Are you thinking about buying the most premium bike computer in the world – the Garmin Edge 1000 – and wondering if it’s right for you? Here’s an in-depth review to help you decide, with a table to show all its features, plus videos to show how it works.
Update: There has never been a better time to buy a Garmin Edge 1000 – due to the introduction of the new Garmin Edge 1030, prices on the 1000 are currently SLASHED – see below for latest price. Note that the Edge 1000 used to cost around 600 US dollars.
In a nutshell, the Garmin Edge 1000 has almost all of the features of its closest competition, the Garmin Edge 820 – BUT in a substantially larger unit (the screen is 2 cm taller than the Garmin Edge 820 and 520, which are the same size). It also costs about a hundred dollars more than the Edge 820. So the obvious question is: Is the Edge 1000 worth the extra money? Well, it may just come down to how you feel about the larger screen size, and about the two other differences between the 820 and the 1000 … please read on!
Technical Specs and Features of the Garmin Edge 1000
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| Lowest Price on Amazon Right Now: | $299.95 |
| Unit Size | 2.3 x 4.4 x 0.8" (5.8 x 11.2 x 2.0 cm) |
| Display resolution, W x H | 240 x 400 pixels |
| Screen size, W x H | 3" diagonal |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Water rating | IPX7 (able to withstand immersion in water up to 1 m - 3.2 feet - for up to 30 mins) |
| Weight | 4.0 oz (114.5 g) |
| Battery life | Up to 15 hours |
| Garmin Edge Remote Control support | Yes |
| Round-trip routing (input a starting point and distance, and the Edge will suggest up to 3 bike ride options) | Yes |
| Out front mount (as well as original quarter turn)? | Yes |
| Yes | |
| Unit-to-unit transfer (shares data wirelessly with similar units) | Yes |
| Automatic sync (automatically transfers data to your computer) | Yes |
| Relive and share your rides with Garmin Connect™ (online community where you can analyze, categorize and share data) | Yes |
| Compatible with Strava? | Yes, you can link your Garmin Connect and Strava accounts so that rides sync within seconds, and you can download Strava segments to your Garmin bike computer |
| Smartphone Connected features (depends on having a Bluetooth enabled smartphone, and you have to install the Garmin Connect mobile app on your phone) | Yes - Live Tracking, send/receive courses, workouts and training plans wirelessly, social media sharing, smart notifications (texts and calls) |
| Smart notifications (displays email, text and other alerts from your phone) | Yes |
| Automatically send your activity to Garmin Connect as soon as you finish recording | Yes |
| Live tracking (allows others to follow your activities in real time, if you invite them) | Yes |
| BlueTooth to connect wirelessly to smartphone and upload data? | Yes |
| Accepts data cards | Yes, including optional memory card |
| Group track? | Yes |
| Training calendar (The calendar on your device is an extension of the training calendar or schedule you set up in Garmin Connect. After you have added a few workouts or courses to the Garmin Connect calendar, you can send them to your device) | Yes |
| Courses (compete against previous activities) | Yes (compete against your previous time by entering the % you want to improve by, then race your virtual partner; or enter a shorter time that you want to achieve) |
| Virtual Partner® (train against a digital person) | Yes |
| Advanced workouts (create custom, goal-oriented workouts) | Yes |
| Advanced training features | Advanced performance and power analysis (if you are using a heart rate monitor and a power meter), including VO2 max, Recovery Time Advisor, and FTP (Functional Threshold Power) tracking |
| Time/distance alert (triggers alarm when you reach goal) | Yes |
| Interval training (set up exercise and rest intervals) | Yes |
| Garmin Connect Real-Time segments | Yes |
| Heart rate-based calorie computation | Yes |
| Optional heart rate, speed/cadence and power meter? | Yes |
| Can add a third-party compatible ANT+ sensor as a power meter? | Yes |
| Can be paired with wireless ANT+ Heart Rate monitor? | Yes |
| Bike speed/cadence sensor | Yes |
| Shimano Di2 gearing information | Yes |
| Activity profiles - store preferences for different cycling activities (For example, you can create a separate activity profile for training, for racing, and for mountain biking. The activity profile includes customized data pages, activity totals, alerts, training zones (such as heart rate and speed), training settings (such as Auto Pause® and Auto Lap®), and navigation settings) | Yes |
| Auto Scroll (cycles through data pages during workout) | Yes |
| GPS enabled? (this is the Global Positioning System, the US satellite navigation system) | Yes |
| GLONASS enabled? (this is the GLObal NAVigation Satellite System, the Russian satellite navigation system) | Yes |
| Distance, speed, ascent/descent and GPS position | Yes |
| Navigation? | Yes - once you pick a location, it will guide you to that location |
| Turn-by-turn guidance? | Yes - just like a car GPS, it will warn you a turn is coming, and tell you when to turn (with text and a beep) |
| Preloaded basemap? | Yes |
| Ability to add maps, such as optional City Navigator® maps or topographical maps? | Yes |
| Live tracking | Yes |
| Points of Interest (POIs) specifically for cyclists | Yes |
| Plan and download new routes to follow (a route is a sequence of waypoints that leads you to your final destination) | Yes |
| Barometric altimeter (to tell you your elevation) | Yes |
| Temperature (displays and records temperature while you ride) | Yes |
| Memory on unit | 8 GB storage (= 200 hours history; 100 courses; 200 waypoints; LOTS of maps). Memory can be supplemented with a micro SD-card to add extra maps |
As is apparent from the table, the Garmin Edge 1000 is a powerhouse of a bike computer that will give you tons of information: heart rate, power, speed, cadence, distance you have cycled, how much you have climbed, and so on. On top of that, it can connect to a dazzling array of sensors (heart rate monitor, cadence sensor, power meter, electronic gears, Varia Vision and radar, etc.). As a result, it is ideal for cyclists in training and competitive cyclists. And also for average cyclists who love data!
Video showing what the Garmin Edge 1000 can do
Here’s a video that shows some of the things you can do with a Garmin Edge 1000:
The Garmin Edge 1000 offers automatic, wireless data uploads via Bluetooth and an app on your smartphone. And once you upload your data to your Garmin Connect app, it will then sync within seconds with your connected Strava account (if you have one). It also offers live tracking – which basically means that people can monitor where you are (but only if you invite them to).
The Edge 1000 will record where you have been and show you how to go somewhere else. And it offers all kinds of features and training metrics to help you make your bike training more effective and structured.
Like all Garmin Edge bike computers, the 1000 is a rugged bike computer that will stand up to wind, rain, snow, mud and rough use. The only time I have ever broken a Garmin Edge was when I accidentally took it scuba diving down to 100 feet (I forgot it was in my pocket).
A Garmin Edge Bike Computer will Continue to Work after the Temperature Hits Freezing
A Garmin Edge bike computer will continue working when the temperature sinks below freezing – it is said to be able to function from -20°C to +55°C (-4°F to +131°F). On the other hand, an iPhone will rapidly use up its battery and then die on you if the temperature goes below freezing (this has happened to me twice recently). This means that if you train in extreme conditions, a Garmin Edge bike computer will be better for you than an iPhone with a cycling app.
Touchscreen Navigation
The Garmin Edge 1000 offers touchscreen navigation, which many users find to be a huge step up from button-operated bike computers. It certainly may be easier to operate for users who have become accustomed to the intuitive ease of touchscreen operation.
Garmin Cycling Dynamics
The Garmin Edge 1000 offers Support for Garmin Cycling Dynamics. This is a more detailed set of metrics for those who have dual-sending Garmin Vector power meters. Vector is Garmin’s pedal-based power meter that measures total power, cadence and left/right balance. It includes Power Phase (PP) and Platform Center Offset (PCO).
The Garmin Cycling Dynamics metrics include details such as where in the pedal stroke you apply the most force, plus seated time and standing time, and so on. You can add these data displays to your unit. Unlike any of the other Garmin Edge bike computers, the 1000 enables you to add a dedicated Cycling Dynamics page with a much more graphical view of the metrics. After the ride, you can review these metrics in the ride summary, as well as online once the ride is uploaded.
Here’s a video that shows how to use the Garmin Edge 1000 for training.
Garmin Varia Vision Connectivity
The Garmin Edge 1000 is one of the few bike computers in the world that can connect to the Garmin Varia Vision. The Garmin Varia Vision is a very slick, well-designed Heads Up Device that enables you to read the data on your Garmin Edge bike computer without having to take your eyes off the road. It fits easily to your cycling glasses, and is light weight. Clearly, for cyclists you cycle at speed, it could be an important safety device.
Shimano Di2 gearing information
The Edge 1000 can show you Shimano Di2 gearing information. This means that if you have Di2 Dura-Ace 9070, Ultegra 6870 Di2, or Ultegra 6770, you can buy a $60 Shimano wireless transmitter to plug into it, to monitor your electronic gears. The unit will transmit gearing data (privately) via ANT to the Edge 1000. So you get to see which gear you are in, displayed on your unit.
This information will give you a brand new metric to analyze. It could well give you ideas about how to improve your performance, if for example you identify that the reason you got tired at the halfway mark of your latest ride was because you had not shifted into the most efficient gear in good time. Consequently, this information may help advanced cyclists looking to elevate their cycling speed and skills even further.
Garmin Connect Real-Time segments
Garmin Connect Real-Time segments can be downloaded to the Edge 1000. You can create or find segments at connect.garmin.com, download them to your unit, and set up in-ride competitions.
These segments are really clever and useful. You download the desired segment to your Edge 1000. Typically it’s a very short course that people like to compete on (virtually). As you approach the start of the course, the Edge 1000 gives you a Countdown, and then says “Go!” As you cycle along the course, the Edge 1000 keeps you constantly informed as to how you are doing. For example, you have 500 feet to go, and you are 8 seconds behind the segment leader – can you pump up the power and own the course?
You can choose to compete against overall segment leaders, or against your own connections. The second choice may be preferable if you live in an area with a lot of cyclists who are faster than you, and don’t want to constantly lose! You could even go out of your way to cultivate a lot of connections at a similar level to you, so that you have a decent chance in the race. Personally, I hate being beaten all the time, so I prefer that option. However, I know that a lot of the people who buy the Edge 1000 are going to be elite athletes, and for them, competing against the fastest and the best will surely be a great training option.
In-depth review with table and videos of the Garmin Edge 1000 bike computer. #cycling https://t.co/nnLNw434Oe pic.twitter.com/XffzdKQOuO
— Average Joe Cyclist (@AvrgeJoeCyclist) February 17, 2017
Strava Connection and Segments with your Edge 1000
In response to user requests, Garmin linked up with Strava (which many believe to be the best cycling app going. I agree, and I like it so much I even bought the premium version, instead of staying with the free version). Read more about Strava here. If you have the premium version of Strava, you can download Strava segments to your Garmin Edge, and use them to add some fun and motivation to your bike rides.
There are a lot more Strava segments than Garmin Connect segments. And there are a lot more people using Strava, so you have a bigger community. For example, I can give kudos to a friend who lives literally on the other side of the world via Strava, and she frequently gives me kudos too. I really like that. Also, I find the Strava interface much cleaner, simpler and user-friendly than the Garmin Connect interface. You can even upload photos of your ride!
For example, for the ride below, I uploaded a photo to my Strava record of the ride. When you click on the ride, you first just see a map of the ride with a tiny photo icon. But if you click on the photo icon, the photo comes up, reminding you of which ride that was. Which I do find useful – I rely a lot on external memory disks these days!
Garmin Edge Remote Control Support
The Garmin Edge 1000 offers support for a tiny Garmin remote control with three buttons. One is for marking laps; one is for scrolling between data pages as you ride; and the third can be programmed for a function that you find important. You can attach this to your handlebars in the same way you attach your Garmin – and you don’t have to worry much about rain or batteries, because it is waterproof to 165 feet and the battery should last for over a year.
Why would you want a remote control? Primarily, these will be useful for those doing intense biking (such as downhill mountain biking) who cannot afford to take their hands off the handlebars. Consequently, this remote control can be very useful for cyclists who are training hard. The Garmin Edge Remote control will cost you an extra $50.
Here’s a video that tells you more about the Garmin Edge 1ooo:
Navigation and Maps
The Garmin Edge 1000 has all of the navigation features of the Garmin Edge Touring (reviewed here) – which was a revolutionary upgrade in navigation on bike computers. The maps on the Garmin Edge 1000 are great. The preloaded Garmin Cycle Maps include OSM (Open Street Map) content, offering on-road and off-road navigation and points of interest, and address search. Map updates are free, and the maps are stored on the unit, so you don’t have to be connected to use them.
Just as with the Garmin Edge Touring and the Garmin Edge 820 (reviewed here), the turn-by-turn navigation directions are excellent on the Edge 1000. And as with the Touring model, you are alerted by beeps and a countdown when a turn is coming. As with a car GPS, your upcoming route is highlighted, and the unit will recalculate if you deviate from the route it has planned (or you have planned).
Like the Edge Touring, the Edge 1000 offers round trip routing (you tell it you want to go for a 30 mile ride, and it suggests three possible routes you could try). Clearly, this could be fun for cyclists wanting to put some variety into their training rides. Take a ride on the wild side!
So, with the Edge 1000 you get both excellent training capabilities and excellent built-in maps and navigation features.
Physical Aspects of the Garmin Edge 1000
The Edge 1000 has a new, larger, high resolution full color screen. It is significantly taller than all other bike computers, and looks a lot more like a computer or smartphone, because of the clean appearance and the icons. The Edge 1000 has a 240 x 400 pixel display, which I find very easy to see. This is especially important if you are using maps.
As with a smart phone, you can flip the Edge 1000 to a horizontal (landscape) display. This might not seem like a big deal – but I think it really helps with seeing the maps better. The Edge 1000 is the only Garmin Edge bike computer that can be viewed in landscape mode. Here is the Edge 1000 in landscape mode, showing off the icon-based interface.
Wi-Fi on the Garmin Edge 1000
A very useful upgrade with the Edge 1000 is that you can set up Wi-Fi hot spots where it will automatically sync wirelessly (using IOS or Android). You can use Garmin Express on your computer to set up multiple Wi-Fi networks to connect to, as well as up to three preferred networks.
Satellite Acquisition with the Garmin Edge 1000
The Edge 1000 finds satellites really fast – not something you can say about some of other Garmin Edge models. This may be the most important upgrade on the Edge 1000 for many people. There can be few Garmin Edge owners who have not watched with fascinated horror as their device sometimes takes up to five or six blocks to finally find a satellite. The Edge 1000 eliminates this problem by downloading satellite data ahead of time, so that satellite acquisition takes mere seconds – blisteringly fast for a bike computer (even though routine on a car GPS).
Another reason why the Edge 1000 acquires satellites faster than the 810 is because it supports GPS and GLONASS as well, while the 810 only supports GPS. GPS and GLONASS are simply different kinds of satellite systems – the GPS was developed by the USA, and the GLONASS is Russian. Communicating with more satellites enables the Edge 1000 to lock in to a satellite signal much faster.
Connected Features on the Garmin Edge 1000
This bike computer offers a full range of connected features, including incoming call and text alerts, live tracking, sending/receiving courses, social media sharing, and weather updates. For this reason, the Edge 1000 may be very handy for cyclists who work in a time-sensitive business environment. Note that this is only IOS compatible, not Android compatible. Also, you cannot answer calls or texts on the bike computer – you still need your phone for that. But at least if there is a important message you are waiting for, you will know it is there and can deal with it if you want to.
Workouts on the Garmin Edge 1000
The Edge 1000 is the only Edge bike computer to offer a training calendar. You can plan and schedule advanced workouts on Garmin Connect, then download them to your training calendar on your unit.
| Buy it now! Find the best price for Garmin Edge 1000 |
Bottom Line on the Garmin Edge 1000 Review
As with all major purchases, it comes down to what you need and want.
It is clear that the Garmin Edge 1000 bike computer offers a huge number of features and user friendliness. Consequently, if you really need both high-end training metrics and high-end maps and navigation, connectivity with every possible sensor, smart notifications, and the ease of use that comes with a large, color screen, then the Garmin Edge Bike Computer 1000 is clearly the right bike computer for you. The key difference between the Edge 1000 and the Edge 820 is that it is much easier to see the maps on the 1000, due to the larger screen and the optional landscape mode.
Also, if the speed of satellite acquisition is important to you, and you can afford to pay for a bike computer that finds satellites with blistering speed, then the Garmin Edge 1000 should make you happy.
It comes down to what you need and can afford. It’s a tough choice, but somebody’s got to make it!
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