Garmin Edge Explore 2 Review

What Is The Garmin Edge Explore 2?

The Garmin Edge Explore 2 is a GPS bike computer for cyclists who want to explore without getting lost. It’s designed to be simple to use, so it’s ideal for people who are less interested in power meters and VO2 max and more into finding new routes and having reliable navigation on hand.

Unlike Garmin’s more performance-focused devices, this one emphasizes ease of use, larger fonts, and clear, interactive maps. It’s Garmin’s solution to a well-priced, no-frills way of finding your way around on two wheels.

Features

Even though more feature-rich models are on the market, the Garmin Edge Explore 2 has enough for most cyclists. It has detailed, preloaded maps specifically designed for cyclists. The built-in maps help you find bike-friendly routes, including bike paths, trails, and roads.

The maps appear on a 3″ display that’s responsive and easy to read even in direct sunlight and when slightly drizzling. Scrolling through the various settings is pretty intuitive. Additionally, it can be used with gloves, which is a significant plus for mountain bikers like me.

Given its simplicity, you may be surprised to hear that the Edge Explore 2 is compatible with Garmin’s Varia bike radar and lights. This significantly enhances safety, particularly on busy roads.

The device also has smart connectivity, which allows for messages, notifications, and automatic incident detection, an excellent feature for giving peace of mind to family members while you’re out on a ride.

The Garmin Edge Explore 2 is popular with electric bike riders, not just for its easy navigation but also due to its new feature. You can connect it to some electric bikes to display data like battery status and range estimates. This reduces range anxiety and allows you to plan your ride more accurately.

The inclusion of Garmin’s excellent ClimbPro function adds another layer of utility, allowing riders to better understand the climbs ahead, which is particularly useful on hilly routes. The triple GPS, Glonass, and Galileo satellite support ensure robust tracking accuracy, even in remote or challenging environments.

Additionally, the high-traffic indicator is helpful, warning you about potentially dangerous areas with high traffic density and adding an extra layer of safety to your rides.

Performance

Don’t expect the fanciness of more expensive and higher-end Garmin models. For example, it doesn’t have advanced features like Strava Live Segments or in-depth fitness metrics that would appeal to competitive cyclists.

But it does have heart rate monitoring, calorie tracking, and accurate GPS navigation, which is enough for most riders.

I really like the battery life of the Garmin Edge Explore 2. It can last up to 16 hours of regular use or 24 hours in battery-saver mode. We can explore for a full weekend without needing to charge the battery.

Its GPS accuracy is excellent, even in more remote areas where the tree cover can sometimes cause issues for navigation devices. Turn-by-turn directions are clear, and rerouting is quick if you stray off course.

It even tells you when you’ve started a climb and how long you have left until you reach the top.

Living With The Garmin Edge Explore 2

If you’re new to GPS trackers or don’t need the features from higher-end models, the Garmin Edge Explore 2 is a great option. It takes a few rides to get used to the functions, and you’ll start by backing up the information it gives you with your phone.

But you’ll soon learn how to use it properly and find that it’s much easier to glance down at your handlebars for directions than having to stop and get your phone out at every junction. There’s no fuss; just tap the screen, plan a route, and start pedaling.

The touchscreen works reliably, and the large icons and straightforward navigation make it less intimidating than some other bike computers.

Unlike Garmin’s more advanced Edge devices, you don’t have to scroll through endless menus or sift through data you’re not interested in. This makes the Edge Explore 2 a joy to use, especially for those who ride for fun rather than FTP gains.

If you’re like me and into riding electric mountain bikes, the Edge Explore 2’s easy navigation and e-bike connectivity make it ideal.

The ability to monitor your bike’s battery level and estimated range directly makes managing longer rides much less stressful. It also seamlessly connects to sensors for heart rate or cadence. Still, those features are secondary to its core focus of navigation.

Final Verdict

I really like the Garmin Edge Explore 2. Since buying an electric mountain bike, the Edge Explore 2 has added a new element to my riding here in the French Alps.

I can find routes that are less ridden and new places to go to much more easily now. This outstanding GPS bike computer is ideal for those who prioritize simplicity and navigation over detailed training metrics.

You can still get fit on a bike without going into every detail of your effort and progress. Therefore, it doesn’t try to be everything for everyone. Instead, it suits riders who want to explore new routes and trails without worrying about getting overly technical.

With excellent battery life, solid mapping features, and ease of use, it’s the perfect choice for bikepackers, casual cyclists, e-bikers, and adventure seekers.

However, if you’re looking for something that will give you lots of data and details about every ride, you’ll need to go for one of Garmin’s higher-end models.

Tom Fortune

Tom Fortune has been reviewing cycling products for several years from his home in the French Alps. As the owner of mtb-threads.com, he mainly reviews mountain bike products but also reviews road cycling products independently.