I use this primarily as a head-unit for my Garmin Radar, and to collect basic data during rides (time, distance, speed, climbing, etc). The only real limitation (compared to an Edge 350 for example) is map display, and the navigation interface, though functional, is very basic. The form-factor is ideal, if you don't like bulky expensive phone-like objects decorating your cockpit.
This is a great entry level computer with just the right feature set for me. I don't need a color screen, and I don't need it to be the size of my hand. I just need it to have a high contrast screen that is visible in bright sunlight, and shows me the stats I want in the arrangement of my choosing.
I can't read anything closer than 6 feet without glasses, but I can see this well enough to make out what it is saying under any conditions. The contrast of the screen is optimized for and angled view e.g. placing it horizontal and parallel with the ground means you will be able to see it perfectly. If you rotate it so that it is perpendicular to your view, it will appear darker.
The data screens are customizable the same as any other Garmin device, and if you have a recent high enough end Garmin watch, it can be configured to broadcast to this computer.
Garmin intentionally holds back features from the 130 plus.
E-bike support, forget it.
Shimano DI2 compatibility, forget it.
ANT+ lights from other vendors, forget it. Mind you these lights worked with a much older Garmin Edge.
Completely disappointed.
I have a Garmin Forerunner 935 watch and would use that on my rides but it was a pain to keep looking at my watch to see speed and distance. By having the Edge 130 mounted on the stem, I can monitor speed and distance with just a glance. At the end of my rides I compare the two devices and they are almost exactly the same as far as speed, distance and pace. Can't ask for much more.
I bought this to go along with my Varia RTL 515. It is easy to use and small enough to not be real noticeable. So far it's been great and have been happy with it. It's easy to pair with all your devices.
I bought this for my wife. Overall, I think it is fairly good. she doesn't have the patience to really learn how to use it, so I sync it for her. My main complaint it the menu bar. I'm always confused which is the selection, the item in white, or the item in black. It would be nice if they put a little star or some other indicator. We bought it because it sync's via bluetooth, and that works fairly well, if a bit slow.
I ride mountain bike quite a bit these days. I crashed awhile ago and destroyed my Garmin 1030+ in half a second. The 130+ costs less and is smaller which makes it less prone to damage. The maps aren't as good, but as long as you've created your route before hand, the 130+ does a fine job.
Over all it's pretty good. I bought because I wanted the heart rate monitor belt bundle . The HR monitor works great and I love seeing it displayed on the unit. The unit itself is pretty small. The directions for use are not that easy to figure out. I bought the varia light and it syncs with the light but the light comes on randomly at times and I cannot figure out how to take the light integration off. Also I frequently have trouble getting the computer to sync with the garmin app. Today is the 3rd time I had to restart the unit twice . Today I also had to restart my phone as well. It's safe to say i buyers remorse. But it will do for now!
This is a surprisingly functional device in a small, lightweight package. With the ability to connect power meters and heartrate, cadence data, you get a lot from this little unit. It doesn't take up much real estate in your cockpit and is incredibly lightweight. Battery life is excellent. It is a tremendous value for it's features and you get the benefit of Garmin support and apps. I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone.
