In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
Some things influence our lives so much that we can hardly imagine what life would be like without them. A good example is smartphones, which are less than 20 years old in their current form, but have become an integral part of modern everyday life. It's a similar story for outdoor sports enthusiasts, especially cyclists. When the first bike computers with GPS, such as the Garmin Edge 205 or 305, came onto the market almost 20 years ago, many active cyclists did not immediately realise the benefits of such devices; after all, it was already possible to record times, distances and speeds back then - albeit wired - and navigation also worked with a folding map (in most cases).
GPS computer and connectivity
GPS computers for cyclists experienced an impressive rise, especially through the integration of ever newer innovative technologies. In late 2005, Garmin acquired MotionBased, an online platform that tracked GPS activity and associated performance metrics. It enabled cyclists to track their routes, distances, speeds and altitude metres. This platform, which was later renamed Garmin Connect, effectively marked the beginning of the ability to upload and share training data online.
Garmin Edge: Virtual Partner
Another important advance related to one of the first functions that Garmin introduced on the Edge: Virtual Partner. This merged location and speed data during an activity to provide a real-time comparison with yourself. This feature was only available on the Garmin Edge, but the idea of virtually competing over a known route and uploading this data for an online comparison laid the foundation for the well-known Strava segments.
Sensor integration
Since its beginnings, GPS technology in cycling has made progress in three key areas. The first is power and data collection. In December 2006, Garmin acquired Dynastream, the developers of ANT+, a low-power wireless network protocol that effortlessly connects sensors. This laid the foundation for the standard in the bicycle industry for sensor communication. For example, a third-party power meter or heart rate sensor could be connected to a Garmin bike computer.
Interpreting and analysing the data
This collection of sensor data combined with the ability to share this data online gave cyclists new ways to track their training data, fitness and progress. The next step was to interpret the collected data. Companies like Firstbeat Analytics specialise in processing this information to help athletes understand what their performance means for their fitness and how they can continue to improve.
Further development of the Edge series at Garmin
Garmin continues its line of innovation with the new Edge 1050. The first model with an LCD touchscreen offers improved navigation, a closer connection with the user community and extended functions for group rides. Nowadays, many cyclists can no longer imagine cycling without a Garmin bike computer.
Garmin Edge - a journey through time from 2005 to 2024
2005
The first models in the Edge series from Garmin are launched on the market. The Edge 305 offers a heart rate monitor and barometric altimeter.
2007
Garmin Edge 605 and 705 are presented, with mapping functions and colour displays. The Edge 705 was also compatible with ANT+ sensors.
2009
The Garmin Edge 500 is a compact, performance-orientated device with GPS, ANT+ sensor compatibility and a user-friendly interface.
2010
The new Garmin Edge 800 has a touchscreen, full-colour maps and advanced navigation functions.
2011
The Garmin Edge 200 is introduced: a more affordable, simple GPS bike computer without ANT+ sensor compatibility.
2013
The Edge 510 offers smartphone connectivity, while the Edge 810 combines advanced power measurement with comprehensive mapping and navigation functions.
2014
The new flagship: The Garmin Edge 1000 has a larger high-resolution touchscreen, enhanced navigation functions and smartphone connectivity.
2015
For beginners and occasional athletes, the Garmin Edge 25 comes as an affordable, compact GPS bike computer with basic performance measurement and connectivity functions; the Edge 520 will also be presented as a mid-range device with extended performance data, Strava Live segments and smartphone connectivity.
2016
The new Garmin Edge 820 combines the compact shape of the Edge 520 with extended map material and a touchscreen.
2017
Update for the big one: The Garmin Edge 1030 now has a large 3.5-inch screen, advanced navigation and performance tracking, and longer battery life.
2018
The small, affordable Garmin Edge 130 offers basic GPS and performance tracking functions; the Edge 520 Plus comes with advanced navigation functions and pre-installed maps. Also new is the user-friendly Edge Explore - a GPS bike sat nav for easily exploring your surroundings.
2019
The Edge 530 offers push-button operation, the Edge 830 a touchscreen; both have advanced performance metrics and map functions.
2020
The Edge 1030 Plus has improved performance, battery life and software. An update turns the Edge 130 into the Plus model with additional performance indicators and better connectivity.
2022
The Garmin Edge 1040 celebrates its premiere as the first model with solar charging function (in the solar version), extended power measurement and comprehensive navigation. The Edge Explore 2 should appeal to touring cyclists and e-bikers in particular.
2023
Updates refresh the Edge 540 (with button operation) and the Edge 840 (with touchscreen); both are available in a non-solar and a solar version.
2024
The new top modelEdge 1050 is the first model with an LCD touch display, improved navigation functions, community hazard reporting and extended group ride features.
Thomas Musch
Publisher
