Edit:
Had a chat with Garmin support re this behavior.
In conclusion, it appears that all came down to one setting: Auto Start an activity vs Manual Start.
I had the Timer set to Auto Start (don't ask me where this setting is... deep in the Activity options somewhere!), which basically is supposed to start Timer, Distance, etc. when you reach 6mph speed.
However, it seems that's not happening! So I started the ride under the impression the ride/activity should start in Auto mode. And totally forgetting about this Start button!
Apparently this option doesn't work as designed, and you still need to push the Start button!
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Original message below:
Admittedly, I'm new to this device. Using Strava (paid) for the past 3 years without a hitch.
Got this device hoping to stop relying on Strava and having maybe a visual motivator when cycling. With Strava, I tend to leave my phone in my seat bag and don't care about real time data.
The first two rides, out of the box, no settings changed, Edge worked fine. Small discrepancies vs Strava, nothing major. Obviously, still using Strava at the same time, as a backup.
Before the third ride, I decided to upload a few favorite routes from Strava, thinking that while doing the same routes with Edge, the data will be similar as if using Strava. Then, sync the ride to Strava, for historical purposes (segment times, route times).
Starting the ride, Edge on, I start getting navigation alerts: turns, traffic, etc. Okay, I ride maybe 1/2 mile, these alerts still popping up. Even if I was on a straight street, common to most of my routes. Didn't pay too much attention. After about 1.5 miles, taking a turn, these alerts start showing like every 5 seconds! Detours, recalculation, etc. And that went on for the whole duration of the ride, 2.5 hours!
You can imagine the level of frustration! Not mentioning each alert associated with the constant beeps!
Thinking the behavior was due to some sort of automatic route picked by the device, I start looking into settings. Which in themselves are totally confusing (naming, location, etc.), and on top, not similar on the device and the Connect app. If the app is built with the goal of making the setup easier, there's a lot of work to be done! Same level of confusing settings, the UI/interface is rather un intuitive, etc.
So, I went into both the app and device and turned off most of the navigation related settings. Big mistake! Apparently there are some underlying connections between everything labeled as "navigation" and basic functions such as Timer, Distance, Ascent.
Today, 5min into the ride, realizing something is not right (only heart rate, time of day and instant speed displaying on the base screen) I stop and start switching back some navigation settings. Nothing happens after spending 1/2 h pushing buttons and more buttons. Turn on Strava, sync my HRM, continue ride.
After another stop to try to fix the device, out of frustration, I decided to reset it! Oh no, this is not a "normal" reset! You'd think this turns the device to the same state as out of the box. Turn it back on, scan the code to sync to Connect, a few more steps and standard settings... stil nothing! Same display, or lack of it, as before!
Garmin, explain please! I really don't need a $350 digital watch when cycling!
