Was that rider just talking to their computer? Yep, say “hello” to Garmin’s new flagship Edge, which adds a major change riders won’t have to touch.
But thats not all. Garmin and Tacx are rolling out a few new pieces of kit in this micro-launch, including a new Edge Explore 3/Plus and a new Tacx Nēra Trainer with some Zwift-friendly updates.
Garmin Edge 1060 – What’s New?
The Garmin Edge 1060 adds an integrated microphone and voice control to the Edge platform’s mega-screen. Riders can request ride data, switch screens, report road hazards, search for destinations, and handle some navigation functions without taking a hand off the bars.
Say “Okay, Garmin,” and the Edge 1060 can pull up information like heart rate or average power, switch between data pages, report a pothole, or help you find a nearby destination.
The new computer also gets updated routing tools, an interactive workout screen, more GroupRide functionality, and USB-C reverse charging.
“Okay, Garmin”
Voice control is the obvious headline. The Edge 1050 already brought Garmin’s brighter display, built-in speaker, digital bike bell, road hazard reporting, and a more phone-like (it’s big enough) interface to the top of the Edge lineup. The 1060 adds the microphone needed to control many of those functions by voice.
Why would I need this? Voice control can do more than just call up a data field. Riders can report hazards without reaching for the screen, ask for directions, search for points of interest, or change what they’re looking at while keeping both hands on the bars.
Garmin Messenger also works with the new microphone and speaker. With a phone connected, riders can send voice messages from the Edge and listen to incoming messages through the computer.
The digital bike bell, spoken navigation prompts, and workout alerts carry over as well.
I spent plenty of time with the Edge 1050, and it became one of my favorite head units despite giving up some battery life compared with the older Edge 1040 Solar. The Edge 1060 keeps the same general formula and adds another layer of hands-free control rather than starting over with a completely new computer.
But are we moving farther away from what cycling really is? Are we just adding more distractions to our bars, and taking the office outside when we should be focused on the ride? (Thats more of an individual question) But these mini cell-phone computers are here to stay, and they are competing for our attention.
But if you want the totally analog look and zero distraction/all data, you can get the Omata Classic here, but bummer alert… It’s the same price as the new Edge 1060.
Garmin Sharpens Up Navigation
A new Route Options feature offers different ways to reach a destination based on ride time, elevation, and bike type.
Route Previews show distance, estimated ride time, traffic, and reported hazards before you head out, while Free Flow Routing looks for routes with fewer intersections and stops.
Garmin has also expanded Up Ahead, allowing riders to prioritize points of interest such as coffee shops, restrooms, or gas stations and see nearby options along the route. Plus, Garmin has finally also added road closures to its community hazard system.
Hazard reporting was already one of the more interesting features introduced with the Edge 1050, making it like Waze for cycling. Adding voice control makes it considerably easier to use while actually riding. Passing a pothole and saying something is much cleaner than tapping through menus while moving, and then hitting a non-reported pothole yourself.
Training Features Carry Over
The Edge 1060 keeps Garmin’s training toolbox. That includes: Real-Time Stamina, Power Guide, Cycling Ability, Course Demands, adaptive Garmin Cycling Coach plans, and syncing with compatible Garmin-acquired TrainingPeaks workouts.
The workout screen is now interactive, letting riders move through the session and look ahead at upcoming intervals instead of being locked into the current step. The home screen can also be customized more heavily, making it easier to put frequently used apps, widgets, and ride tools up front.
Use Your Garmin to Charge Your Phone?
The Edge 1060 also gains reverse charging over USB-C. That means the computer can send some of its battery power to another compatible device, including a phone or Garmin Varia light.
Garmin doesn’t intend this to be a rolling power-bank setup while riding. Think of it more as an emergency top-up if another device is running low and the Edge has battery to spare.
Battery life remains similar to the Edge 1050, with Garmin claiming up to 20 hours in demanding use or up to 60 hours in battery-saver mode.
More News: Edge Explore 3 and Explore 3 Plus Join the Lineup
Garmin also announced two new navigation-focused computers: the Edge Explore 3 and Edge Explore 3 Plus.
Both get touchscreen navigation, Route Options, Free Flow Routing, Up Ahead, road hazard alerts, Garmin Coach, e-bike integration, LiveTrack, incident detection, and Varia compatibility.
The Explore 3 Plus adds a speaker and microphone, plus voice control, messaging, and a digital bike bell. Garmin claims up to 16 hours of normal battery life for the Explore 3 and 14 hours for the Explore 3 Plus. Both can stretch to 48 hours in battery-saver mode.
Edge Explore 3: $399.99
Edge Explore 3 Plus: $499.99
Garmin Also Has a New Tacx Nēra Trainer
As we said, Garmin’s launch wasn’t limited to bike computers. They also introduced the Tacx Nēra, a direct-drive smart trainer with built-in forward/backward and side-to-side movement.
It claims power and cadence accuracy within 1%, supports a maximum simulated gradient of 20%, and handles sprint efforts up to 2,200 watts. The Nēra includes built-in Wi-Fi and a Race Mode aimed at faster response during virtual racing.
Garmin will offer it in two versions: one with a conventional cassette and another using a Zwift Cog and Click setup for virtual shifting.
Both versions cost $999.99.
