Originally known as ProNav, Garmin was set up in Kansas, North America by Gary Burrell and Min Lao in 1989. Garmin became etched into road cycling fans memories through sponsorship of the Garmin Slipstream / Garmin Chipotle Pro Cycling teams.
Not just Bike GPS
Although primarily known by bike riders for their GPS head units, Garmin produce many more products, used across a wide array of industries and leisure pursuits. Within markets as diverse as automotive, marine and aviation, Garmin are the acknowledged global experts in GPS. Wearable smart devices, such as watches and activity trackers have also fuelled Garmin’s growth and expansion over recent years.
Growth
Garmin’s growth has been in a series of stages in the various markets which they sell into, they have also broadened business with a series of acquisitions. In 2019, Garmin acquired Tacx, the Netherlands based producer of Indoor trainers, tools and accessories. Tacx also produce their indoor training software and applications.
Garmin GPS
The latest range of Garmin GPS units are about as feature-packed as you could imagine. From the top of the line Edge 1040 Solar to the Edge 130, whatever you are looking for in a GPS, and your budget, the Garmin range will have a model for you.
So what’s new?
The Garmin Varia RCT715 radar is a great example of technology providing a real step forward in terms of bike rider safety. The Varia looks like a little like a regular bike light, but is packed with extra technology. It can record footage of your ride, and like previous editions of the Varia, it sends the radar generated warning (visual and audible) of vehicles coming up behind you to your compatible GPS head unit. The Varia can pick up vehicles up to 140 metres away, vehicle speed can be viewed using the My Bike Radar Traffic add-on available through the Garmin Connect IQ Store.
See all our Garmin products here
