in many places :)
Sorry - I don't know where to ask this but is there some way do multiple devices being used simultaneously impact your "recovery time" or other calculated things. For instance if I go for a ride, tracking the activity with a 530 cycling computer, but I have a Garmin 245 on my wrist in watch mode at the same time, does the passive HR tracking somehow filter in to the recover time calculation, essentially double counting? I may totally misunderstand how this works, in which case please ignore...
In theory it should all sync together. I use my Fenix 6 as my back up device and pair it with the bolt for heart rate. My Garmin will tell me I'm not recovered enough at the end of the night for either high stress or to much activity. I find Garmin metrics on readiness worthless. If I listened to my watch I could never work out
Look up Garmin unified training.
Not sure your devices support it.
I have a foreunner 265 and edge 840 and the recovery, readiness, training load, intensity minutes is all synced across the devices
Heard about this in a other review. And it take in account all activities measured with a garmin account/device
what comes with the package?
How did people make decisions on sports technology goodness before Ray came along? Getting an 840!
in Europe 1040 is discounted in many places and actually costs same 500 EUR as 840. That is kinda stopping me from getting 840
I also decided to go with the 1040 because I wanted a bigger display for easier navigation. Don’t really care about solar as I never do crazy long rides. Payed under 500€ for it with a discount.
Is it worth it to pic the garmin edge 540 over the 530?
No
I know it wouldnt look good but I honestly would prefer buttons on the top than the side....
My edge 520 plus is losing buttons mid ride, so i'm looking for a replacement. But that 520 was not worth what i pad for it, it costs more than my phone at that time and had shit performance. Every button press felt off with the delay it had, waiting for it to load a route was annoyingly slow, having it adjust when i tool a wrong turn also was too slow.
It would eventually go: "go left here to get back on track" about 50 meters after i passed the left it pointed out. I like to be able to keep going, keep my speed and get a quick solution that fits that.
Seeing how bad the performance was, it definitely was not worth the €500-ish i paid.
How does it store all of the map and hill data if the edge 540 just has 16GB of storage? Surely those features wouldn’t work unless you have an edge 840 with 32GB of storage
The size of the dataset is about 12-13GB for North America, and about the same for Europe. Thee Edge 840 basically lets you do both.
Is 16gb storage enough to load americas and europe maps with the climbpro feature?
No
Thanks for the answer. What is so different about garmin and wahoo maps that one can put the whole world into a 16gb device and the other can only manage to fit north america ?
@@simonvigneau4510due to dumb as free climbpro data... It doubles size of map files, so only 1 region fits 16gb now.
I hate it... They should have normal maps with fcp as an option map overlay. It's why I would rather have a 530 v 540. 530 had Full Europe, so 3 regions in 16gb. 840 has 32gb so issue kinda goes. Though with no fcp & 32gb u could get full EU & full North America. Bad decision by Garmin to build fcp into base maps
Where can i get that t-shirt?
Will you be reviewing amazfit watches?
The Edge 530 struggled to connect to my iPhone and refused to connect to my WIFI. Has this been improved in the 540?
Works flawlessly
@@ahmerkhan9483 Ok. I’m trusting you Ahmer. Just ordered an 840 bundle.
I have been shocked by how unintuitive using the buttons is!
I've felt I don't need a touch screen. I have and love my Garmin instinct never missing the touch screen. But boy do I recommend it for this new edge device.
Hopefully I'll just adapt but I doubt it will become smooth to use while riding.
Yup I thought the same, don't need a touchscreen but the UI has definitely been optimised for touchscreen first
Hey there, been looking for my first bike computer at the moment, may I ask how the 540 has been long term? I hear a lot of negative feedback on the button control, but I can't find a long term review on whether they updated the UI or if you can get used to the button commands
i’d also be interested in this. Did you get used to it? I never use the touchscreen on my garmin watch, the buttons are way easier to use
I bought an 840 after using a wahoo bolt for 5 years. Returning it. The default settings are so bad. The climb pro feature is unreadable while riding. Trainer road workouts load fine but the default screens make no sense. My power meter didn’t pair and I had to stop the ride and reset the device. I’m going back to the simplicity and reliability of wahoo.
Which unit didn’t pair?
Assioma power pedals. They worked fine one ride, then didn’t pair the next. Tried to connect and it wouldn’t work. Power cycled and it connected.
Have to agree with the climbpro readability text is too small to read while riding. Was not like this on the 30 series
Where do i get this awesome t shirt of yours?
It's a thread and spoke t-shirt. Enjoy :)
Really hard to choose between the 540 and Roam v2...
If you’ve had Garmin before and like the software, go for it. Personally I find the wahoo system so much less frustrating to use. Less features sure, but all I need!
@@richardgate1571 Thanks Richard, this will be my first bike computer. I used to run so I have a Garmin watch, I use the watch to track my ride and my phone for navigation. But as my ride gets longer the phone battery cannot support the full length. So I want to get a bike computer.
I am not good at tech so I just want a “set up once and use it forever” device, seems like Wahoo is simpler and easier to use. But my primary function with a bike computer is for navigation, seems like Garmin’s map is better. That's the dilemma…
@@vanw1554 if you are simply following a pre planned route, I’d argue the wahoo map is clearer tbh. But if you already have a Garmin watch it probably makes sense to stay with Garmin.
I wish there was a way to get that fancy Map-vs-ClimbPro screen (at 4:36) on the 1040, but it only lets me edit the data fields below (and editing those don't really stick, new bug I guess)
Sounds like it’s coming as part of the beta.
@@Dcrainmaker the bug or the screen? 17.21 doesn't seem to have it so I'm assuming the bug. Already a bug report on Garmin forum, so that's something at least.
@@Dcrainmaker You're correct. I'm using the beta firmware on my 1040 and it does have the free ride ClimbPro now.
Ugh just bought the 540. I simply can'T bring myself to spend 100€ extra for touch. This investment already is a lot for a rookie rider as me. I think the 540 comes down to forward prep and then just have everything ready while riding.
Hi Rainmaker. I've understood that the "button UX" is not the best. I would like to use the 540 for race only (it is more light and without touch it is ok). So about the "button UX", today I can see with my Edge 1040 that I can configure it quite all through the Mobile Phone app. It is the same on 540? And if it is the same, the buttons used for configuration are so painful?
„It‘s more light“, are you fucking kidding me? In what universe would this even matter? 😂
@@florianbusch3082 😛 50gr here, 50gr there, and you sum up 300/400gr I can assure you. But I know, it is a joke 😉. I'm only just curious to know if now, that you can use mobile phone to configure quite anything, the buttons are so ugly?
Just upgraded from a 520 to the 540 but NOT liking it so far. Read on...to learn why.
My biggest pain point (besides the hard to press buttons and non-intuitive interface) is that the 540 does not automatically power down after disconnecting from the charging cable.
With my 520, once I removed it from charging it gave me a 15-second auto power off countdown and then turned itself off.
With the 540 lacking this Auto Power Down feature requires me to perform an additional 3-clicks of hard to press buttons to power it down. WHY?
This is so annoying. From what I've discovered online, this feature was removed starting with the 530 and users were pissed off then. Now it's carried forward to the 540.
Why would Garmin not include an auto power down feature after charging? If I take a turned OFF device and plug it to charge (which it then turns on) and then its completely charged and removed from the charger, it should return to its OFF state. That is only LOGICAL.
I can see how lacking this feature its possible to forget to power it down manually and then wake up the next day with a dead device that remained on all night.
after 4 years, this is all that garmin has to offer?
My Garmin 1000 just died recently, not because of software/hardware issues, but by water ingress through the power button
Those buttons turn brittle as the years go by and use. I replaced it with an AliExpress part and lasted another 2 yrs. Alas, I got caught out in a thunderstorm 3 wks ago and it's now kaput
This is why Im hesistant to get another device that rely heavily on buttons. I wanted my 1000 to last until the software can no longer support it
Hey…. Do I Save £100 and buy the 540 solar instead of the 1040? I don’t care for touch screen really anyway.
No... Touch screen essential now. Get 840. 1040 is way bigger, and older than 540 or 840
@@rupedogThanks man, I’ll collect it from the bike shop next week. :)
Yeah the 1040 is not worth it. Not that much better readability gained too big
After 4 years with 830, happily back to non-touch, too many minor inadvertent touch issues with sweat and drips in general, welcome 540 ! NON solar ! in watches it makes sense, here it earns too little to justify the panel, and not being a wearable I have no trouble charging it when needed
Is upgrading my 530 worth it? That’s the question.
Not unless you specifically want the climbpro update. I’d wait for the 550
@@mjf1975 usually in typical Garmin fashion Climb pro or whatever the latest new software add on will be in a 530 update in a few months anyhow.
@@dbk81 I doubt they will. Just like they didn’t give Climbpro to the x20 series when it was released on the x30. They want people to upgrade so I’d be surprised if they give x30 owners a reason not to
no
Only if 840, not 540
nice details, but the most important one is not there.
map zoom levels, how does it work?
can you program steps or are they build in?
Edge 840 with climbing gradient is no better, it showed me ~15% for a moment, while climb is still only 5-6%. or it shows me a profile with 100m flat bit, when in reality climb continues at 6%.
Just buy the K2
Why?
I sooo wish they either had map set without free climbpro, or the unit was 32gb. In Europe have ur neighbouring country u could ride into on a different set of maps u can only download with a computer, and only have one region, is just dumb. Absolutely no one buy the 540. Who needs free climbpro anyway... Just ride ur route, I don't want to know what pain is coming!
Free climbpro free maps now garmin! Split that data out as an optional overlay file... And see how many download it v 2 regions!!!!
Your videos have a ton of info. But one issue, it’s hard to catch everything with out stopping rewinding and watching a section again. You’d be better having a longer video and showing how to use it more slowly! Slow down.
tedious looking device without touch screen
FUS-trating?
same old garmin. nothing new here.
Except there literally is though... The 530 wasn't offered in a solar option and also has a fucking touchscreen...
They didn't manage to fix the absolutely TERRIBLE glare in the screen. Wahoo destroys garmin on the screen.
that they didnt just include a touchscreen in the 540 is disgusting 840 is too expensive and 540 is gimped
Climbpro is always out of position.
Not in my experience. There’s some people on some small handful of climbs with specifically Strava routes that it’s happening on (all Garmin devices). Garmin says they’re working with Strava to fix it, but I haven’t had it trigger offset for any of my climbs on the 540/840. Perhaps luck of the draw specific to a given climb.
I’m trying to see what I’m missing here but
I really see no practical reason to over an actual phone with something like Strava? Battery is not even a real issue
falling for "solar-marketing" was a mistake (7x fenix)😢...
i'm no longer proud of being from india..😢 when the mob will know, i'll be countryless...