Helping you find the best bike computer for you. We look at the Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus vs 1030 GPS Bike computers compared. Is it time to upgrade your bike computer?
I’ve been a user of Garmin GPS bike computers for over a decade. Through testing with Trivelo I’ve also been lucky enough to have used CycPlus, Wahoo, Hammerhead and a bunch of low cost Chinese models. I’ve even tried relying purely on a mobile phone with a Quad lock mount! Not so great for connecting to any of your bikes peripherals.
For me, I am a Garmin fan boy and love their GPS bike computers. With the release of the latest Garmin Edge 1040 in June 2022 and the Edge 1040 Solar we reached out to our friendly Garmin press team to put this article together. All the key information you need to evaluate the different models. The epic Trivelo test squad helped with their expertise in the various models as well to give us a rounded view on their value.
Garmin Edge 1040 Bike Computer
Trivelo Score – 4.5/5
The Garmin Edge 1040 and Edge 1040 SOLAR are GPS bike computers aimed at serious cyclists. Priced at over £600 (UK) / $700 (US) they are the flagship models from Garmin. Functionality wise the list is vast on what the Edge 1040 can do and the level of data curation you get from your ride. The biggest change for the monster Edge 1040 is the introduction of the SOLAR model. This uses hidden solar panels beneath the “Power Glass” screen and is the first model to feature this.
Among the wealth of new features in the Edge 1040 one that most Amateur cyclists will benefit from is the new Stamina functionality. A bit like the recovery predictor that Garmin has developed. The Stamina feature predicts your range based on your riding history. It builds up insight and then uses algorithms to predict your range. A bit of a gimmick but if like me you love extra data you will be keen to see.
For those who hate the hills the Garmin Edge 1040 includes the “Climb Pro” feature. This is designed to work like having your own personal race Director guiding you up the mountain. It warns you about upcoming inclines and helps you plan your power. Nice.
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Is the Garmin Edge 1040 worth it?
The Garmin Edge 1040 and 1040 Solar build on the 1030 model making improvements throughout. If you are looking for a fully connected GPS bike computer with class-leading battery life the Garmin Edge 1040 is the answer. It is a premium priced bike computer but I love the intuitive menus and bulletproof accuracy that makes it worth the money. The 1040 Solar comes with an additional price of over £100 / $100. If you are doing serious endurance events this might well be worth it for you. If not I would save the £100 and buy the standard Garmin Edge 1040. Keep the cash for some Sportives and use the bike computer.
If you are looking for a cheap alternative read our review of CycPlus M2 bike computer. Cheap and cheerful or cheap and painful?
What is the difference between the Garmin Edge 1040 and 1040 Solar?
The Garmin Edge 1040 Solar comes with a power glass solar panel. The solar panel extends the battery life to 45 hours. This is an extra 10 hours compared to the standard Garmin Edge 1040. The solar panel is built beneath the colour touch screen making the 2 GPS bike computers look the same. The power glass used in the Solar makes the display darker than the standard Garmin Edge 1040 to incorporate the solar technology. Other than these features they are the same for functionality.
Best Price for the Garmin Edge 1040 & Solar
Buy the Garmin Edge 1040 for £519.99 from Wiggle or the 1040 Solar for £629.99
Buy the Garmin Edge 1040 for $599 from Garmin US or the 1040 Solar for $749.99
Garmim Edge 1040 vs Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin redeveloped the user interface on the Edge 1040 compared to the 1030 Plus. A revamped home screen helps reduce the amount of menu shuffling needed on the older 1030 Plus. The Edge 1040 has an advanced ClimbPro feature that can forecast routes without any pre-ride loading. The coaching functionality of the 1040 has been enhanced with other features such as the Power Guide and Cycling ability assessment. A bit gimicky for me but if it brings you back to the saddle more regularly then that has to be worth it. The biggest difference on the Edge 1040 is the option for a Solar version. Adding 10 hours of extra battery life. Physically the Garmin Edge 1040 has a more smooth finish and uses a USB-C charging port as opposed to the micro USB on the 1030 Plus.
Garmin Edge 1040 vs Garmin Edge 1030
Garmin as outlined redeveloped the user interface on the Edge 1040 compared to the 2017 GarminEdge 1030. As well as the differences between the 1040 and the 1030 Plus the biggest additional difference is the processor. The older 1030 uses a much smaller processor and earlier GPS chip meaning it will take longer to initially find a satellite and while riding experience more lag.
Which Garmin Edge bike computer is best?
The Garmin Edge 1040 Solar is the best Garmin Edge bike computer. It is their top of the range fully featured GPS bike computer. Boasting a 3.5in colour touchscreen and full connectivity it is your companion for even the longest rides thanks to an epic 45 hours battery life.
Another alternative to consider is the Hammerhead Karoo 2 GPS bike computer. Our review shares what it was like from living with it for a few months.
Garmin Edge 1040 vs 1030 Plus vs 1030 Specifications Compared
| 1030 | 1030 Plus | 1040 | |
| Release date | August 2017 | June 2020 | June 2022 |
| Screen | 3.5in 282x470pixels | 3.5in 282x470pixels | 3.5in 282×470 pixels |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ANT+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery life | 20 hours | 24 hours | 45 hours (Solar) |
Garmin Edge bike computers FAQs
Does the Garmin Edge bike computer have bluetooth?
The Garmin Edge 1030, 1030 Plus, 1040 and 1040 Solar all have bluetooth connectivity. This can enable the bike computer to connect to a mobile phone with equivalent bluetooth. They also include ANT+ connectivity for cycling peripherals and wi-fi for firmware updates and uploading ride data.
Can you read WhatsApp messages on a Garmin bike computer?
Yes. Garmin Edge bike computers can connect to your phone and display WhatsApp messages. To set up the Garmin bike computer you need to follow the following steps:
- Go to Settings in the menu
- Select Connected Features
- Select Phone settings
- Select Smart notifications settings
- Set this so all are checked making WhatsApp messages available
Can you get emails on a Garmin bike computer?
Yes. The Garmin Edge 1030, 1030 Plus, 1040 and 1040 Solar all include smart notifications of emails and SMS text messages. To use the connected features of the Edge device, it must be paired directly through the Garmin Connect app, instead of from the Bluetooth settings on your phone.
If you are also in the market for a Garmin watch take a look at our analysis of the Garmin Forerunner 965 vs 955 vs 945. Is the latest version worth taking that upgrade leap?
Do Garmin bike computers work with Android and Apple phones?
Yes. The Garmin 1030, 1030 Plus, 1040 and 1040 Solar are compatable with Android and Apple phones. For the Garmin bike computer to connect with the phone you need to have downloaded the Garmin Connect App. The bike computer integrates through this and allows you to receive ride data and connect to your mobile phone.
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Does the Garmin Edge have a touchscreen?
The Garmin Edge 1030, 1030 Plus, 1040 and 1040 Solar have a touchscreen. The screen is the largest in the Garmin line up with a 3.5″ touchscreen that features 282 x 470 pixels.
Is the Garmin Edge waterproof?
Yes. The Garmin Edge 1030, 1030 Plus, 1040 and 1040 Solar are waterproof with an IPX7 waterproof rating. In practical terms that means you could leave it swimming in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 mins. As a bike computer this
Best Prices for Garmin Edge bike computers
Buy the Garmin Edge 1040 for £519.99 from Wiggle or the 1040 Solar for £629.99
Buy the Garmin Edge 1040 for $599 from Garmin US or the 1040 Solar for $749.99
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