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EB15: New Garmin Edge Explore 1000 finds adventure, notifies friends if you find trouble

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Garmin Edge Explore 1000 GPS cycling computer for touring and adventure cycling

Garmin seems to be paying close attention to cyclists’ needs more than ever. With the recent introduction of their Varia System, they obviously recognize the importance of safety to a cyclist and decided to take it up a notch with “Incident Detection” in the new Edge Explore 1000.

It’s aimed more at those looking to get out there, travel less trafficked roads and spend more time away from it all. There are no Segments, power data is more limited, and the GUI is more iconic and intuitive than the more performance oriented Edge units. Aimed at the adventure cyclist and long distance rider, it’ll even take an SD card to hold larger, more detailed maps. It also builds in a 15 hour battery life and can operate while plugged into an auxiliary power source, too.

Navigate past the break to see how the new Edge Explore 1000 can assist you on your next adventure…

Garmin Edge Explore 1000 GPS cycling computer for touring and adventure cycling

For adventure types and those that ride alone often, the new Edge has many similarities to the current Edge 1000, but eliminates some of the “training” features to make the interface more friendly. While the segment-chasing Stravaites would be shattered not having the Live Segment Tracking or the Virtual Partner, the Edge Explore still has the ability to measure heart rate & power. It also has Round Trip routing that will show you three potential routes based on the distance and direction you want to head from wherever you are and Live Tracking that allows friends and family to follow you during your adventure from their computer or phone. The Explore 1000 also syncs with Garmin Connect giving you Instant Upload, call and text notifications, as well as weather alerts.

garmin-edge-explore-1000-gps-cycling-computer

The big feature on the Edge Explore is Incident Detection, (and we assume this won’t be the only unit with it in the near future). It uses an integrated accelerometer to detect a crash and will automatically (or manually), alert your emergency contacts within 30 seconds. This feature could be life saving and will likely be appreciated by loved ones as well. For those that ride in some desolate areas alone, they might appreciate pairing this with the Varia rear radar for the ultimate amount of precautionary safety.

Without the training focus, the screen and buttons are reworked. The  result is a simpler interface with more of what you need at your fingertips, without any additional “information overload” cluttering the screen while giving you a little more peace of mind knowing that even in the worst scenario you’re not alone. The new Edge Explore 1000 uses the fast-acting ability to find your location due to its compatibility with both GPS and GLONASS satellites and retails for $449.

Garmin.com

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JBikes
JBikes
8 years ago

I’m assuming the auto-contact timer is also user-configurable?
And what is the communication protocol when you are really out there? Is it free?

Francois
Francois
8 years ago

Great unit, but quite expensive.
Hopefully, they will also release an updated Edge Touring that will also include the live sync, at a lower price point.

@JBikes: I think it has to be paired with your phone, through Bluetooth (that’s how you get the live tracking and text/email notifications). I guess the signal would be in the form of a text or recorded call to your emergency contact, that emanates directly from your phone. Then it wouldn’t work if you don’t have any signal, or if your unit or phone breaks in the crash…

drosser
drosser
8 years ago

JBikes – I am assuming it would use Bluetooth to connect to your mobile phone. The only fly in this ointment is that many “adventurous” places don’t get cell service.

Micah
8 years ago

Hopefully one day someone will make a better gps for touring and long rides. Currently the best option is the eTrex, but it would be nice to have something smaller.

Adventurebybike.be
8 years ago

Bring bck the 705

Tyler Benedict
Admin
8 years ago

All – yes, it connects with bluetooth to your phone to update weather, provide live tracking, text alerts and communicate with friends in the event of a perceived accident. So, normal data charges from your mobile carrier would apply, and if you don’t have cell service, then some features won’t work.

'Merika
'Merika
8 years ago

If you’re really really the adventurous type, you would be running the Spot Connect anyway. This product is for roadies who go 3 miles from the coffee shop and think that they’re being core.

Francois
Francois
8 years ago

@Merika: or for people with a significant other who thinks cycling is dangerous, and gets worried when you’re late.

Sean P
Sean P
8 years ago

I really wish they would work on the battery life in these things. Also, why can’t they incorporate what SPOT does in their GPS tracking units? I’d happily give up the color screen and a few other items for a much longer lasting battery. I don’t want to sync this thing with my phone wither. Especially when I’m in the middle of Big Bend where there is absolutely no cell service. Doesn’t do me much good. Rant over.

Antipodean_eleven
8 years ago

@’Merika “This product is for roadies who go 3 miles from the coffee shop and think that they’re being core.” Well, I think that applies to a good 75% of stuff these days aimed at road riders and increasingly mountain bikers.

@Francois has a good point though. The amount of times I’ve headed out the door way too early and come back a little late to a worried other half. While iOS does have a ‘Where’s my phone’ app that she can use on the iPad to see where I’m at if need be, not everyone has an Apple phone (yea, mad, right?).

jimmy dean
jimmy dean
8 years ago

Sure it has it’s ups and downs, but hey, is it terrible to have options? I’m with French Frank on this one though; I plan on upgrading my computer solely based on a previous experience of being concussed in the middle of nowhere and doing a bad job of telling my wife where I was. Life is tough for the consumer with options, I tell ya.

Jake
Jake
8 years ago

Will it pair with a SPOT Connect or InReach, they are both bluetooth and transmit over satellite. Where I ride, the pavement ends so does cell service.

Pedaltrash
8 years ago

I think this is a step towards combining all the top technologies, but it certainly isn’t there yet. If I were buying a handlebar GPS unit right now, this would certainly be on my radar (hah!) along with the eTrex. A Spot type unit still makes sense as a backup if you are REALLY out there. One day all that technology will pile into one unit, and then a decade later it will come down to mere-mortal prices.

As far as nervous-spouse-syndrome, I find the RideWithGPS app works great if you’re in cell service. Spousey can sign up for a free account and watch your progress in near-real-time from any computer or mobile. I even run it on my commute in case I drop my phone….

badbikemachnicx
badbikemachnicx
8 years ago

I am sick of garmin releasing updates in the form of new computers. I paid quite a bit for an edge 800 a couple of years ago and I am stuck with the crappy maps and routing interface, and no strava support. If anyone is the market just go with the edge 500 and use a smart phone for mapping.

Tom
Tom
8 years ago

I frequently ride my mtb in remote, cell-free areas, and carry a ResQ Link Personal Locating Beacon in case of emergency. I would love for this type of notification feature to be incorporated into a Garmin unit, but if it needs to be paired with a cell phone, it is of no value to me.

I’m sure it’s coming soon, though, from somebody!

jeff
jeff
8 years ago

I’m still using my EDGE 705… I was going to replace it but Garmin keeps missing the mark for me. All the new units have shorter battery life, touch screen, etc. The EDGE 520 is the closest to what I would want to get but then it doesn’t do routing (and honestly doesn’t look very durable for mtbing)… I guess I will keep waiting.

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