estasnyc

It's looking like the Garmin Edge Explore 2 would be a good fit for me and is now being discounted. Primarily intended for navigation with somewhat long battery life but also able to connect to heart-rate monitors, speed and cadence sensors.

I am a little wary about pulling the trigger on this though because of the usual tech paranoia: there may be something better coming just around the corner.

Looking at Garmin's website, where this can be ordered, they indicate "Available to ship in 2–3 weeks."

Might this be because of high demand or because something better IS coming just around the corner and they're dumping inventory?

While it may not currently be ready for prime-time, I wouldn't be surprised to see the arrival of e-ink bike computers soon having much better battery life. But soon may be a few years away.

Any thoughts?

Bald Paul

There is always going to be something newer, faster, better, etc coming down the line in the electronics gadgets. If you keep chasing them, you'll never be happy.
Look at the features offered on the Edge Explore 2 and decide if they fill your current needs. If so, go for it. I bought my 1030 Plus when it was being replaced by the 1040, and got it at a good discount. Compare the 1030 Plus to the 1040. I didn't think it was worth the extra money.
Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus: What's the Difference? • Average Joe Cyclist

pdlamb

The Explore 2 is a pretty good GPS, and $250 seems to be their standard "it's on sale!!" price for the last several months.

There are units with more features on them available already, so if you're running into FOMO:

1. Build a spreadsheet with columns for the Explore 2, 1040, 840, and 540.

2. Go through the Garmin web pages and note the features of each on your spreadsheet. Insert more rows as necessary.

3. Download the manuals (not the quick start instructions) for each, and repeat step 2.

4. Go through the web pages and manuals again, and consolidate rows that seem to mean the same thing but are described slightly differently.

5. If you don't understand some feature, you won't use it until you buy a new GPS. Hide that row.

6. Pick the least expensive model that does everything you want it to do.

7. If you're afraid a newer model will come out with more features, they're working on one now. Wait for it. If you're afraid the price will be higher, it will be. Buy it now.

7a. If you get different outcomes from the two parts of item 7, flip a coin to determine your action.

Steve B.

Bike Tires Direct shows this on sale for $249. Also backordered till 7/21. It’s a decent unit and navigation and a large screen to display maps are its strong points. 16 hr battery life is better then the 12 on the series 1, but a lot less then the 1040 at 35 hrs. Lot of performance features on the 1040 you likely will never use though.

estasnyc

Ended up not getting the Edge Explore 2 but have ordered the Edge 1030 Plus instead because Garmin is selling these for $310.

$60 more for a larger screen and longer battery life is what made this a compelling choice for me.

Thanks for the advice. I was fixated on the Edge Explore 2 until all of you chimed in.