new Garmin Edge 130 Plus

Garmin’s new micro bike computer is the Garmin Edge 130 Plus and it delivers some seemingly nice NEW goodies over an above the earlier Edge 130 but you should look closely before buying as some of the Edge 130 Plus feature sets are not as comprehensive as on other Garmin Edge models. It’s still a ‘BUY’ for some people, just make sure you know what you are buying. I’ll do my best to help here…

Edge 130 Plus Background

Over 2 years ago Garmin made a surprising decision to introduce a super-small format Garmin Edge and at $200/£150 it hit an interesting price point for a reasonably well-functioned bike computer. The Edge 130 sells quite well, yet I never quite saw its attraction unless you REALLY wanted a micro-format Garmin bike computer plus, as time passed, the Edge 130 received mixed reviews from customers, some of whom were not happy with its speed and bugginess. Contrast that with the positioning and features of the Garmin Instinct watch compared to the Garmin Fenix, where the Instinct REALLY hit the spot with consumers; with bike computers, there are just too many competing devices with not too dissimilar functions to the Garmin Edge 130.

It’s also worth noting before we delve further that whilst other, more expensive, Garmin Edge devices get many upgrades, the old Edge 130’s development languished somewhat and remained pretty much in the state in which it was released (Link: software history). It’s likely that the same future awaits the Edge 130 Plus.

Garmin Edge 130 Plus – what’s new

The rrp price point of the Edge 130 Plus remains the same as the older Edge 130 and there are several new feature additions to the Edge 130 Plus but I still can’t help wondering if it has left the ‘meh’ rating I secretly held for the previous incarnation. That to one side here’s the new stuff that you now get

• It’s a snappier bike computer with a little more oomph in the processor and it runs just that little bit smoother.
• The introduction of MTB dynamics is a sensible addition for trail riders perhaps concerned about damaging a larger and more expensive bike computer
• Align that with the introduction of the nice grayscale ClimbPro feature and the weight-weenie hill climbers out there might also be happy with this great little feature on a great little device.
• The Edge 130 Plus is planned to have smart trainer control added soon and so that will appeal to indoor riders and Zwift riders. Structured workout support is already on the 130 Plus in anticipation for smart trainer control being added but it’s mostly useless until then.
• Battery life looks to have been slightly lowered but at ‘up to 12 hours’ should still be fine for most people

Garmin Edge 130 Plus – what you still get

You still get the crisp screen with good readability in all light conditions. The Edge 130 Plus naturally has customisable data pages and you can even add CIQ data fields to them, which is one of many nice features. Add in power meter compatibility, Varia Radar support, Live Tracking, VO2max and recovery time features and you have got some cool stuff there which, although niche, you will find hard to match on many other bike computers at the same price point. You can also compete on segments, set in-workout alerts and race yourself with a virtual partner. Unlike other Edge devices, there are no onboard maps for a proper navigation experience, however, you do get basic breadcrumb route following functionality.

Garmin Edge 130 Plus – some notes

• The Edge 130 Plus sees the addition of an accelerometer, this is used in the incident detection (I’ve crashed) feature.
• ClimbPro needs to get upcoming elevation changes from the route you are following. Elevation must be included in the routes files you create and sync from Garmin Connect mobile.
• Live Track has been enhanced and now lets your followers better see your route.
• Although there is still no WiFi connectivity, you can sync your rides either via a computer or via your Connect app.
• The ability to control smart trainers is NOT included at launch. FE-C support should allow your Edge 130 Plus to control most trainers once introduced.
• MTB dynamics give you an indication of the smoothness of your riding and your air time, so this is probably of most use when you look at your post-ride data.

Garmin Edge 130 Plus – opinion

This is a strange one to call. For a lower price of $150, you could instead buy a well-featured and sturdy Lezyne Super Pro GPS or, for $200, you could periodically grab a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt or even a Garmin Edge 520+. Personally, I’d much rather have any of those 3 devices. Yet the Edge 130 Plus has many ‘look at me features‘ which don’t add up to a definitive ‘buy me now‘ rating but which might just encourage some of you to take the plunge if you see your ‘must-have’ premium feature at a ‘bargain’ price.

• For a bike computer of this size, the Edge 130 Plus is hard to beat…mainly because there are few, decent micro bike computers to compete with!
• For an “entry-level” Garmin, this is not a bad choice but at a similar price point, the older and larger 520 Plus might tempt you instead.
• The Edge 130 Plus covers a lot of the feature sets although they are usually pared back (functionally reduced) in some way when compared to Garmin’s more expensive models – you won’t get the full experience. Thus despite the words sounding good, the 130 Plus partly covers these bases; 3rd party workout/plan support, turbo trainer support, physiology metrics, Varia Radar/Light support, Garmin CIQ ‘apps’ support, routing support, sensor support as well as safety & tracking features.
• There’s always going to be a niche use-case for the Edge 130 Plus, perhaps a TT’er will want the smallest, reliable power display possible or perhaps along a similar vein triathlete will cast the display of their watch TO the Edge 130 Plus. Super niche.

A detailed specification comparison is further below

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Garmin Edge 130 Plus Discounts, Pricing & Availability

You should be able to get the 130 plus either on its own or part of a bundle NOW. The stock should already be there with many retailers although some Amazon stores and the larger American discounters will have to wait a little while longer.

• Garmin Edge 130 Plus – US$199, £169, Eu199
• Garmin Edge 130 Plus HRM BUNDLE – US$249, £219, Eu249
• Garmin Edge 130 Plus MTB BUNDLE (remote control, mount and case) – US$???, £239, Eu269

You should be able to get the 130 plus either on its own or part of a bundle NOW. The stock should already be there with many retailers although some Amazon stores and the larger American discounters will have to wait a little while longer.

• Garmin Edge 130 Plus – US$199, £169, Eu199
• Garmin Edge 130 Plus HRM BUNDLE – US$249, £219, Eu249
• Garmin Edge 130 Plus MTB BUNDLE (remote control, mount and case) – US$???, £239, Eu269