Prepare to be amazed by the Garmin Edge 550, a GPS powerhouse that's packed with features and ready to revolutionize your cycling experience!
The Ultimate Cycling Companion
The Garmin Edge 550 is a sleek and powerful GPS head unit that arrived on the scene alongside its touchscreen sibling, the Edge 850. With a longer and narrower design, a slightly larger color screen (2.7"), and an impressive array of features, it's an upgrade from its predecessor, the Edge 540.
First Glimpse, Lasting Impression
Garmin's expertise in GPS technology shines through in the Edge 550. The build quality is top-notch, and its mid-range size makes it a perfect fit for a diverse range of riders. The intuitive and extensive functionality draws from Garmin's top-tier models, offering a seamless and feature-rich experience. Despite being 32 grams heavier than the previous model, the Edge 550 still boasts a respectable weight of 110 grams.
When you power it on for the first time, you'll be greeted by a stunning 420x600 pixel color screen resolution, a significant leap from the Edge 540's 246x322. Garmin's improved display ensures readability in all lighting conditions, and I can vouch for its performance, having encountered no glare or visibility issues.
The Edge 550 comes equipped with a variety of mounts and adapters, ensuring a secure and customizable fit. It also boasts double the storage capacity of the Edge 540, with a generous 32GB, while the touchscreen Edge 850 ups the ante with a whopping 64GB.
A Feature-Rich Adventure
The level of functionality in modern GPS head units is nothing short of remarkable. The Edge 550 offers a comprehensive suite of features, building upon what we've come to expect from Garmin models and introducing a host of new innovations. From segment, group, and live tracking to ClimbingPro, incident detection, and real-time weather alerts, it's a cyclist's dream.
But that's not all. The Edge 550 also provides smart fuelling prompts, offering tailored nutrition and hydration reminders based on factors like weather, route, and your fitness level. And if that wasn't enough, you can access free coaching plans via Garmin Connect, which adapt to your riding style and make adjustments based on your training and recovery.
And here's where it gets controversial... After a month with the Edge 550, I'm convinced I've only scratched the surface of its capabilities. It's like having a personal cycling assistant that's always ready to guide and support you.
Getting Started, Staying Connected
Setting up the Edge 550 is a breeze, especially if you're already a Garmin Connect app user. Simply sync your new device, and you'll instantly transfer most of your existing data and ride preferences. The real challenge lies in navigating through the mountain of functionality options, which is a testament to the device's versatility.
One notable aspect is the map update process. The free 2.3GB Australian update took about two hours to download, a small price to pay for accurate navigation. The user interface may take some getting used to for newcomers, but with persistence, it becomes second nature.
Navigating with Ease
Finding your way with the Edge 550 is a stress-free adventure. The device utilizes a multi-band GNSS receiver for ultra-accurate positioning, ensuring you're always on the right track. The upgraded screen resolution is nothing short of impressive, providing exceptional map visibility.
With visual and audio navigation alerts, real-time rerouting options, and seamless syncing with your Garmin Connect account, getting lost is virtually impossible. Creating and uploading routes to your device is a breeze, and I was delighted to find my latest Strava-generated routes waiting for me upon turning it on.
While the specific map functionality may not be groundbreaking, the Edge 550's enhanced display and faster processor make everything run smoother and more efficiently.
Powering Your Ride
Battery life is a topic of discussion when comparing the Edge 550 to its predecessor, the Edge 540. The superior processor, graphics, and functionality of the Edge 550 consume more energy, resulting in reduced run times between charges. Powered by a USB-C rechargeable lithium-ion battery, Garmin estimates a modest 12 hours of usage per charge with normal use, which aligns with my experience during the review.
Switching to 'battery saver' mode can extend this to over 30 hours, but at the cost of reduced functionality and screen brightness.
The Verdict
The Garmin Edge 550 brings many of the premium features from the top-tier Edge 1050 to a more affordable and compact package. If you're in the market for a mid-sized head unit, value quality over a touchscreen, and are a Garmin enthusiast, this upgrade is sure to impress. With a recommended retail price of $750, it's an investment, so shop around for the best deal.
And remember, once you experience the Edge 550, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it!
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: https://www.garmin.com/en-AU/p/1630737/
Author: Peter Maniaty
Peter is Bicycling Australia's senior journalist, renowned for his expertise in the cycling world. From in-depth bike reviews to captivating destination features and thought-provoking opinion pieces, he's a writer who consistently delivers.
What are your thoughts on the Garmin Edge 550? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
