Garmin has launched its new top-end GPS cycling computer, the Edge 1050, which is said to have an improved display, built-in speaker, improved group ride features and the ability to make contactless payments. However, it has a shorter battery life compared to the Edge 1040 and does not offer a solar edition.
Rumors have been swirling lately about a new Garmin bike computer, and today it launched as the Edge 1050, claiming to be the “brightest and smartest bike computer ever.” This is Garmin’s first new bike computer since the Edge 540 and Edge 840 were unveiled together over a year ago.
Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales, said: “We are excited to introduce our most capable, highest-performing bike computer yet with the Edge 1050.
“Our newest bike computer delivers an exceptional riding experience, superior navigation and community-oriented features and is built to keep cyclists motivated – whether they’re planning a group ride with friends or a long solo adventure.”
The Edge 1050 has a refreshed design with a 3.5-inch wraparound LCD touchscreen and a sloped bezel, leaving little room for buttons on the sides, unlike the Garmin Edge 840.
Battery life
In 2022, Garmin introduced solar charging to the Edge range with the 1040 Solar, expanding to more accessible versions such as the 540 and 840 when they launched in spring 2023. However, the new Edge 1050 does not – or does not yet – integrate this technology. Garmin provided some clarity on this: “The Edge 1040 Solar will co-exist alongside the 1050, which has the brighter screen – so customers can choose whether they prefer a brighter screen or solar/really long battery life”. We can only speculate as to why that isn’t the case right now: perhaps solar charging wasn’t popular or wasn’t considered worth the extra money by Garmin fans.
Back to ‘traditional’ charging methods, Garmin says the Edge 1050 features “a vibrant color display, enhanced group ride features, built-in speaker and more – all without sacrificing battery life.” Despite these improvements, the Edge 1050 offers up to 20 hours of battery life “in heavy use” and up to 60 hours in battery saver mode. In comparison, the Garmin Edge 1040 without solar power offers up to 35 hours of battery life in demanding use, and up to 70 hours in battery saver mode.
Incident detection alerts
The Edge 1050 introduces a host of new features aimed at “promoting a more cohesive cycling community.”
Users can now receive alerts about road hazards, such as warnings of potholes or fallen trees, reported by fellow cyclists. In addition, messages and leaderboards have been added during the ride to introduce a competitive element to the rides.
These updates will soon also be available on the Edge 540, Edge 840 and Edge 1040 series bike computers.
Contactless payments
Garmin has also introduced the Garmin Pay contactless payments feature on the Edge 1050, in line with recent smartwatches. This feature could make payments easier at the café stop without having to dig through your pockets, although paying with your bike computer might take some getting used to…
Built-in speaker and integrated bicycle bell
The Edge 1050 also features an integrated speaker that not only provides training and navigation directions, but also serves as a bicycle bell and alerts other road users to your presence. As the front becomes more and more integrated and non-standard in shape, the integrated calling function seems like a win-win situation; although we haven’t tested it yet but will do so in our upcoming full review of the Edge 1050.
Create courses on the device
You can also create routes directly on the Edge 1050, as well as access routes suited for a specific ride or those most traveled by other Garmin users. Cyclists can also use pin drop navigation to send a point of interest from Apple Maps and automatically receive navigation to that location.
Performance tools and insights
The Edge 1050 comes equipped with training tools like personalized Garmin training plans, real-time endurance insights, performance metrics like VO2 max and training status, and features like ClimbPro for tackling climbs.
It’s worth noting that several of these features require the use of compatible smartphones and sensors, such as a power meter and/or heart rate monitor, which must be purchased separately.
The Garmin Edge 1050 is on sale now, priced at £649.99, meaning it won’t be in our cheap bike computer buyer’s guide anytime soon. Compared to other high-end cycle computers recently launched, recent releases such as the Coros Dura GPS solar cycle computer, which offers up to 120 hours of battery life, can be had for £249. Another option is the Hammerhead Karoo 3, with a 3.2-inch display, costing £450 for a similar sized device.
garmin.com