Garmin Edge 1040 – Next-gen cyling computers with / without solar
Garmin is apparently preparing the market launch of the two cycling computers Edge 1040 and Edge 1040 Solar. This isn’t indicated only by the documents recently published by the FCC, but by some online shops already listing the two products. Though these product pages have been taken offline again, we were able to gather some valuable information.
Garmin never gets tired of inventing new and enhancing existing products and so, after releasing the Fenix 7, Epix 2, vivomove Sport, and vivosmart 5, another two sports watches (Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 955) are waiting for their official announcement.
However, with the Edge series, Garmin offers some of the best cycling computers around as well. This series will soon be joined by the Edge 1040 and Edge 1040 Solar – two premium cycling computers.
Garmin Edge 1040 / Edge 1040 Solar (Source: Garmin via buydig.com)
Garmin Edge 1040 – Specification
| Edge 1030 Plus | Edge 1040 | Edge 1040 Solar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 3.5" | 3.5" | 3.5" |
| Resolution | 282 x 470 px | 282 x 470 px | 282 x 470 px |
| Dimensions | 58.0 x 114.0 x 19.0 mm | 59.3 x 117.6 x 20.0 mm | 59.3 x 117.6 x 20.0 mm |
| Weight | 124 g | 126 g | 126 g |
| Water resistance | IPX7 | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Storage | 32 GByte | 32 GByte | 32 GByte |
Garmin Edge 1040 – Features
So far, most online stores stick to the NDA with Garmin, even though some of them have accidentally published information here and there. Unfortunately, most of them did provide flowery marketing texts only without addressing the features – neither existing nor new ones.
Basically, it can be assumed that the Edge 1040 will offer the same set of features as its predecessor Edge 1030 Plus. Due to the lack of intel and information, the following list does not claim to be complete.
Garmin Edge 1040 / Edge 1040 Solar (Source: Garmin via buydig.com)
The following features can be considered as given:
Multi-band GNSS
The Edge 1040 is Garmin’s first cycling computer that not only supports multiple positioning systems (including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) but also supports the use of multiple frequency bands. This allows for an increased level of accuracy, especially where individual satellite signals are weak or reflected by the environment and thus are received by the device at different times. The use of multiple frequencies allows these propagation time errors to be corrected.
Solar-Technologie
In addition, the Edge 1040 Solar is Garmin’s first cycling computer to feature solar panels above and next to the display. Although the small surfaces are not enough to charge the device’s battery, they do extend the battery life by a considerable amount.
Power Guide
The Power Guide feature can be seen in conjunction with Climb Pro and is supposed to help manage the efforts to be made. Until the official announcement by Garmin, the feature remains a bit contourless, but one of the press images shows “GUIDE AVG”, which may be attributed to the Power Guide.
Stamina
The “Real-time Stamina” feature was first introduced with the Fenix 7 / Epix Gen 2 and will probably be on the Forerunner 955. The feature initially was supposed to runners and indicates how much stamina can be expected at which pace. Garmin likely did adapt this feature for the Edge 1040 so that it provides meaningful values for cyclists.
Improved Performance
System performance seems to play a role even in cycling computers, and so Garmin promises even better performance with the Edge 1040.
Garmin Edge 1040 / Edge 1040 Solar (Source: Garmin via buydig.com)
Garmin Edge 1040 – Battery life
Battery life usually increases from generation to generation. This is no different for the Edge 1040, as the new device offers almost 46% more battery life in standard use. The gain is even more significant when using solar energy, as it allows for up to 45 hours use (+87% compared with the Edge 1030 Plus). In energy-saving mode even up to 100 hours are said to be possible.
| Edge 1030 Plus | Edge 1040 | Edge 1040 Solar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | up to 24 hours | up to 35 hours | up to 45 hours |
| Battery Saver Mode | up to 48 hours | up to 70 hours | up to 100 hours |
The relative values illustrate the level of gain:
| Edge 1030 Plus | Edge 1040 | Edge 1040 Solar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | up to 24 hours | + 45,8 % | + 87,5 % |
| Battery Saver Mode | up to 48 hours | + 45,8 % | + 208,3 % |
Availability and prices
Garmin has announced the release of new products for June 1. Whether it’s the Edge 1040 / Edge 1040 Solar or solely the Forerunner 255 / 955 (after all, June 1 is World Runners’ Day) has to be seen.
Some online retailers have already listed the cycling computer in both variants (and had to take the product pages offline again):
- Garmin Edge 1040 – $699,99
- Garmin Edge 1040 Solar – $749,99
If Garmin doesn’t launch the Edge 1040 / Edge 1040 Solar on June 1, it may be scheduled for June 8. On the one hand, Garmin usually announces new products on Wednesdays, and on the other hand, the confidentiality agreement between the FCC and Garmin expires on June 8 – which usually means that photos and manuals become public on FCC’s website.
