Cycle Computer for Touring

[rareposter]

The Garmin Edge Explore 2 boasts that it can connect to a compatible eBike.
However so far I haven't been able to find out which bikes are compatible.
Google is not my friend.

Does anyone know which bikes are compatible?

Anything running Shimano STEPS or with an ANT+ connection.
Best bet is simply to turn the e-bike on, select the menu on the Garmin then sensors > add new sensor > e-bike

If it finds it, it'll work!

[LittleGreyCat]

The Garmin Edge Explore 2 boasts that it can connect to a compatible eBike.
However so far I haven't been able to find out which bikes are compatible.
Google is not my friend.

Does anyone know which bikes are compatible?

Anything running Shimano STEPS or with an ANT+ connection.
Best bet is simply to turn the e-bike on, select the menu on the Garmin then sensors > add new sensor > e-bike

If it finds it, it'll work!

Thanks.
The only minor problem is that I would like to know before I buy the Garmin!

[PH]

Thanks.
The only minor problem is that I would like to know before I buy the Garmin!

That ought to be in the bike spec, Garmin have made it ANT+ data receivable, it's up to the bike manufacturer whether their system sends it. Bosch doesn't, at least the model I have, Shimano Steps does, I don't know about any others. I was at first disappointed about Bosch, but having seen it on the Steps System, there isn't much I'm missing. Pretty much everything it offers is already covered by the bikes display, I think the only unique feature is a change in the route algorithm, but I rarely let the Garmin plan routes anyway.

[LittleGreyCat]

I live and learn.
My current venerable Edge Explore can add an eBike.
I've just paired it up now and it isn't showing anything apart from total mileage, which isn't much use.
I am off on a ride tomorrow and will see if it shows anything else.

What I would like to see is current power level (0,1,2,3) and battery remaining.
Anything on cadence etc. would be a bonus.
The add on Specialized display doesn't seem to add much beyond what my Garmin Edge Explore offers.

[TrevA]

A question?

What is the advantage of having Wi-Fi on your GPS unit? I am struggling to see the point of it. My wife’s Edge 530 has Wi-Fi but my 520 doesn’t.

[bohrsatom]

What is the advantage of having Wi-Fi on your GPS unit? I am struggling to see the point of it. My wife’s Edge 530 has Wi-Fi but my 520 doesn’t.

AFAIK you can update the device firmware and sync with Garmin Connect without needing a bluetooth connection. In reality I don't think Wifi is that beneficial as a feature.

[LittleGreyCat]

I live and learn.
My current venerable Edge Explore can add an eBike.
I've just paired it up now and it isn't showing anything apart from total mileage, which isn't much use.
I am off on a ride tomorrow and will see if it shows anything else.

What I would like to see is current power level (0,1,2,3) and battery remaining.
Anything on cadence etc. would be a bonus.
<snip>

Used it on a ride today and it tells me the boost level, state of charge, and that the lights are on.
Useful in a limited way.

I am now wondering if there are more ANT+ functions (such as cadence and "pedalling force") which are used by the bike to control the power, and might be exposed to the world as different ANT+ sensors.
I will have a dig down in the user manual.

[PH]

Used it on a ride today and it tells me the boost level, state of charge, and that the lights are on.
Useful in a limited way.

Doesn't the E-bike's own display already tell you that?

[LittleGreyCat]

Used it on a ride today and it tells me the boost level, state of charge, and that the lights are on.
Useful in a limited way.

Doesn't the E-bike's own display already tell you that?

All this particular eBike comes with is a small display of (I think) 10 blue bars on the cross bar and a circle with blue lights to show what the current selected power option is.
As it is a step through model the display is a good way away and the blue lights are not very visible.
Certainly for me a quick glance down doesn't provide any information, unless it is dark.

Most eBikes (I understand) come with an LCD screen mounted on the handlebars to show data and control options.
Power on my bike is controlled by a rocker switch on the bars with +/- as the main option, a "walk" button underneath the controller and a "straight to full power" button on the top.
So having a heads up display of data is very helpful.
Today I could see how much battery I has left and also which power mode was selected.
It isn't always easy to tell unless you wind back down to off, then go up again in steps.

So the information provided to/by the Garmin is a good step forward.
I would just like to be able to see any other information which is available.

I have asked a related question in the eBike forum.

[scottm]

A question?

What is the advantage of having Wi-Fi on your GPS unit? I am struggling to see the point of it. My wife’s Edge 530 has Wi-Fi but my 520 doesn’t.

It's a method of automatically transferring routes to the device as well as sending activities back to Garmin (and as mentioned above, receiving firmware updates) without the need of another device to hand (PC or phone).

Bluetooth allows you to do similar (though not firmware updates, I believe) but does depend on you having your phone within range with Bluetooth turned on (I generally have mine off for battery saving).

In the early days you had to physically connect your Garmin to your PC, some folk with older devices will still be doing this, but Wifi (and Bluetooth to a lesser extent) is so much simpler.

[Bice]

Thanks all.

It sounds like it's possible to update and send routes to it via WiFi which is all good.

I do have a preference for OSM as I've found it better in Germany, but I presume the Garmin maps may be based on the same data set.

It also sounds like my main worry of needing a Windows programme, like on some Garmin marine GPS, is unfounded.

I am a Linux user, too, and this was a concern for me as well, but it is not an issue.

I use a Garmin 1040, which I only use for recording rides and navigation (all the performance monitoring is wasted on me as I am just not interested). But as well as reliable software, the key benefit was the large battery that lasts for days. This is important if you are camping,

It is important to get a really simple and consistent workflow: Link Garmin, Ride With GPS and, if you like, Strava. Load all routes to RideGPS and 'pin' them to your device and remove on device when you are done.

Navigating using the device does work, but is not brilliant in my view. If I get lost, I tend to use my phone.

[PM999]

For the additional e bike info, have a look in the IQ store for apps you can add to a Garmin Explore 2.

This guy's apps are available there http://ebikeapp.jancapek.cz/
and appear to add e bike data to the display. The Explore 2 seems to be compatible.

Edit:
As does your venerable Explore.