Garmin Edge 550: A Feature-Packed GPS Upgrade, But at What Cost?
The Garmin Edge 550 is here, and it's a game-changer for cyclists. But is it worth the upgrade? Let's dive in and explore this new GPS head unit, which promises to take your riding experience to the next level. And yes, it's packed with features, but there's a catch.
The Edge 550 and its touchscreen sibling, the Edge 850, arrived in September, boasting a sleek design and a host of improvements over their predecessors. With a larger 2.7" color screen, Garmin claims enhanced brightness and responsiveness, ensuring a smoother map experience. But here's where it gets controversial: the Edge 550 is button-operated, while the pricier Edge 850 offers a touchscreen and some extra goodies like more storage, a built-in speaker, and Garmin Pay.
First impressions are crucial, and the Edge 550 doesn't disappoint. Garmin's expertise shines through with excellent build quality and a mid-range size suitable for most riders. The interface is intuitive yet packed with features, borrowing from the high-end Edge 1050. Despite being slightly heavier, its 110-gram weight is still impressive. The standout feature is the stunning 420x600 pixel display, a significant upgrade from the Edge 540, ensuring visibility even in direct sunlight.
But wait, there's more! The Edge 550 offers a plethora of features that will make your rides smarter and safer. From segment tracking to live weather alerts, incident detection, and smart fueling prompts, it's like having a personal cycling assistant. You can even access free, adaptive coaching plans via Garmin Connect. And if you're an MTB enthusiast, there are dedicated enduro and downhill profiles to explore.
Setting up the Edge 550 is a breeze, especially if you're already a Garmin Connect user. Syncing your data and preferences is effortless, but updating the maps can be time-consuming. The interface is user-friendly, but newcomers might need some time to adjust, especially if they're used to touchscreens.
Navigation is a dream with the Edge 550. Its multi-band GNSS receiver ensures pinpoint accuracy, and the improved screen resolution makes maps crystal clear. With visual and audio navigation alerts and real-time rerouting, getting lost is a thing of the past. Syncing routes with your Garmin Connect account is seamless, and you can upload your Strava routes with ease.
Now, let's talk battery life. The Edge 550's advanced processor and graphics come at a cost—reduced battery performance. Garmin promises around 12 hours of normal use, which is decent but not groundbreaking. The 'battery saver' mode extends this to over 30 hours, but you'll have to compromise on functionality and screen brightness.
So, is the Edge 550 worth the upgrade? If you're a Garmin enthusiast seeking a mid-sized unit without a touchscreen, it's a compelling choice. However, at $750 RRP, it's an investment. If you're not a die-hard Garmin fan, you might want to explore alternatives. But for those who take the plunge, the Edge 550 is a feature-rich companion that will elevate your cycling adventures.
Key Specs:
- Size: 4.6 x 92.2 x 16.8mm
- Display: 2.7" diagonal
- Weight: 110 grams
- Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, ANT+
- Charging: USB-C
- Waterproof Rating: IPX7
- Storage: 32GB
- RRP: $749.95
And this is the part most people miss: the Edge 550 is more than just a GPS unit. It's a testament to Garmin's commitment to innovation and the cycling community. But is it the right choice for everyone? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Are you team touchscreen or button-operated? And do you think the price justifies the features?
