This discussion has been locked.

You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

Garmin Express with Edge 20

Former Member over 8 years ago

Just downloaded Garmin Express for AppleMac.
Why can't Garmin Express be anonymous and simple?

Connected my Garmin Edge 20, but I can't go any further with the connection unless I register with Garmin Connect.
I do not want Garmin Connect.
I have no use for it at all.

If I connect my Garmin Montana, I don't need to give an email address, and I can see it there's software updates and I can go straight through to the Tools section and see all about my device. With a Montana, it IS anonymous and simple.

Why can't I do that with my Edge 20? Why am I FORCED to join Garmin Connect with my Edge 20 ............ but not my Montana?

Thanks,
Mick.

0 EXPRESSCUSTOMERCARE over 8 years ago

SMICKF

The purpose of adding a fitness device to Garmin Express is to sync your device with Garmin Connect to view your data. If you do not want to use Garmin Connect, you can use WebUpdater to update the firmware instead.

Jason

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

Thanks,
I don't think you get my point.

My Montana and My Edge 20 are both mine.
I ride two bikes, and each device could be on either bike or even on BOTH bikes if I felt the urge! ;)

What is Garmin Express for?
If it works for one Garmin device, it should work for them all.

I know all about Garmin WebUpater.
It works fine, but why do you Garmin people always push for using Express and Connect?

Even in the instruction manual for my Edge 20 it says I must join Connect and Express.
Sorry, but it would be nice to have the same facilities in Express for my Edge 20 as I have with my Montana. Over a brief look, it seems to have much to offer.

Not much to ask.
We're not all into fitness and competition. Some of us are cyclists and NOT sportsmen.
Garmin Express is good (from what I've seen with my Montana) but we don't all want to join Garmin Connect.

Thanks for letting me rant,
Mick.

0 VeloManR over 8 years ago

What is your objection to using Garmin Connect?

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

Mick

Fear not, the good citizens of Garminsville may have one arm up your back but they know they can't have two; ...you can always use WebUpdater...

You don't have to use Express and Connect. I've just installed Ascent and I can see why you like it, reasonably priced too. Looks like a nice replacement for Training Centre and an alternative for BaseCamp.

It runs into the Communicator Plugin road block but there is a detour, you can Import > Garmin Fitness File (fit)... Point it at your Edge 20's Activity folder.

Thanks for expressing your frustration, I have a new home for MY data.

Best wishes
Peter

0 SUSSAMB over 8 years ago

What is your objection to using Garmin Connect?

I think he's explained that. He simply wants to use Express to update his Edge 20 just like any other Garmin device. Seems for some reason Express is insisting he logs into Connect, and I agree that shouldn't be required.

0 VeloManR over 8 years ago

I’m still puzzled… The Edge series is for athletes. People who want data. Mobile (and especially wearable) devices are just not suited to sophisticated information presentation. If you choose an Edge, you want data and you need flexible and sophisticated data presentation, and that is what Garmin Connect is for.

So it’s is entirely reasonable to require an Edge owner to use Garmin Connect.

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

Thanks guys!
Yes, Ascent is brilliant. I've used it for many years. Sadly the designer chap (Rob) is no longer developing it further, but perhaps it's as good as it needs to be.
http://montebellosoftware.com

My Edge 20 is a basic Garmin device.
That's what I wanted. It does more than I need, but so what? It was cheap, it is simple to use, and nice and small.

I do not want or need anything to do with fitness and performance.
If it was up to me, Garmin would design a unit like the 20, but without the fitness stuff.
Just a basic bike computer ............. GPS tracking, speed, distance, trip data, ability to upload a course to follow. That's all that's required.

Garmin Express is good, it does all that WebUpdater does, but a bit more.
Why have both systems?
Why must we be forced to use Garmin Connect with one device but not the other?

Thanks again,
Mick.

0 SUSSAMB over 8 years ago

I’m still puzzled… The Edge series is for athletes. People who want data.

Not sure why you say it's for athletes. The Edge series is for cyclists, not all of whom are interested in every statistic possible, and the Edge 20 is an entry level cycling GPS.

Anyway, whatever the OP or you think about how it should be used is immaterial. It's entirely reasonable in my view that Express should be capable of updating it without being forced to register with Garmin Connect.

Edit: Reply crossed with the OP

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

Thanks! :D

Not much to ask is it.

I've had a Garmin Edge 305 and also an Edge 705, and had all the bells and whistles.
I have Ascent data going back to 2006 with HR and Cadence info.
Been there, done that, and no longer bother with all that detail. I'm in my mid 60's and as fit as a flea and cycle up to 100miles a week though I'm no athlete and I'm not interested in the slightest about sport and competition. Strava and Garmin Connect leave me cold.

I sold my 305 and 705 and bought a Montana. This device is brilliant. Huge bright screen, and as many maps as you can use, and as many facilities you can use too. It's aimed at trekking and hiking but can be mounted on bicycles, motorcycles, cars, boats, aircraft ........... the list is endless.

The unit is big and bulky, and that is why I bought an Edge 20 so I can just do the minimum if I want. It's a great little device and I'm really pleased with my purchase.
It has very much in common with my old Edge 305 so it's like going down memory lane.

Anyway, hopefully Mr Garmin and his staff will read this and think about we cyclists who have no interest in performance or Garmin Connect.

Thanks again,
Mick.

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

Mick

Does WebUpdater not work with the Edge 20? It so, that's a mistake that needs to be corrected.

Here's a little background to Gary and Min https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garmin#History

If I'm cranking out 100 miles a week in my mid '60's I'm calling myself a super athlete. For now, I'm looking at bagging some KOM sleep segments! I'm just not sure how I'm going to be awake at the same time to 'dis my opponents... or where to hang my virtual trophies...

Good luck!