Upload Bike Route Maps to Your Garmin Edge Cycle Computer

Here's how to get route maps on your Garmin cycle computer

by
Fred Zahradnik
Freelance Contributor
Former Lifewire writer Fred Zahradnik has a long history as a writer and is considered an expert on all things related to GPS products and software.
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Fred Zahradnik
Updated on March 02, 2020
Solo cyclist with Blue Handlebars in Winter Forest

 Enrique Díaz / Getty Images

Garmin's most advanced GPS-enabled cycling computer is the Edge 1030, which is preloaded with the Garmin Cycle Maps and Strava Routes. It includes turn-by-turn directions and alerts you to upcoming sharp curves. The navigation features are robust. You don't need to download route maps to this cutting-edge cycle computer.

Downloading Route Maps to Edge 810, 800, 510, and 500

However, with previous versions of the Edge, such as the Edge 810, Edge 800, Edge 510, and Edge 500, you do need to download route maps ahead of time. All of these models use the same import process.

  1. Use your computer browser to find a route you're interested in riding. Ride With GPS is a popular web source. 

  2. Save the route TCX or GPX file to your desktop or laptop computer.

  3. Connect your Edge device to your computer or laptop using the included USB cable, then open the Garmin file directory.

  4. You will see a directory named NewFiles in the Garmin menu. Copy the saved TCX or GPX file to the NewFiles folder.

  5. Disconnect the Edge from the USB cable.

When the Edge cycle computer restarts, the new route is available in the Courses selections.

Garmin's Connect Service

To get route maps onto your cycle computer using Garmin's online Connect service, connect your Edge to the computer, go to the Connect website, select a map, and use the Send to Device feature under the Plan tab. Garmin also offers free maps from the OpenStreetMap site. 

Garmin has discontinued the Edge 810, Edge 800, Edge 510, and Edge 500, although the units can be found for sale online.