Review of the Garmin Edge 540 Solar GPS Bike Computer

At Garmin, innovation has always been at the heart of its line of cycling computers and GPS devices. With the new 1040 and 840 series—and the 540, which we’re focusing on today in its solar-powered version—the American manufacturer is once again pushing the boundaries of what its devices can do.

By David Polveroni – Photos: DR

In this article, we’ll highlight the most relevant details of this new model without overwhelming you with a user manual. The Garmin Edge 540 Solar is the successor to the Edge 530, launched in the spring of 2019, and follows in the footsteps of the 500, 510, and 520 models. This new model offers features on par with high-end bike computers, in a slightly larger form factor than its predecessor.

Measuring 57.8 x 85.1 x 19.6 mm, the Garmin Edge 540 Solar retains a 66-mm diagonal screen with a resolution of 322 x 246 pixels, offering optimal readability. Its weight of 85 g, slightly more than the 530, is mainly due to the built-in solar panel. The non-solar version, meanwhile, weighs 80 g. The bike computer comes with a front road bike mount and a traditional mount with small elastic straps. In addition, an off-set MTB mount is included, allowing the bike computer to fold back onto the stem in the event of a fall. A small safety strap is also provided. As for charging, it is now done via a USB-C port, which is much faster than previous solutions.

The major upgrade lies in the onboard hardware. The Garmin Edge 540 Solar incorporates the proven features of the 1040, with improved color filters and backlight LEDs that provide a crisp, high-contrast, and easy-to-read display in all lighting conditions. Brightness can be adjusted manually from 0 to 100 or automatically via the ambient light sensor, just like on high-end models. The internal chip has also been upgraded, with multiband GNSS compatibility enabling fast satellite acquisition and increased accuracy. You can head out and start your activity in just a few seconds—a valuable time-saver when every minute counts. https://www.3bikes.fr/2023/06/19/test-du-compteur-gps-garmin-edge-840-solar/

The Garmin Edge 540 Solar also features incident detection—a feature found on the high-end 840 and 1040 models—thanks to the addition of a gyroscope. Battery Life and Solar Charging: A Major Advantage for Demanding Cyclists

Solar charging is a boon for forgetful users who often forget to charge their bike computer, or for those who go on long rides lasting more than 15 hours. After several extended rides, with intensive battery use for features such as LiveTrack, the power meter, heart rate monitoring, and Garmin Varia, we found that the battery never dropped below 50%. Battery life is extended by about 25 minutes per hour. While this may seem significant on paper, in reality, the gains are generally less than 10 minutes. It’s worth noting that the bike computer is rarely exposed to direct sunlight, which limits the benefits of solar charging. However, for the 5% of cyclists who find themselves in this situation, this feature is a real asset.

LiveTrack, Climb Pro and Varia: Must-Have Features LiveTrack is still included on the Garmin Edge 540 Solar, offering a feature that the competition can only envy. Through its integration with Strava, your friends can track your location in real time, making Garmin a true leader in this field. Although this feature isn’t revolutionary compared to the previous generation, it remains a major advantage. Compatibility with the Garmin Varia radar is also intuitive and practical, as we’ve already explained in a dedicated article HERE

As for Climb Pro, it has been updated with the ability to enable or disable automatic climb detection. This means that even if you aren’t following a specific route, you’ll be notified of upcoming climbs. You can choose to detect small, medium, or large climbs. This feature is particularly useful for managing your effort, whether you’re familiar with the terrain or exploring it for the first time. Manage Your Effort with Precision

An interesting new feature of the Garmin Edge 540 Solar is power management based on your FTP (Functional Threshold Power, the maximum power output over 60 minutes, as explained in our GUIDE TO USING A POWER METER) on a given route. Garmin also offers a wide variety of training programs through its app, helping you progress toward your goals. While this isn’t a personalized training plan, it can be beneficial for novice cyclists. Among the most useful metrics are VO2max, which compares your performance to that of other users, and FTP, which provides a realistic estimate thanks to a proven algorithm and field testing.

Mapping: A Reliable Companion Despite Some Limitations

Mapping was one of the most anticipated features on the Garmin Edge 540, and the results are mixed. Responsiveness is fairly good, and following a route is hassle-free. However, because the screen is smaller than that of the 1040, navigation can be slightly less convenient. Despite this, the bike computer gets the job done and will always guide you home, even if your vision starts to fade. However, the biggest drawback of the Garmin Edge 540 Solar is its unintuitive buttons. Even after some practice, it’s easy to press the wrong buttons, especially when using the map. For example, the scroll button can often take you into the menus instead of zooming in on the map. In my opinion, this bike computer was designed for touchscreen use, and buttons were added for those who prefer that option.

Which model should you choose?

If you’re considering upgrading to the Garmin Edge 840, you’ll need to spend an additional €150. Compared to our €449 model, I recommend opting for the non-solar Garmin Edge 840, priced at €499, which offers the best value for money in the new lineup. However, that’s just my personal opinion! In conclusion, the Garmin Edge 540 Solar represents a simple evolution in the line of GPS bike computers. With its advanced features, solar charging, and precise effort tracking, it’s ready to accompany you on all your cycling adventures—especially as your first Garmin device!

At €599, however, the price is starting to get quite high, and we strongly recommend that you carefully compare the features of the different models in the lineup. => SEE ALSO: Buy the Garmin Edge 540 on sale for €369.99

=> SEE ALSO: All our review articles