Garmin Edge 1050 In-Depth Review // New Features, Accuracy, Battery Life, Navigation, Safety, & More

[@orsations]

DesFit carries everybody’s phones with him on rides, what a gentleman 😅

[@DesFit]

lol, noticed that during editing 😂 Allow myself to introduce myself…

[@markheraldsarmiento9583]

Really patience is a virtue. I was planning to upgrade into a garmin 1040 last month, but I had this feeling that garmin will release a new version. I'm getting this one now.🙂

[@xelionizer]

Wait another three months and the Garmin 1050 Uber Pro Mk 2 will replace it, with only slight software-based iteration. This is getting beyond ridiculous!

[@bruceritchie7613]

Same. I've been looking at a hammerhead karoo 3 but I think I'll go for this 1050 instead. Definitely priced higher though

[@DesFit]

@xelionizer the 1040 was released 2 years ago which is a pretty reasonable update timeframe for this kind of device. I'd also add that nearly all the new features are going back to the 1040, other than the new interface which leverages the display and processor.

[@ShuttTheFrontDoor]

@@DesFit As a 1040 Solar user for about a year or so, I appreciate that software upgrades are coming to the xx40 series.

[@MilesTGabourel]

I bought my Garmin 1030 plus 3 days before the 1040 got announced. 😩

[@tonyg3091]

The bell is a genius touch.

[@DesFit]

Totally agree

[@michaellanger5671]

I upgraded from 840 to 1050 and don’t regret the decision. It looks so much better due to the new screen.

[@irfuel]

I hope people don't report potholes where I live. It will become impossible to read the map with all those hazard icons :D

[@mdcycling]

I don't think the report system will accept your report right away. It should have some sanity check if there are more than 1 report within same location then system will accept it instead of bozo reports.

[@rjvk1985]

How is Belgium these days?

[@lajosjuhasz4363]

I hope this incident report is going to handle the cases when the entire road section is a covered with potholes.

[@weiweiensheff9322]

Living in Sheffield, that’s what I’m worrying too🤣

[@drummerman122]

Just upgraded my 1030plus to 1040. Happy with the features trickled down to the 1040. The speed at which it shows gradient changes is important to me. Happy with my purchase especially as the 1050 is 750€ against the 470€ I paid for the 1040.

[@brandonhoffman4712]

I do like my 1040. I dont think im seeing enough to warrant an upgrade. The UI on the 1050 looks like the 1040 with a comb over instead of a bowl cut on the same human... The fact i have to dive into settings on the 1040 to activate my light modes is a bit of a bummer, the fact the software only shows me the mode on the data screen with no ability to change it is a bit more of a bummer... i can turn the music on in my phone and skip songs and such. But not bike equipment made with ant+ capability... The horn is a cool idea, but I would like to see 3rd party options. Nice and loud with many sound effects. From squeaky toys to submarine dive warnings. Maybe one that sets off the entire noise maker like when i was a kid!

[@McHayes76]

That price! As long as people keep dishing out insane money for this, th eprice will just keep on increasing. That's a high end smartphone and very decent laptop-money.

[@coolcat23]

Absolutely insane pricing.

[@kieranocallaghan1164]

I agree. Garmin have lost the run of themselves with their pricing. The device is worth no more than €300.

[@lethargic_cow]

I just got an 840 but had regretted not getting the 1040 because I'm a fan of bigger screen. Gotta say, the display on this one looks just awesome!!

[@dumb-old-trump]

get a smartphone and a small power bank. 1000000000 times better

[@FrankFiorentino]

I plan to upgrade from the 1040. My biggest issue with the 1040 is reading the map when navigating so hopefully the new display will fix this. I often plan new routes so nav is important to me.

[@nelsdale1137]

Is it difficult to see in normal conditions or just in high sunlight?

[@FrankFiorentino]

@@nelsdale1137 the limited color on the 1040 make it hard for me to easily see my route. I have tried changing the colors but it does not play well with my eyes.

[@sawekzlasowoliwskich9826]

Speaker = game changer. In future I need direct bluetooth to single headphone for all warnings and directions.

[@RomanKostyrko]

There is a voice function in 840, the device plays voice directions via phone speaker or BT headphones connected to phone. So speaker feature is useless.

[@thomas1988de1]

I was expecting more from the UI update. Still looks (and runs) like a old PDA or windows mobile device.

[@thomasclausbz]

100% agree, looks terrible.

[@HNedel]

It’s a matter of time before Xiaomi or someone else makes an android computer with all these features, for a fraction of the cost. 700 is way too much

[@hornsteinhof7592]

I feel like the interface jump probably shouldn't be too big so long time users feel right at home. Sadly Garmin just did that with their connect app which I really have stopped using after the interface update.

[@thomas1988de1]

@@hornsteinhof7592 I think they did a pretty good job with the UI changes on their OLED watches: Utilizing the new display tech while keeping the old ui structure. But here it looks completely outdated.

[@DiegoHorchata]

In a matter of time your phone will kill the bike computer. Most like it seems that android will take over. Soon u will see a bike computer with an android ui

[@Kjvas]

Weighs more and bigger,just for a better brightness and a ring bell ,my grandpa will love it.

[@ShaunMcDngh]

I think I would like it. I guess I could be your grandfather.

[@donbarnard82]

I've been using my ipad as my bike computer, sonny!

[@davidstihler9689]

The speaker is really important to me as I use Varia Radar and being able to hear the warning of an approaching vehicle is worth the price.

[@dumb-old-trump]

get a smartphone and a small power bank. 1000000000 times better

[@MrMartin246]

Regarding the lack of physical buttons there are two workarounds that I have been using for years. First you can lock the touchscreen while you ride, you simply press (not hold) the power button and it locks/unlocks. When locked swipe gestures keep working but not touches so you can still change screen but the rail drops do not cause issues. in combination with the lock, I se the Di2 buttons to switch screens as well. On bikes without Di2 I use the Edge Remote device from Garmin which provides physical buttons. So there are solutions that works well, this is really not a big deal.

[@SpencerReidBuchanan]

You talked about the Garmin Pay thing. I went over a year without setting up Garmin Pay on my Fenix 7s Pro and nothing is worse then trying to use your phone with sweaty hands and a phone thats covered in sweat from being in the back jersey pocket. On my watch, I can use the physical buttons on my watch to pay. If I wear my hydration pack, my phone goes in there normally and taking it off, digging around for my phone, while dripping sweat everywhere is just a pain. Ordering a 1050 here soon and I'm super excited for the Garmin Pay

[@robinseibel7540]

Great, thanks man. Now I can't look at my 840 anymore without thinking about what an 850 might be like.

[@rcuadro]

I have been refreshing for a while and finally popped up 🤘

[@Joshpods]

Finally. I can finnally edge at a higher level, i was bored with the previous version.

[@philippk9954]

i see, straight from the circlejerk sub :D

[@dumb-old-trump]

get a smartphone and a small power bank. 1000000000 times better

[@74_Green]

Bonus, 1040 price is reduced on a bunch of sites.

[@CorkHunter123]

When you see someone wearing two smart watches, you know you can trust their device review.

[@_J.F_]

I love the menus and layout on this new head unit, and of course the very clear and bright screen. Is it worth paying all that extra money for? Probably not but isn't that very often the case with the newest tech, that if you want the latest little perks and extras you of course have to pay for them. Personally I prefer the smaller units, so e.g. 840 over 1040, and will not consider upgrading until a 850 (if that will ever happen) hits the market.

[@adamweb]

I'm still using a refurbished Edge 530 I got years ago 😂 Some of these new features are very enticing but I'm so set in my routine at this point I'd probably never use them. Also, I'm probably not the target market for a flagship computer anyway considering I've never even used the routes feature of my current device! 😂

[@marekkolano7432]

I think a next nice feature would be to overlay road surface quality. I can imagine they gather (probably using in-built already accelerometer) vibrations and the head unit is typically next to handlebar so the differences in surface quality that we feel in handlebar could be translateable to different data patterns in the headunit itself. Unless it is less sensitive than I think and can only distinguish crash from the surface noise.

[@donbarnard82]

Then adjusts your tire pressure automatically! :)

[@marekkolano7432]

@@donbarnard82 yes but as a next update ;)

[@reinholdachleitner2069]

Looks amazing with it's size and all.💯👌🏻🚴‍♂️

[@BiscuitsScary]

The deal-killer for me is the lack of buttons. Living in England, it rains a lot and it's often cold enough for thick gloves, making this device less good than the 840 for a large part of the year.

[@sunil3135]

Apart from the screen, the bell seems to be the most devastating upgrade

[@conceptcs]

Might as well mount my laptop on there. Jessus, that thing is huge.

[@McHayes76]

And it wouldn't cost you a lot more ;-)

[@toddeler]

For me still too small, I’m totally serious

[@reynardtterblanche708]

No need to twll Jesus it is huge. He can see it.

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

Actually a little disappointed here. I waited years for Solar on the 1040. I frequently run workouts and navigation concurrently, and I only have to charge the thing every few weeks - mainly from indoor use. This is the first release that I will skip from Garmin in a decade... It's strange that they would walk back such a clutch feature on their flagship. The new features, UI, and display are definitely nice, but the practical use cases for those don't outweigh the losses for me in the 1040 Solar.

[@DesFit]

The current state of solar technology isn't quite there yet in terms of making a meaningful impact with the power needs of LCD and OLED displays. The 1040 isn't going away and the 1050 can be thought of more as a sibling...with a few upgrades :)

[@richardlapierre555]

Depend on your need but I run a 1030 plus connectd to a sinwave cycle reactor charger(with a SON dynamo) and the battery level actually goes UP as I ride along. So normally I come home and the battery level is near 100% I NEVER charge the 1030 in the wall. You could also run a battery pack they are so good nowerdays. I have a hard time understanding people complaning about battery life. Even cyclotouring multi days and charging with a battery pack in the evening you could probably manage to go a week without needing to charge it in the wall.

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

@@richardlapierre555 sure, and I can put a 50,000 MAH battery pack in a pannier bag and never need to plug my Di2, phone, watch, and portable vacuum into a wall again. The point is the form factor of the 1040 Solar that allows me to run workouts and navigation for multihour rides and limited need to charge is a great solution adding no bulk or weight to my setup. The 1050 took a step back on their flagship for battery life, and that's disappointing. For many people who use the 10XX series computers, long battery life is a primary selling point as they use that real estate for mapping, segments, workout mode, etc. otherwise, we would use the 8XX series. The bells and whistles for this head unit and the display are likely not enough to capture the 1040 audience for an upgrade in many cases, especially not solar users. Maybe you don't understand why people value battery life, but there are reasons 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@Gyikhuszar88]

Ahh yes, that lag at 5:46 on the 1040. Still ridiculous for that money.

[@MatthewLenton]

I'm not going to upgrade as I appreciate the solar of the 1040 but the speaker is handy

[@Timtheranger]

buy a knog oi bell, they are discrete on your handlebar and a good loud bell

[@BreakawayB]

🔔 I’m here for *THE BELL* 😂

[@DesFit]

🛎️🛎️

[@jackl593]

I prefer the magnet on the wheel thing with a cable to a small display that shows distance

[@mtbboy1993]

I'm interested in how it works with Trailforks, and how accurate it is compared to a phone and other GPS Cycling computers.

[@roa5359]

Once it reaches the ease of use, reliability, readability, weight, battery life and price of my Bryton Rider 420 … I’ll buy one. Until then I will enjoy the Bryton radar unit, power meter, Knog theft alarm and Specialized Torch 3 shoes I bought with the change.

[@MrHuyspeter]

@desfit how is the screen, riding in strong sunlight compared to the New K3? Who's Got the best screen? Karoo3or Edge 1050?

[@SvenfromKiel]

I hoped they will change the submenu hidden feature logic 4:31 and also the look of the thin line and black arrow 4:12 to follow the route can be now individualized and more highlighted. I waited a long time and changed from 1030 to a Karoo2 and I am big fan of the more simple logic and the big yellow line. Nevertheless I miss the map but thats not enough to change back. ....but hardware and display looks great! Thanks!

[@davidlee6666]

I don’t think that map view is following a navigation route

[@SvenfromKiel]

@@davidlee6666 thats true but nevertheless the 1050 is still using thin magenta line and black arrow for navigation which maybe works if you are not using glasses ;)

[@cvilla_75]

Great review, thank you

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@mattdavis855]

Could you make a video about how unified training status works? I don't understand how my fenix and edge communicate and Garmin's lack of clarity on it is incredibly frustrating.

[@DesFit]

I’ll see what I can do!

[@sandrogamperle2989]

Surprised they didn’t announce an updated Varia alongside the 1050. And even if it was just about adding USB-C. 😢

[@dddd6606]

I've been waiting for USB-C Varia for over a year, it is such a pain to keep one last microUSB cable just for one device.

[@theoldman5924]

@@dddd6606 buying a new device full price just for a cable sounds kinda crazy to me though

[@ivoroelandt6132]

I can not understand why it is not possible to select on the edge , “ride course in other direction “. You need to resync by the app for that. While on a fenix you can select this in the settings of the course directly on the watch… should also be possible on the edge…

[@duffleaver6108]

Will the 1040 updates have the bell?

[@iuliantimar]

what wrist band do you use for your Epix watch? looks practical and snug

[@jaydelgado1763]

love the niner shirt ;)

[@bbob75]

Okay okay, just one word about the most important feature: what about navigation? As it was almost completely useless in the x30 series, was there any kind of improvement?

[@paranoidandroid77]

That screen, any chance to get a Forerunner with it?

[@terrywalker7127]

Is there a reoccurring fee for any of the features? I currently use the wahoo ROAM. Have an occasional lockup of the roam and have to power cycle it. Not good when I am trying to follow a route on my own. Would have to get out my cell and use Google maps to find my way back. That is why I am considering the 1050.

[@DesFit]

No fees for using the device

[@ivorpeachey4366]

I noticed when you was in climbing mode the route line was GREEN , CAN WE CHANGE THAT HORRIBLE PURPLE ROUTE LINE ?… other than that it’s got so many features most people we’ll never need or use . All I need is a route track I can see easily day and night and in rain . And a battery to last a week

[@ktitan2193]

Hey man u in hk, i think i saw u on the mtr, have a gd one

[@DesFit]

Sorry never been but have a good one 👍

[@liegs009]

Any concern about the weight being an issue on off road rides and possibly breaking an out-front mount or more likely breaking off at the quarter-turn mount?

[@rabomarc]

Unrelated but I'm super curious if we'll see the Instinct 3 by the end of this month.

[@hovadopn]

Just ordered mine. I am switching from the 530 (still will use it for MTB will be cheaper in a case of accident 🙂). Any idea if Garmin done something about the black display after switching off the backlight - some software- firmware updates ?

[@majobordac]

Garmin and now I ask for a successor to the Edge 130 Plus.

[@thomas1988de1]

Jeah, it's time for a version with usb-c

[@MazingerZX]

At this point, why not make the software into a phone app? The phones will need design to deal with vibration, support Ant+, and maybe ride mode to max battery.

[@donbarnard82]

The phones I prefer for a phone are a bit too big for a bike computer, I think.

[@MazingerZX]

@@donbarnard82 I would use the iPhone Pro Max on the Quadlock mount but I'm paranoid about the vibration issue (Probability of camera damage).

[@Jotarou]

I'll wait for the 1050 Solar

[@DesFit]

That could be quite a few years away. Solar isn’t efficient enough yet to make a meaningful difference when it comes to the power needs of an LCD or AMOLED display

[@marc70.3]

Does it fit with the existing Garmin TT bar mount?

[@jimbode9260]

I currently have the 1030 and thinking time to upgrade. Is the feeble 1030 tone from the Varia radar improved with the 1050's speaker? Currently I solved with iPhone Varia app and iPods but nice to be able to simply hear the 1050 over normal background noise

[@jimbode9260]

I bought the 1050 and can confirm the tone alert from Varia radar is now plenty loud and adjustable.

[@zacharybishop]

So I picked up the 1050 and found that the remote will not stay connected to it, so I wouldn't recommend it for the bell. One out of 20 presses it will work and trigger the bell, but it isn't really useable, as it flashes red most of the time. The edge 1000 is the last device the remote would actually stay connected to - it never stayed connected to the 1030, 1040, 1050.

[@nperson]

I have a 1030 and the first year there was a problem with the connection to the remote. But, for the last three years it has worked perfectly.

[@richardlapierre555]

I have a 1030 plus never had an issue with the remote and I have it for 4 years now.

[@rcgsail1]

Have they provided an option to turn off virtual partner?

[@gregorstanisic6022]

Hi, does 1050 support uploading track during workout?

[@KajiMike]

yes, screen question: Karoo3 or Edge 1050 , how do they compare?

[@endo52]

Is it possible to do a tutorial on screen recording? Could be a replacement for VIRB edit. I only seem to be able to get Wahoo to work. Thanks

[@DiegoHorchata]

I would give 10 for this product

[@wiz3rd]

8:42 "Obviously, audible signal will be best." Audible means able to be heard. Was wondering what you actually meant here?

[@DesFit]

Vocal, apologies for the mix up

[@pattipolvi512]

Mby they make 850 that would be my go to computer

[@joggerino3284]

Still using my 200 € Samsung A12 (10% battery drain per hour) and komoot. I do not need more. These prices are insane, but there are apparently enough people to buy these nice toys.

[@DarrenStone-qw7jo]

f you were to upgrade to a new bike computer from garmin 520 is this the best one?

[@rogerseymour560]

Does the 1050 have a cadence sensor too or is that a feature of the past?

[@DesFit]

Cadence sensors are a separate accessory for any bike computer, but the 1050 definitely supports those sensors as well as pretty much any other cycling related sensor out there.

[@basti5307]

I love the Bell Icon👍👍👍👍

[@ninebanger1585]

Can it monitor the battery level in your sram shifters and derailer as well as display the current gear?

[@kylekermgard]

Higher res screen is nice, but the battery life is way worse than my 1040 solar

[@AndréBiedermann-c2z]

Is this still the same stupid rip-off as with the Edge 1040, where Garmin told me rather arrogantly that I had to buy the topo maps again I had already bought? The Edge 1040 was then immediately returned to the dealer. That's why I still have my Oregon 700.

[@borbas1824]

I'm still using the Edge 1000!

[@TheBarts27]

Stupid call to move the mount on the back. People that buy this expensive devices will also have integrated handlebars with mounts that fit the 1040. the 1050 may be a problem on mounts. Also the fact that the mount is not metal anymore is a step back imho. The screen on the 1050 is beautiful but the battery life is not good comparing it to the 1040. I wonder if the 1040 is a good upgrade for the 1040. a bell is a nice feature but why didn't Garmin make a small led front light blinker in the device so that people can see you riding.

[@RomanKostyrko]

Mount plate is replaceable. I replaced plate on 840 to aluminium one. But plastic seems to be better.

[@ondrejhavlik9615]

I've got SRAM rival hence no "hidden" buttons. Would you recommend using Garmin edge remote control or SRAM blips? 🤔

[@DesFit]

I feel like the blips are more versatile in placement as well as customization

[@fjskj6529]

Is the product cycle every 2 yrs now?

[@bryceabbott2918]

Can you use a small charging block while using the 1050 in an event if needed?

[@DesFit]

Yup!

[@BowenSpace]

Is it support Chinese language for US model?

[@brandonhoffman4712]

How far in the past is garmin living? Screen burn in died on small OLED screens nearly a decade ago. Even the massive OLED tvs dont have issues with burn in anymore, and thats been 4 or 5 years.

[@stesch1885]

Would it be possible to use the bell with the di2 shifters or the edge remote control?

[@richardlapierre555]

Yes he mention it in the video,DC rainmaker mention it as well

[@cyclingfan7303]

This or the Karoo 3?

[@uiuex]

I love the features but I don't understand why Garmin hasn't improved the "still very slow" performance, the UI is still not very interactive and the UX is not the best.....

[@Jarek.]

I'd love to see improvements in Workout screen on Edge 1050... this would be one thing to convince me to spend a lot of money (again....). In E1040 it's pathetic, designed by somebody who apparently is not training with power -- crucial information too small, yet a lot of wasted space.

[@johngreen761]

Dude, do you booked the wrong date or something?? I thought Garmin doesn't meant to launch it today, am i wrong?

[@DesFit]

Today is the launch. They are available to order on Garmin's website.

[@osint6372]

I would take the 1050 over the 1040 solar.....for normal riding it does not really matter. I prefer a better screen...If anyone has concerns they can get a battery pack. The voice prompts and alerts on the device is a great addition. I have an 840 so I willl wait until the price goes down. The cheapest price I found for now is $649.

[@Pilgrim13090]

Garmin pay doesn’t need cell phone connection to work ?

[@DesFit]

For the initial setup you'll need your phone but after that, no need for your phone.

[@MrVKenneth]

Take more of my money, Garmin

[@Timtheranger]

I've noticed my 1030+ seems slower after the last update, i do hope garmin aren't doing an apple tactic with their older devices and slowing them down

[@stefanlund9531]

More features running on older hardware with fewer capabilities logically will likely run slower, no?

[@korsveien]

Apple was caught doing this so it’s a possibility.

[@juliancole9204]

Any word on any new cheaper garmin units, 550, 850

[@RomanKostyrko]

I believe, as usual, smaller Garmin will come next year. It is a usual approach of Garmin to release smaller series later.

[@andrewmilstein6227]

This review was more helpful to me than DC Rainmaker or GP Lama. I was thinking of upgrading, but Desfit said that the 1050 is harder to read than the 1040 (and presumably the 1030) in direct sunlight.

[@DesFit]

The 1040 is slightly better in direct sunlight but it's not that the 1050 is hard to see - the screen is incredibly bright. I can't think of one time over the last month that I've had an issue seeing the screen. Thanks!

[@andrewmilstein6227]

@@DesFit My septuagenarian.eyes have trouble with the 1030 Plus when the sun is in front of me. Maybe my sunglasses are too dark. I would have upgrade if this would have helped.

[@jacobceron2085]

Does anyone knows how to connect the axs remote shifter to the bell? tks!!!!!

[@heisenberg9859]

When fenix 8 guys?

[@sunshinecycling]

Karoo 3 or 1050?

[@lolpwndk]

Welp, just bought a 840 this saturday :(

[@DesFit]

The 840 is still a great computer and is usually my go to due to its versatility (size and buttons). The faster interface, detail with maps, and the speaker are nice on the 1050 but the 840 still does a great job.

[@lolpwndk]

@@DesFit seems like it! Im only getting mad if suddenly the 840 gets a price cut, a week after i bought it😂

[@DesFit]

Very valid. Enjoy your 840 either way! 👍

[@LazyGrayF0x]

They are all pretty good, new and old, enjoy riding your bike!

[@AntonPietersen]

Was it raining 16:30 😉

[@DesFit]

It was 95+ degrees F ;)

[@AntonPietersen]

@@DesFit Hats off! Great review as always... 👌

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@cappaculla]

Wonder can I use my Edge remote to ring the bell ??, Thanks for the vid Des

[@DesFit]

They mentioned that you should be able to map the bell function to an Edge remote (I can't find mine to confirm though). Thanks!

[@HNedel]

@@cappaculla or Di2 and AXS buttons

[@cappaculla]

@@DesFit confirmed, works a treat on the edge remote

[@mateuszmr]

Whats strap is it to epix?

[@DesFit]

Sorry, not sure in understand the question

[@MrAgente255]

Lately GARMIN is limiting us to the functions they already know. In this new team they had to implement the option so that the cyclist can change the music from the same device.

[@louis_sharp]

Getting.

[@did4h2k]

this or a decent 2nd hand bike? hmmmmmm

[@Timtheranger]

i just bought a trek superfly 100 elite for £250 cheaper than the 1050,it's full oclv carbon, it needed wotk done on it but I'm a mechanic, these units ate getting too expensive, the edge explore 2 would meet the needs of most mtb and road bike riders and it's alot cheaper

[@escamunicha4276]

Can it play netflix?

[@MaxRothFitness]

THE UI LOOKS TERRIBLE! I was so excited to buy this but I'm not anymore.😢

[@dhanushsatyanarayan3463]

Wahoo has the best UI