The Garmin Edge 1050 has launched globally and is also available in South Africa. The market-leading cycling-specific bike computer has had several tech updates from its 1040 predecessor and boasts a wide range of training features. Here’s a summary of what’s new and why it should be on your upgrade list.
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The Garmin Edge 1040 was essentially the benchmark by which other cycle computers were measured. With the launch of the Edge 1050, the bar has been set even higher with fresh features and new tech updates.
Here’s what new:
- Updated design with angled casing and more robust all-metal buttons (still has touchscreen functionality)
- A replaceable quarter-turn mount
- A brighter, more vivid 3.5-inch liquid crystal screen display
- Supports Garmin Pay contactless payments (technology available on selected Garmin watches)
- Built-in speaker to deliver better workout and navigational prompts
- An electronic bell
- A new on-device route mapper
- Differentiates tar and gravel surfaces
- Has Wi-Fi connectivity
- Improved messaging on the Group Ride function, particularly useful for rider assistance and hazard warnings like potholes
SEE THE NEW GARMIN EDGE 1050 HERE
GOING MORE SOCIAL
The Edge 1050 is pioneering Garmin’s commitment to encouraging community building and engagement.
When linked to your phone, it offers in-ride messaging in the Group Rides feature. It also provides live locations of riders, incident detection alerts and in-ride leaderboards for climbs.
There’s also road hazard alerts for the likes of dangerous potholes as reported by other riders (similar to what you experience on Waze). There’s also post-ride awards for the rider with the highest maximum speed, most time pedalling and other measurements across the group.
Garmin says the new Group Ride features will be available on it’s other Edge models soon.
THE IDEAL BUYER
We haven’t had the opportunity to test a new Edge 1050 yet, but based on the Edge 1040, it will add value to road cyclists, gravel racers and mountain bikers. However, if you ride mountain bikes on rugged trails, then the more compact Edge 540 Solar or Edge 840 Solar are more appropriate as they also include Garmin’s Grit, Flow and Jump features, which are very mountain bike-specific. From a battery charge perspective, the Edge 1050 offers up to 20 hours in high demand mode and up to 24 hours in low demand mode. In battery saver mode it offers up to 60 hours of charge.
COMPATIBILITY
The Garmin Edge 1050 is compatible with the following Garmin cycling products:
- Varia UT800 Smart Headlight. See it here.
- Rally RS200 Dual Sensing Power Pedals. See it here.
- Varia RCT715 Radar Camera Taillight. See it here.
- HRM Pro Plus Heart Rate Monitor Strap. See it here.
- Bike Speed and Cadence Sensors Bundle. See it here.
- Garmin Charge Power Pack. See it here.
- Coloured Silcone Cases. See it here.
SEE THE NEW GARMIN EDGE 1050 HERE
Paid partnership with Garmin
