I decided to try the 540 after getting tired of my sweat drops (or raindrops) changing my screen layout on my Edge 1030 (yes, I know you can lock the screen, but I often forget). I was a bit frustrated with the lack of a touchscreen for a few days, but I’m really happy with this device now, having become used to it.
I bought a 1040 last year, and I can recommend getting a matt screen protector film - it makes it much easier to read the screen when under dappled shade and (looks out of the window at UK's July 2024) "bright" "sunshine".
Hectic pace in that review ! Sounds like navigation/map exploration is as poor as on the 530...I've been wanting to get the 840 for that very reason. Oddly the 840 hasn't really dropped in price unlike the 1040 so they're almost at the same price now (449€ for the 1040) so that might be a better upgrade. Will watch your review again. We'll be needing your opinion on the beta x40 firmware with the 1050 features that have trickled down ;-)
Touchscreen may be superfluous (I do like mine), but the screen itself is too small for my eyes. Especially with the map it makes a huge difference. Have a 1040 and it’s great. YMMV.
this is a great computer in my mind if you want to be in the garmin ecosystem it is worth it for someone. my sister if she didnt have another brand watch i would buy her this for the holidays
I am currently using my phone for directions and map, but for long rides the battery drains out. Is the 540 screen big enough for navigation? Or better choose the Explorer2 or Roam v2? I am riding for sport and leisure but not obsessing about speed and cadence and other metrics.
Another vote for the Edge Explore 2 here. I have the Edge 840 for 'serious' rides and trainer workouts, but prefer the larger screen of the Explore for gravel and casual riding.
Thank you for your suggestions, the roam v1 and edge explore 2 are roughly the same price where i live. A difficult choice. But i think i will go for the explore 2
The not being able to navigate to a specific address would be fine if Garmin had a good way to sent locations to it from a phone. If it would do that better i would use navigation more during courier work, to save phone battery.
Hello friend, I just bought a Garmin 540 bike computer, but the "Start/Stop" button at the bottom right seems different from the other buttons. It's very loose and lacks the two-stage feedback that the other buttons have. It starts timing with just a light touch, which confuses me. Is your button like this too? Thank you for your reply.
Hi there - I've just check my device and the start/stop button is the same as the other ones. I'm afraid it sounds like you might have a defective unit.
I have an 830.. it has a touch screen,. I hate it. It is more like a….sort of, some times, finicky… touch screen. Maybe the new ones re better. I never go backwards with technology, but here I almost certainly willl
i do wish this kind of writing would die out as soon as possible. NASCompares does this too. "double colour persuasion", "it is chef's kiss". i don't recall anyone ever speaking like this in real life.
Sportive reviews are the best reviews
The icon the Bolt V2 has to show when a vehicle is approaching looks a bit familiar. I wouldn't want to get hit from behind by that either! 12:26
I decided to try the 540 after getting tired of my sweat drops (or raindrops) changing my screen layout on my Edge 1030 (yes, I know you can lock the screen, but I often forget). I was a bit frustrated with the lack of a touchscreen for a few days, but I’m really happy with this device now, having become used to it.
I bought a 1040 last year, and I can recommend getting a matt screen protector film - it makes it much easier to read the screen when under dappled shade and (looks out of the window at UK's July 2024) "bright" "sunshine".
Hectic pace in that review !
Sounds like navigation/map exploration is as poor as on the 530...I've been wanting to get the 840 for that very reason. Oddly the 840 hasn't really dropped in price unlike the 1040 so they're almost at the same price now (449€ for the 1040) so that might be a better upgrade. Will watch your review again.
We'll be needing your opinion on the beta x40 firmware with the 1050 features that have trickled down ;-)
I can hear the distant wails as the Sportive wallet opens for the 1050. (It's really nice)
Touchscreen may be superfluous (I do like mine), but the screen itself is too small for my eyes. Especially with the map it makes a huge difference. Have a 1040 and it’s great. YMMV.
Excellent, as always.
Excellent review
this is a great computer in my mind
if you want to be in the garmin ecosystem it is worth it for someone. my sister if she didnt have another brand watch i would buy her this for the holidays
I am currently using my phone for directions and map, but for long rides the battery drains out. Is the 540 screen big enough for navigation? Or better choose the Explorer2 or Roam v2? I am riding for sport and leisure but not obsessing about speed and cadence and other metrics.
Buy the Explore 2, it has a bigger screen & is also touchscreen
Another vote for the Edge Explore 2 here. I have the Edge 840 for 'serious' rides and trainer workouts, but prefer the larger screen of the Explore for gravel and casual riding.
Thank you for your suggestions, the roam v1 and edge explore 2 are roughly the same price where i live. A difficult choice. But i think i will go for the explore 2
The not being able to navigate to a specific address would be fine if Garmin had a good way to sent locations to it from a phone. If it would do that better i would use navigation more during courier work, to save phone battery.
I use my phone currently, do these cycling computers also have audio? I prefer to listen to the directions as a rule.
Spend a fortune on a Garmin 1050 and it will, undoubtedly a future 550 will also. If has a built in speaker that is loud enough to even simulate a 🔔
@@NeilLavitt Thanks 👍
Most or them only have a beeper. Garmins, when paired with a phone, can play audio instruction over headphone connected to the phone.
@@RenAigu the new 1050 can also play it over a speaker.
Hello friend,
I just bought a Garmin 540 bike computer, but the "Start/Stop" button at the bottom right seems different from the other buttons. It's very loose and lacks the two-stage feedback that the other buttons have. It starts timing with just a light touch, which confuses me. Is your button like this too?
Thank you for your reply.
Hi there - I've just check my device and the start/stop button is the same as the other ones. I'm afraid it sounds like you might have a defective unit.
@@Sportivecyclist Thanks bro, your feedback is important to me! I'll send it back and ask for a new one! Thanks again! Be good!
How can you not compare navigation ease of use!?
I have an 830.. it has a touch screen,. I hate it. It is more like a….sort of, some times, finicky… touch screen. Maybe the new ones re better. I never go backwards with technology, but here I almost certainly willl
Not being able to navigate to a specific address is a big big bummer
540 in China is selling for 190pounds now
i do wish this kind of writing would die out as soon as possible. NASCompares does this too. "double colour persuasion", "it is chef's kiss". i don't recall anyone ever speaking like this in real life.
You also don't need air conditioning, electric car windows, or toilet paper. But...
Sorry but the intonation of your commentary I really struggle with. It’s the same, over and over. From what I did watch, good review though.