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.
I depended on my Edge 1030. Then I broke it. Purely pilot error. The 1040 is the replacement. Way more battery capacity. Better graphics and user interface. New features I didn't expect -- like stamina and power guide -- are useful additions. Almost glad I broke the 1030!
Excellent upgrade from my Garmin Edge 800.
Love all the additional features
Excellent upgrade. Easy to use. Great features
I haven't used a cycling computer in years and I can't believe how good they are now. Screen is bright, big and easy to read. Super accurate data and much more functionality than I'll ever use. Love it!
This is a much improved bike computer. It is easy to read and battery lasts a long time. The only downside is the gradient calculation. It has a significant lag. This needs to be improved by Garmin.
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
Like the size, fit. Only thing is was hard to exit from the app
Big easy to read screen and a fabulous battery
I love this device. It is just superior to my Garmin edge 1030. It runs much faster. I love the music control. I love the stamina gauge. I should've bought this when it first came out.
Fantastic touchscreen and great battery life
I love this garman gat the radar with much safer than a mirror or turning your head around
