Have used my new Garmin 1040 for about 2 months. Satisfied with the additional functions of the unit, of which I probably only use 50% of the available. Pleased with the increased font size on 1040, much easier to see. One thing I'm very dissatisfied with is the temperature function of the Garmin. I've found while riding and the Garmin is in the sunlight, the unit reads anywhere from 8 to 11 degrees higher than guys I ride with that are using a Garmin 1030 and 1030+. In defense of the Garmin, I put the unit outside for 1 hour prior to a ride, it is within 1-2 degrees of the outside air temp. I've also put it on a counter in the house, and again, it's with a degree or 2 of other units. I called Garmin product support and asked if this was normal? The response, try moving it to a different spot on your handle bars or just put it in you pocket...That's exactly what I bought an expensive unit for: to put it in a pocket??? Nice support Garmin. Have owned 2 other Garmin GPS's with no temperature issues as this new unit.
Very dissatisfied with Garmin's response.
The map navigation features are easier to see and manipulate compared to the Garmin 530. The battery life is great. I used to charge the 530 after every ride now I can charge after 5 rides. I considered to solar version but since I am in Seattle I didn�t think it would provide much extra range. Glad i saved the 100 dollars since the non-solar battery lasts so long. Overall the computer is a good upgrade from the 530. Most noticeable is the startup speed. Also liked the new Home Screen which makes it easy.to select workouts or routes to follow without having to hunt in submenus.
I have been riding with a Garmin Edge, which is bullet proof. It's never gave me any problem or reason to upgrade. Finally there is a new Edge to upgrade to. The screen is so much brighter and easier to read that the 1000. The touch screen is flawless and the buttons underneath make more space. The battery life is awesome.
moved up from a wahoo bolt and it cant be overstated how big of an upgrade this thing is...the screen is huge, easy to read and all the data you could ever want to see. love how the live segments work with strava and that it can actually do route finding unlike the bolt. battery seems like it could easily do 10 hours. integrates really well with varia radar unit as well
I bought this Edge 1040 as my Edge 1030 battery was no longer keeping a charge so I was looking for new device. I read the DCrainmaker review and found this device should meet my longevity requirements. I have so far done a few 40 to 50 mile rides which have only taken my 1040 down to around 93 percent which really works for me. Also, as a side benefit the new graphics is so much cleaner and easier to read which is definitely great for my old eyes.
Got this1040 to upgrade from 530. Particularly interested in bigger map screen and better map controls. No disappointment there. Display is great. Processor works so much faster - a delight. Haven't done any of the bells and whistles like work outs, etc. Battery life is great - don't see need for Solar. Cons: Just like the 530, the Group Connect is something my group has yet to have any success with - major disappointment. Also, hoping for a firmware update on the Climbing screen - there is a major lag from where you are on a climb and what the screen shows. Too bad because the graphics on the screen are great. Dark red means you will be suffering.
I have been a long time user of Garmin computers, and just upgraded from the Edge 1030. I've done one ride, and here are my first impressions:
1. Battery life seems to be better. This matters a lot to me as I'll do 3 - 5 hour rides with linkage to my phone and I hate worrying about having the battery die. I did a 3.5 hour ride today, high brightness and connected to the phone and only used 30%. Other than if I would do Unbound XL (not happening), I see no reason I'd worry about battery life
2. Weight: Technically this weighs a few grams more than the 1030. Didn't seem to slow me down
3. Screens/Font: This is perhaps the greatest improvement I've observed so far. Much clearer font - just everything seems easier to read
4. Easier to load routes: I don't know why, but from Garmin Connect it just seemed easier to move my routes (created in Strava) to the device.
5. Home Screen is an improvement. This probably is personal preference, but I think this is better.
I've not tested all of the features, but I'm sure there are some I will eventually use. So, if you just like having the latest and greatest for your bike, this is worth getting. If an earlier version is working for you, especially a 1030 or 1000, the new features may not give you enough reason to spend the money.
