Today Garmin launched the Edge 1040 Solar and Edge 1040 cycling computers. This marks the first update since the Edge 1030 Plus two years ago. At that time, Garmin was bringing the Edge 1030 into a line with the rest of the Edge lineup with the addition of the Plus moniker. Today’s announcement brings the update to the top-of-the-line slot in the Edge lineup and this time it leads the product category with new features and a new style.
The headline feature of the new 1040 model design is the battery life. The Garmin Edge 1030 plus already outdistanced the competition but the new models extend that advantage even further with two options for the flagship model. The more affordable option is the Edge 1040 with expectations of 35 and 70 hours for standard and battery saver mode respectively.
Those looking for even more impressive numbers now have a new model to turn to as well. The flagship Garmin Edge 1040 Solar also includes solar charging and the ability to extend battery life by as much as 42 minutes per hour during daytime riding. That enhances the quoted battery life numbers to double that of the previous model at 45 hours in standard mode and 100 hours in battery saver when riding in sunny conditions. Compatibility with the Garmin Charge Power Pack remains, which will push those numbers even higher.
Getting those impressive numbers doesn’t require a size penalty either. The new units are actually smaller and battery size have already seen a decrease from 1900 mAh down to 1800 mAh. The CPU and screen remain mostly the same, so the improved performance comes via software tuning. Garmin says the new software architecture allows it to optimize and improve battery life performance while also boosting overall performance.
In terms of hardware improvements, the exterior remains very recognizable. USB-C replaces the outdated micro-USB charging port and the outer casing is ever so slightly thinner. At the front, the design language remains the same with solar panels replacing the bezels above and below the screen on the Edge 1040 Solar. Flip the units over and now have newly strengthened metal quarter-turn mount installed to ensure safety over rougher surfaces.
Another hardware update is the move to multi-band satellite connectivity. While the Edge 1030 series adds multi-band connections. Practically speaking that means we should expect better coverage in situations where sky visibility is a challenge. You may find that you can move with less delay.
Software updates
Along with the hardware changes, there are software-based improvements across the board. For those that are already Garmin users, setup continues to take less than five minutes. A few clicks and all your previous settings pull through and you’re ready to ride. For those who are starting to make a change, there is now more integration with the Garmin Connect phone app. It’s possible to customize the data screens through the app, similar to functionality from Wahoo, or with long presses on the device screen.
The Garmin Edge map experience has remained unchanged. Turn-by-turn navigation is the best way to pause when it’s time to explore and search for data. For those heading farther offroad, there continues to be Trailforks integration as well. On the top of those details, there are now searchable points of interest on the map.
In fact, with most software features we see a similar strategy: you have added functionality. The 1040 series offers even more. The Cycling Ability feature helps you classify your cycling abilities and compare your cycling ability to the demands of a specific course so you can focus your training and improve in the right areas. While real-time stamina gives guidance for pacing during a ride and Power Guide recommends power targets.
One area that’s truly new is an updated, and customisable home screen. The screen that greets you when you turn on your Edge 1040 series computer is now a wealth of information that’s completely customizable. Either through the Garmin Connect app, you can re-order, add, or remove a series of data widgets referred to as glances.
For those wondering, new software features won’t be coming to older devices. While it may take only a few minutes to set up the new device, it will require updates even if they are fully software-based.
Price and Availability
- Pricing: Edge 1040 Solar – £ 629.99 / € 749.99 / $ 749.99 / AU $ 1299.00, Edge 1040 Non-Solar – £ 519.99 / € 599.99 / $ 599.99 / AU $ 999.00
- Unit dimensions (WxHxD): 2.3 ”x 4.6” x 0.8 ”(59.3 x 117.6 x 20.0 mm)
- Display size: 3.5 ”(88.9 mm) diagonal
- Display resolution (WxH): 282 x 470 pixels
- Display type: Sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixels (MIP)
- Weight: Standard – 4.4 oz (126 g) Solar – 4.7 oz (134 g)
- Memory / history: 64GB / 32GB and 200 hours of data activity