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With a fundamentally revised user interface, new (training) functions, more precise navigation and a longer battery life, Garmin is taking its Edge bike computer series to a new level. With the new Edge 1040, the US company is launching a new top model at the top of the Edge family. Both in terms of size and functionality, but also in terms of price. Compared to the Map update and the Plus version of Edge 130 and Edge 1030 Garmin has recently launched a completely new generation with the Edge 1040.
Solar charging function on the Edge 1040 Solar
Strictly speaking, Garmin is launching two new bike computers. The "normal" Edge 1040 for 599.99 euros and the Solar version for 150 euros, which utilises the power of the sun to charge the battery thanks to two solar lenses at the top and on the display. The dimensions (59.3 x 117.6 x 20.0 mm) and the 3.5-inch colour touchscreen display are the same for both. Compared to the current Edge 1030 Plus, the new Garmin computer is slightly larger. The two Edge 1040 models are also only a few grams lighter. In terms of battery life, the Edge 1040 outperforms its predecessor models, in some cases significantly. According to the manufacturer, the Edge 1040 lasts up to 35 hours in GPS mode. In the solar version, the built-in battery even lasts up to 45 hours. Whether on the move or during a stop at a beer garden in power-saving mode: as long as the sun is shining, the battery is charged via the solar elements that Garmin already uses in smartwatches. In the best case scenario, this should add up to 42 additional minutes of battery life to an hour's journey.
More precise navigation and revised cycle maps
The new Edge 1040 should also be more precise than its predecessors when it comes to location accuracy. This is because the bike computer can receive several global satellite systems (GPS, Glonass, Galileo) in parallel to determine the location. This should have a particularly positive effect on navigation in deep valleys or dense forests. Another new feature that affects navigation and finding favourite bike routes and trails is the revised map overlays. Depending on the activity - for example MTB or gravel biking - the most popular sections are highlighted in colour. Garmin draws on the wealth of data from the Connect community, which is fed with thousands of uploads of tour kilometres every day. When planning routes - whether directly on the Edge 1040 or via Garmin Connect - these popular sections are also prioritised for inclusion in the route.
Familiar functions such as round trip routing (randomised planning of round trips) or the Climb Pro function (special display of climbs) are still on board. Route planning can be carried out directly on the device or in the Connect app. If you prefer to plan with tour planning programmes and apps such as Komoot and Strava, you can also have the routes on your bike computer in a flash. Because the Edge 1040 synchronises the routes automatically. Of particular interest to mountain bikers: the new Garmin flagship also comes with a pre-installed Trailforks map.
New user interface and data visualisation
Instead of just adjusting individual details, Garmin has fundamentally revised the user interface with the Edge 1040. The aim: operation is more intuitive, handling is simpler and data is summarised more compactly. It is now easier to scroll through the many navigation, performance and safety functions. Also new: The start page can be customised according to personal preferences, the ride overview by tour is clearer and less convoluted. At the same time, all settings on the Edge 1040 - including the configuration of the data fields - can now be made directly on the computer as well as in the Garmin Connect app. This was not possible before.
New functions for training control
The special mountain bike key figures that for the first time with the Edge 830 are also available on the Edge 1040. For example, the number, height and distance of the jumps are recorded. In addition, the Grit value gives an indication of how difficult the descents are and the Flow value categorises how smoothly you have ridden the trail or tour based on various parameters. As many cyclists also use their bike computers for targeted training, Garmin has also packed some new training functions into the Edge 1040. The new Garmin computer informs ambitious cyclists about physiological key figures such as VO2 max, training load, load focus (aerobic vs. anaerobic) or a recommended recovery time. These functions are designed to convert a wide range of measured data into specific training tips as simply and comprehensibly as possible, thus enabling targeted training for a wide range of people. In addition to the analyses, you receive daily training suggestions.
Completely new functions are the "cycling ability" and the comparison with the requirements of planned routes. This algorithm uses recorded data to determine the cyclist's strengths and compares these with the requirements of a planned route (e.g. route length, metres in altitude or technical difficulty). The new "Power Guide" and "Stamina" functions provide cyclists who ride and train with power meters with even more help on how to optimise their performance on a route or in a race.
Facts about the Garmin Edge 1040 / Edge 1040 Solar
- New top model in the Edge series with 3.5-inch touchscreen (size: 59.3 x 117.6 x 20.0 mm)
- Weight: 126 gram / 134 gram
- Price: 599,99 Euro / 749,99 Euro
- Sensors: ANT+ / Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) / WLAN
- Internal memory: 32 GB / 64 GB
- Battery life (GPS mode): up to 35 hours / up to 45 hours
- Charging socket: USB-C
- Greater accuracy thanks to reception of several global satellite systems (GPS, Glonass, Galileo, BeiDou)
- Map update with popularity overlay depending on activity type / Trailforks map
- MTB metrics: jump analysis, flow, grit
- Complete configuration possible directly on the device or via smartphone (Connect app)
- Clearer user interface with new overview and detail pages
- Smart features such as smart notifications, live tracking, accident notification, group track, automatic synchronisation with Komoot/Strava
- New training and performance functions: Cycling ability, power guide, stamina, daily workout suggestions
