Garmin has announced its new Edge 840 and 540 Solar bike computers, which recharge with sunlight when riding.
The new computers represent an evolutionary update to the Edge 830 and 530, both among the best bike computers we have tested.
Like the king-size Edge 1040 Solar, the new computers move to a USB-C charge port, ditching the micro-USB standard, and offer multi-band satellite tracking.
Both computers continue to use a 2.6in colour display and offer colour mapping, with screen dimensions of 2.3x3.4x0.8in
The 840-series uses a touchscreen and buttons, whereas the 540-series relies solely on buttons. Garmin has also rolled out ClimbPro 2.0, enabling riders to see the profile of an upcoming climb without navigation.
The Edge 840 Solar retails for £519.99/$599/€599.99/AU$879 and the 540 Solar for £449.99/$499/€499.99/AU$749.
Garmin is also launching the Edge 840 and 540, which forego solar charging but otherwise share the same features.
The 840 retails for £449.99/$499/€499.99/AU$749 and the 540 for £349.99/$349/€399.99/AU$599.
The computers will also be available in a bundle containing a speed and cadence sensor, as well as a heart-rate monitor.
Here comes the sun
Garmin claims the Edge 840 and 540 Solar have up to 32 hours battery life when using GPS, or up to 60 hours in battery saver mode. These quoted battery times assume continuous 75,000-lux conditions during daytime rides.
Like the Edge 1040 Solar and some of Garmin’s top-end smartwatches, such as the Fenix 7 and Instinct 2, the solar capability is enabled by photovoltaic charging integrated into the computer’s screen.
The solar intensity widget displayed on the screen represents the amount of sunlight, or lux conditions, received.
By contrast, the Edge 840 and 540 are claimed to have 26 hours of battery life when using GPS, or up to 42 hours in battery saver mode.
For comparison, the outgoing Edge 830 and 530 have a claimed 20 hours of battery life while using GPS, and up to 40 hours in battery saver mode.
If you’re after an even longer battery life, all of the models are compatible with Garmin’s Charge power pack.
More accurate mapping
The new computers also get multi-band GNSS technology, a feature Garmin has been rolling out to all of its new devices. This means the device can simultaneously receive signals from multiple navigation satellite systems other than GPS, including GLONASS and GALILEO.
As a result, Garmin says the devices offer improved navigation in more challenging environments, such as in cities or dense forests.
Trendline Popularity Routing is said to highlight popular roads and trails, as well as searchable points of interest. The devices also have access to Trailforks, one of the best apps for cycling.
In a welcome move, route guidance and off-course notifications can now be paused if you want to shake up your route mid-ride.
The 540 and 840 are compatible with Garmin’s Varia line of rear-light radars, as well as its inReach SOS devices.
Achieving personal goals
When paired with compatible sensors, both computers inherit Garmin’s Cycling Ability feature, which debuted on the 1040.
This details your strengths and weaknesses ahead of an event or specific target, and, in turn, provides insight into where to focus your training.
The computers also feature Targeted Adaptive Coaching, whereby the computers suggest workouts or training prompts based on your riding goals.
The Edge 840 and 540 can be paired easily to Tacx indoor smart trainers, according to Garmin.
The bike computers also receive deeper integration with Garmin’s smartwatches and the computer can display wellbeing insights such as PulseOx, Body Battery and Sleep Score.
The devices continue to track heat and altitude acclimation and can notify you to refuel or rehydrate.
Using insights from FirstBeat Analytics, the 840 and 540-series can tell you your VO2 max, training status and load and recovery time.
Finally, the Real-Time Stamina feature allows riders to "monitor and track exertion levels in real-time during a ride to help influence training efforts or see how much further the current pace can be maintained", according to Garmin.
Similarly, the Power Guide feature provides power targets when paired with a pre-loaded course.
What’s the difference between the Edge 840 and Edge 540?
- The Edge 840-series is described as the 1040 in 800-series form factor, so training/mapping capability but a smaller device and screen
- The Edge 840 uses a touchscreen and buttons, whereas the 540-series forgoes a touchscreen
- The 840 and 540 Solar computers are similar in profile
- There is a £70 difference between the Solar models and a £100 difference between the non-Solar models
For a more in-depth look at how these bike computers compare, you can read our full guide to the differences and similarities.
ClimbPro 2.0
Garmin is launching ClimbPro 2.0 on the new devices.
ClimbPro is an in-built feature that tells you the remaining ascent and grade for each climb when following a route. This can be useful so you can pace yourself during a ride, as well as on a climb to avoid bonking.
ClimbPro 2.0 means the feature is now available without navigation, so you can see the profile of a climb you’re on without following a pre-loaded route.
Garmin has confirmed ClimbPro 2.0 will be available on the 1040 Solar but won't be compatible with previous-generation 800 and 500-series computers.
Garmin Edge 840 and 540 pricing and availability
Garmin Edge 840 Solar
- Price: £519.99 / $599 / €599.99 / AU$879
Garmin Edge 540 Solar
- Price: £449.99 / $499 / €499.99 / AU$749
Garmin Edge 840
- Price: £449.99 / $499 / €499.99 / AU$749
Garmin Edge 540
- Price: £349.99 / $349 / €399.99 / AU$599
