Nat Bromhead
Garmin have announced their first solar bike computer, the Edge 1040 featuring solar charging and multi-band GNSS technology.
Using similar tech to their Fenix range of watches, the Edge 1040 Solar features a Power Glass solar charging lens to offer cyclists more ride time between charges.
The device features a new battery saver that will offer up to 100hours of battery life, along with multi-band GNSS technology for more accurate GPS positioning in challenging ride environments, such as dense urban areas or under deep tree cover.
Packed with state-of-the-art navigation, performance, safety and connectivity features, the Edge 1040 Solar features a completely refreshed and modernised user experience, with simpler and clearer access to key information.
Updated modes allow the user to customise the home page and there’s an improved ride summary view in a 3.5-inch touchscreen display.
“Cyclists expect as much from their GPS bike computer as they do themselves, and that is why we are thrilled to introduce the Edge 1040 Solar,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales.
“Durable, accurate and ready to go the distance, the Edge 1040 Solar is the pinnacle of GPS bike computers. No matter where you ride, or what bike you choose to use, the Edge 1040 Solar is ready for any adventure – from remote gravel trails to epic climbs.”
What’s New
The Edge 1040 Solar features advancements in technology and performance metrics including:
- Solar charging: Power Glass solar charging lens extends the battery life to up to 100 hours in battery saver mode, giving cyclists an additional 42 minutes per hour during daytime riding.
- Multi-band GNSS technology: Receive better positional accuracy and coverage, even in the most challenging environments.
- Cycling ability and course demands: Classify strengths and weaknesses as a cyclist, focus on improvement and prepare for the demands of a specific course.
- Power guide: Recommended power targets make it easier to manage efforts throughout a course.
- Real-time stamina insights: Monitor and track exertion levels in real-time during a ride.
• Simple setup: Custom ride profiles prepopulate based on previous Edge data, ride types, and sensors. From there, cycling activity profiles can be managed directly on your compatible smartphone from the Garmin Connect smart device app.
Training and Performance
During a ride, the Edge 1040 Solar lets riders see how their body is holding up in different environments with heat and altitude acclimation and receive in-ride notifications when it’s time to refuel or rehydrate.
‘ClimbPro’ lets riders see the remaining ascent and grade for each climb when following a course and review their performance on the climbs post-ride right from the Edge 1040 Solar or in Garmin Connect.
There are also mountain bike metrics, including jump count, jump distance, hang time, grit and flow track the details of each ride.
Whether cycling indoors or outdoors users can sync workouts automatically from Garmin Connect or other training apps, including TrainingPeaks to the Edge 1040 Solar.
Maps and Routes
Whether riding through cities or exploring remote areas, the Edge 1040 Solar includes advanced navigational tools to help cyclists stay on track.
- High-contrast, ride-type-specific maps use Trendline™ popularity routing to highlight popular roads and trails based on billions of miles of ride data that other users have uploaded to Garmin Connect.
- Turn-by-turn navigation and alerts notify riders of sharp curves ahead.
- Pause route guidance and off-course notifications to explore beyond the beaten path. Route guidance can be turned back on at any time to get back to the original route or starting point.
• Download the recommended Trailforks app to view routes and trail details from more than 80 countries. When using the Trailforks app, Forksight mode automatically displays upcoming forks in the route and where a rider is within a trail network.
Safety and Connectivity
The new model features built-in safety and tracking features including incident detection, assistance and LiveTrack to let loved ones follow a cyclists’ real-time location and view their entire preplanned course to see where they’re headed.
There’s also group messaging and tracking to let cyclists stay in touch when they get separated from the pack.
The Edge 1040 Solar is compatible with the Varia line of devices including the new Varia RCT715 rearview radar with camera and tail light that continuously captures video footage during a ride.
In addition to receiving smart notifications and automatically uploading rides to Garmin Connect, the Edge 1040 Solar easily pairs with the Tacx indoor training system.
When connected to sensors, cyclists can keep track of the battery status of their sensors with post-ride reporting directly on the Edge 1040 Solar and battery alert messages between rides through the Garmin Connect smart device app.
Available now, the Edge 1040 Solar has a recommended retail price of $1,299.00 A non-solar charging version, the Edge 1040, has an RRP of $999.99.
