As someone who's been underwhelmed with the clunky software, sluggish performance and less than stellar battery life of the original Explore I'm really intrigued by the new and improved version. But once bitten twice shy. I'd really like to see a side by side real-world performance comparison between the Explore 2 and original Explore.
@@GravelCyclist Gotcha. Thank you for the intro. I expect as the Explore 2 finds its way onto cyclists' bikes I'll get a better idea of what it does and doesn't offer over the original Explore.
Exactly 💯..I want to a one on one, side to side comparison..seems like the same functions as the 1st explore with a little extra added and a newer usb-c set up..
Great video! I bought this device as an alternative to using google maps on my phone, because the arrow / point of view doesn't point in the direction you are cycling and it's visually confusing. On the Garmin how do you simply set a destination and press go on the menu system? Thanks!
Hi, thanks for the video, could you please share about the ride-like-a-local feature? I'd be using the Garmin for discovering new routes - avoiding traffic as much as possible. Would it be useful for it?
Could the explore 2 be an alternative for those who thought the 1040 is a nice device just to expensive and bloated with software features one might never use? If I understood correctly the explore can display and record all the sensor data that matters including power or are there notable limitations?
Hello Sam, I had a short amount of time to prepare this video whilst respecting the Garmin embargo. However, I hope to poke around with a Power Meter and the Explore 2, ASAP.
Nice. Screen res & functionality is so much nicer than the original Explore. Means I have an upgrade path should my unit ever die, which five years in, doesn't seem imminent. Huh, just noticed in specs screen res is same but UI is so much cleaner. Other wizardry going on there and I'll take it. Or buy it when my original finally quits, but it won't despite my attempts to destroy it over the years.
@@fkrr5 Same here. I broke and the bike broke, but the unit kept ticking, gps neatly identifying point of impact and when I failed to keep the rubber side down. 😳🤕😂🤣
I would like to know, if I can tap in an adress on the go. At 7:32 it was somehow mentioned, but not how it works. I think, the 530 can't. Only pre-routes from a computer. I admit, I didn't see the vid from a to z, because I don't need to know, whats in the box, and how many puls'es you have in your device a.s.o.
Picked up second hand like new for about $215 excited to test it out on the road, my phone mount was flimsy and ripping and I heard long rides can damage phone with vibrations. Excited to load my routes and test out the navigation!
you need to compare this to the 830 and 530. It looks slightly larger screen than my 530 but with touch screen it might be a better option than my 530 for only 299
You would need to employ the Dog Ears fix... www.gravelcyclist.com/bicycle-tech/review-dogears-gps-garmin-billet-aluminum-mounting-plate-fix-broken-garmin/
If you’ve never used any Garmin before and you new one is on your lap, this video assumes a level of knowledge I don’t yet have. I can’t find any of the screens shown!
@@GravelCyclist which one would you suggest between explore 2 and bolt v2. I am a little confused. After seeing your video, I liked explore but not sure all features of wahoo bolt v2 is here
Just made a quick comparison between the Explore 1 and 2's specs. Briefly, the same size and resolution for both displays and the overall dimensions are also similar. The significant improvements for the Explore 2 are in (claimed) battery life, charge while you ride capability via USB-C, Galileo AND Glonass GPS receptivity, and now a barometric altimeter too. I couldn't determine if the Explore 1's CPU has been upgraded v. 2, the sluggish performance of the original was a really frustrating feature.
Hi Luke, no idea how slow the Explore 1 is, but the route I showed in this video was 100+ miles in length, with many turns, it calculated the route somewhere on par with the 830's speed.
@@Fetucinee I too have just compared both with Garmin's own specs. There are a number of upgrades and additions. I'm assuming maps have been improved. I'd also like to know if the CPU has also been improved. Whether it's worth upgrading to to the 2 I'm not so sure.
If you just want to go on a ride record and save it as a course . to repeat later or even reverse to home Even that needs a 5 year training course. If Garmin produced a simple quick start manual to do that and remove all the fitness heart rate and other unwanted clutter . They could have has a manual that works They could have a cheaper simple winner for most folks who dont carry a defribulater . Better of with Komoot rather than struggle with the clutter here.
@@GravelCyclist That's what I thought. Too bad, a few more features and it would be the perfect "good enough" gadget... I want to upgrade my 520... but maybe I'll just wait for the 540. Thanks for the reply!
Great review......i'm going to buy a garmin explore2
As someone who's been underwhelmed with the clunky software, sluggish performance and less than stellar battery life of the original Explore I'm really intrigued by the new and improved version. But once bitten twice shy. I'd really like to see a side by side real-world performance comparison between the Explore 2 and original Explore.
Hi Like, I don't possess an original Explore to compare against, else, I would definitely produce such a video.
@@GravelCyclist Gotcha. Thank you for the intro. I expect as the Explore 2 finds its way onto cyclists' bikes I'll get a better idea of what it does and doesn't offer over the original Explore.
Exactly 💯..I want to a one on one, side to side comparison..seems like the same functions as the 1st explore with a little extra added and a newer usb-c set up..
Great video! I bought this device as an alternative to using google maps on my phone, because the arrow / point of view doesn't point in the direction you are cycling and it's visually confusing. On the Garmin how do you simply set a destination and press go on the menu system? Thanks!
Hi, thanks for the video, could you please share about the ride-like-a-local feature? I'd be using the Garmin for discovering new routes - avoiding traffic as much as possible. Would it be useful for it?
Thanks for the informative video, any idea if it supports contour lines?
Could the explore 2 be an alternative for those who thought the 1040 is a nice device just to expensive and bloated with software features one might never use? If I understood correctly the explore can display and record all the sensor data that matters including power or are there notable limitations?
Hello Sam, I had a short amount of time to prepare this video whilst respecting the Garmin embargo. However, I hope to poke around with a Power Meter and the Explore 2, ASAP.
Thanks for the reply
Thanks for the video test. Is the Explore 2 compatible with any wattmeter (like Shimano 4iiii) ? Thanks !
Shouldn't be an issue with that power / watt meter. Good luck!
Is there a virtual bell in the Edge Explorer 2? I have yet to find it in mine but was told they do
Just updated the firmware on the Explore 2, no Virtual Bell.
Nice. Screen res & functionality is so much nicer than the original Explore. Means I have an upgrade path should my unit ever die, which five years in, doesn't seem imminent. Huh, just noticed in specs screen res is same but UI is so much cleaner. Other wizardry going on there and I'll take it. Or buy it when my original finally quits, but it won't despite my attempts to destroy it over the years.
The build quality of Garmin is impressive, had a couple good crashes and the Garmin unit is a lot tougher than I am.
@@fkrr5 Same here. I broke and the bike broke, but the unit kept ticking, gps neatly identifying point of impact and when I failed to keep the rubber side down. 😳🤕😂🤣
I am still using a 2012 genuine EDGE 200 on a weekly basis. It still receives updates from Garmin. Never had a single issue with this small GPS.
That prompted me to check how long I've had my Edge Tour - 10 years LOL
Great review helped me in making a decision. Thanks!
me too...i buy the garmin explore 2
Same here .. I've decided to buy this one ..seems great choice
Of all the computers they make this is the one that should be solar powered
I expect we may see a trickle down of the solar at some point?
I completely agree that they should definitely add solar charging here
Hey man hope you can help , how to you add speed and distance to the mapping screen ? Mines only show the map
I would like to know, if I can tap in an adress on the go. At 7:32 it was somehow mentioned, but not how it works. I think, the 530 can't. Only pre-routes from a computer. I admit, I didn't see the vid from a to z, because I don't need to know, whats in the box, and how many puls'es you have in your device a.s.o.
I am having trouble getting Heading to display. I notice it's also blank at about minute 9 of the video.
@GravelCyclist - just ordered explore 2 and garmin sensors. Your recommendation got best HRM/chest strap to pair with it?
Ty
I have been using the Garmin Pro strap with good success for over a year. Excellent battery life as well, I seem to get about six months.
Picked up second hand like new for about $215 excited to test it out on the road, my phone mount was flimsy and ripping and I heard long rides can damage phone with vibrations. Excited to load my routes and test out the navigation!
Well played. Phones are great for many things, but on-bike navigation, not so much IMHO.
Great review… but I am just waiting to see what is going on with the Stingray!!!
Hi Katherine, slowly sorting it out. It's a 1971 Vette with some rather rare options, not too many of these left! I drive it sparingly.
anyway to display, distance remaining in a route? I can't find it in date fields. Thanks
you need to compare this to the 830 and 530. It looks slightly larger screen than my 530 but with touch screen it might be a better option than my 530 for only 299
Unfortunately, I don't possess a 530.
It has a 3" screen
Does it connect to the Mahle ebike motion system
does it have a micro sd slot
Hi! Can you sync this up with a garmin fenix watch to get all the additional pro stats (training load, recuperation..etc) all in one recording ?
Sorry Kim, I have no such watch to even test.
Great review.
WHat happens if you break the tabs at the back? it the unit no longer fixable by yourself?
You would need to employ the Dog Ears fix... www.gravelcyclist.com/bicycle-tech/review-dogears-gps-garmin-billet-aluminum-mounting-plate-fix-broken-garmin/
If you’ve never used any Garmin before and you new one is on your lap, this video assumes a level of knowledge I don’t yet have. I can’t find any of the screens shown!
COOL! Does it have a thermometer? As it have a barometer it have to have a thermometer in order to get the elevation ...
It does have a thermometer. You can see it when I demonstrate customizing an Activity Profile.
Does this device work without paring to the smartphone?
Yes.
@@GravelCyclist Thx for answer.
Does the Garmin Edge Explorer 2 comes with a Lifetime Map Update or you need to purchase them separately?
Hello there, all of the map updates thus far has been freebies.
Does the Edge 2 give battery information of your Varia tailight?
yes
Is this good for MTB ???
I'd be concerned with the weight as I mount on a loaded gravel bike 🤷♀
Thinking this is a windup.
@Gravel Cyclist
Does this not have strava live segments?
I don't believe so. As it is, I don't use Strava.
@@GravelCyclist which one would you suggest between explore 2 and bolt v2. I am a little confused. After seeing your video, I liked explore but not sure all features of wahoo bolt v2 is here
@@prasildasp6492 I much prefer Garmin's touch screen and navigation, far superior in my opinion, to any Wahoo.
No live segments
I have the original Explore. How does this compare in size and performance. Is it compatible with Garmin Connect?
I don't have an original Explore, and yes, it is compatible with Garmin Connect.
@@GravelCyclist Thanks. I found the stats on Bike Radar so I'll do a comparison.
Just made a quick comparison between the Explore 1 and 2's specs. Briefly, the same size and resolution for both displays and the overall dimensions are also similar. The significant improvements for the Explore 2 are in (claimed) battery life, charge while you ride capability via USB-C, Galileo AND Glonass GPS receptivity, and now a barometric altimeter too.
I couldn't determine if the Explore 1's CPU has been upgraded v. 2, the sluggish performance of the original was a really frustrating feature.
Hi Luke, no idea how slow the Explore 1 is, but the route I showed in this video was 100+ miles in length, with many turns, it calculated the route somewhere on par with the 830's speed.
@@Fetucinee I too have just compared both with Garmin's own specs. There are a number of upgrades and additions. I'm assuming maps have been improved. I'd also like to know if the CPU has also been improved. Whether it's worth upgrading to to the 2 I'm not so sure.
Its was my first garmin, wich one is The best The 530 or The explorer2?
If you like a touch screen and don't need a ton of performance related features, the Explore 2 is very worth of your consideration.
@@GravelCyclist thanks 🙌
Do I need a phone in order to use this device?
Negative. Huge advantage over Wahoo, and other devices that need a phone.
@@GravelCyclistThank you for the fast response
If you just want to go on a ride record and save it as a course . to repeat later or even reverse to home Even that needs a 5 year training course. If Garmin produced a simple quick start manual to do that and remove all the fitness heart rate and other unwanted clutter . They could have has a manual that works They could have a cheaper simple winner for most folks who dont carry a defribulater . Better of with Komoot rather than struggle with the clutter here.
Finally USB-C
Agreed, they also added that recently to the feature packed, and a lot pricier, Garmin 1040 Solar.
Is the screen visible during the daytime with the sun out. Sometimes, you can barely see those screens. And, what about with sunglasses on?
Direct sunlight is an issue, yes, and sometimes with sunglasses as well. Definitely not perfect.
DI2 support?
Negative, at least on this version of the firmware.
Does this do FTP Auto Calculation? Looks like no?
No advanced power meter features. I have connect a power meter, it records power, but not to the detail of say the 1040.
@@GravelCyclist That's what I thought. Too bad, a few more features and it would be the perfect "good enough" gadget... I want to upgrade my 520... but maybe I'll just wait for the 540.
Thanks for the reply!
To expensive everything Garmin produces is too expensive
What computer do you use?