Garmin Edge 130 Plus GPS Bike Computer Review

Garmin is updating its entire range of bike computers. Today, we’ll focus on the Edge 130, in its PLUS version released a year ago, which is an evolution of the Garmin Edge 130 released in 2018. It has all the features of a high-end model!

By David Polveroni – Photos: All rights reserved

The Garmin 130 Plus is a compact bike computer, with the same display dimensions as the legendary Garmin Edge 500, in an even smaller format: 41 x 63 x 16 mm, with a 1.8” screen. The screen is monochrome, with excellent readability in all circumstances. There are three brightness options: low / medium / high. We set it to low with a 10-second timeout and were never bothered, which helped preserve battery life.

The weight of the Garmin Edge 130 Plus

It is also very light, weighing only 30 g. For comparison, a 1030 weighs 130 g, which means a 100 g saving for light-weight aficionados. It is probably one of the lightest bike computers on the market, with so much technology embedded.

Garmin Edge 130 Plus connectivity 

The Edge 130 Plus is now Bluetooth compatible and still ANT+, so it works with all sensors on the market. It can be paired with compatible smart indoor trainers. The addition of the live track feature is very simple and practical for the person monitoring you. It allows them to follow your position and route via a web link, automatically or not, if you have loaded it and activated sharing.

There is also an incident detection feature. I never fell, but several times, two flat tires on descents, or significant slowdowns triggered it. This alerts the recipients entered in Garmin Connect via SMS. I find it really well done. You shouldn’t rely on it, but it’s a plus. Of course, you have the option to read SMS or any other notifications, but on the bike, we ride!

Programming the Garmin Edge 130 Plus

You can display up to eight data fields, but the screens become less and less readable depending on the number… But the essentials are always there. There are several activity profiles, but they are specific to each discipline: Road / MTB / Cyclocross / Gravel / E-MTB / E-Bike / Indoor. However, there is no customization of pages for each discipline.

Navigation with the Garmin Edge 130 Plus 

Since I already have a 1030 Plus, navigation is the only point that would keep me from using the 130 Plus for rides on unfamiliar roads. There is no map; you load a route and then follow a trace. This is sufficient for orientation, and there is a very well-done turn-by-turn guide, but it is insufficient for touring. In that case, you should opt for a bike computer designed for that purpose: 830 or 1030 Plus.

The 130 Plus has a very interesting feature when you don’t know the terrain: the Climb Pro function.
This is a function I discovered on the 1030 Plus. Once a route is pre-recorded, the bike computer will detect climbs and tell you:

• The distance to the base / gradient percentage and the distance to the next climb
• Then, once on the climb, you have your real-time position and the distance to the summit. Very practical.

The GPS covers the Galileo (EU) satellite while retaining the option to activate Glonass (Russian). With Galileo / power meter / heart rate monitor, I was able to do a 10-hour ride before it shut down.

Garmin Edge 130 Plus interactivity

The bike computer is also compatible with Strava Live segments, for Strava Premium subscribers. You have the option to activate the feature and compete on your favorited segments. 

Garmin Edge 130 Plus price

The bike computer is €199.99 without an HR sensor (with basic stem mounts and charging cable) and €249.99 with the HR monitor. There is also a pack with a dedicated MTB mount, an Edge remote, speed sensor, and silicone case for €269.99.

=> SEE ALSO: Buy the Garmin Edge 130 Plus for €179

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