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Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus: What’s the Difference?

November 24, 2022 by Average Joe Cyclist Leave a Comment

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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

Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 1040 and 1040 Solar
If you are viewing on a smart phone, please rotate your phone to a horizontal orientation so you can see the chart better
Best Price right now on AmazonBest Price on Amazon Right Now: $459.99Best 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 unitThis 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
PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Size of Unit
2.3" 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
282 x 470 pixels
282 x 470 pixels, color
Processing speed
Double the speed of the 1030
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
4.4 oz (124 g)
4.4 oz (124 g)
Waterproof rating
IPX 7
IPX 7
Screen size
3.5" (88.9 mm), color
3.5" (88.9 mm), clor
Touchscreen or button control?
Touchscreen, much improved over the 1030 (basically the 830 screen, but bigger)
Excellent touchscreen
Battery Life
Up to 36 hours in GPS training mode, up to 48 hours with minimal sensors and back-lighting
45 hours plus. Even more with the solar option
Battery Save Mode (extends battery life by up to 50% while still tracking all ride data)
Yes
Yes
Option to add Garmin Charge Power Pack (to double battery life)?
Yes
Yes
Bike alarm that connects with your phone?
Yes
Yes
Find my bike computer?
Yes
Yes
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 1040 and 1040 Solar
UNIQUE FEATURES ONLY FOUND ON GARMIN EDGE 1040 (regular and solar)
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 to extend battery life further (for a substantial $150 extra)
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 extra expense
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. Next, expect those personal flying suits that sci fi writers have predicted for the last 70 years
Updated and more user-friendly 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"
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 1040 and 1040 Solar
Best Price right now on AmazonBest Price on Amazon Right Now: $459.99Best Price on Amazon Right Now for Solar Version: $749.99. Best Price on Amazon Right Now for NON-Solar Version: $599.99
MAPS & NAVIGATION
Satellite Systems:
GPS/GLONASS/Galileo
GPS/GLONASS/Galileo plus Multi-Band GNSS
Barometric Altimeter?
Yes
Yes
Accelerometer?
Yes
Yes
Ambient Light Sensor?
Yes
Yes
Basemap
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?
Yes
Yes
Can you add maps?
Yes
Yes
Waypoints
200
200
How many routes can you save on the device?
100
100
How much history can you store on the device?
Up to 200 hours
Up to 200 hours
Address search (input address and it will plot a route)? AKA On-Device Course Creator
Yes
Yes
Popularity routing (Trendline) - shows routes used most by cyclists?
Yes
Yes
Turn-by-turn navigation?
Yes
Yes
Recalculate route on the device?
Yes
Yes
New re-routing options?
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
Can you create a custom course on the unit (this is a sequence of waypoints or locations that leads you to your final destination)?
Yes
Yes
Create a round-trip route on the device?
Yes
Yes
Find nearby POI (points of interest)?
Yes
Yes
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 1040 and 1040 Solar
Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $459.99Best Price on Amazon Right Now for Solar Version: $749.99. Best Price on Amazon Right Now for NON-Solar Version: $599.99
CONNECTED FEATURES
How does it communicate?Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-FiBluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi
Time & date display?
Yes
Yes
Smart notifications?
Yes
Yes
Can you respond to a phone call with text on your Android device?
Yes
Yes
Rider to Rider messaging?
Yes
Yes
Does it display the weather and weather alerts?
Yes
Yes
Garmin Connect compatible? (this is an online community where you can share data, plys analyze - like Strava)
Yes
Yes
Automatically syncs your rides to your computer?
Yes
Yes
ANT+ (to connect your devices?
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Smart (aka BLE or Bluetooth Low Energy)?
Yes
Yes
Unit to unit transfer (share your data with friends with similar units)?
Yes
Yes
LiveTrack
Yes
Yes
Group LiveTrack?
Yes
Yes
Incident detection (so someone is automatically notified if you have an accident)?
Yes
Yes
LEV/ebike compatibility via ANT+?
Yes
Yes
Compatible with heart rate monitors, plus power, speed and cadence sensors?
Yes
Yes
ANT+ shifting?
Yes
Yes
Shimano Di2 electronic shifting integration? (“Digital Integrated Intelligence” enables instant electronic shifting)
Yes
Yes
Can it download free apps and widgets from the Connect IQ™ store?
Yes
Yes, and some apps are displayed on the home page of the bike computer
Compatible with Garmin VIRB video camera?
Yes
Yes
Compatible with Garmin inReach 2-way satellite communicator (to send your location if you need assistance and your cell phone cannot connect)?
Yes
Yes
Garmin Varia Compatible?
Yes
Yes
Can you control it with a Garmin Edge remote control?
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)?
Yes
Yes
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 1040 and 1040 Solar
Training Features
Autostart (so your timer will start automatically once you are cycling at a custom speed)?
Yes
Yes
Can You Customize Your Data Pages?
Yes
Yes
Interval training?
Yes
Yes
Advanced workouts? (so you can create customized, goal-directed workouts)
Yes
Yes, better than ever
Daily Workout Suggestions?
Yes
Yes
Can You Download Training Plans to It?
Yes
Yes
Virtual Partner (so you can compete against a digital cyclist)?
Yes
Yes
VO2 Max estimate? (the maximum amount of oxygen a person can utilize during intense exercise)
Yes
Yes
FTP tracking? (Functional Threshold Power is the average power that a rider can produce over the course of an hour)
Yes
Yes
Will it Advise You on Recovery Time?
Yes
Yes
Time in heart rate training zone?
Yes
Yes
TrainingPeaks iLevels (WKO4)
Yes
Yes
ClimpPro (new feature that shows you graphically the grades ahead)?
Yes
Yes
Power Meter Compatible?
Yes
Yes
Performance Power Curve? (tracks your power output over periods of time)
Yes
Yes
Advanced Power Analysis?
Yes
Yes
Does it have Physio TrueUP (a Garmin Connect feature that keeps physiological data in sync between multiple devices)?
Yes
Yes
Does it compute calories based on heart rate?
Yes
Yes
Strava Live Segments on the unit?
Yes
Yes
Aerobic training effect?
Yes
Yes
Heat acclimation (how well are you adjusting to heat)?
Yes
Yes
Altitude acclimation (how well are you adjusting to changes in altitude)?
Yes
Yes
Water and calorie requirements (reminders based on course)?
Yes
Yes
Auto Pause (so it stops recording when you stop your bike)?
Yes
Yes
Smart Trainer Control?
Yes
Yes
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 1040 and 1040 Solar
Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $459.99Best Price on Amazon Right Now for Solar Version: $749.99. Best Price on Amazon Right Now for NON-Solar Version: $599.99
Mountain Bike Metrics
Grit rating (how tough is the route)?
Yes
Yes
Flow rating (how well did you ride the route)?
Yes
Yes
Hang time (how long were you in the air when jumping, how far did you go)?
Yes
Yes
Integrated Trailforks? (130,000 trails preloaded on unit)
Yes
Yes
They look the same - but there are quite a lot of differences!. Garmin edge 1030 plus vs 1040 bike computers
They look the same – but there are quite a lot of differences!

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.

The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus is just loaded with features
The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus is just loaded with features
The Edge 1030 Plus and 1040 have the largest screens of any bike computer. This make them great for seeing maps while cycling – and especially 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).
Both the Garmin Edge 1040 and the Edge 1030 Plus have true turn-by-turn navigation built into them, right out of the box. You can input addresses on the fly, and these bike computers will direct you all the way. And give you prompts if you go off-route too. As well as a choice of re-routing options.

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:

  1. You can choose to rejoin where you left the course.
  2. You can choose to skip ahead to get back on the course up ahead.
  3. 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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Filed Under: Bike Computer Reviews, Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared Tagged With: Garmin Edge 1030 Plus, Garmin Edge 1040

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