This in-depth post with video reviews aims to give you all the information you need to choose between the Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040. The Edge 1040 is the new flagship of the series, and it has bought a lot of new things to the table, including a solar version. However, one of the earlier (and cheaper) bike computers could work fine for you, as they are all premium bike computers with multiple excellent features. I hope this post will make it easier for you to decide which bike computer best matches your needs.4
First I have compiled a chart that compares the key features offered by these bike computers, including training metrics and navigation. Then I discuss the differences between the four bike computers. Then, I offer some advice on which Garmin Edge to buy, based on your needs. If you don’t have enough time to read all of this, you can jump to the Bottom Line on which Garmin Edge bike computer is right for you. Otherwise, please read on for more details!
Chart Comparing the Features of the Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus vs 830 vs 530 Bike Computers
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| 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 Amazon | Usually just under $300, but click here for the Best Price Right Now on Amazon | Usually just under $400, but click here for the Best Price Right Now on Amazon | Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $381.00 | 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 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 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 | |||
| 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 | Usually just under $300, but click here for the Best Price Right Now on Amazon | Usually just under $400, but click here for the Best Price Right Now on Amazon | Best Price on Amazon Right Now: $381.00 | 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)? | ||||
| | | | |
| How does it communicate? | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi | 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? | ||||
| | | | |
| 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) | ||||
Please note that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It costs you nothing at all, but it does make it possible for us to do this work.
CHECK OUT this AMAZON PRIME DEAL – Garmin Edge 830 Sensor Bundle, 30% OFF for two days only.
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Note: The offer above ends before midnight on 12 July 2023. The offer will expire earlier if stocks run out.
Related Post: Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus: What’s the Difference?
Related Post: Garmin Edge 840 vs 830: What’s the Difference?
Related Post: ALL Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared, with Detailed Comparison Chart and Videos
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!)
What the Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus vs 830 vs 530 Bike Computers Have in Common
As you can see, there are not very many differences between these four premium GPS bike computers. However, the Edge 1030 Plus and 1040 look quite different from the other two. The Edge 830 and 530 are the same size, and almost the same weight. The Edge 1030 Plus and 1040 are bigger, and look more like a smart phone.
In terms of price, the range is usually as follows:
- Garmin Edge 530: $300
- Garmin Edge 830: $400
- Garmin Edge 1030 Plus: $600
- Garmin Edge 1040: $600 OR $749 (Solar Version)
All four have the sleek good looks and quality feel that comes with all Garmin Edge bike computers these days.
So How to Decide: Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus vs 830 vs 530?
All four are top-quality bike computers that offer a dazzling number of advanced bike training features. All three have beautiful color screens. The 830, 1030 Plus and 1040 have touch screens, while the 530 is button controlled only.
You can connect all four to a range of training devices and sensors, such as heart rate monitors, and speed, power, and cadence meters. All four can connect to these monitors using both ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart. They all have access to both GPS and Glonass satellite systems, so they acquire a GPS signal fast. All four will record your bike rides and will wirelessly transfer your data to Garmin Connect (or Strava, or several other apps).
Related Post: Is a Garmin Edge Bike Computer Worth It?
Advanced Analysis of Your Cycling Performance and Power Output
All four of these bike computers offer advanced analysis of your performance and power. These include Time in Zone, FTP (Functional Threshold Power) tracking, cycling-specific VO2 and recovery, and cycling dynamics.
Plus, they all offer mountain bike metrics, which offer cool ways to motivate you on your mountain bike – such as how long you were in the air, and how hard your ride was (Grit rating).
They also all have the Trailforks app – with 130,000 mountain bike trails – preloaded on the unit! Basically, wherever you are, you can just stop and choose a nearby trail. You will be able to preview the route, and all important details about it.
However, the Edge 1040 has a new feature called the Forksight Mode, within the Trailforks App. This 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.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, all four offer live tracking – which means designated people can track where you are. All four are very connected, with phone call and text message alerts, and a ton of other connected features.
To simplify matters, I have summed up each of the four bike computers below.
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The Garmin Edge 530, Summed Up
The Garmin Edge 530 is an upgrade on the Garmin Edge 520 Plus. The Edge 520 Plus was Garmin’s strong response to increasing competition from the likes of Wahoo. However, there were complaints that with all the upgrades to that model and the extra maps, the processor was not up to the job. As a result, the 520 Plus could be slow in functions such as calculating routes.
Then suddenly, Garmin surprised the cycling world by launching the Edge 530 upgrade much sooner than it usually updates. This upgrade was a massive hardware and a software upgrade. Most importantly, the upgraded processor is twice as fast! But it also came with a whole bunch of new cycling metrics, blazing a trail for the rest of the range. Now, all three of these bike computers share these features.
Button Control, not Touch Screen Control
Like the 520 Plus, the Garmin Edge 530 has button control, not touch screen control (as found in the Edge 830 and Edge 1030). Personally, I prefer button control. Sometimes I find screen swiping doesn’t work perfectly, especially in the rain.
Related Post: 7 of the Best Bike Computers, 2022 – from Budget to Premium
Improved Touch Screen on the Edge 830 and 1030 Plus
However, the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus and 830 have solved that annoying rain-on-the-screen problem. The touch screen used on both of them (in different sizes) is the best yet seen on Garmin Edge units. Almost all users have nothing but praise for it. Even in the rain.
All the same, button control gives you complete control, all the time, even with bulky gloves on. On the other hand, many people prefer touchscreen control. Some people find they have become so used to touchscreen controls on their phone that it has become intuitive. If this is you, you may find that not having touchscreen control is annoying.
What’s So Different about the Garmin Edge 530?
So, what is so different about the Edge 530? Quite a lot, actually. In fact, I wrote an entire post about it:
Related Post: 9 Great Upgrades to the Garmin Edge 530 – Garmin’s Game-Changing GPS Bike Computer
The Edge 520 did not give you cycling-specific maps and could not calculate routes of any kind; plus, it could not give you turn-by-turn directions as you cycled. All you got were the most basic of maps, plus breadcrumbs-type navigation if you downloaded courses to it. There were work-arounds you could do, but they were time-consuming.
The Edge 520 Plus went a long way towards addressing these issues, adding a much better base cycling map, and some ability to give turn-by-turn directions. But the navigation features on the 520 Plus were still not as advanced as those found on the Edge 820 and Edge 1030. These features were much improved on the 530. However, the navigation features on the Edge 530 remain inferior to those on the 830 and the 1030 Plus.
The Garmin Edge 530 and Navigation
Specifically, this is what the Garmin Edge 530 can and cannot do, when it comes to mapping and navigation:
- The Edge 530 comes preloaded with Garmin Cycle Maps, so it can navigate along a saved route, or to a saved point (such as your office or your home, or the local pub), without an internet connection. Plus, you get turn-by-turn directions and alerts for turns ahead.
- After you follow a route, the Edge 530 can guide you back to the start.
- The Edge 530 has the Trendline Popularity feature, which highlights routes that other cyclists prefer. This has the major advantage that you are shown routes that are actually fun or safe to bike, rather than simply the shortest route.
- You can use the preloaded Yelp app to find nearby bike shops, coffee shops, etc. – and navigate to them with turn-by-turn directions.
- You cannot find nearby POIs (Points of Interest) and navigate to them (only the Edge 830, 1030 and 1030 Plus have a full suite of POIs). However, the Yelp app does almost the same thing.
- You cannot input an address and ask the Edge 530 to navigate to that address (which you can do with the Edge 830 and 1030 Plus). Basically, this means you need to plan ahead, and download new routes to your Edge 530 before you set off on your bike. For many cyclists this is not a deal-breaker … but for some, it is.
- The Garmin Edge 530 has integrated Trailforks, which means it has 130,000 trails right on the unit. (The Garmin Edge 520 Plus did not have this.) The 830 and 1030 Plus also have this.
- The Garmin Edge 530 can recalculate and get you back on course, if you go off-course while riding a downloaded route. (The Garmin Edge 520 Plus could not do this.) The 830 and 1030 Plus can also do this.
Related Post: Garmin Edge 830 vs 820: What’s the Difference?
Video Showing the Upgrades to the Garmin Edge 530
List of Upgrades to the Garmin Edge 530 (and to the 830 and 1030 Plus)
There are a huge number of important upgrades to the Edge 530. These upgrades are also on the 830 and the 1030 Plus. Below is a list of the most important ones:
- Upgrade no. 1: Speed: The processor is twice as fast.
- Upgrade no. 2: Full Navigation Maps (Garmin Cycling Maps): Re-route on the fly while cycling if you go off course! Use back-to-start routing.
- Upgrade no. 3: ClimbPro: Tells you on the fly about the grades ahead on downloaded routes. Great for serious climbers.
- Upgrade no. 4: Mountain Biking Metrics: Including Grit rating, Flow rating, Hang time, and fully integrated Trailforks app with 130,000 trails.
- Upgrade no. 5: Brand New Performance Metrics: Including Performance power curve; Heat acclimation; Altitude acclimation; Water and calorie requirements.
- Upgrade no. 6: Better Structured Workouts
- Upgrade no. 7: Bluetooth Smart connectivity, which means you can connect to more things, while using less battery power
- Upgrade no. 8: Longer Battery Life: Plus you can use an added battery charge pack, so you can have more than 40 hours of battery life
- Upgrade no. 9: Bike Alarm
- Upgrade no. 10: Find my Bike Computer
Related Post: 9 Great Upgrades to the Garmin Edge 530 – Garmin’s Game-Changing GPS Bike Computer
Graphic showing some of the cool new features on the Garmin Edge 530
New Features built into the Garmin Edge 530Bottom Line on the Garmin Edge 530
In a nutshell, the Garmin Edge 530 is a premium bike computer with loads of features that will be more than enough for most cyclists. And the cherry on the top is that Garmin has bought it in at an attractive price point, relative to the 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. Plus, you are more into button control than touchscreen control.
And if you do extremely long rides, then the Edge 530 is ideal, thanks to greater battery life (20 hours vs 15 hours on the 520. Plus, you have the option to plug in the extra Garmin Charge power pack to extend to more than 40 hours). In practice, these hours contract if you use multiple sensors, so this could be a big bonus for very serious cyclists. Of course, the 830 and the 1030 Plus also have this option.
Related Post: Garmin Edge 530 vs 830: What’s the Difference?
The Garmin Edge 830, Summed Up
The Garmin Edge 830 is a massive upgrade on the Edge 820. Essentially, these upgrades are the same upgrades that are in the Edge 530 (see list of upgrades above).
What are the Differences between the Garmin Edge 530 and the Edge 830?
Touchscreen
Well first, the 830 uses touchscreen controls, not button controls. Importantly, its touch screen is much improved over the Edge 820. In fact, it’s the best touchscreen Garmin has yet come up with. But, it’s still not as good as a smart phone (few things are!).
True Turn-by-Turn Navigation
Second, the Garmin Edge 830 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. 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.
Expect to pay about $100 extra for these two differences.
Video Review of the Garmin Edge 830
Bottom Line on the Garmin Edge 830
In a nutshell, the Garmin Edge 830 is for you if you want absolutely premium bike training features in a small, light, package, plus connectivity with every possible sensor, smart notifications, and the latest apps, AND you also want premium mapping and navigation features. Plus, you prefer touchscreen control over buttons.
Related Post: 9 New Features in the Garmin Edge 830
The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus, Summed Up
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.
Naturally, as with the Garmin Edge 830 and 1040, the Edge 1030 Plus has true turn-by-turn navigation built into it, right out of the box. Just like the 1030. But what’s new in the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus?
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. More importantly, the touch screen display was upgraded. It is now the same screen as the upgraded 830, but bigger. 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!
With this bike computer, 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.
More Memory on the 1030 Plus
The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus has 32 GB of onboard memory, rather than 16 GB. So, you don’t need an extra memory card.
Faster Processor
Just as happened with the 530 and 830 upgrades, the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus had a major upgrade to its processor speed. It is now rated at double the speed.
Longer Battery Life
Depending on how many features and sensors you use, the battery could now run for up to 48 hours. For most users, it would be reasonable to expect 36 hours.
There is an option to extend battery life, as this unit still has a connection port to attach an external Garmin Battery, adding on another 24 hours.
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
The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus retains 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. These options are of course included on the 1040.
New 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
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
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.
Sharing Updates
These software updates to the 1030 Plus 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. However, if you already have an Edge bike computer, you will not be getting the free maps via an update.
Also, note that almost all of the software updates to the 1040 will not be shared with the rest of the line.
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 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. 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.
Next, I have more details on the major differences between the Garmin Edge 503 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040.
The Major Differences between the Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040, Summed Up
New Features in the Garmin Edge 530 and 830 and 1030 Plus
All of these bike computers have a whole range of awesome new features. All of them have upgraded, twice-as-fast processors. All of this was debuted with the 530, but have now been replicated in the 830 and the 1030 Plus. Also, a much improved touch screen debuted in the 830, and has now been replicated in the 1030 Plus (only bigger).
Maps and Navigation
All three bike computers have built-in Garmin Cycling Maps and the ability to give turn-by-turn directions. However, if you need a bike computer that will calculate routes for you on the road, your choices come down to the 830 or the 1030 Plus. But very importantly, the Edge 1030 Plus ships with all the maps you need for the country you are in, plus another country. And it has plenty of onboard storage for all these maps, and more.
On the other hand, if you don’t mind making your cycling plans in advance, you can download routes to the Edge 530, and get your turn-by-turn directions when you ride. And of course, it can navigate to saved places, and to places on the Yelp app.
Touchscreen on the 530 vs Button Control on the 830 and 1030 Plus
The Edge 1040 and 1030 Plus and 830 have touchscreen control, while the Edge 530 is operated with buttons. So, your preference on this matter is important. The good news is that Garmin touch screens just keep getting better. Early iterations could be sluggish in response, but that has improved a lot. The 830, the 1030 Plus and the 1040 have excellent touch screens.
Related Post: Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs. 130 Plus: Premium vs. Budget Bike Computers
Size Differences between the Four Bike Computers
These four bike computers have significant differences in size and weight. The 830 and the 530 are almost identical, but the 1030 Plus and 1040 are very different. The Edge 1030 Plus and 1040 weigh 4.4 oz (124 g), the 830 weighs 2.8 oz (79.1 g), and the 530 weighs 2.7 oz (75.8 g). The 830 and the 530 have 2.6″ diagonal screens with 246 x 322 pixels high resolution.
The Edge 1030 Plus and the 1040 are very noticeably bigger, with a 3.5″ screen and a screen resolution of 282 x 470 pixels. They look more like a smart phone than a bike computer. There are many cyclists who insist on the Edge 1030 Plus or the 1040 purely because of the screen size, as it is easier to see the maps. This is more likely with older cyclists, like me.
Bottom Line on which Bike Computer is Right for You: Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus vs 1040
If you don’t need much in the way of navigation, the best value for most people right now is definitely the Garmin Edge 530. With the latest updates and the attractive price point, it seems to be unbeatable, really. In fact, respected cycling authority DC Rainmaker has said that it “looks like the best bike computer ever.” However, it ultimately depends on what you personally need, so read on …
- 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. (Prices are around $300 for the 530; around $400 for the 830; and around $600 for the 1030 Plus). But only if you are content with only having navigation and turn-by-turn directions if you download routes beforehand.
- Don’t buy the Edge 530 if you really enjoy touchscreens. In that case, you might want to choose the Edge 830. Or the Edge 1030 Plus, if your eyesight requires the bigger screen of the 1030 Plus.
- Buy the Edge 830 if awesome training features and full-feature navigation are important to you (that is, you want to be able to input addresses into the unit while you are riding, and then navigate to them with turn-by-turn directions).
- Buy the Edge 1030 Plus if you have problems seeing a smaller bike computer. And awesome training features and full-feature navigation are important to you (that is, you want to be able to input addresses into the unit while you are riding, and then navigate to them with turn-by-turn directions). And you want an awesome range of free maps. Or you especially want any of the new features, such as increased storage, longer battery life, improved Live Tracking, Daily Workout guidance, etc. But note that most of these upgrades will get to the other two bike computers soon.
- Buy the 1040 if you want everything the 1030 Plus offers, plus a lot more, for the same price. And you want the best, fastest, and most accurate bike computer in the world today.
- Buy the 1040 Solar Edition if you want a 1040 AND you also plan to do multi-day bike rides, OR you don’t want to have to think about charging your bike computer.
It comes down to what you need and value, and how much you are willing and able to pay for it. It’s a tough choice, but somebody’s got to make it!
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