Active Screen

The screen with Memory-in-Pixel display allows for a faster maximum frame than other Garmin Edge products.​

What is it

With a crystal clear display, low weight (33 grams), and lots of features, Garmin's Edge 130 packs a big punch in a tiny package. Designed for riders that desire data in an easily digestible form, it has a claimed 15 hours of battery life between charges and a 1.8" mono Memory-in-Pixel display.

Pros

  • Crystal clear display
  • Lightweight
  • Long battery life
  • Ride description functionality
  • Live Strava segments

Cons

  • Lacking in power features
  • GPS in monochrome can be hard to follow
  • Expensive

RoadBikeReview's Take

Sometimes less is more. Sometimes we don't need to have a smartphone attached to our bars telling us when to ride hard or when we need to fuel. There are critical pieces of information that are nice to know though like heart rate, speed, power, and maybe Strava segment time. This type of data displayed crisp and thoughtfully is worth more to a rider than tons of meaningless peripheral analytics. Garmin's new Edge 130 achieves just that, offering a crisp display in a small package with up to eight data fields on the screen.

Button View

The Garmin 130 has big, easy to access buttons for recording laps and intervals.​

The Garmin Edge 130 weighs just 33 grams and has five intuitive buttons. The unit itself is 40x62x17mm, small compared to most cycling computers. Yet it boasts a large 1.8i" / 46mm screen. The display is what got me excited. The mono Memory-in-Pixel screen is crystal clear. Garmin achieves this through a 303x230 pixel screen that allows for a faster maximum frame than other Garmin Edge products. Even in direct sunlight or with sunglasses on, the Edge 130 screen is easy to read - and GPS connecting is instantaneous with GLONASS and Galileo satellites.

Screen View

Even in direct sunlight or with sunglasses on the Edge 130 screen is crystal clear.​

Setup is simple. Choose language, units, pair with sensors and with a phone, then go ride. On the trails, the Edge 130 is a great training companion because it's simple, to the point, and easy to use. When racing cross country, I rarely find a need to look at my computer, but the display shines out in the dark overcast sections of single track making a quick glance at the bars enough to see vital stats.

Training with the Edge 130 on the road, I noticed some power metrics that I prefer from my Edge 520 were missing. Though the Edge 130 does have many power features, so this is not a make or break deal for me, as you can still analyze power post ride.

Weight

The Garmin Edge 130 comes in at a scant 33 grams with five intuitive buttons.​

Strava live segment features and downloaded courses from the Garmin Course Creator feature in Garmin Connect is fun - and easy to set up. But following the markings on the monochromatic screen can be daunting if you are used to the Edge 520 or 1000 GPS. The Edge 130 is also compatible with Garmin's Varia cycling awareness accessories, including rearview radar and smart bike lights, making this a great computer option for commuters, too.

Bottom line, the Garmin Edge 130 is packed with easy to use features, has a crystal clear display, and is small enough to save your proverbial handlebar sanity. I use the Edge 130 as my dedicated mountain bike computer for training, racing, and everything in between. The display alone is worth checking out, and if you're looking to up your computer game put the Edge 130 on your short list.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5
4.5 stars

Price: $200 (device only)
More Info: buy.garmin.com