Garmin Introduces First Mountain Bike-focused Computer, Featuring "Time Checkpoints, Jump Counter, and Airtime Tracker" - Is This Essential Gear for Cyclists?
Hitting the Dirt with Garmin's First MTB-Centric Navigation System!
📸 Credit: Garmin
Need to Know: Garmin has unveiled its first-ever mountain bike (MTB) dedicated Edge computer, christened the Edge MTB. With a plethora of cycling GPS devices already in the market, will this newcomer stand out or simply blend in with the crowd? We're here to help you decide.
Built for the Mountain Biking Masses
Garmin, a trusted name in GPS technology, has ventured into the MTB scene with its latest offering, the Edge MTB. Although the brand has earned the title for offering top-tier GPS units for mountain bikes including the Edge 840 or 530, the Edge MTB sets itself apart as a propriety MTB device.
But does the Edge MTB bring anything new to the table compared to the competition? And, what makes it a better choice over a watch? Let's delve deeper to find the answer.
The new Edge MTB boasts two new ride profiles - Enduro and Downhill
Designed to Shred
With the tagline "Built to Shred" adorning the new Edge MTB, we're excited to see how it stands among avid Garmin enthusiasts, particularly those who are deeply immersed in the ecosystem. Now, let's find out if this MTB-specific device will have broad appeal.
*Garmin Edge MTB £339.99*This latest addition to the Garmin family boasts a rugged casing and high-frequency recording for precise tracking of speed and line choice. The Edge MTB comes with preloaded Trailforks mapping, making it easy to find ideal tracks for your excursions.
Check it Out! at Garmin
MTB-Specific Features and Profiles
So, what makes the Edge MTB MTB-specific? First impression? Its design varies from polished road versions, equipped with overmolded buttons and a scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass lens.
The new Edge computer also adds a top tube and MTB mount for various bike-friendly mounting options. Gone are the days of keeping your computer protruding from the stem, without requiring expensive additional mounts.
Gravity and Flow Measurements
The new Edge also features two new ride profiles: Enduro and Downhill. These profiles allow customizing data displays depending on your riding preferences.
Speaking of measurements, the Edge MTB introduces metrics like jump count, hang time, jump distance, and Grit and Flow. While some of these metrics have been available on other devices, the Edge MTB's 'timing gates' tech makes navigation and performance monitoring even more exciting.
With timing gates, riders can set start points and up to ten gates along a course, measuring split and lap times on specific trail segments. Additionally, post-ride, the device provides you with a summary of trail difficulty mix, aiding in understanding technical riding performance[1][5].
Featuring Forksight, which allows viewing of upcoming trail names and details
Other Dynamic Features
In addition to mountain biking-centric features, the Edge MTB offers multi-band GPS with 5Hz GPS recording. This technology provides enhanced GPS accuracy[3][5] for the mountainous terrain, alleviating concerns such as weak signal coverage in densely forested areas.
As with Garmin's other products, the Edge MTB comes with a built-in mapping system, eliminating the need for additional map purchases. The Edge MTB's mapping tools include Forksight mode, which provides a bit of Trailforks-like features on the go—displaying trail names, elevation profiles, and more when stopped at trail intersections.
Do You Really Need an MTB-Specific Computer?
The jury's still out on this, but if you have some spare cash hanging around or are the clumsy type prone to damaging your devices, the Edge MTB could be a worthwhile investment.
However, we won't deny that there's a question over whether riders genuinely require a discipline-specific computer. Couldn't you just make do with your smartphone or the Trailforks app for a more casual, trail-exploring experience? Or perhaps, pay £339 for a gadget that will probably tell you your grandpa gets better "airtime" than you off his mobility scooter?
Garmin has gathered some feedback from renowned riders, such as Troy Brosnan, who lauds the Edge MTB as a "game changer." Nino Schurter, on the other hand, was genuinely thrilled about the inclusion of a USB-C cable for charging, finally declaring it "one less tech headache" that brings him happiness[2].
The new Garmin Edge MTB is available now on the Garmin website and through retailers.
garmin.com
[1] Trailforks - Comprehensive Trail Database for Mountain Bikers. (n.d.). trailforks.com
[2] Brosnan, T., & Schurter, N. (2022, September 23). The new Garmin Edge MTB - Super - MTB Review. Retrieved from Super-MTB: super-mtb.com/the-new-garmin-edge-mtb/
[3] Garmin Edge MTB - Built for Mountain Biking. (n.d.). Garmin.com. Retrieved from https://www.garmin.com/en-GB/garmin-edge-mtb/
[4] MapMyRide - Track Your Bike Rides, Runs & Walks. (n.d.). mapmyride.com
[5] Garmin Edge MTB Performance & Navigation GPS Cycling Computer - Amazing Deals. (n.d.). Extrasportsabroad.com. Retrieved from https://www.extrasportsabroad.com/garmin-edge-mtb-performance%26-navigation-gps-cycling-computer.html
- The new Garmin Edge MTB, designed for mountain biking, offers features like Enduro and Downhill ride profiles, Gravity and Flow measurements, and timing gates to track performance and navigation.
- In the realm of sports and technology, the Edge MTB is a unique gadget, as it caters specifically to mountain bikers, boasting MTB-specific features such as a rugged casing, preloaded Trailforks mapping, and MTB mounts, setting it apart from general GPS devices and wrist watches.
