We have published an UPDATED version of this post – please click here to go there now.
This post compares the entire Garmin Edge range, so that you can choose the best Garmin Edge bike computer for you. Our huge comparative chart, summaries and videos will save you tons of research time! We have covered all of the latest updated Garmin Edge bike computers; that is, the Edge 130 Plus, Edge Explore 2, Edge 530, Edge 830, the Edge 1030 Plus, and the new Edge 1040. We have left out the outdated models. We hope this post will help you to quickly choose the best Garmin Edge bike computer for your own personal cycling needs.
Chart comparing the Garmin Edge 130 Plus, Garmin Edge Explore 2, Garmin Edge 530, Garmin Edge 830, Garmin Edge 1030 Plus, and Garmin Edge 1040
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| Best Price right now on Amazon | Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $199.99 | Best Price on Amazon: $299.32 | Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $299.99 | Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $399.99 | Usually around $600. Please click here to see the Best Price on Amazon Right Now | Best Price on Amazon Right Now for Solar Version: $695.99. Best Price on Amazon Right Now for NON-Solar Version: $599.99 |
| Best For? | Cyclists who want a premium bike computer in a budget, compact unit; and who don't need much navigation help; must be OK with black & white & with button control (not touch screen) | Cyclists who want a premium bike computer at a budget price; but who need navigation and turn by turn navigation. Great if you need a larger screen. Better for navigation than training. Not suitable if you want to use a power meter | Cyclists who want nothing but the best in premium training features; must be OK with pre-downloading routes when they need navigation help, and with button control (not touch screen) | Cyclists who want nothing but the best in premium training features and navigation | Cyclists who want an outstanding bike computer with premium training features and navigation; and who need a bigger screen & free, high-quality maps preloaded on the unit | This is the LATEST UPDATE. Best for cyclists who want nothing but the very best and the very latest premium training features and navigation; enhanced accuracy and responsiveness; and who need a bigger screen & free, high-quality maps preloaded on the unit; and who want the option of solar assistance for battery life on very long rides. Rated the most accurate bike computer ever made, and has the longest battery life ever seen |
| Size of Unit | 1.1" x 1.4" (27 x 36 mm); 1.8" diag (45 mm) | 2.2" x 4.1" x 0.9" (55 x 105 x 22 mm) | 1.9" x 3.2" x 0.8" (50 x 82 x 20 mm) | 1.9” x 3.2” x 0.8” (50 mm x 82 mm x 20 mm) | 2.28" x 4.5" x 0.8" (58 x 114 x 19 mm) | 2.3" x 4.6" x 0.8" (59.3 x 117.6 x 20.0 mm) |
| Display Resolution | 303 x 230 pixels | 240 x 400 pixels | 246 x 322 pixels | 246 x 322 pixels | 282 x 470 pixels | 282 x 470 pixels |
| Weight | 1.2 oz (33 g) | 4.1 oz (116 g) | 2.7 oz (75.8 g) | 2.8 oz (79.1 g) | 4.4 oz (124 g) | 4.4 oz (124 g) |
| Waterproof rating | IPX 7 (you can drop it in 3 ft of water for up to 30 mins, & it will still work) | IPX 7 | IPX 7 | IPX 7 | IPX 7 | IPX 7 |
| Screen size | 1.8" (45 mm) diagonal, black and white | 3.0" (76 mm) diagonal color | 2.6" (66 mm) diagonal, color | 2.6" (66 mm) diagonal, color | 3.5" (89 mm) diagonal, color | 3.5" (89 mm) diagonal, color |
| Touchscreen or button control? | Button control | Touchscreen, works well | Button control | Touchscreen, works well | Touchscreen, works EXTREMELY well | Touchscreen, works EXTREMELY well |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours | Up to 12 hours in GPS training mode | Up to 20 hours in GPS training mode | Up to 20 hours in GPS training mode | Up to 36 hours in GPS training mode, up to 48 hours with minimal sensors and backlighting | 35 hours plus |
| Battery Save Mode (extends battery life by up to 50% while still tracking all ride data) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Option to add Garmin Charge Power Pack (to double battery life)? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes, but unlikely to be necessary if you get the Solar version |
| Bike alarm that connects with your phone? | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Find my bike computer? | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| | | | | | |
| Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $199.99 | Best Price on Amazon: $299.32 | Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $299.99 | Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $399.99 | Usually around $600. Please click here to see the Best Price on Amazon Right Now | Best Price on Amazon Right Now for Solar Version: $695.99. Best Price on Amazon Right Now for NON-Solar Version: $599.99 | |
| Multi-Band GNSS/ GPS (Global Navigation Satellite System/Global Positioning System) | State of the art positional accuracy and coverage — even in the most challenging environments — with multi-system, multi-band GPS technology. Rated most accurate bike computer ever for this mapping function, esp. in tough conditions | |||||
| Cycling Ability and Course Demands | Based on your personal cycling records, this Edge will try to define your cycling strengths, and measure them up against the course demands. For example, it will decide if you are a "flats specialist" or an "endurance specialist". Will you be up to this course? Which parts will be more challenging for you? | |||||
| Type-Specific Maps | Improved maps highlight popular roads and trails, plus searchable points of interest (POIs) | |||||
| Forksight Mode within Trailforks App | Automatically displays upcoming forks in the trail, with context (shows you where you are within the trail network) | |||||
| Solar Option | For an extra $150, you can get the version that has solar power built into the hardware. You would have to have extreme battery needs in order to justify this | |||||
| Power Guide | Using your own personal history and preferences, the bike computer will help you to pace yourself over a course. Similar to what you can do with the app Best Bike Split. But it is better than Best Bike Split, because you can adjust your aims mid-ride. | |||||
| Hardware change: micro USB | With this model, Garmin has FINALLY switched from a mini to a micro USB connection | |||||
| Updated User Interface | The user interface is much improved vs previous models, including better fonts, more granular detail on graphics such as Climb profiles, improved navigation, Connect IQ widgets right on the home page, and very nice ride summary page | |||||
| Up Ahead Waypoints | As seen on the Fenix 7. You can add Waypoints to a course on Garmin Connect, with custom icons. Then as you are riding, you will see a forecast of upcoming waypoints, and estimated time to arrive there | |||||
| Real Time Stamina | As seen on the Fenix 7. This is intended to help you figure out pacing on a ride. It shows you your stamina levels during the ride, so you have an idea of how much more you have "in your tank" | |||||
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| Satellite Systems: | GPS/GLONASS/Galileo | GPS | GPS/GLONASS/Galileo | GPS/GLONASS/Galileo | GPS/GLONASS/Galileo | GPS/GLONASS/Galileo |
| Elevation? | Yes | Yes, based on GPS as it has no barometric altimeter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Accelerometer? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ambient Light Sensor? | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Basemap | No | Pre-loaded Garmin Cycle Map | Pre-loaded Garmin Cycle Maps with Integrated TrailForks content | Pre-loaded Garmin Cycle Maps with Integrated TrailForks content | Pre-loaded Garmin Cycle Maps with Integrated TrailForks content | Pre-loaded Garmin Cycle Maps with Integrated TrailForks content |
| Ships pre-loaded with high-quality maps for two countries, plus can download any other countries for free? | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Can you add maps? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Waypoints | 100 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
| How many routes can you save on the device? | 30 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| How much history can you store on the device? | Up to 100 hours | Up to 200 hours | Up to 200 hours | Up to 200 hours | Up to 200 hours | Up to 200 hours |
| Address search (input address and it will plot a route)? AKA On-Device Course Creator | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Popularity routing (Trendline) - shows routes used most by cyclists? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Turn-by-turn navigation? | Yes, but very basic, breadcrumb-style navigation only. And only for downloaded courses, e.g. from Garmin Route Creator | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Recalculate route on the device? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| New re-routing options? | n/a | No | No, but will arrive in a future software updatea | No, but will arrive in a future software updatea | Yes. Choose from Rejoin where you left course; Skip ahead to course; or Cut across | Yes. Choose from Rejoin where you left course; Skip ahead to course; or Cut across |
| Calculate route back to start? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Can you create a custom course on the unit (this is a sequence of waypoints or locations that leads you to your final destination)? | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Create a round-trip route on the device? | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Find nearby POI (points of interest)? | No | Yes | No, but you can use the included Yelp app to find them | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| | | | | | |
| How does it communicate? | Bluetooth, ANT+ | Bluetooth, ANT+ | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi |
| Time & date display? | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Smart notifications? | Yes (calls and texts only) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Can you respond to a phone call with text on your Android device? | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rider to Rider messaging? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Does it display the weather? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin Connect compatible? (this is an online community where you can share data, plys analyze - like Strava) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Automatically syncs your rides to the Garmin Connect™ Mobile app on your phone? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ANT+ (to connect your devices? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Smart (aka BLE or Bluetooth Low Energy)? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unit to unit transfer (share your data with friends with similar units)? | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LiveTrack? | Yes | Yes, new enhanced version | Yes | Yes | Yes, new enhanced version | Yes, new enhanced version |
| Group Tracking?? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Incident detection (so someone is automatically notified if you have an accident)? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LEV/ebike compatibility via ANT+? | Yes | No, but coming soon | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Compatible with heart rate monitors, plus power, speed and cadence sensors? | Yes | Supports heart rate monitors, plus power, speed and cadence sensors, but does NOT support power meters | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ANT+ shifting? | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Shimano Di2 electronic shifting integration? (“Digital Integrated Intelligence” enables instant electronic shifting) | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Can it download free apps and widgets from the Connect IQ™ store? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Compatible with Garmin VIRB video camera? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Compatible with Garmin inReach 2-way satellite communicator (to send your location if you need assistance and your cell phone cannot connect)? | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin Varia Compatible? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Can you control it with a Garmin Edge remote control? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Does it have Extended Display (so you can use your bike computer as an extended display to view data screens from a compatible Garmin mulitsport watch)? | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| | | | | | |
| Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $199.99 | Best Price on Amazon: $299.32 | Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $299.99 | Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $399.99 | Usually around $600. Please click here to see the Best Price on Amazon Right Now | Best Price on Amazon Right Now for Solar Version: $695.99. Best Price on Amazon Right Now for NON-Solar Version: $599.99 | |
| Autostart (so your timer will start automatically once you are cycling at a custom speed)? | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Can You Customize Your Data Pages? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Interval training (so you can set up exercise and rest intervals)? | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced workouts? (so you can create customized, goal-directed workouts) | Yes | No | Yes (much improved over 520 Plus) | Yes (much improved over 820) | Yes | Yes |
| Daily Workout Suggestions? | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Can You Download Training Plans to It? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual Partner (so you can compete against a digital cyclist)? | Yes, within a course | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| VO2 Max estimate? (the maximum amount of oxygen a person can utilize during intense exercise) | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| FTP tracking? (Functional Threshold Power is the average power that a rider can produce over the course of an hour) | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Will it Advise You on Recovery Time? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Time in heart rate training zone? | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TrainingPeaks iLevels (WKO4) | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ClimpPro (new feature that shows you graphically the grades ahead)? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Meter Compatible? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Performance Power Curve? (tracks your power output over periods of time) | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced Power Analysis? | No (not on device, but you can do it on your computer later) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Does it have Physio TrueUP (a Garmin Connect feature that keeps physiological data in sync between multiple devices)? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Does it compute calories based on heart rate? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Strava Live Segments on the unit? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Aerobic training effect? | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Heat acclimation (how well are you adjusting to heat)? | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Altitude acclimation (how well are you adjusting to changes in altitude)? | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Water and calorie requirements (reminders based on course)? | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Pause (so it stops recording when you stop your bike)? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Trainer Control? | No | Not yet, but coming soon | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Courses (so you can compete against your previous rides)? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Alerts (to alert you when you reach goals such as heart rate, calories, time, or distance)? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Activity Profiles (that's where you have different profiles for activities such as road or mountain biking)? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| | | | | | |
| Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $199.99 | Best Price on Amazon: $299.32 | Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $299.99 | Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $399.99 | Usually around $600. Please click here to see the Best Price on Amazon Right Now | Best Price on Amazon Right Now for Solar Version: $695.99. Best Price on Amazon Right Now for NON-Solar Version: $599.99 | |
| Grit rating (how tough is the route)? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Flow rating (how well did you ride the route)? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hang time (how long were you in the air when jumping, how far did you go)? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Integrated Trailforks? (130,000 trails preloaded on unit) | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
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Contents of Post
- Chart comparing the Garmin Edge 130 Plus, Garmin Edge Explore 2, Garmin Edge 530, Garmin Edge 830, and Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
- Garmin Edge 130 Plus
- Garmin Edge Explore 2
- Garmin Edge 530
- Garmin Edge 830
- Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Buying Options
If you find this review useful and decide to buy one of these bike computers, please use one of our affiliate links to buy. It’s the only way I get paid for the many hours of research and writing I do, and of course, it costs you nothing – so we both win! When you buy with one of our links, you support Maggie and me to keep publishing this blog (thank you!).
At the end of this post, I offer links to online buying options. Click here for buying options. There are several buying links along the way as well, in case you don’t make it to the end (which is a long way ahead!)
Garmin Edge 130 Plus
Overview of the Garmin Edge 130 Plus
This is a brand new, premium bike computer with awesome new training features, at a very reasonable price relative to other premium bike computers. It is small, compact, and intuitively easy-to-use. The range of training options and available data on this bike computer is pretty much unbeatable at this price.
It’s also great if mountain biking is your first love, because it comes with Garmin’s cool new mountain bike metrics pre-loaded. It is also a good buy if you have tons of useful sensor information, user profiles, etc., on an older Garmin unit. If you are anything like me, the auto syncing will put a big smile on your face!
Also amazing at this price, it comes with the very cool ClimbPro feature pre-loaded. Many cyclists find this a must for planning hilly bike rides.
The Edge 130 Plus offers only the most basic navigation, based on breadcrumbs. There are no maps, so don’t expect to see street names on the unit.
Best For:
You are looking for premium training and data features in a budget priced bike computer! And you don’t mind black and white; you like button control; you like low-profile gadgets; and you don’t need much help finding your way around.
Video Review of the Garmin Edge 130 Plus
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Garmin Edge Explore 2
Overview
This budget-priced bike computer is only a little smaller than the 1030 Plus or the 1040. And it has a color screen. So, it is very easy to see. Couple that with full-color maps and true turn-by-turn navigation, and you have a unit that is optimized for navigation. You get full color, detailed maps for the country where you buy it. And you can buy more maps from Garmin, or get them for free from third parties. Plus, the maps work really well and very quickly. You can download courses from Garmin Connect, create round trip routes, and find Points of Interest.
The Explore 2 bike computer replaces the very popular Edge Explore. That bike computer was very good value for money, but not quite in the same class as the other models. However, with the October 2022 upgrade to the Edge Explore 2, the Explore is now a very good budget choice.
The Explore 2 is a huge improvement on the Explore, and now sports many of the classy features of the more expensive Garmins. It still does not offer structured training, but it does offer a speedy general GPS that offers excellent navigation.
Upgrades include vastly improved speed and GPS, plus ebike compatibility. (Ebike compatibility: connect to your compatible eBike and receive navigation guidance and alerts based on your bike’s battery status, assist level, and range.)
Another big upgrade is the safety features: the Explore 2 offers LiveTrack and GroupTrack features, smart notifications, rider-to-rider messaging, and built-in incident detection.
However, it does not offer the high-end training features found in the more expensive models, or even in the cheaper 130 Plus. It is not optimized from those who want high end training metrics, because:
- It does not support power meters.
- It does not support Strava live segments.
- You cannot download structured workouts.
- It does not support interval training right on the unit.
So, if training is your primary goal, and you plan on racing, this one is not for you. However, if you just want an excellent GPS bike computer at a reasonable price, this is a great choice.
The Garmin Edge Exlore 2 is Best For:
Those who are focused on long rides, often in new places. This is because it is optimized for navigation. It is not optimized for training. That said, it will nonetheless collect tons of data for you to analyze your progress online!
Video Review of the Garmin Edge Explore 2
Garmin Edge 530
Overview
In a nutshell, the Garmin Edge 530 is a premium bike computer with tons of features that will be more than enough for most cyclists. And the cherry on the top is that it is at an attractive price point, relative to the 1040, 1030 Plus and 830 ($299). This one is for you if you want absolutely premium bike training features in a small, light, affordable package, and you like the convenience of turn-by-turn directions, but you do not need your bike computer to calculate routes on the fly for you. It cannot find addresses. In practice, you are mainly limited to courses you download in advance.
The Edge 530 is suitable if you are more into button control than touchscreen control.
And if you do extremely long rides, then the Edge 530 is ideal, thanks to excellent battery life (20 hours vs 15 hours on the Edge 520). Plus, you have the option to plug in the extra Garmin Charge power pack to extend to more than 40 hours.
The Garmin Edge 530 is Best For:
Buy the Edge 530 if you want a premium bike computer with awesome new training features, at a very reasonable price relative to other premium bike computers. But only if you are content with only having navigation and turn-by-turn directions if you download routes beforehand. And you prefer button control to touchscreen control.
This video sums up the upgrades to the Garmin Edge 530
Garmin Edge 830
Overview
The Garmin Edge 830 pretty much has it all in terms of premium navigation and premium training features. You control it with a touchscreen controls. Importantly, its touch screen is much improved over the Edge 820. There are not many complaints heard about Garmin’s touchscreens any more, since they introduced an upgrade that started with this model, and has now been extended throughout.
The Garmin Edge 830 will support any external sensor you choose to add to your bike or your body. Plus, it has true turn-by-turn navigation built into it. So, you can use it much like a car GPS – simply input an address and the unit will calculate a route to get there. It will give you audible and visual directions and alerts, and re-calculate if you get off-course.
But unlike a car GPS, the Edge 830 has an invisible but important layer – Garmin heat maps. Basically, this is data derived from recorded rides by real cyclists, which tells Garmin which routes are most popular with cyclists. This enables the unit to calculate a route for you that is more cyclist-friendly.
Of course, it is also totally connected to the world, be it weather, incident detection, smart notifications, training alerts – you name it!
Best For:
Buy the Edge 830 if awesome training features and full-feature navigation are important to you.
Related Post: How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Bike Training System on Any Budget
Video Review of the Garmin Edge 830
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Overview
The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus was an upgrade that just had to happen. This is because all the upgrades in the 530 and the 830 meant that there was no longer any reason to buy the 1030. This was a problem as it was the flagship of the series for a long time. With the upgrade to the 1030 Plus, it is once again a very competitive option to consider.
As before, the Edge 1030 Plus has the largest screen of any bike computer (along with the new 1040). This makes it great for seeing maps with ageing eyes. A bigger screen is not only easier to read (especially when viewing maps), but also a bigger screen makes it that much easier to work the touch screen controls (something I find quite important when riding a bike in the rain).
Naturally, the Edge 1030 Plus has true turn-by-turn navigation built into it, right out of the box. And full-feature navigation (that is, you can input addresses into the unit while you are riding, and then navigate to them with turn-by-turn directions). And it ships with detailed maps for two countries pre-installed. Plus, you can download maps for the rest of the world free. This is a big and welcome change.
- If you buy your Garmin Edge 1030 Plus in North America, you will get a full set of high-quality maps for North America and Europe.
- If you buy your Garmin Edge 1030 Plus in Europe, you will get a full set of high-quality maps for Europe + North America.
- If you buy in Australia or New Zealand, you get Australia and New Zealand and Africa.
Also, crucially: the map performance is now more like a smart phone than a bike computer.
It also has awesome training features, of course. And a bunch of attractive new features, such as increased storage, longer battery life, improved Live Tracking, Daily Workout guidance, etc.
Best For:
The truly dedicated cyclist who wants it all – premium training and premium navigation. With a big screen to make it easy to see the maps. And free pre-loaded maps for two countries. And of course, pretty deep pockets!
Video Highlighting Changes to the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030
Garmin Edge 1040 and 1040 Solar
This is a major upgrade to the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus. There are a number of reasons to say that this is quite simply the most advanced and best bike computer available in the world today. The question is, do YOU need a bike a computer this good? That’s for you to decide, of course.
The video below sums up the new features of the Garmin Edge 1040. It is worth noting that usually, Garmin rolls out most of the new updates to the rest of the lineup, eventually, in software updates. However, this is NOT the plan with the 1040. Therefore, if you actually need or want these improvements, you will have to think about springing for the 1040.
Video Showing Upgrades in the Garmin Edge 1040
Updates Unique to the Garmin Edge 1040
The Garmin Edge 1040 introduces several new features that will only be seen on the 1040. This is unusual in the Garmin Universe. Usually, the new features that come in with an upgrade are later shared with the other models. No word yet on why this decision was made. Some are linked to hardware constraints.
Cycling Ability and Course Demands
We find this new feature to be a lot of fun for interactive use. Based on your personal cycling records, the Edge 1040 will try to define your cycling strengths, and measure them up against the course demands. For example, it will decide if you are a “flats specialist” or an “endurance specialist”.
Based partly on this, will you be up to this course? Which parts will be more challenging for you? This assessment can and does change over time, depending on what cycling you do. If for example you usually cycle 40 miles to and from work on a flat route, but you start off using your 1040 while on a vacation cycling in the Alps, it is most likely going to classify you as a climbing specialist. And then reclassify you after you spend a few weeks not doing any climbing.
Type-Specific Maps
Type-Specific Maps are improved maps that highlight popular roads and trails, plus searchable points of interest (POIs).
Forksight Mode
This new feature resides within the included Trailforks App. It automatically displays upcoming forks in the trail, with context (that is, it shows you where you are within the trail network). This can be useful for making informed on-the-fly route decisions.
Power Guide
The new Garmin Edge 1040 has a Power Guide, which uses your own personal history and preferences to help you to pace yourself over a course. This is similar to what you can do with the app Best Bike Split. But it is better than Best Bike Split, because you can adjust your aims mid-ride.
Real Time Stamina
This feature was previously seen on the new Garmin Fenix 7. It is intended to help you figure out pacing on a ride. It shows you your stamina levels during the ride, so you have an idea of how much more you have “in your tank.” We found this useful for making on-the-fly route decisions.
Metal Mount
The Edge 1040 has a metal mount, as opposed to the plastic mount on all the other models. A lot of people appear to be quite excited about this. Personally, I have used the plastic mounts for decades and absolutely never had a problem with any of them.
Should you Buy the Garmin Edge 1040 Solar?
This is the first time Garmin has bought solar to its bike computers. For the privilege, you will need to pay a whopping $150 extra. So the question is, is it worth it?
Personally, I would not. However, it may be something you want. Probably only if you do multi-day cycling events, so you desperately need multiple days of battery life. Or you have a terrible memory when it comes to charging your devices. And you live in an area that has a lot of sunshine.
If not, the relatively small increase in battery life hardly seems worth the extra $150. Honestly, I am not sure how they justify so much extra for this extra feature. It seems over-priced for what it is.
Our Affiliate Buying Options
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Thanks for the info Joe. It took me a while to read the whole thing but well worth the effort. At the end of the day its the 530 for me. But nice to know that one day when I retire their are products like the 130 Plus around. I have bookmarked this post for the next time I go Garmin shopping.
Hey Dave! Thanks; you have no idea how rare it is to hear back from readers. More importantly, we just LOVE when we get positive feedback. Blogging is weird, because you have an audience, and you cannot see or hear them. So it often feels like I am talking to myself. Of course, I know that is not true, because my stats tell me that thousands of valued readers are dropping by every day, and that they come back regularly too 🙂 This makes me a happy man, and makes Maggie a happy woman. Anyway, good luck with the 530. That would be my pick nowadays. Used to be the 830, because of the navigation. However, these days, we can’t even imagine ever again being able to go on a cycling tour anywhere. A bike tour of either Florida or the Netherlands was top of my bucket list, but with the COVID situation, we will have to settle for our own neighborhood for cycling for the foreseeable future. No need for navigation here – I now know it like the back of my hand! Re bookmarking it – thanks for reminding me, I meant to say in the post that I wanted to make it a permanent internet resource for comparing the Garmin Edge bike computer range – and then I forgot 🙁 I will go ahead and make the update to the post right now.
This was helpful enough that I wanted to comment. To be honest I was trying to justify spending such big bucks on a bike computer. As a kid I was just fine with a CatEye that probably cost me around $20, can’t remember now exactly. But now Im in my 40s and I need a lot. more than that. Anyway, I ended up ordering a 1030 Plus. Hope I don’t live to regret it, but I think for me the slam-dunk is the big screen. I have a lot of welding damage to my eyes, and those little screens just don’t work for me any more.
Glad to hear it James. I don’t think you can go wrong. I am older than you, and I have issues with my eyes too. Not from welding, just from living a long time 🙂 Anyway, screen size is a big deal to me too. Hope you end up loving your 1030 Plus. Come on back and write a comment about how it works out, if you have the time!