Is the Edge 840 Solar worth it over the Edge 530?

It adds a touchscreen, multi-band GNSS, solar charging and more training tools. If you mainly want basic ride data and maps, the 530 covers that; if you want better positioning and coaching, the 840 Solar is the step up.

How much does solar charging actually add?

Garmin rates it as a top-up, not a replacement for charging. On sunny rides it extends time between charges, but heavy use of the screen and navigation still drains the battery.

Do I need a power meter for the coaching features?

Yes. Power targets and stamina insights require a compatible power meter, and heart rate data needs a compatible strap or monitor. Without them you still get maps, ride recording and basic training metrics.

How does it compare with the Edge 1040 Solar?

The 1040 has a larger screen and longer rated battery life. The 840 Solar is smaller and lighter with the same core mapping, GNSS and training features, which suits riders who prefer a compact unit.

The Edge 840 Solar, an out-front mount, a standard mount, a tether, a USB-C cable and documentation.

Does it work for indoor training?

Yes. It pairs with compatible smart trainers and sensors and can record indoor rides, though GPS and solar charging play no part indoors.

Where is the Garmin Edge 840 Solar GPS Cycling Computer cheapest?

At Best Buy, for $449.99, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Garmin Edge 840 Solar GPS Cycling Computer?

Rated 4 out of 5 from 177 ratings.

Where can I buy the Garmin Edge 840 Solar GPS Cycling Computer?

17 stores we checked sell it, including Amazon, Best Buy, Mike's Bikes, Performance Bicycle, Kohl's.

Garmin Edge 840 Solar GPS Cycling Computer

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What reviewers say

4 / 5177 ratings

Owners rate it highly for battery life, navigation and the button-plus-touchscreen control. Many say the solar charging is a nice top-up rather than a real power source, and some find the menus and setup fiddly at first.

What people mention

BatteryPraisedOwners report multi-hour rides with charge to spare, and solar tops it up on sunny days.
Solar chargingMixedRiders say the panel helps on long sunny rides but adds little compared with plugging in.
GPS accuracyPraisedMulti-band GNSS holds the line under tree cover and between buildings.
TouchscreenMixedThe screen is responsive in dry conditions but can misread taps in rain or with thick gloves.
SetupCriticisedSome find the menus and initial configuration take time to learn.
NavigationPraisedRiders trust the routable maps and rerouting on unfamiliar roads and trails.

About the Garmin Edge 840 Solar GPS Cycling Computer

The Garmin Edge 840 Solar is a GPS cycling computer with a 2.6-inch touchscreen and physical buttons. The buttons work in any environment, and the touchscreen lets you tap, pan and swipe. It uses multi-band GNSS for more accurate positioning under dense tree cover and in city streets with tall buildings.

A solar-charging display extends battery life. Battery life is up to 26 hours in demanding use, or up to 32 hours with solar charging in direct sunlight (75,000 lux). In battery saver mode it is up to 42 hours, or up to 60 hours with solar charging. On daytime rides, solar adds up to 25 minutes per hour in battery saver mode.

Paired with a compatible power meter and heart rate monitor, it gives adaptive coaching, power targets throughout a course, and stamina insights. It also shows daily suggested workouts and prompts to complete missed workouts. ClimbPro shows remaining ascent and grade on every ride, with no course required.

Model

Edge 840 Solar, model number 010-02695-20 (2023)

Screen

2.6-inch capacitive touchscreen, transflective TFT, 246 x 322 resolution

Controls

Buttons and touchscreen

Battery life

Up to 26 hours (up to 32 hours with solar); battery saver mode up to 42 hours (up to 60 hours with solar)

Navigation

GPS, multi-band GNSS

Maps

North America