I thought I wanted an Edge Explore 2 (and I still might) but if my priorities were:
- Strava recording
- Navigating a pre-planned route (and I think I can potentially make this work with just turn arrows on even breadcrumbs as now I work 3-5 junctions ahead in my head anyway).
- Upload a route from gpx created in OS maps and/or link to Komoot or OSM (would like it to work in UK & Western Europe - mainly France, Holland etc).
- Happy with buttons
- Not spending a fortune
Don't care about cadence, HRM, any of that as just don't run those kinds of devices.
Can get phone out if it all goes off track.
FYI: Edge Explorer 2 mostly uses a touchscreen rather than buttons
Edge explore 2 is good at all that, except as pointed out it's primarily a touch screen device. You can pause, start or save the route with buttons though. I plot all my routes in OS maps or Komoot on desktop and export gpx files to the device via Garmin connect. I also have Komoot on the device and you can choose whether to navigate using the Komoot or Garmin maps/interface. Having tried both, I get on better with the Garmin nav screens. Possibly as I only use the free version of Komoot.
The Edge explore 2 has a few minor quirks, but I love mine. Although it took me a couple of months to really get to know it and customise it exactly to my preferences. It has capability to do HRM, cadence, power etc. but you don't have to use it for that. I mostly don't. I did play with linking it to my Garmin watch to "broadcast" my heart rate to the head unit, but it was a faff and tbh, I'm not that bothered about those kind of stats. I use mine mainly for following downloaded routes and general nav and ime it's great at that.
Explore 2 members discount price £172.49
cheapest membership £29
No idea how that stacks up. But you can’t see the discount without being s member such is a catch 22
Explore 2 was on an Amazon Prime Day discount as well but that's now expired.
It's a great little device - yes, it's got a couple of quirks (as do all GPS units) but generally it's pretty spot on. Your list of requirements is basically exactly what I use my Explore 2 for. Good battery life too. I've just done a full weekend of riding on full nav (mostly with the map screen showing) and it finished the weekend still with 30% left.
I might go for something more performance orientated next time having just got a bike with Di2, it'd be handy for the head unit to talk to / be controlled by that. But if you're not interested in all of that, I'd say the Explore 2 is perfect for your needs.
Explore 2 was on an Amazon Prime Day discount as well but that's now expired.
I bought one in the last couple of days. It was a marketplace type seller and not Amazon themselves.
It's going back tomorrow as something isn't right with what's been delivered (plain box, no internal packaging and other issues).
I'm just looking at alternatives now and with holiday looming ideally something I can buy in an actual shop.
I got one in the Amazon sale for £180. Direct from Amazon full box etc. haven’t had a chance this weekend to set it up but looking forward to doing so. Just want to push a gpx onto it and follow a trail. Or to revisit fun rides when I can’t recall the route I took
I got one in the Amazon sale for £180. Direct from Amazon full box etc. haven’t had a chance this weekend to set it up but looking forward to doing so. Just want to push a gpx onto it and follow a trail. Or to revisit fun rides when I can’t recall the route I took
Thanks that confirms what I've already complained to Amazon about. I assume it wasn't rattling round loose in a plain white box then.
No full retail Garmin packaging. I’d not be happy with how yours has turned up.
540 is your buttons based option, however it’s more expensive than the explore 2 (and this is kind of the peak pricing point in the year for Garmins in general), has a smaller screen and is no better for navigation. I prefer my 540, but for what you’re after OP, I think the explore 2 is probably the best current option (unless you go looking at other brands.
No full retail Garmin packaging. I’d not be happy with how yours has turned up.
Quite! Going back today and there's a long set of screenshots with Amazon live chat setting out the issues plus photos of the state it arrived in.
I went down the same route recently.Bought an edge explore 2 but had to return it as it simply didn’t work as advertised.GPS dropping out,failing to import routes you name it.I’m not a tech dullard but I found the software totally naff.
I bought a wahoo ELEMNT bolt v2 and I’m loving it,finds the satellites and holds onto them and imports routes from Komoot perfectly.
Just saying
Ended up with an explore 2 straight from the Garmin shop. Full price but also definitely not off questionable heritage.
