Garmin Edge 1050 computer/GPS long-term review

A bright screen as responsive as a smartphone, an integrated speaker and advanced social functions are the new features brought by the very latest high-end computer/GPS from Garmin: the Edge 1050. A very complete and easy-to-use device, as we were able to verify duringun test extended over more than 3000 km.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: David Polveroni/©3bikes.fr/©Garmin

With the Edge 1050, Garmin claims to offer its the most efficient and connected GPS meter to date, with new features as well as a slightly curved case for easier touch manipulations, metal buttons for a premium look and above all a bright 3,5-inch LCD screen powered by a new, faster processor. This model does not replace theEdge 1040 Solar, which offers unmatched autonomy on the market. But it offers new functions such as a built-in speaker for GPS guidance or a bell to signal your presence, the receiving alerts indicating dangers on the route, creating routes directly on the device, contactless payments for your bakery stops, or better connection with other cyclists belonging to a group with the possibility of live tracking, receiving and sending messages, and even live rankings after passing certain segments.

With its high-quality appearance, the Garmin Edge 1050 is also one of the heaviest devices of this type on the market with a weight of 161 g.. That's 23g more than a 1040 and double that of a Edge 840, which is preferred by competitors. But weight is obviously not the only criterion to take into account and it is clear that in use, the 1050 quickly becomes addictive, even if it seems impossible for a single user to regularly benefit from all the functions. This is why we decided to testis this four-handed device, with two practitioners with different profiles, whether on route or in Gravel.

Other developments brought by the Garmin Edge 1050

In addition to the new features mentioned above, The Edge 1050 gets a revamped user interface to take advantage of the new screen, a Wifi map manager for updates/downloads, the possibility of direct device-to-device transfers, indication of the surface type on the route, instantaneous reactivity of the slope indication, a paw of mytage replaceable (in case of damage or breakage), or even tutorials on the device for even easier and faster handling.

Much like the Edge 1040, the 1050 maintains superior waterproofing (IPX7) and 64GB internal storage for maps and activity history. Garmin claims a battery life of just over 20 hours or so, which we can confirm despite having a phone, heart rate monitor, and power meter connected, and all while taking advantage of the excellent brightness of the new screen. However, it is still possible to use Battery Saver mode if you don't need to see your data constantly, which allows you to enjoy over 60 hours of battery life.

Sold € 749, the Garmin Edge 1050 is priced the same as the 1040 Solar, which is now a little less advanced in some areas, but which retains a much longer battery life (up to 90 hours).

=> BUY THE GARMIN EDGE 1050 FOR €729,99

Setting route of the Garmin Edge 1050

When taking the device out of the box and performing the first power-up, you are greeted by a QR Code that you are invited to flash with your smartphone. If you have already downloaded the Garmin Connect app (with the latest update), it will automatically open on the phone and reconborn the 1050, before offering to reinstall the organization of the menu pages of your old Garmin on your new device. The transfer is then done in a few seconds. Not only is it a considerable time saver, but it also allows you not to lose your own usage habits.

Just like the wahoo app, Garmin Connect also now allows you to organize data pages (up to 10 pages) directly on the smartphone by choosing the number of display fields and their arrangement on the screen. Each modification is then directly transferred to the device. It is of course possible to create several profiles, for example for several types of practice (for example: route, Gravel, home trainer, or training/race), each with different data pages. Switching between profiles is easy from the home screen, on the top, by swiping left and right and tapping to select.

On the lower part of the home menu screen, you have to swipe the screen to access different functions, such as the Garmin Pay payment wallet, the list of your favorite Strava segments or the closest listed hills. A slightly less intuitive operation from our point of view, but you get used to it quickly nonetheless.

Risk prevention on the route : a function that will develop

With the Edge 1050, Garmin integrates a new risk prevention function on the route, much like Waze does for car trafficThe aim is to include the possibility for each user to warn other practitioners of a possible danger on the route, such as a pothole, the presence of gravel or slippery surfaces, a construction zone, etc. While riding, the user can simply touch the screen to mark a hazard, among five categories. This alert is transmitted in real time to the Garmin Connect application via your phone. In return, other cyclists passing on the same route receive an alert message on their meter/GPS also via Garmin Connect, which allows them to be extra careful when approaching danger. And as with Waze, they have the option to confirm or not the presence of danger, and therefore keep the alert message active.

During our test, we appreciated the alerts, and their relatively discreet location on the screen, accompanied by an audible warning, without the data being hidden. They are not very intrusive at the moment, given the still relatively small number of users. But it is always possible to deactivate them on the meter.

Since a recent update, this feature is not limited to the Edge 1050, as it is now available for Garmin Edge computers 540/840/1040 and Explore 2. Its use should therefore develop rapidly.

GroupRide and the social side of the Edge 1050

With GroupRide, Garmin expands its features for group rides. A function also introduced with the Edge 1050, but now available for meters 540/840/1040 after a recent update. It allows you to see the location of other members of your group on the map in real time, as well as to send them messages. It also allows you to receive alerts in case of incident detection for one of the other members of the group. Useful when all your friends are not driving at the same speed or some are lagging behind in a difficulty.

Even more fun, This function offers the possibility to follow live the speed and ascent times of each member of the group in the middle of a route, and to establish a ranking. Interesting for those who like to compete with their friends on certain reference climbs. Finally, at the end of the joint outing, it offers virtual rewards by taking into account, for example, the maximum speed of each member of the group, or power data. Challenges that are ultimately not very relevant for experienced runners, but sources of motivation for a whole new category of new practitioners.

To activate GroupRide, each member of the group must have a phone connected to Garmin Connect, and all live tracking options must be enabled. Then, you can create a group or join one, using a verification code received on the phone and entered on the computer. Messages, location options, incident detections and live rankings will depend on your phone's cellular coverage. In other words, the feature may be a letdown in very remote areas or areas with poor phone coverage. We'll see over time whether it's a real end-all for all potential Edge 1050 buyers.

The doorbell: a function that can make a difference

The new “doorbell” or “audible warning” function of the Edge 1050 is available through the built-in speaker on the bottom of the device.. The interest? Having a warning device to signal your presence to other road users route or cycle paths, much more pleasant than a shout in the middle of a city crossroads, or even better on paths in the countryside taken on Gravel.

Le ring ring The doorbell can be activated while driving in two ways : first by double-tapping the meter screen (once to exit the data screen to access the main menu, a second time to press the horn icon), or by configuring one of the hidden buttons on the gear/brake handles Shimano Di2 or new Sram Red AXS. This last possibility is obviously the most practical and intuitive. The artificial sound (adjustable in intensity) of this bell is, in our opinion, very well worked, to the point that it did not surprise anyone among the people we passed or overtook on cycle paths. A very good point.

Fast and accurate GPS

With its GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) multi-band, the Garmin Edge 1050 GPS is very powerful. Fast and precise, it comes out with honors from certain difficult situations, such as detecting the signal in the city between two buildings in just a few seconds at startup, or resuming the signal at the exit of a tunnel a few hundred meters long. On our outings on route, whether in the Paris region or in Haute Montagno, even with some sunken or forest passages, we did not detect any loss of signal or fanciful traces offset from the route.

The mapping is for us of better quality than on previous models. It is clearer, more readable, and more user-friendly too. A real pleasure to use, even if that remains subjective.

But like most meters/GPS, The 1050 lacks a little bit of responsiveness outside of routes bitumen, as we have seen on some Gravel rides. Following a predetermined track with very narrow paths can sometimes be difficult. It only takes one or two seconds of delay for the location update to miss the entrance to a path or a change of direction. It must be said, however, that in these conditions, it is not always easy to carefully follow both the state of the terrain in front of the wheels and the meter screen. The voice guidance (thanks to the integrated speaker) which can be activated or deactivated, is in this case very useful even if not very discreet.. In any case, this is an undeniable advantage over all other devices of this type on the market.

When following a track, the on-screen instructions are usually very clear and easy to follow.. We experienced a course that took just a few minutes to record on Strava. Once the recording is done, it is automatically sent to Garmin Connect and then transferred to the Edge 1050 as soon as the device is powered on. While following the course, the GPS automatically redirects back to the track if you stray from it for any reason. On the other hand, we have testI tried the Return to Home function several times, and oddly enough the Edge 1050 didn't always suggest the shortest route.

Altitude and elevation data also seem to have improved significantly at Garmin recently., with values ​​that were mostly in line with reality. Until the Edge 530/830/1030 meters, Garmins were very sensitive to weather conditions and sometimes gave fanciful values, especially in the rain. We did not see this phenomenon here.

Finally, regarding the ClimPro function, which allows you to detect an upcoming climb and indicate slope variations, it is still just as useful in addition to being particularly readable. Note good responsiveness of slope changes indicated on the meter, thanks to a new algorithm (also updated for Edge 540/840/1040) which allows you to see the slope displayed in percent in a very short period of time (3 or 4 seconds maximum).tage on the meter.

Finally, as the table is not 100% perfect, it should be noted that the meter crashed twice in 3000 km, with a screen that remained frozen, forcing us to stop to reboot it. A slight bug already encountered on previous Garmin meters, which can probably be fixed as updates are made.

Balance sheet: always higher 

The Garmin Edge 1050 follows in the footsteps of the 1040, with a similar format and very similar functions.It features an improved user interface, a more responsive touchscreen, a brighter display, a built-in speaker and social features. It offers a more premium feel to the use, and represents the best in the field today from our point of view.. But it is also a bit heavier and has less battery life than the 1040.

=> BUY THE GARMIN EDGE 1040 SOLAR ON SALE FOR €649,99

Choosing the new Garmin Edge 1050 will therefore depend on your usage and your objectives.. If you already have an Edge 1040, recent updates already let you take advantage of some of the features offered by the 1050. If you have an older device, the gap in screen quality and sharpness may be well worth it.

Finally, if your practice is more performance-oriented, the Edge 840 is still an excellent compromise, with a much lower weight and features equivalent to the 1040, but a smaller screen which is therefore less readable.

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