With the debut of the new Garmin Edge 1040, a lot of people are wondering what’s new about the 1040. Is this upgrade worth it? How does it compare to the premium unit it replaces, the 1030 Plus? Should you be spending the big bucks to get the 1040 onto your own handlebars?
Well, the simple answer is: it depends. It depends on what you have now, and it depends on what is important to you. With that in mind, this post sums up what is new about the Garmin Edge 1040, so you can make up your own mind if this upgrade is useful for you. Bear in mind that at time of posting, the 1030 Plus is deeply discounted, due to the new kid arriving on the block. On the other hand, bear in mind that the Garmin Edge 1040 offers a solar option for multiple days of use without charging – but at a steep price.
Chart Showing Differences between the Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus
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| Best Price right now on Amazon | Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $459.99 | Best Price on Amazon Right Now for Solar Version: $749.99. Best Price on Amazon Right Now for NON-Solar Version: $599.99 |
| BEST SUITED FOR? | 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 suited to 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 | ||
| Display Resolution | ||
| Processing speed | Fastest yet seen in a bike computer. This is most obvious when using maps, where for example the scrolling ability is just leaps and bounds ahead of what you experience on the 1030 Plus | |
| Weight | ||
| Waterproof rating | ||
| Screen size | ||
| Touchscreen or button control? | ||
| Battery Life | ||
| Battery Save Mode (extends battery life by up to 50% while still tracking all ride data) | ||
| Option to add Garmin Charge Power Pack (to double battery life)? | ||
| Bike alarm that connects with your phone? | ||
| Find my bike computer? | ||
| | |
| Multi-Band GNSS/ GPS (Global Navigation Satellite System/Global Positioning System) | ||
| Cycling Ability and Course Demands | ||
| Type-Specific Maps | ||
| Forksight Mode within Trailforks App | ||
| Solar Option to extend battery life further (for a substantial $150 extra) | ||
| Power Guide | ||
| Hardware change: micro USB | ||
| Updated and more user-friendly user Interface | ||
| Up Ahead Waypoints | ||
| Real Time Stamina | ||
| | |
| Best Price right now on Amazon | Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $459.99 | Best Price on Amazon Right Now for Solar Version: $749.99. Best Price on Amazon Right Now for NON-Solar Version: $599.99 |
| Satellite Systems: | ||
| Barometric Altimeter? | ||
| Accelerometer? | ||
| Ambient Light Sensor? | ||
| Basemap | ||
| Ships pre-loaded with high-quality maps for two countries, plus can download any other countries for free? | ||
| Can you add maps? | ||
| Waypoints | ||
| How many routes can you save on the device? | ||
| How much history can you store on the device? | ||
| Address search (input address and it will plot a route)? AKA On-Device Course Creator | ||
| Popularity routing (Trendline) - shows routes used most by cyclists? | ||
| Turn-by-turn navigation? | ||
| Recalculate route on the device? | ||
| New re-routing options? | ||
| Calculate route back to start? | ||
| Can you create a custom course on the unit (this is a sequence of waypoints or locations that leads you to your final destination)? | ||
| Create a round-trip route on the device? | ||
| Find nearby POI (points of interest)? | ||
| | |
| Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $459.99 | Best Price on Amazon Right Now for Solar Version: $749.99. Best Price on Amazon Right Now for NON-Solar Version: $599.99 | |
| How does it communicate? | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi |
| Time & date display? | ||
| Smart notifications? | ||
| Can you respond to a phone call with text on your Android device? | ||
| Rider to Rider messaging? | ||
| Does it display the weather and weather alerts? | ||
| Garmin Connect compatible? (this is an online community where you can share data, plys analyze - like Strava) | ||
| Automatically syncs your rides to your computer? | ||
| ANT+ (to connect your devices? | ||
| Bluetooth Smart (aka BLE or Bluetooth Low Energy)? | ||
| Unit to unit transfer (share your data with friends with similar units)? | ||
| LiveTrack | ||
| Group LiveTrack? | ||
| Incident detection (so someone is automatically notified if you have an accident)? | ||
| LEV/ebike compatibility via ANT+? | ||
| Compatible with heart rate monitors, plus power, speed and cadence sensors? | ||
| ANT+ shifting? | ||
| Shimano Di2 electronic shifting integration? (“Digital Integrated Intelligence” enables instant electronic shifting) | ||
| Can it download free apps and widgets from the Connect IQ™ store? | ||
| Compatible with Garmin VIRB video camera? | ||
| Compatible with Garmin inReach 2-way satellite communicator (to send your location if you need assistance and your cell phone cannot connect)? | ||
| Garmin Varia Compatible? | ||
| Can you control it with a Garmin Edge remote control? | ||
| 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)? | ||
| | |
| Autostart (so your timer will start automatically once you are cycling at a custom speed)? | ||
| Can You Customize Your Data Pages? | ||
| Interval training? | ||
| Advanced workouts? (so you can create customized, goal-directed workouts) | ||
| Daily Workout Suggestions? | ||
| Can You Download Training Plans to It? | ||
| Virtual Partner (so you can compete against a digital cyclist)? | ||
| VO2 Max estimate? (the maximum amount of oxygen a person can utilize during intense exercise) | ||
| FTP tracking? (Functional Threshold Power is the average power that a rider can produce over the course of an hour) | ||
| Will it Advise You on Recovery Time? | ||
| Time in heart rate training zone? | ||
| TrainingPeaks iLevels (WKO4) | ||
| ClimpPro (new feature that shows you graphically the grades ahead)? | ||
| Power Meter Compatible? | ||
| Performance Power Curve? (tracks your power output over periods of time) | ||
| Advanced Power Analysis? | ||
| Does it have Physio TrueUP (a Garmin Connect feature that keeps physiological data in sync between multiple devices)? | ||
| Does it compute calories based on heart rate? | ||
| Strava Live Segments on the unit? | ||
| Aerobic training effect? | ||
| Heat acclimation (how well are you adjusting to heat)? | ||
| Altitude acclimation (how well are you adjusting to changes in altitude)? | ||
| Water and calorie requirements (reminders based on course)? | ||
| Auto Pause (so it stops recording when you stop your bike)? | ||
| Smart Trainer Control? | ||
| | |
| Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $459.99 | Best Price on Amazon Right Now for Solar Version: $749.99. Best Price on Amazon Right Now for NON-Solar Version: $599.99 | |
| Grit rating (how tough is the route)? | ||
| Flow rating (how well did you ride the route)? | ||
| Hang time (how long were you in the air when jumping, how far did you go)? | ||
| Integrated Trailforks? (130,000 trails preloaded on unit) | ||
Garmin Edge 1040 and 1040 Solar
The 1040 is a major upgrade to the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus. In fact, there are several reasons to say that the 1040 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 awesome? 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 Garmin usually 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. No word yet on why this decision was made. Some are linked to hardware constraints. Therefore, if you actually need or want these improvements, you will have to think about springing for the 1040.
Video Showing Upgrades to 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. These are detailed below.
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 the course you plan to do today? 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 new 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 smart watch. 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. (They already had this technology on their most high-end watches.) For the privilege, you will need to pay about one hundred dollars extra. So the question is, is it worth it?
Personally, I would not pay that much for the solar option. 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 money. I am not sure how they justify so much extra for this solar feature. After all, it is not as if solar power was invented last week. So, it seems a bit over-priced for what it is. Maybe this will change over time, but I doubt it.
The Elite Garmin Edge 1030 Plus and 1040, Summed Up
The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus was an upgrade that just had to happen. This is because all the upgrades to 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 from the 1030 to the 1030 Plus, the 1030 Plus became a very competitive option to consider. And it remains top-notch. However, the 1040 is just a bit better still.
Excellent Touch Screens on the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus and Garmin Edge 1040
When Garmin moved to the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus for its flagship, the touch screen display was upgraded. It became the same great screen as the upgraded 830, only bigger. Expect to be able to use the 1030 Plus and the 1040 (without cursing) in the rain, while wearing gloves.
Physical Changes to the Garmin Edge 1040 vs the 1030 Plus
The changes are too minute to be commented on. However, the 1040 does have a metal mount, rather than a plastic mount.
Faster Processors
Just as happened with the 530 and 830 upgrades, the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus had a major upgrade to its processor speed. It is rated at double the speed of the 1030. However, the 1040 is much faster. This is most apparent when using navigation and maps.
Longer Battery Life
Depending on how many features and sensors you use, the battery in the 1030 Plus can now run for up to 48 hours. For most users, it would be reasonable to expect 36 hours. The 1040 lasts even longer!
There are options to extend battery life, as both bike computers have a connection port to attach an external Garmin Battery, adding on another 24 hours.
And of course, with the 1040, you have the option to extend battery life even further by buying the solar option.
Free Maps!
The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus ships with a bunch of free maps pre-installed. For example, 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. And, if you need more, you can just log into Garmin Express and download them for free!
Of course, the Garmin Edge 1040 ships with even more maps. Also, the new Garmin Edge 1040 features Type-Specific Maps, which are improved maps that highlight popular roads and trails, plus searchable points of interest (POIs).
New Re-Routing Options on the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus and the 1040
The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus and 1040 both have a great navigation system, with audible and visual prompts. And if you go off route, there are three options:
- You can choose to rejoin where you left the course.
- You can choose to skip ahead to get back on the course up ahead.
- Or you can choose to cut across to your planned route.
You get a visual preview of each choice, so you can choose wisely.
Pause Routing Option
Say you are on a planned route and you suddenly decide to go off-route for a coffee. With the 1030 Plus and the 1040 you can pause the routing, so your Garmin does not beep at you constantly.
New Training Options on the 1030 Plus and the 1040
On the 1030 Plus, these include a new Daily Suggestion Workout. However, note that the 1040 has even more more, and newer, training options. These include our favorite: the Garmin Edge 1040 introduces a feature called Cycling Ability and Course Demands. 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”. 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.
The new Garmin Edge 1040 also 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.
The Garmin Edge 1040 has a feature called Real Time Stamina. This was previously seen on the new Garmin 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.”
Improved LiveTrack on the 1030 Plus and the 1040
The LiveTrack experience has been improved for those tracking you. More details on this in my post comparing the Garmin Edge 1030 vs. Edge 1030 Plus.
Auto Synching during Bike Computer Setup of the Edge 1030 Plus
As you set up your new Garmin Edge 1030 Plus, it will automatically import all your activity records, user and activity profiles, and all of your sensors (up to 30). Theoretically, this was supposed to make for a stress-free setup process.
However, in the real world, there were so many glitches on this that it is not included in the upgraded Garmin Edge 1040. This is the only feature of the 1030 Plus that you will NOT find on the 140.
Bottom Line on Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus
If you already have a Garmin Edge 1030 Plus, you are probably best to stick with it. The price of a new 1040 is way too high for the new features you would get. On the other hand, if you currently own, say, a Garmin Edge 520, you might have to think long and hard about the choice between the 1030 Plus and the 1040. There is a lot to be said for having the very latest technology, the fastest processing speed, and the greatest GPS accuracy ever seen in a bike computer.
And if by chance you do multi-day events, then the option of solar re-charging may be too attractive to say no. As with all our gadget choices, this comes down to what you need, what you want, and what you can afford.
Good luck with your choice!
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