Garmin Edge® 130 Plus Review

What if you could take your cycling experience to the next level with a device that not only tracks your rides but also enhances every aspect of your training? The Garmin Edge® 130 Plus offers just that and so much more, making it an indispensable tool for cyclists of all levels.

Design and Display

Garmin has designed the Edge 130 Plus with both simplicity and durability in mind. With a 1.8-inch display, it ensures a crisp and easy-to-read screen whether you’re out in bright sunlight or riding under low-light conditions.

Clear Visibility

You won’t struggle to read your stats or navigate routes, as the display’s high contrast and intuitive layout allow for effortless viewing. Whether it’s early morning or late evening, your essential cycling data is always right at your fingertips.

Rugged Construction

You know that cycling can sometimes take you over rough terrain. The Garmin Edge 130 Plus is built to withstand the elements, so it can handle whatever nature throws at it. This rugged design means you can confidently take it on your most challenging rides without worrying about wear and tear.

Training Features

One of the standout features of the Edge 130 Plus is its training capabilities. This device allows you to sync structured workouts, whether they’re indoors or outdoors, directly to your device from the Garmin Connect app or other compatible applications like TrainingPeaks and TrainerRoad.

Structured Workouts

Have you ever thought about how structured training can improve your cycling performance? By downloading tailored workout plans that fit your skill level and goals, you’ll begin to see substantial progress faster than you think.

Performance Insights

The Edge 130 Plus goes beyond simple tracking; it provides dynamic performance insights such as VO2 max and heart rate metrics (when paired with a compatible heart rate monitor). Understanding these indicators of fitness can help you manage your training intensity and ensure you’re improving at the right pace.

ClimbPro Feature

One of its most exciting features is ClimbPro, which helps you manage your efforts during challenging climbs. This nifty tool provides real-time information about upcoming climbs on your route, allowing you to conserve energy and strategize how to tackle tough ascents.

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Navigate with Confidence

Getting lost while cycling is a worry of the past with the Garmin Edge 130 Plus. Its navigation capabilities, including turn prompts and a breadcrumb map, ensure you always know where you’ve been and where you’re headed.

Turn Prompts

Picture this: you’re on a beautiful ride, enjoying the scenery, and suddenly you need to change directions. The Edge 130 Plus gives you turn-by-turn navigation, so you’ll never miss a beat.

Breadcrumb Map

The breadcrumb map functionality allows you to retrace your route back to the starting point. For those moments when you venture a bit too far off the beaten path, you can feel secure knowing that the device will guide you home safely.

Safety Features

Cycling safety is paramount, and the Garmin Edge 130 Plus has your back with several features designed to give you and your loved ones peace of mind while you ride.

Incident Detection

In case of an unexpected fall or accident, the incident detection feature activates and can send your real-time location to emergency contacts. This feature is invaluable, especially when you’re cycling alone or in remote areas.

Assistance Alerts

The assistance feature works alongside incident detection. If you feel unsafe or need to alert someone, simply press a button, and your pre-selected emergency contacts will be notified of your location.

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GPS and Satellite Connectivity

Understanding how far, fast, hard, and high you’ve ridden is crucial for performance tracking. The Garmin Edge 130 Plus utilizes GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellites to provide accurate data, whether you’re on a familiar route or discovering new paths.

Multi-Satellite Support

With multi-satellite support, you’re less likely to lose signal in challenging environments like dense forests or urban areas. This means you can keep pushing your limits without the frustration of losing data.

Altimeter Functionality

The built-in altimeter gives you insights into your elevation gain, allowing you to appreciate your accomplishments even more. Did you conquer a challenging hill? The altimeter tracks that for you.

Mountain Biking Dynamics

For mountain bikers looking to fine-tune their skills, the Garmin Edge 130 Plus tracks jump count, jump distance, and hang time, allowing you to analyze your performance in the air.

Jump Metrics

You might wonder how these metrics can help you. By tracking your jumps, you can identify areas for improvement and work on your technique. Plus, it adds an exciting layer to your riding experience!

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Indoor Training Compatibility

If you’re not a fan of cycling in inclement weather, the Edge 130 Plus is compatible with Tacx indoor trainers. This means you can maintain your fitness during the off-season or on those rainy days, ensuring that you’re always ready when the sun comes out.

Train Year-Round

Indoor compatibility opens up training options, giving you flexibility on when and where you want to ride. If you’re a winter cyclist or prefer to train after dark, this feature can significantly benefit your routine.

Battery Life

When you’re out on long rides, battery life plays a crucial role. The Garmin Edge 130 Plus boasts an impressive battery life of up to 12 hours, depending on usage.

Extended Rides

This extended battery life allows you to tackle longer rides or multi-day adventures without worrying about your device running out of juice. You can focus on enjoying the ride rather than keeping an eye on your battery percentage.

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User Experience

Transitioning to a new device can sometimes be daunting. However, the Garmin Edge 130 Plus offers a user-friendly experience that allows you to start utilizing its features straight away.

Intuitive Interface

The interface is designed to be intuitive. It takes just a few moments to familiarize yourself with the controls, allowing you to switch between displays, navigate menus, and adjust settings quickly.

Customizable Display

Another user-friendly aspect is the customizable display, which lets you set up the screen to show the metrics that matter most to you — whether it be speed, distance, or heart rate. This personalization means your essential data is always front and center.

Community and Connectivity

One of the great joys of cycling is community. The Garmin Edge 130 Plus allows you to connect with other cyclists, sharing your achievements and discovering new routes through built-in social features.

Garmin Connect App

By syncing with the Garmin Connect app, you can track your overall performance, enter challenges, and even compare your results with friends. This sense of camaraderie can help keep you motivated in your cycling journey.

Group Riding Features

For those who ride with groups, the device has features that enhance group riding experiences, allowing you to stay connected with fellow cyclists, even when you’re a bit spread out.

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Pricing

Considering the plethora of features and capabilities packed into the Garmin Edge 130 Plus, its price point is competitive within the market of GPS cycling computers. When investing in a device that not only tracks your ride but also enhances your training, it’s essential to weigh the value it brings to your cycling experience.

Value for Money

The Edge 130 Plus provides great value for money, especially for those who are serious about improving their cycling performance. The rich array of features means it’s suitable for both casual cyclists and committed riders.

Summary

The Garmin Edge® 130 Plus stands out as a premier choice for cyclists seeking to elevate their training and riding experience. With its straightforward design, robust training features, reliable navigation, and safety functionalities, this device checks all the boxes.

With a robust set of features designed for both training and safety, cycling enthusiasts can confidently take their performance to the next level with the Garmin Edge 130 Plus. Whether you’re just starting your cycling journey or you’re an experienced rider, this GPS cycling computer is a fantastic companion for every ride. Your adventures are waiting, and with the Edge 130 Plus, you’re entirely equipped to take them on.

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