It’s been nearly two years since the last “big screen” Garmin launch, and it seems to have been worth the wait. The all-new Garmin Edge 1050 wants to change how cyclists view and use their head units. Garmin claims the new Edge 1050 is its brightest, most intelligent, and most connected cycling computer ever.
What is the Garmin Edge 1050?
The Edge 1050 is the new flagship cycling computer from Garmin. It boasts an ultra-vibrant Liquid Crystal touchscreen display and provides more real-time feedback than any computer on the market. Are riders ready for all the real time feed-back and communication on rides?
What kind of real-time feedback are we talking about? The Edge 1050 has updated navigation, performance tracking, cycling awareness, and intelligent connectivity.
Wouldn’t that drain the battery? Yes, but the new unit has a claimed battery life of up to 20 hours in the most demanding use cases and up to 60 hours in the battery-saver mode. That’s not too bad, considering it acts like a smartphone. However, riders looking for an ultra-distance computer might need to stick to the Edge 1040 Solar or wait until an Edge 1050 Solar option becomes available.
Like Waze For Cycling
The new Edge 1050 also has cycling community features. It’s like an onboard road map that can direct and re-direct you when things go wrong or a “Cyclist Waze.” The unit can compile reports of road hazard alerts tagged by fellow cyclists. Reports can be as simple as a roadside pothole or a downed tree. To help with communication (if you choose), riders can also see in-ride messaging and leaderboards during group rides.
Early Edge users, don’t worry, the Garmin Connect App will soon be updated. GroupRide updates and road hazard alerts will be available on Edge 540, Edge 840, and Edge 1040 series cycling computers.
Other features include additions like on-device course creation, Garmin Pay™, a built-in speaker, and more to help improve every ride.
Make Group Rides More Exciting
Suppose you’re looking to make your weekend hammer ride more exciting. Riders can add more competition to their ride with in-ride leaderboards for climbs, plus “you name it” post-ride awards, including Speed Racer (highest max speed), Chatterbox (most heavily using the GroupRide messaging feature), Worker Bee (most time spent pedaling), and more.
Plus Added Safety
In-ride messaging and live locations can help if someone on your ride has an incident. When incident detection is enabled, alerts can notify and route fellow riders to a rider needing help.
“We are excited to introduce our most capable, high-performing bike computer yet with the Edge 1050. Delivering an exceptional in-ride experience, superior navigation, and community-focused features, our latest cycling computer is made to keep cyclists motivated—whether they’re planning a group ride with friends or a long, solo adventure.”
– Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales
Now, With Added Training Tools
Like other Garmin units, the new Edge 1050 has training tools. Free Garmin training plans—like event-adaptive training plans—deliver personalized workouts that adapt based on performance and recovery, while daily suggested workouts provide ride suggestions based on a cyclist’s current training load and Garmin estimated VO2 max.
Stamina Insights
Edge 1050 includes real-time stamina insights that can help riders closely monitor and track their exertion levels. These insights are based on the rider’s current fitness, estimated VO2, and time above FTP. Meanwhile, Power Guide now considers wind data and a cyclist’s current stamina to make real-time adjustments to power targets.
Improved Climb Pro
An updated ClimbPro lets riders see the remaining ascent and grade for each climb—whether riding a course or not. The feature is one of my personal favorites and helps riders pace climbs correctly without blowing up. All new Garmin advanced cycling dynamics can provide riders with insights into their performance, and mountain bike metrics, including jump count, jump distance, and Garmin specific features like Grit®, and Flow™.
Varia and LifeTrack Enabled
If you’re concerned about safety, you probably know the Garmin Varia or the Trek Carback radar. The Edge 1050 includes safety features like LiveTrack and incident detection and is compatible with the Varia™ line of cycling radars and intelligent lights. The unit is also paired with inReach® satellite communicators.
Garmin Edge 1050 Key Features
- Refreshed Design: The angled casing, discrete, all-metal buttons, and a replaceable quarter-turn mount are complemented by a vivid 3.5″ liquid crystal display.
- Garmin Pay Contactless Payments: Don’t worry about digging into your pocket to pull cash; breeze through mid-ride café or snack stops with a tap of the Edge.
- Built-In Speaker: Use an on-device bike bell to record workout and navigation prompts and alert riders and pedestrians ahead.
- On-Device Course Creator: Easily create courses on the device using the responsive touchscreen and toggle different map overlays on or off.
- Surface Type: On the Edge, you can see paved or unpaved roadways while riding and get alerts for upcoming unpaved sections.
- Ride-Specific Routing: Get routing suited to a specific ride—mountain, gravel, or road.
- Map Manager with Wi-Fi® Connectivity: You can add, swap, or update additional maps via Wi-Fi® right on the cycling computer.
- Available: Now
- Price of $699.99
