Get ready to dive into the world of cutting-edge cycling technology! The Garmin Edge 550 is here to revolutionize your riding experience, but is it worth the hype? Let's find out!
A GPS Head Unit Packed with Surprises
The Garmin Edge 550, along with its touchscreen sibling, the Edge 850, has arrived, and it's an impressive upgrade from its predecessor, the Edge 540. With a longer, narrower design and a slightly larger color screen, Garmin promises improved brightness and responsiveness. But here's where it gets controversial: the Edge 550 offers a button-only interface, while the Edge 850 boasts a touchscreen and some extra bells and whistles.
First Impressions: A Quality Build
Garmin's experience in GPS head units shines through with the Edge 550. The build quality is exceptional, and the mid-range size suits a wide range of riders. The functionality is both intuitive and extensive, drawing inspiration from Garmin's top-of-the-line models. Despite being 32 grams heavier than the Edge 540, the Edge 550 still maintains a respectable weight of 110 grams. The color screen resolution is top-notch, offering a significant upgrade from previous models. Garmin claims the display is designed for easy readability, even in bright sunlight, and I can vouch for that!
Noteworthy Features: A Treasure Trove of Functionality
Modern GPS head units like the Edge 550 never fail to impress with their extensive features. You'll find all the familiar Garmin tools, but enhanced and improved. From segment and group tracking to climbing assistance and real-time weather alerts, it's all there. The smart fuelling prompts are particularly impressive, providing tailored nutrition and hydration reminders based on various factors. And this is the part most people miss: you can access free coaching plans via Garmin Connect, adapting to your riding style and training needs. After a month with the Edge 550, I'm still discovering new capabilities!
Getting Started: A Smooth Transition
Setting up the Edge 550 is a breeze, especially if you're already a Garmin Connect app user. Simply sync your new device, and most of your existing data and preferences will be transferred. The only real challenge I faced was updating the maps, which took a couple of hours for the 2.3GB Australian update. The user interface may take some getting used to for newcomers, but it's worth the effort.
Navigation: Stress-Free Exploration
Finding your way with the Edge 550 is a breeze. The multi-band GNSS receiver ensures ultra-accurate positioning, and the upgraded screen resolution delivers exceptional map visibility. You can choose visual and audio navigation alerts, and the real-time rerouting feature ensures you'll never get lost. Syncing with your Garmin Connect account is seamless, making route creation and uploading a snap. My latest Strava routes were instantly available on the device.
Battery Life: A Trade-Off
One of the more polarizing changes from the Edge 540 is the battery life. The superior processor, graphics, and functionality of the Edge 550 consume more energy, resulting in reduced run times. Garmin claims a modest 12 hours per charge with normal use, which aligns with my experience. Switching to 'battery saver' mode extends this to over 30 hours, but at the cost of reduced functionality and screen brightness.
Final Thoughts: A Premium Experience at a Price
The Garmin Edge 550 delivers many of the premium features of the Edge 1050 in a more affordable and compact package. If you're a Garmin fan and in the market for a mid-sized head unit, this is an impressive upgrade. However, at $750 RRP, it's not cheap, and brand loyalty may be a deciding factor. Shop around for the best deal, and you won't be disappointed with the Edge 550's performance.
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
For more information, visit garmin.com/en-AU.
Review by Peter Maniaty, Bicycling Australia's senior journalist and a highly respected figure in the cycling world.
