With a price approaching that of a smart phone, Garmin’s top-tier cycling computer is a premium proposition, but that doesn’t mean the 1040 Solar doesn’t offer exceptional bang for its buck. And though the Edge 1040 Solar is certainly impressive and a big step forward for the company, what it means for the future of Garmin’s lower-priced Edge units is more exciting. That’s because Garmin often rolls out new features in its top-end units and then trickles down the best and most popular to its cheaper models.

While the solar charging feature is the most attention-grabbing, it’s not, in my opinion, the best update with the 1040. That accolade goes to the user finally having the ability to control the unit’s settings and customise data pages from Garmin’s smartphone app. Navigating Garmin’s on-device menus often requires arcane knowledge, and the devices are so feature-rich it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what setting or feature your’e even looking for. Giving riders the option to do setup and customisation from the phone makes it all much easier and less confounding. It’s not quite perfect, though. For example, you can only create a new activity profile on the device; once created, you can then customise it on the phone.

Now, let’s talk solar. When riding in full sun, the built-in battery drains much slower, extending the device’s single-charge run time to up to 100 hours. If you need more time than that, the device is compatible with Garmin’s external battery pack, and with Power Mount, which powers the unit from an e-bike’s battery.

When the ride is over, power the unit down and put it in full sun, and the battery charges. In my several weeks of using the 1040, I plugged it into the wall to 100% charge it only once. Ever since, I’ve either not needed  to charge it because of the huge battery life, or just put it out in the sun to add a bit of runtime.

The last feature I love is the aluminium mounting tabs. The y are just far more rugged than the plastic tabs on other units. Ive broken my fair share of Garmin tabs, so the aluminium is a welcome and appropriate touch on such an expensive cycling computer.

Overall it’s a polished and high-quality device with a huge and easy-to-read screen. But the most exciting thing about it is the hint that its best features will come to smaller, lighter and less expensive Garmin Edge computers in the future.

GARMIN EDGE 1040 SOLAR FEATURES

• Simplified setup and streamlined interface make it quick and easy to access information
• Find your way in the most challenging environments with multi-band GNSS technology
• Manage your efforts with the power guide feature
• Get stamina feature insights while you ride to see how much you can really push it
• Stay on top of your training program with prompts to complete missed workouts
• Ride like a local with improved ride type-specific maps that highlight popular roads and trails
• With a touchscreen that is visible and responsive in the most challenging conditions, the Edge 1040 will show you the way
• Feel free to pause route guidance and off-course notifications while you go off-course to explore.
• Create LiveTrack sessions direct from your Edge and let friends and family follow your real-time location and even view your entire pre-planned course
• Pair Edge 1040 series with the Varia rearview radar and lights so you can easily see and be seen
• Battery life: Demanding use – Up to 45 hours; Battery saver – up to 100 hours
• Internal Memory – 64 GB
• Worldwide Garmin Cycle map included
• Ant+/Bluetooth/Wifi technology
• VO2/Recovery
• Indoor trainer control compatible
• Climbpro
• Weather notifications
• Smart notifications
• Incident detection
• Includes: out-front mount, MTB Mount, standard mount, silicon case, tether, USB A to C cable.
• Power Glass solar charging lens extends battery life and gives you up to 45 hours of demanding use or up to 100 hours in battery saver mode

Buy your Garmin Edge 1040 Solar RIGHT HERE

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