Back in the day, the first Garmin products were standard GPS units that could help you navigate from one point to the other. As the need for versatility became more common, Garmin found itself branching out into the world of sport. The Garmin Fenix range of watches offers a variety of features including GPS technology and fitness tracking. However, do I need a Garmin Edge if I have a Fenix?
The Fenix is one of the most versatile smartwatches from the Garmin range. Not only does it allow you to enter your body details, but it has numerous fitness features and tracking models. Many might think that due to the versatility, they don’t need the Garmin Edge cycling computer. However, the bike computer offers more cycling-specific features.
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When it comes to cycling, you will need basic stat tracking technology. However, cyclists might need something more advanced that enables them to track additional stats like cadence. To help you figure out if the bike computer is needed when you own a Garmin Fenix, we will break down both and find out some of the benefits:
What Does The Garmin Fenix Offer?
The range of Garmin Fenix smartwatches is some of the best on the market today. If we look at the Fenix 6, Garmin has tried to add as many features as it possibly can into the small device. It fits comfortably around your wrist and the 20-hour battery life makes it functional for most fitness activities. Here are some features the Garmin Fenix offers:
- Advanced GPS connectivity
- Sensor connectivity
- Numerous sports data tracking
- Smartphone connectivity
- Lifestyle features (Spotify control, Mobile payments through Garmin pay)
- Small and sophisticated look
As you can see, the Garmin Fenix is one of the top options if you like doing different sports activities. The watch allows you to choose the activity you are going to do and when entering your body stats, it would allow you to effectively track all the data you need to.
According to some experts, you can buy various components that allow you to connect a cadence sensor to the Garmin Fenix. Unfortunately, it is not the most accurate of measurement tools. When we look at cycling-specific features, the Fenix only offers the most basic of stat tracking. Fortunately, GPS technology makes it one of the best.
What Does The Garmin Edge Offer?
Before determining if you need one or the other, we should look at some of the features available on the Garmin Edge. Back in the mid-2000s, Garmin released the first Garmin Edge 205, which turned out to be strong competition for many of the existing cycling brands. While the first Garmin Edge was not spectacular by today’s standards, it offered advanced cycling features for stat tracking.
Nowadays, Garmin has significantly improved on the Garmin Edge products, with one being released almost every year. At the writing of this article, many people are awaiting the release of the new Garmin Edge 1040, which is scheduled to be released somewhere in 2022. Here are some features the Garmin Edge brings to the table:
- ANT+ connectivity (Connects to various sensors)
- Large display screen
- It can be mounted
- Touchscreen navigation
- Various tracking features
- Route planning
- Cycling-specific training programs
- Advanced navigation capabilities
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
As you can see from the list of features, many of them are dedicated cycling features. One of the benefits of the Garmin Edge over the Fenix is that Garmin has more time and capabilities of introducing advanced cycling features. These would make a big difference when you are cycling at a competitive level.
The standout feature compared to the Fenix is that most modern Edge devices can integrate cadence tracking. Yes, you might need to buy an additional sensor and set up your bike in such a way that makes cadence tracking possible, but you should get more accurate data. Additionally, riders can set up training programs dedicated to cycling with the help of a GPS.
Do I Need A Garmin Edge If I Have A Fenix?
The answer is it depends. If you are a casual cyclist and your main purpose for cycling is to lose weight or improve fitness, the additional features of the Garmin Edge might be overkill. You might not use these specific features, which could translate to a waste of money for the casual cyclist. The Fenix would be a great option to track this data.
On the other hand, any professional cyclist might find that tracking certain data points are important and you want clear and accurate information. The Garmin Edge excels at doing this. One of the main options we would recommend is the Garmin Edge 830. It is one of the smaller and cheaper options compared to the Garmin Edge 1030 but can do almost the same.
The Garmin Edge features a dedicated computer and processor that works with your bike to track stats accurately. However, outdoor enthusiasts who love hiking and running might not be able to use the Garmin Edge. Unfortunately, the bike computer is dedicated to cyclists, which means the Fenix could be a better option.
Should I Buy The Garmin Edge And Garmin Fenix?
Many fitness enthusiasts would want the best of both worlds to ensure they can effectively track stats and data at all times. If you are looking for the best value, you could consider Garmin Edge and Fenix for your fitness endeavors. It will make it possible to track stats for running, hiking, cycling, and even working out in the gym.
Keep in mind that both these products are expensive and could set you back close to $1,000 for both. It is best if you start with one of these products and determine if you need the other. Pro cyclists often get sponsorships from brands like Garmin, which means they can get these bike computers and smartwatches for free.
How To Use The Garmin Fenix and Garmin Edge Together
Since both products are designed and created by Garmin, you can easily connect both devices. If you have the Garmin Edge, you could navigate to the settings and select “connect watch”. Once they are connected, you can navigate the Garmin Edge to sensors & accessories, which activates the extended screen feature.
Once you have selected these settings, you will need to follow a few prompts. These prompts will guide you to connecting your Garmin Edge with your Garmin Fenix. You should keep in mind that many of the Edge functions will be disabled when they are connected and this could hinder some of the stat trackings.
Many experts will also use both, but they do not activate the extended screen feature. This allows them to track stats on both of their devices and eventually sync them to the Fenix. Once they are synchronized to the Fenix, they will be saved and you can even upload them to your mobile device. This should ensure you never lose the data.
Which Garmin Edge Is The Best?
Another common question we see on the internet is people wondering which Garmin Edge they should buy. With so many different options, it is hard to say one or the other. While the Garmin Edge 1030 is the most advanced model available, the Garmin Edge 530 offers plenty of basic features. However, the Garmin Edge 830 is one of the best for all riders.
The Edge 830 offers basic data tracking with one of the fastest processors in the world of cycling. It is speculated that the only bike computer available for public use to rival it will be the Garmin Edge 1040. However, many bike computers used by Tour de France competitors are uniquely designed to meet their needs and often outshine the Garmin Edge.
You can read our comparison of the best cycling computers for this year
Which Garmin Fenix Should I Buy?
In terms of smartwatch technology, the world is constantly changing and many new brands have made their way to compete with Garmin. Garmin has released numerous versions of the Fenix smartwatch, but the latest Garmin Fenix 6 is one of the best. It offers advanced connectivity, with a large display and excellent battery power.
You can also connect the device to other Garmin products and regardless of your mobile device, it offers Bluetooth connectivity. Many people wear these watches 24/7 and find that it helps with fitness and performance tracking. If you want to complement your Garmin Edge bike computer, you should consider the Garmin Fenix 6.
Wrap-Up
If you have ever wondered “do I need a Garmin Edge if I have a Fenix”, you should have the answer depending on your goals and purpose. If you only want to have some fun with fitness and other activities, it might not be necessary. However, pro cyclists or new cyclists looking for good stat tracking might need both.
Do you think you need a Garmin Fenix and Garmin Edge for cycling? Let us know in the comment section!
