The Garmin Edge 25 is a compact GPS cycling computer that punches above its weight. This review explores its features and functionality, focusing on its surprisingly clear display, intuitive interface, and robust performance despite its diminutive size. We'll delve into its key advantages over its predecessor, the Edge 20, highlighting the significant improvements offered by Bluetooth connectivity. We'll also assess its navigation capabilities, customization options, sensor compatibility, and Garmin Connect integration.This in-depth analysis will determine whether the Edge 25 is a worthwhile investment for cyclists seeking a simple yet effective device for tracking their rides. We'll examine its ease of use, the quality of its data, and its overall value for the price, comparing its capabilities to larger, more feature-rich cycling computers on the market. Ultimately, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview that helps readers decide if the Edge 25 is the right fit for their cycling needs.
Pros And Cons
- Small size
- Clear and easy-to-see display
- Includes ANT+ support for heart rate, cadence, and speed sensors
- Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone notifications
- Simple to use
- Real buttons
- Course navigation (downloads courses from Garmin Connect)
- History, records, and totals features
- User configurable screens (two screens with multiple data options)
- Dedicated heart rate screen showing current heart rate and zone
- Uses both GPS and GLONASS for better signal in wooded areas
- Good battery life (around 8 hours; 5-6 with both GPS systems on)
- Requires a separate USB cable
- No street mapping or auto-routing
- Does not support Strava segments, only Garmin segments
Read more: Garmin Edge 530 Review: Best Value GPS Bike Computer?
Size and Display
The Garmin Edge 25 is remarkably compact. Its small size is immediately noticeable when compared to other cycling computers like the Garmin Edge 810 or the Polar M450. Despite its diminutive size, the display is surprisingly clear and easy to read, providing all the essential information at a glance. The user interface is intuitive and efficient.
Even though it's small, the screen is surprisingly legible and shows all the necessary information. You won't feel like you're missing anything crucial despite its compact design. It's a testament to Garmin's design proficiency.
Edge 25 vs. Edge 20
The market offers two similar models: the Edge 20 and the Edge 25. However, the Edge 25 is the superior choice. The Edge 20 lacks Bluetooth connectivity, preventing it from interacting with smartphones and supporting essential accessories like heart rate monitors, cadence sensors, and speed sensors.
For a small price difference, the Edge 25 offers significantly enhanced functionality. The additional features provided by Bluetooth integration make the Edge 25 a far more versatile and useful device for most cyclists.
Main Features and Buttons
The Edge 25 boasts an intuitive button layout. The top left button powers the device on and off. The bottom left button navigates back through menus. The bottom right button scrolls down through options, and the top right button activates selected features.
The device's functionality is easily accessed through this simple and efficient button system. The buttons are well-placed and responsive, ensuring effortless navigation through the various menus and settings.
Navigation and Courses
Surprisingly, this small device supports course navigation. While it lacks onboard map data, the Edge 25 can guide you along pre-loaded courses downloaded from Garmin Connect. This is a useful feature for following planned routes or sharing rides with others.
Simply upload a course to the device via Garmin Connect, and the Edge 25 will provide turn-by-turn guidance. It's a surprisingly robust navigation feature for such a compact device.
Settings and Data Fields
The Edge 25 provides extensive customization options. You can configure Auto Laps, Auto Pause, and Auto Scroll for convenient ride tracking. Importantly, the device features two customizable data screens, each displaying various metrics like time, distance, speed, cadence, calories burned, and elevation.
This level of customization allows cyclists to tailor the displayed information to their specific needs and preferences. The flexibility ensures you can track what matters most during your rides.
Connectivity and Sensors
The Edge 25 leverages ANT+ for sensor connectivity. This allows for seamless integration with ANT+ compatible heart rate monitors, speed sensors, and cadence sensors from various brands. Bluetooth connectivity enables smartphone pairing for notifications of calls and texts.
This dual connectivity option ensures comprehensive data tracking and smartphone integration. The compatibility with multiple sensor brands makes the Edge 25 a versatile choice for various cycling setups.
Garmin Connect and Segments
The Edge 25 integrates with Garmin Connect, allowing for data synchronization, course downloads, and segment tracking. While it doesn't support Strava segments, it does support Garmin segments, enabling performance comparisons with other users on the same routes.
The Garmin Connect integration provides a comprehensive platform for data analysis and community engagement. The segment tracking is useful for setting personal goals and competing against others on specific sections of rides.
Conclusion
The Garmin Edge 25 is an excellent compact GPS cycling computer, particularly considering its value. Its small size and straightforward design make it easy to use while offering most of the features of larger models such as heart rate tracking, speed and cadence data, and smartphone notifications via Bluetooth.
While it lacks advanced features like street mapping and auto-routing, its core functionality is top-notch, making it a perfect choice for cyclists who prioritize essential data and simple usability. For the price, the Edge 25 greatly outperforms the Edge 20 due to the added Bluetooth capabilities.
