Revolutionizing Your Ride: Garmin Edge 550 Packs a Punch
Garmin’s latest offering, the Edge 550 GPS head unit, hit the scene in September alongside its touchscreen counterpart, the Edge 850. With a sleek, elongated design and a slightly larger 2.7-inch color screen, the Edge 550 is a noticeable upgrade from its predecessor, the Edge 540. Garmin promises riders enhanced brightness, responsiveness, and smoother map redraws, making it a game-changer for navigation enthusiasts. But here's where it gets interesting: while the Edge 550 boasts a button-only interface, the Edge 850, though similarly sized, adds a touchscreen, larger storage, a built-in speaker, bike bell, and Garmin Pay compatibility—all at a higher price point. Which one will reign supreme for your cycling needs?
First Impressions: A Cut Above the Rest
Garmin’s expertise in GPS technology shines through in the Edge 550. Its build quality is top-notch, and its mid-range size caters to a diverse range of riders. The device feels like a natural evolution of Garmin’s high-end Edge 1050, offering an intuitive and extensive feature set. Weighing in at 110 grams—a mere 32 grams heavier than the Edge 540—it strikes a balance between durability and portability. Upon powering it up, the 420×600 pixel color screen resolution is nothing short of stunning, a significant leap from the Edge 540’s 246×322 display. Garmin’s claim of improved readability in direct sunlight holds true, as I experienced zero glare issues during testing. The Edge 550 comes with a variety of mounts and adapters, ensuring compatibility with virtually any setup. Its 32GB storage—double that of the Edge 540—is a welcome upgrade, though the Edge 850 doubles down with 64GB.
Feature-Rich and Future-Proof
Modern GPS head units are marvels of technology, and the Edge 550 is no exception. It retains all the beloved features of previous Garmin models while introducing exciting new capabilities. From segment tracking and live monitoring to ClimbingPro, incident detection, and real-time weather alerts, it’s a cyclist’s dream. The smart fueling prompts, which factor in weather, route, and fitness level, are a standout feature for long-distance riders. And this is the part most people miss: Garmin Connect offers free coaching plans that adapt to your riding style, adjusting based on training and recovery. After a month of use, I’ve only scratched the surface of its potential. Mountain bikers will appreciate the dedicated enduro and downhill profiles, though I didn’t test these extensively.
Getting Started: Seamless Setup, Minor Hiccups
Setup is a breeze, especially if you’re already using the Garmin Connect app. Syncing your Edge 550 transfers most of your existing data and preferences effortlessly. The most time-consuming part? Updating the maps—a 2.3GB Australian update took nearly two hours. The button-operated interface is familiar to Garmin users but might feel fiddly for newcomers. Patience is key here. And here’s a controversial take: while the Edge 550’s interface is user-friendly, some may argue that touchscreen alternatives offer a more intuitive experience. What’s your take on button vs. touchscreen navigation?
Navigation: Getting Lost is Nearly Impossible
The Edge 550 excels in navigation, thanks to its multi-band GNSS receiver for pinpoint accuracy. The upgraded screen resolution delivers exceptional map visibility, and the option for visual or audio alerts ensures you stay on track. Real-time rerouting and seamless Garmin Connect integration make route planning a breeze. My Strava routes were ready to go the moment I turned it on. While the map functionality isn’t groundbreaking, the Edge 550’s faster processor and enhanced display elevate the overall experience.
Battery Life: A Double-Edged Sword
Battery performance is where opinions diverge. The Edge 550’s advanced processor and graphics consume more power than the Edge 540, resulting in shorter run times—around 12 hours on a single charge under normal use. This aligns with my testing, though enabling ‘battery saver’ mode extends it to over 30 hours, albeit with reduced functionality and dimmer screen brightness. Is the trade-off between performance and battery life worth it? That’s a question for riders to ponder.
Final Verdict: A Premium Experience at a Premium Price
The Garmin Edge 550 brings many high-end features from the Edge 1050 into a more compact, affordable package. If you’re seeking a mid-sized head unit without a touchscreen and are already in the Garmin ecosystem, it’s a compelling upgrade. However, at $750 RRP, it’s an investment. For those not tied to Garmin, the value proposition may be less appealing. My advice? Shop around for deals—once you experience the Edge 550, you’re unlikely to be disappointed.
Specifications:
- Size: 4.6 x 92.2 x 16.8mm
- Display: 2.7” diagonal
- Weight: 110 grams
- Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, ANT+
- Charging: USB-C (cable included)
- Waterproof Rating: IPX7
- Storage: 32GB
- RRP: $749.95
Learn More: Garmin Edge 550
About the Author:
Peter Maniaty is Bicycling Australia’s senior journalist, renowned for his insightful bike reviews, destination features, and thought-provoking opinion pieces. His expertise in the cycling world is unmatched, making him a trusted voice for enthusiasts everywhere.
Thought-Provoking Question: With the Edge 550’s impressive feature set but higher price tag, do you think Garmin has struck the right balance between innovation and affordability? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
