Now, describing what’s new in the Edge Explore 2 is a bit challenging in that so much has changed since 2018 when the previous Edge Explore came out, in terms of Garmin features. We’re likely talking hundreds of very minor tweaks (things like re-arranging of menus or changing of icons). But there are some very legit new features as well that are easier to identify. I’m going to focus on those, and then backfill other minor differences as I curate them.

– Revamped user interface to same as Edge 1040

– Added full & free downloadable global cycle maps (via computer/USB)

– Added barometric altimeter

– Added internal temperature sensor (with data fields/recording)

– Added USB-C port

– Added Garmin ClimbPro

– Added power meter sensor support

– Added smart trainers sensor support

– Added Tempe sensor support (external temperature sensor)

– Added Garmin inReach satellite support

– Added/expanded eBike sensor support

– Added new dedicated eBike connection page for supported eBike

– Added music control data page (also coming to Edge 1040 series in 2022Q3)

– Added support for three activity profiles

– Added VO2Max & Recovery Time

– Added Fitness Age & Intensity Minutes

– Added underside power pins for constant power (Edge Explore 2 Power Bundle models only!!!)

– Added full Garmin RCT715 Radar-Camera support (swipe-down camera controls)

– Added quick transfer of previous Garmin Edge sensors (during setup)

– Added smart trainer course ride option (to ride previous ride or courses)

– Added battery saver option for 24 hours of battery life in navigation mode (but up to 34 hours GPS ride time w/o nav)

– Added ability to configure data pages/data fields from Garmin Connect phone app

– Added on-device Garmin Connect IQ App Store

– Added bike alarm feature (detects movement and screams like a parrot being run over)

– Increased regular GPS battery time increased from 12 hours to 16 hours

– Still has Garmin Connect IQ Support

– Storage remains the same at 16GB

– Same color touchscreen as previous, which is 3” and 240x400px

– Weight is 104g with an IPX7 water resistance rating

– Increased price from $249 to $299

How does it differ from something like a higher-end Edge 1040? Well, there’s a lot of differences (far more than I list below), mainly around physiological metrics (e.g. Strain or Training Load/Recovery), but also more advanced features like displaying of Cycling Dynamics data mid-ride (the Edge Explore 2 does record it for later though, for display on Garmin Connect). However, here’s the quick and dirty version:

– Price – $299 vs $599

– Edge 1040 display is bigger

– Edge 1040 has Solar option ($749)

– Edge 1040 has power pins on underside (Edge Explore 2 only does in Power Bundle models)

– Edge 1040 has Strava Live Segment support, Edge Explore 2 does not

– Edge 1040 has structured/downloadable workout support, Edge Explore 2 does not

– Edge 1040 has multiband/dual-frequency GPS, Edge Explore 2 does not

– Edge 1040 allows numerous activity (ride) profiles, Edge Explore 2 only allows three profiles

– Edge 1040 has a boatload of different training load & recovery metrics

– Edge 1040 has new Stamina feature for mid-ride pacing

– Edge 1040 has Power Guide (also for ride pacing)

– Edge 1040 has WiFi sync, Edge Explore 2 has no WiFi

– Edge 1040 has open ANT+ Gear Shifting support, as well as proprietary Shimano Di2 shifting support

– Edge 1040 has extended display mode (for watches), whereas Edge Explore 2 does not)

– Edge Explore 2 has ‘Guest Mode’, whereas Edge 1040 does not (allows someone to use unit without dorking up settings

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