7 things you need to know about the new Garmin Edge 550 and 850 bike computers

Garmin has launched its new Edge 550 and 850 bike computers. Here’s what you need to know about the new computers, in brief:

• Garmin says the Edge 550 and 850 are its “brightest and smartest” compact bike computers.
• The computers are “built to help riders better prepare and train for an event or goal”. You can use them to access free Cycling Coach plans, track your cycling ability, and monitor hydration and fuelling while riding. 
• The Edge 550 and 850 now offer real-time weather updates, including wind direction.
• They also have features for mountain bikers, such as enduro and downhill ride profiles that enable more precise GPS tracking. 
• Battery life is 12 hours in “demanding use cases” and 36 hours in battery saver mode. 
• The Edge 850 has several extra features, including a touchscreen and built-in speaker, and you can use it to make contactless payments. 
• The Edge 550 costs £379.99, while the Edge 850 costs £469.99.