This post lists all of the upgrades to be found in the new Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs the GPS bike computer it replaces, the Garmin Edge 1030. At the end of the post we include a video that showcases the new features.
Garmin has just updated their premium, flagship GPS bike computer – the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus. Of course, that’s a big deal. But how big a deal is it? After all, we cyclists already have two excellent choices in the Garmin Edge 530 and 830. And the 1030 was an impressive option too.
This post sums up what’s new in the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus, so you can decide for yourself whether it’s worth the investment. Note that this upgrade is offered at the same price as the Garmin Edge 1030 – but that is still a significant amount of money.
Related Post: Garmin Edge 530 vs. 830 vs. 1030 Plus – In-depth Review with Videos & Comparison Chart
Physical Changes to the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030
The new Garmin Edge 1030 Plus is all black, rather than mainly white. Most people seem to be happier with that, but personally the color makes no difference to me.
The new model weighs in at 125 grams (4.4 oz), which is an inconsequential 1 gram (0.04 oz) extra. Also, there is no slot for an external memory card. The same thing accounts for both of these changes: the new Garmin Edge 1030 Plus has 32 GB of onboard memory, rather than 16 GB. So, you don’t need an extra memory card. You can have as many high-quality maps on your bike computer as you like, as well as workouts, routes, sensor profiles, user profiles, etc.
The new Garmin Edge 1030 Plus ships with a standard mount and an out-front mount. And like all Edge bike computers, it ships with a USB cable to charge it, spare bands for mounting, and allen keys.
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Processor Speed
Just as happened with the 530 and 830 upgrades, the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus has benefited by a major upgrade to its processor speed. Garmin claims it is now double the speed. Of course, it is hard to verify this subjectively. Some things seem faster; other things were already so fast it is really hard to assess whether they are now double the speed. In general, there are less annoying waits for something to process.
Battery Life Improvements
Depending on how many features and sensors you use – and how brightly you run the unit – the battery could now run for up to a whopping 48 hours. If you use every possible feature, it might only last 24 hours. For most users, it would be reasonable to expect 36 hours.
It’s hard to see how anyone would ride for longer than that, but if you are a super-athlete, there is an option to extend. This unit still has the connection port to attach an external Garmin Battery, adding on another 24 hours of battery life.
Map Improvements
This is one of the major upgrades. Getting more maps has always been a bit of a chore with Garmin bike computers. You either had to pay for them, or you had to go to third-party suppliers. If you did the latter, the maps did not always work as well.
But now … drumroll … you get a bunch of free maps pre-installed. And, if you need more, you can just log into Garmin Express download them for free!
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.
- 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.
New Re-Routing Options on the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus retains a great navigation system, with audible and visual prompts. This pairs up nicely with the very high quality maps. But you could still go off route – either by accident, or because you want to explore. If so, there are now three options to choose from:
- You can choose to rejoin where you left the course. This one is most useful if you just want to explore an interesting path you happen to see, and then want to get back to your planned route.
- 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. In some cases, this could significantly shorten your route.
You get a visual preview of each choice, so you can choose wisely. For example, if you were very tired, the cutting across choice might make sense.
Of course, it will only show you three options if three options actually exist.
Pause Routing Option
The Pause Route option is new. Let’s say you are on a planned route and you suddenly decide to stop for a coffee. The coffee shop is four blocks off your route. Previously, the bike computer would be beeping at you, trying to tell you that you are off route, and need to do a U-turn. Whether that happens in your vehicle or on your bike – nobody likes a nag!
It is great to be able to just pause the navigation, and get a coffee in peace and quiet!
Mountain Biking Upgrades
Previously, the Garmin Edge 1030 was very much a bike computer for serious road bike riding. But that has changed. With dedicated mountain biking data and sensors built right in, it is now a strong contender for the best mountain biking computer too.
Mountain Bike Metrics
Gamin’s fun and motivational mountain bike metrics debuted on the 530 and 830. Now, they are also supplied with the 1030 Plus. They give you a wealth of new data. Knowing how much air time you had, or how far you jumped, are great ways to motivate yourself.
These new mountain biking metrics include Grit rating, Flow rating, Hang time, and the fully integrated Trailforks app.
Trailforks is Built In to the New Garmin Edge 1030
Trailforks data is now built in, including all the mountain bike maps. Previously these were only on the Edge 530 and 830. The 1030 did get Trailforks in a software update, but that did not include the maps.
This upgrade has it all, so that wherever you are mountain biking, you can search for the best and most suitable trails around you. Data of course includes difficulty level, so you can make the right choice. And you can of course add your preferences to the setup on your unit.
See the Climbs Coming
The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus will show you what climbs are up ahead, how high they are, and how long they will last. This is very useful information.
Training Features on the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Of course, Garmin Edge computers have so many training features, it would be hard to list them all in one post. And many people take advantage of third party training apps as well, such as Training Peaks. But there is some new stuff here.
First up is a new Daily Suggestion Workout
Basically, this function surveys your existing workout load by looking at your current training load, e.g. on Garmin Connect. It then suggests a workout based on your current training load. It just suggests the core components, e.g. it might suggest a VO2 max workout, or a Base Workout.
You could then choose to get the details from your regular training app. Or, if you plan workouts from Garmin Connect, these will automatically pop up when you switch on your bike computer.
Improved LiveTrack
The LiveTrack experience has been improved for those tracking you. Now it shows three sets of date. It shows a purple line for your planned route. It also shows a blue line for your actual route. Finally, a blue dot showing your location updates every 30 seconds.
This update will go out to other Garmin Edge bike computers later this year, via a software update. This will include the Garmin Edge 1030, 830, and 530.
Auto Synching during Bike Computer Setup
This is probably my favorite update. This is because I am slowly becoming a grumpy old man, and can get quite irritable when I am setting up new tech!
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). It targets all the sensors you have used for the last year. And it knows what you have named your sensors too, and imports that information. This makes for a really useful and stress-free setup process.
This update will also go out to other Edges later this year, including the Garmin Edge 1030, 830, and 530.
Unlike with the Wahoo, you still cannot configure phone based data fields.
Related Post: Garmin Edge 530 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
Changes to the Screen of the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
First, the blue halo that hung around some of the Edge 1030 screens has been eliminated.
More importantly, the touch screen display has been upgraded. Basically it is now the same screen as the upgraded 830, but bigger. As we all noticed, the 830 screen was a major upgrade in terms of the touchscreen working so much better.
Similarly, the Edge 1030 Plus screen is much improved. Expect to be able to use it (without cursing) in the rain, while wearing gloves!
New Beeps!
The iconic Garmin beeping noise has changed. The tone is very slightly different, and it is noticeably louder. Also, the speaker is in a different spot.
Shimano Ebike integration
The new Garmin Edge 1030 Plus is integrated with the Shimano Steps Ebike System, offering a dedicated ebike status screen that is ideal for keeping track of your bike’s battery life, the mode you’re in, and other ride data.
What is Shimano Steps?
The Shimano Steps E8000 is a system of components that are installed on an electric bike. This system offers you intuitive trail support. At the same time, you enjoy the feeling of riding a regular mountain bike. The Shimano Steps mountain bike e-bike system is pre-installed on a wide variety of bike brands.
Video Highlighting Changes to the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030
Bottom Line on Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030
So, the bottom line is that this is not a revolutionary update, but it does have some very sweet spots. The most attractive will depend on your own needs and preferences.
- For many, the increased processor speed and improved touch screen will be the most important.
- However, if you are a mountain biker, the integrated Trailforks and mountain biking dynamics, plus all the built-in trail maps, will probably be the standout features that might tempt you to upgrade.
- If touring is your thing, the built-in, high-quality global maps (and access to all the maps you could possibly want) would be pretty tempting.
- If you are a super-athlete, the bumped-up battery life is most likely going to be important to you.
- If you are an adventurous cyclist who likes to plan routes – and also deviate from them whenever the fancy takes you – then the new rerouting options and the pause route option are going to be a whole lot of fun.
If none of the above apply to you, you are probably best advised to stick with your existing bike computer. Unless of course this is your first bike computer – in that case, if you can afford it, you definitely could not go wrong with the new Garmin Edge 1030.
Would a Cheaper Option – like the Edge 530 or 830 – be Better for You?
But bear in mind that if you don’t need the large screen and full navigation, then you could probably do just fine with a Garmin Edge 530. And if you don’t need the large screen but still want all the features, you could probably do just fine with an Edge 830.
If it’s hard to decide (and it usually is), check out our new post:
Related Post: Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
https://averagejoecyclist.com/garmin-edge-530-vs-830-vs-1030/
Good luck with choosing the best bike computer for you!
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