GARMIN EDGE EXPLORE 2: Quick Tour & First Rides – Less $ with a focus on Navigation

garmin edge explore 2 review
L to R: 1040 Solar, Edge Explore 2, 830, 1030 Plus

Discover new routes with the Edge Explore 2 series from Garmin. Easy-to-use GPS cycling computers introduce new eBike features and Edge Power Mount so cyclists can constantly charge their device while riding.

Garmin Edge Explore 2 Features Video

Alternative Video Link for those reading via email subscription.

In this video, JOM Of the Gravel Cyclist crew unboxes the all-new Garmin Edge Explore 2, covers many of the features of the machine, along with some metrics and video from his early real-world ride experiences. None of the eBike features are covered in this video.

garmin edge explore 2 review
What’s include with the Edge Explore 2

Continued from Above:

“Today announced the Edge® Explore 2 and Edge Explore 2 Power Mount Bundle, dependable and easy-to-use GPS cycling navigators that will guide riders through their next adventure. Featuring up to 16 hours of battery life in demanding use and up to 24 hours in battery saver mode, the Edge Explore 2 series is preloaded with intuitive, high-contrast Garmin cycle maps so riders can view popular roads and trails, high-traffic areas and searchable points of interest – all from a 3-inch touchscreen that is responsive and easy to read in all riding conditions. What’s more, the new Edge Power Mount, included with the Edge Explore 2 Power, lets eBike riders constantly power their Edge, so they can capture every eBike ride from start to finish.

garmin edge explore 2 review
Edge Explore Power Mount for eBike Riders

Whether you’re a casual bike rider, eBike rider or anything in between, the Edge Explore 2 series is ready for wherever the journey takes you,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “Simple to set up and ready to use right out of the box, these GPS cycling navigators boast high-contrast maps and new eBike features, making them the perfect companion for your next escape.”

garmin edge explore 2 review
Edge Explore 2 on the scale

eBike Compatible

eBike riders using their compatible eBike2 and Edge Explore 2 will see a dedicated eBike status screen showing battery life and also receive navigation guidance and alerts based on battery status, assist level and the preplanned course. Plus, the new Edge Power Mount – included with the Edge Explore 2 Power Mount Bundle – lets riders constantly charge their cycling computer3 with their compatible bike1 so they can stay focused on their adventure (eBikes require a separate cable).”

garmin edge explore 2 review
Comparing the 1040 Solar with Edge Explore 2

Maps, Routes & More

“No matter where the next adventure leads, the Edge Explore 2 series will help keep riders on track.”

  • Preloaded ride profiles, including road, off-road and indoor are ready to use right out of the box.
  • Ride like a local with high-contrast, ride-type-specific maps that use Trendline™ popularity routing based on billions of miles of ride data that other users have uploaded to Garmin Connect™. Riders can view popular roads and trails, high-traffic areas to avoid and searchable points of interest right on their Edge.
  • Create courses through the Garmin Connect smart device app, Strava, Komoot and more and quickly sync them to the Edge.Turn-by-turn navigation and alerts notify riders of upcoming turns.
  • Pause route guidance and off-course notifications to explore beyond the beaten path. Route guidance can be turned back on at any time to get back to the original route or starting point.
  • ClimbPro lets riders see the remaining ascent and grade for each climb when following a course and review their performance on the climbs post-ride right from the bike computer or in Garmin Connect.

garmin edge explore 2 review

Safety & Tracking

Featuring innovative safety and tracking features, the Edge Explore 2 series will help give riders extra peace of mind while they’re out exploring. When paired with a compatible smartphone, GroupTrack and group messaging let cyclists and their riding companions – who are also using compatible Garmin devices – keep an eye on each other and stay in touch, even when they fall out of sight. What’s more, if an incident is detected during a ride, the Edge Explore 2 series will automatically send a message with the cyclist’s location to preselected emergency contacts.”

“For added confidence while riding, the Edge Explore 2 series is compatible with the Varia™ line of cycling awareness devices, including the new Varia RCT715 rearview radar with camera and tail light (sold separately), so cyclists can see, be seen and continuously capture video footage during their ride. If a cyclist stops to grab a bite to eat or take in the view, the PIN-protected bike alarm will notify them on their paired smartphone if their bike has been moved.”

garmin edge explore 2 review

Stay Connected

“The Edge Explore 2 series gives cyclists the freedom to stow their smartphone and enjoy the ride. When paired with a smartphone, text messages and alerts will appear right on the Edge. Following a ride, the Edge Explore 2 series automatically syncs activities to the Garmin Connect app, making it easy for cyclists to view all of their stats in one place. Cyclists can even customize their device by downloading free data fields, apps and widgets from the Connect IQ™ store.”

garmin edge explore 2 review

“Available now, the Edge Explore 2 has a suggested retail price of $299.99. The Edge Explore 2 Power Mount Bundle, with included Edge Power Mount, has a suggested retail price of $399.99. The Edge Power Mount can also be purchased separately for $129.99.”

Sample Screen Photos

garmin edge explore 2 review
Sample navigation inside a vehicle
garmin edge explore 2 review
Customized Activity Profile
garmin edge explore 2 review
Breakdown of a very long ride

garmin edge explore 2 review

garmin edge explore 2 review

garmin edge explore 2 review
Laps can be recorded every hour
garmin edge explore 2 review
Searching Navigation functions
garmin edge explore 2 review
Tons of POI’s (Points of Interest)
garmin edge explore 2 review
Sensor options galore

Learn more at Garmin.com

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2 Comments

  1. Avatar Rob

    Thank you for your speedy review so shortly after it’s release! Your review (and a few others) helped me make a purchasing decision. It ain’t cheap but the Edge Explore 2 will (hopefully) serve me for years te come!

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