Garmin has launched its latest cycling computer, the Edge 1050. They claim it’s the brightest, smartest and most connected cycling computer ever. Boasting a vibrant touchscreen display, Edge 1050 combines superior navigation, performance tracking, cycling awareness and smart connectivity, all while  delivering up to 20 hours of battery life in the most demanding cases, and up to 60 hours in battery-save mode.

Other features include road hazard alerts reported by fellow cyclists, in-ride messaging and live leaderboards using GroupRide, on-device course creation, Garmin Pay and even a built-in speaker with a bike bell button!

 Updates to the Edge

• New improvements to GroupRide let riders stay connected with in-ride messaging, live locations and incident detection alerts that can notify and route fellow riders to a cyclist in need of help. Cyclists can also add some competition to their ride with in-ride leaderboards for climbs, plus post-ride awards, including Speed Racer (highest max speed), Chatterbox (most heavily using the GroupRide messaging feature), Worker Bee (most time spent pedalling) and more. (In case you’re wondering how on earth you type while riding, the messages are ‘canned’, i.e. they’re pre-programmed. ‘Be there soon’, ‘Don’t wait’ etc. The rider just needs to touch the message to send.)

– Receive road hazard alerts on-screen that are reported by fellow cyclists – like potholes or fallen trees – and even contribute hazards to help alert other riders.

Side note: GroupRide updates and road hazard alerts will be available on Edge 540, Edge 840 and Edge 1040 series cycling computers soon. 

What else is new?

• Refreshed design: Angled casing and discrete, all-metal buttons, plus a replaceable quarter-turn mount and a vivid, 3.5-inch liquid crystal display.
• Garmin Pay contactless payments: Don’t worry about digging into your pocket to pull out cash; breeze through mid-ride café or snack stops with a tap of the Edge.
• Built-in speaker: Hear workout and navigation prompts and alert riders and pedestrians ahead using an on-device bike bell.
• On-device course creator: Easily create courses right on the device using the responsive touchscreen and toggle different map overlays on or off.
• Surface type: See paved or unpaved roadways on the Edge while riding, and get alerts for upcoming unpaved sections.
• Ride-specific routing: Get routing suited to a specific ride, whether it’s mountain, gravel or road.
• Map manager with Wi-Fi connectivity: Add, swap, or update additional maps via Wi-Fi, right on the cycling computer.

But wait, there’s more…

The new Edge 1050 is loaded with advanced training tools. Free Garmin training plans (like event adaptive training plans) deliver personalised workouts that adapt based on performance and recovery, while daily suggested workouts provide ride suggestions based on a cyclist’s current training load and VO2 max.

Insights from Firstbeat Analytics like VO2 max, training status, heat and altitude acclimation and more can help cyclists evaluate their performance and see how their body is holding up, while features like cycling ability and course demands allow cyclists to compare their abilities to the demands of a specific course so they can focus their training in the right areas.

Before heading out, use Trendline Popularity Routing to find the best routes most travelled by other Garmin cyclists, or use preloaded Garmin Cycle Maps that include worldwide mountain bike trail data from Trailforks. Cyclists can also use pin drop navigation to send a POI (“pin”) from Apple Maps and automatically receive navigation to that location.

Edge 1050 includes premium performance metrics to help cyclists ride smarter, too. Real-time stamina insights can help cyclists closely monitor and track their exertion levels to help influence training efforts or see how much further the current pace can be maintained. Meanwhile, power guide now takes wind data and a cyclist’s current stamina into account to make real-time adjustments to power targets. ClimbPro lets riders see the remaining ascent and grade for each climb – whether riding a course or not – while Climb Explore lets cyclists see nearby climbs on-device or in Garmin Connect. Advanced cycling dynamics provide riders with insights into their performance and mountain bike metrics, including jump count, jump distance, Grit and Flow, help track every epic ride.

Stay aware, stay connected

For added confidence during a ride, Edge 1050 includes safety features like LiveTrack and incident detection and is compatible with the Varia line of cycling radars and smart lights, as well as inReach satellite communicators.

For year-round riding, Edge 1050 easily pairs to Tacx indoor smart trainers.

It can also be customised with data fields, apps and widgets from the Connect IQ Store smartphone app.

Available now, Edge 1050 has a suggested retail price of R16 499

 

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