Garmin Edge 850 Review: Is It Worth the $599 Price Tag?

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I purchased all Garmin Edge x50 bike computer systems, together with the Edge 850, to search out out whether or not they’re value it. I in contrast the Edge 850 with the earlier generations and in addition some competing bike computer systems. So, do you have to purchase it? The reply will not be so clear-cut. However after studying this evaluation, you’ll know.

My Edge 850 ranking at a look:Battery Life 2/5 | Ease of Setup 5/5 | Show 5/5 | Ease of Use 5/5 | GPS Accuracy 5/5 | Maps & Navigation 5/5 | Worth 1/5 | OVERALL 4.0/5More about this bike pc scoring.

NOTE: I examined the Edge 850 with firmware model 7.10.

Garmin Edge 850 Professionals and Cons

These are the primary professionals and cons of the Garmin Edge 850 I discovered throughout its use.

Additionally out there at rei.com, competitivecyclist.com, and jensonusa.com

What’s New In comparison with the Edge 840?

Within the Field

Preliminary Setup

If there’s something I like about Garmin Edge gadgets, it’s how they information you thru the preliminary setup. It’s tremendous handy, particularly in case you beforehand owned an Edge. After scanning the QR code and following just a few steps, they are going to switch all of your information pages and sensors, so that you don’t must pair them as you do with some competing head models. For comparability, Wahoo ELEMNT bike computer systems may sync information pages, however not sensors.

Naturally, the consumer interface is unified with the opposite x50 head models, such because the Edge 550 and Edge 1050. It’s a bit extra polished than the one on the x40 line.

My Expertise with Garmin Edge 850

Let’s now dive deeper into particular person options.

Show

Garmin elevated the show dimension by 0.1″, bringing it to 2.7 inches. It now makes use of transmissive LCD on its x50 head models, so they’re much brighter and simpler to learn in most eventualities (see the gallery beneath).

The pixels per inch (PPI) are decrease than on the Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM 3 (271 vs. 309 PPI), for instance, however every part appears to be like sharp, and I can’t see the distinction. The 0.1″ dimension distinction in comparison with the earlier era and the ROAM 3 is negligible. I believe this show dimension is right for many use instances, because it’s okay for navigation however not too huge for day by day using. The next chart reveals the show sizes of different in style bike computer systems.

The show is now vivid sufficient to be simpler to learn even in direct daylight. Nevertheless, it’s difficult to seize it on digicam. I’d say that the display is nearly as vivid as a few of right now’s smartphones. So, that’s fairly cool. After all, the display brightness seems in a different way relying on the bike pc’s tilt (as seen within the photographs beneath). Understand that the display floor is shiny, so it nonetheless displays glare.

The shiny screens are the one factor that drag the Edge bike computer systems down a bit, imo. If they’ve an anti-glare coating just like the Wahoo ELEMNTs second gen, that may be nice.

The photograph beneath reveals one other comparability—this time with different in style bike computer systems. In actuality, Hammerhead Karoo 3 is the brightest, with Karoo 2 and Magene C606 carefully behind. BOLT 3 and ROAM 3 are the least vivid.

The Edge 850 can show as much as 10 information fields without delay, holding them comparatively simple to learn, although they’re naturally a bit smaller than on the ten×0 fashions (these may show as much as 10 information fields).

Additionally out there at rei.com, competitivecyclist.com, and jensonusa.com

Battery Life

The Garmin Edge 850 has a dramatically worse battery life than the earlier era and most different bike computer systems in the marketplace. It ought to last as long as 12 hours, however the true battery life is decrease. I squeezed solely 10.3 hours from it1.

That is dangerous in 2025. You may be afraid of not having the ability to file your whole-day journeys as I did on Gran Canaria. For comparability, the next chart reveals the claimed battery lifetime of the very best bike computer systems in the marketplace.

The horribly quick battery life is without doubt one of the predominant causes I received’t use this bike pc as a day by day driver, and I’ll almost definitely return to the Edge 840, Edge 1050, or Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM 3. I’m not absolutely determined but (reviewers’ issues, haha).

Management & Consumer Friendliness

The brand new consumer interface on x50 line is healthier than the one on x40. Due to the Edge 850’s touchscreen and management buttons, it’s tremendous simple to make use of in all eventualities (even with gloves, as you’ll be able to see within the video beneath). Simply do not forget that, contemplating the sheer quantity of options, Edge bike computer systems have a steeper studying curve. It took me some time to recollect the place all of the choices and settings are, and I’m positive I nonetheless don’t know every part.

I’ve heard so many occasions {that a} touchscreen will not be crucial, and I agree, particularly since all you do is file your actions, and also you pair the Edge with Di2 or SRAM buttons so you’ll be able to scroll by pages. Nevertheless, when you begin utilizing the maps and navigation, it’s a distinct story, and I like to recommend paying extra for the touchscreen. It’s a lot simpler to browse the map on it than on the Edge 550.

Lastly, I want to spotlight the brand new chassis design, which makes repairs and battery alternative simpler. That is based mostly on EU laws on the Proper to Restore. Along with having the ability to take away the whole again facet, you may also exchange the plastic socket in case it breaks.

Maps & Navigation

The Edge 850 has improved maps and navigation. They’re simpler to observe as a result of the roads, trails, and different options have extra distinct traces and distinction.

The Edge 850 can navigate you virtually anyplace. I relied closely on its navigation in Gran Canaria. There are many roundabouts there, so it’s cool that the top unit reveals you precisely the way to enter and exit them. In contrast to the E550, the E850 additionally contains deal with search and an on-device course creator, and it will probably present audible alerts by way of the built-in speaker.

I examined navigation primarily on paved roads, and it labored flawlessly. Garmin has probably the greatest maps, together with off-road protection. It’s also possible to set up third-party apps, comparable to TrailForks, to discover trails and extra. Due to the touchscreen, searching maps can be handy, in contrast to on the Edge 550. In case you are a frequent map consumer, the Edge 850 is value contemplating.

Additionally out there at rei.com, competitivecyclist.com, and jensonusa.com

GPS Accuracy

Due to the multi-band GNSS, the Edge 850 is without doubt one of the most correct bike computer systems. Once I check them, I experience a particular section within the forest, file my experience, after which evaluate the recorded route with the precise route and my earlier assessments.

I examined the Multi-GNSS Multi-band system as a result of it’s essentially the most correct. The accuracy is so good that the experience recording nails the facet of the slender forest highway I’m using on. Alternatively, it drains extra battery. Check out the next screenshots for additional reference.

ClimbPro

ClimbPro is without doubt one of the most helpful options, particularly for individuals like me who love climbing. We will now barely customise the information web page and use a distinct variety of information fields. Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless rather more restricted than the Free Summit adjustability on Wahoo bike computer systems. It’s a pity that there aren’t any information fields, e.g., “Common energy throughout this climb.” That may be very helpful. However the reality is, you’ll be able to work round this by way of Avg. energy (lap) area. You simply must activate the lap earlier than every climb.

Regardless of these shortcomings, the ClimbPro impressed different producers, and the general high quality of those options is slowly bettering.

Actual-Time Stamina and Energy Information

Due to Actual-Time Stamina, you will notice how lengthy you’ll be able to experience on the present tempo and the way a lot you could have left within the tank. Energy Information suggests the ability zones to your deliberate route based mostly in your FTP. These options can now account for added metrics, comparable to route elevation, climate, and consumer profile. In different phrases, they’re extra correct.

So, for instance, when utilizing Energy Information, it should account to your Stamina and in addition wind information. Which means that in case you experience right into a headwind or your Stamina drops quicker than anticipated, the Energy Information will alter the goal energy zones. I respect this enchancment. It makes me excited to see what different metrics Garmin provides sooner or later to enhance the accuracy even additional.

Shared Highway Hazards

Sharing dangers on the highway, as with Waze or Google Maps, is a extremely great point. The extra individuals use it, the extra helpful it turns into. It’d take some time earlier than sufficient individuals in some areas are within the Garmin ecosystem and contribute by including these hazards. Luckily, Garmin made this characteristic out there for the x40 head models a while in the past to widen the consumer base. That is one other instance of the advantages of the Garmin ecosystem.

GroupRide, Challenges, and Awards

GroupRide has acquired a number of enhancements. For instance, the primary is that if the E850 detects a crash, it notifies others within the group (when GroupRide is on). That is sensible. I’m shocked we didn’t get this characteristic sooner. Think about how helpful this characteristic might be in quick descents.

The Challenges are just like Strava dwell segments. You possibly can compete with your mates to see who can climb the upcoming climbs quicker. Sure, this characteristic has solely labored for climbs in ClimbPro to date. That is Garmin’s method of supplying you with another excuse to decide on the Garmin bike pc and lock you into their ecosystem.

And the Awards are simply Garmin’s method of leveraging further gamification components. You earn rewards to your energy output, velocity, and extra. These are just a few examples of how Garmin tries to lock individuals into its ecosystem.

Connectivity

There aren’t any connectivity adjustments. The Edge 850 nonetheless helps Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ANT+ connectivity, so you’ll be able to join it to sensors or your smartphone. After all, it will probably auto-sync actions, programs, and so on. I typically skilled longer sync occasions for actions on Wi-Fi within the Canary Islands, however at residence, it labored just about okay. So I think the Wi-Fi settings may be in play.

Garmin Edge 850 Options

Garmin Edge 850 Technical Specs

Beneath, I summarized the technical specs of the Garmin Edge 850.

My Verdict

There are two predominant issues I dislike concerning the Garmin Edge 850: the primary is its quick battery life, which requires recharging about twice as typically because the Edge 840. The second is clearly the value. I completely hate this pattern of bumping costs by a lot yr over yr. It’s not sustainable. Sure, the Edge 850 might be one of the succesful (if not essentially the most) bike computer systems of this dimension, however earlier generations will do a equally good job.

So, in case you don’t care concerning the newest and best options, think about shopping for the Edge 840 as an alternative. You’re going to get twice the battery life and save just a few hundred bucks. If you happen to determine to buy the E850 anyway, please use the hyperlinks beneath. It’s one of the simplest ways to assist this web site, and it received’t price you something additional. Thanks lots upfront.

Additionally out there at rei.com, competitivecyclist.com, and jensonusa.com

Really helpful Equipment

Beneath are some advisable equipment for the Garmin Edge 850.

Garmin Edge 850 FAQ