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This is my Garmin Edge 1040 review. I was lucky enough to get my hands on it as soon as it became available in the Czech Republic. Then, in 2024, I bought the Edge 1040 Solar for an upcoming comparison with the Edge 1050.
Below, you will learn how the Edge 1040 differs from the other Edge and competing bike computers, what I like and dislike about it, if it’s worth it, and much more.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The Edge 1040 series is one of the best bike computers on the market, and I can fully recommend it. It sets a new standard for high-end bike computers because of its long battery life, many features, high accuracy, and great display. On the other hand, it can be too large for daily riding, and its price is pretty high, especially if you consider the Solar version. Feel free to buy it here or continue reading for more information and a comparison with its alternatives.
My Edge 1040 rating at a glance:
Battery Life 5/5 | Ease of Setup 4/5 | Display 4/5 | Ease of Use 4/5 | GPS Accuracy 5/5 | Maps & Navigation 5/5 | Price 1/5 | OVERALL 4.0/5
More about this bike computer scoring.
Thanks to pulsmetry.cz for lending me Edge 1040 for this review.
Garmin Edge 1040(s) Pros and Cons
These are the main pros and cons of Edge 1040 I found during its use.
Garmin Edge 1040 Pros
- Large display
- Customizable via a smartphone app
- Very long battery life
- Available in Solar option
- Features rich (including Real-Time Stamina, Power Guide, and more)
- Relatively quick start-up time (about 13 seconds)
- USB-C charging port
- Improved GPS accuracy thanks to the multi-band GNSS
- Downloadable data fields from the Connect IQ store
- Full on-device navigation
- Easy-to-press buttons
Garmin Edge 1040 Cons
- Downloading maps requires a wired connection between the head unit and a computer
- Outdated design (thick bezels)
- ClimbPro feature doesn’t offer enough customization flexibility
- Occasional issues with activities and planned routes synchronization
Also available at competitivecyclist.com, amazon.com, and tredz.co.uk
Also available at competitiveyclist.com, amazon.com, and tredz.co.uk
What’s New Compared to the Edge 1030 Plus?
The Edge 1030 Plus has been Garmin’s flagship cycling navigation for about two years. Except for a few small things, it lacked basically nothing and satisfied even the most demanding users. But the Edge 1040 takes things to another level. It’s available as:
- Garmin Edge 1040
- Garmin Edge 1040 Solar (E1040s)
As the name of the second variant suggests, it includes a built-in solar display for charging while you ride. The claimed battery life increased from 24 to 35 hours over the 1030 Plus. The Edge 1040 Solar should last up to 45 hours in ideal conditions. With the battery-saving mode switched on, it should be up to 70 (and 100 hours, respectively). This battery life is unmatched.
Other changes include:
- More accurate GPS thanks to the Multi-band GNSS support
- Redesigned user interface
- Customizable data fields via a smartphone app
- Real-Time Stamina feature that tells you how long you can ride at a given pace (based on your power)
- More sophisticated training features
- Switch from MicroUSB port to USB-C
- Power Guide that recommends power targets for a given route
- Slight redesign (new metal mount, sleeker curves)
- ClimbPro provides more gradient information
- And many more that I am still discovering.
Here are a few comparison pictures. I wrote a separate article comparing Garmin Edge 1040 vs. 1030 Plus.
In the Box
The Edge 1040 box includes the standard contents we are used to. The Solar version also includes a black silicone case.
- Garmin Edge 1040
- Out front and stem mounts
- USB-C charging cable
- Tether
- Manual
Also available at competitivecyclist.com, amazon.com, and tredz.co.uk
Also available at competitiveyclist.com, amazon.com, and tredz.co.uk
Initial Setup
Pairing is the same as with previous Garmin bike computers. If you’ve used an Edge device before, your user settings (including data fields) can be automatically downloaded from your Garmin Connect account. This detail saves you time and prepares your unit to ride in seconds.
My Experience with Garmin Edge 1040
I’ve been using the Garmin Edge 1040 for about a month in 2022, and now, in 2024, I am also testing the Edge 1040 Solar. Here are my main takes:
- The Edge 1040 is much faster (e.g., when calculating routes or finding POIs) than the 1030 Plus.
- The new user interface looks more modern and is more intuitive.
- The head unit feels more premium, thanks to the slight redesign.
- The battery life on Solar is unmatched.
When testing the Edge 1040 after its release, it froze multiple times when navigating. After a software update and soft reset, I haven’t encountered this problem anymore, not even on the E1040s.
What is a soft reset, what is it good for, and how can it be performed?
Soft reset reboots your Garmin device and can resolve issues like sudden freezes. Hold the power button for 15-30 seconds to perform the soft reset. Then, turn the device on using the power button.
Let’s now dive deeper into individual features.
Display
The 3.5-inch display is still the same as on the Edge 1030 Plus. It has the same brightness, readability, controllability, etc. Here are some side-by-side pictures of the E1030Plus and Edge 1040.
Remember that the 1040 Solar display is slightly dimmer due to the solar panel. This difference is less than 10%. You can check out the following comparison of the Edge 840 vs. E1040 Solar displays in different light conditions. The E840 has the same but smaller display as the E1040. Both head units are set to maximum brightness.
It’s a shame that Garmin only allows you to set up a maximum of 10 data fields. Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM display can show up to 11 data fields simultaneously, while a much smaller (2.7-inch) display.
Additionally, their displays are not the brightest. Check out the following comparison with other bike computers. The Magene C606 and Hammerhead Karoo 2 have higher brightness.
Lastly, I want to comment on the display size. It’s the biggest display among the most popular bike computers. The fonts are large enough to be easily readable, even for people with poorer eyesight. However, I find the device too large for casual riding, especially racing.
Battery Life
Garmin Edge 1040 (especially 1040 Solar) has a dramatically longer battery life than the previous generation. Garmin claims the Edge 1040 can last up to 35 and Edge 1040 Solar for up to 45 hours in ideal conditions. The battery life in the battery saver mode of Edge 1040 is up to 70 hours, and Edge 1040 Solar is up to 100 hours. These numbers are crazy.
I squeezed about 31.5 hours from the Edge 1040 with an HR monitor, a power meter, Varia radar, and a smartphone connected. The battery was still at 4 %, which is impressive. The Edge 1040s that I am using now is second-hand, so I can’t conclude a representative comparison with the non-solar version.
The question is, do you need such a long battery life? It’s great that you don’t have to recharge it every week, but most people won’t need the extra battery life of the Edge 1040 Solar. It’s a cool technology, but its efficiency is still relatively low*.
*Garmin claims Solar extends battery life up to 42 minutes per hour in battery saver mode in ideal conditions, leading to up to 45 hours of battery life. Remember that solar can’t recharge the device. It only extends its battery life.
However, I have to point out that the efficiency of the Edge 1040 Solar is higher than that of the later-introduced Edge 540 Solar and Edge 840 Solar. The reason is clear: they have smaller solar panels.
For illustration, the chart below shows the claimed battery life of the best bike computers on the market.
That said, unless you are a rider who needs longer battery life because of some super long endurance events, you can save some money and just buy the Edge 1040. But the truth is that the $100 more for Solar is not a big difference.
By the way, did I mention that the Edge 1040 finally has a USB-C charging port? Don’t believe me? Take a look at the following photo!
Also available at competitivecyclist.com, amazon.com, and tredz.co.uk
Also available at competitiveyclist.com, amazon.com, and tredz.co.uk
Control & User Friendliness
I looked forward to the new user interface and smartphone customization the most. The menus are more intuitive and clearer, providing a better user experience. For example, the Dashboard shows you more detailed information about your rides, training, weather, etc., and you can customize it further.
By implementing customization via the smartphone app, Garmin matched Wahoo ELEMNT bike computers. Paradoxically, it’s easier to customize data fields directly on the device. The Garmin Connect app is less intuitive than the Wahoo ELEMNT Companion, and the touchscreen display works well.
I also tested the ability to control the display when wet. Again, it reacts pretty well, but not always 100%. I recommend wiping the water off once it accumulates.
The problem with full-finger gloves is that they have to be snug enough so you can press the area you want to press. For this reason, I prefer button-based bike computers or computers like the Edge 840, Sigma ROX 12.1 EVO, or Karoo 2, which combine touchscreen with control buttons.
Maps & Navigation
Garmin Edge 1040 (Solar) offers every navigation feature you can think of. For example, it can navigate you to a selected address, points of interest (POI), back to start, etc.
It also comes with preloaded maps of specific regions, and you can download more detailed TOPO maps for free. The difference between the Edge 1040 and 1040 Solar is the larger storage (32 vs. 64 GB), so the Solar comes with more regions preloaded.
Both head units are super fast when loading routes or calculating new ones. At the time of the release, the Edge 1040 was probably the fastest on the market. Unlike the Edge 1030 Plus, it loaded my 130 km (80 miles) route within seconds.
Garmin also introduced a new feature called Up Ahead. It allows you to add waypoints to the course so you will know the remaining distance to a summit, buffet, café, etc. Remember, you have to create the route using the Garmin Connect app.
GPS Accuracy
Thanks to the multi-band GNSS, the Edge 1040 is one of the most accurate bike computers. I concluded two tests:
- Comparison with other bike computers
- Comparison of different systems (Multi-GNSS Multi-band, Multi-GNSS, and GPS).
As expected, the Edge 1040 with the Multi-GNSS Multi-band system was the most accurate. The non-MultiGNSS units struggle with accuracy in areas with a bad GPS signal. See the following pictures from the same segment of the same ride.
Real-Time Stamina
Garmin introduced the Real-Time Stamina feature earlier in 2022 on its Fenix 7 smartwatches and then implemented it in the Edge 1040 and 1040 Solar (and other x40 units). So, what is it?
In short, you will see how long you can ride at the current pace and how much you have left in the tank.
Here is a more detailed explanation:
The Real-Time Stamina estimates your exertion throughout the ride so you can better manage your effort. It works based on your heart rate, power, and VO2 max.
- Stamina shows how much performance you have left in the tank based on your current pace. It takes into account your current effort and your previous activities. This means that it won’t be 100% at the start of a new ride if you won’t recover from the previous one. You can restore some of your stamina by slowing down and riding at a lower intensity.
- Potential stamina shows to what percentage you have exhausted your potential energy. Therefore, it’s mainly useful for longer efforts.
What if your stamina comes close to zero?
As your stamina approaches zero, you will likely find that your ability to sustain hard efforts is significantly compromised. You may be unable to attack or maintain speed on climbs. You will still, however, likely be comfortable sustaining moderate-intensity efforts slightly below your lactate threshold or FTP provided you still have potential stamina available. (Source)
What if your potential stamina comes close to zero?
When your potential stamina is depleted, you will probably find maintaining even a moderate-intensity effort is a significant challenge. It doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to put one foot in front of the other but expect to find yourself more focused on simply completing the course than achieving a great result. (Source)
Honestly, I find this feature interesting and probably helpful for beginners, but I don’t pay too much attention to it. It needs a lot of data (it’s best to combine it with a Garmin smartwatch) to provide more accurate predictions.
But I have to admit that it is pretty accurate, even without that much data. I really feel tired when my stamina drops below 20-10%.
Power Guide
The Power Guide feature is similar to structured training but applicable to planned routes. It suggests to you the power zones of the course based on your FTP. Here is a screenshot of creating a Power Guide in the Garmin Connect web app:
You can take the ride easy if you want to ride at your endurance zone. The algorithm will calculate the power targets, so you won’t go too hard. Or, if you feel well and ambitious, you can go harder than usual (but not too hard so you won’t blow out) and improve your PRs on your favorite loop. Of course, you can always adjust the power levels mid-ride based on your fatigue. Again, it’s a pretty cool feature if you don’t know yourself well and want at least some guidance.
Connectivity
Garmin Edge 1040 has ANT+, Bluetooth, and WiFi connectivity. It can be paired with additional sensors such as HR monitors, power meters, cadence and speed sensors, cycling radars, etc.
Of course, Edge 1040 can automatically upload your activities to third-party apps like Strava or TrainingPeaks or control your smart trainer. Unfortunately, from time to time, I experience issues with activity and planned route synchronization. They simply don’t want to sync, which requires turning off/on the head unit and mobile app.
Despite Bluetooth and WiFi, you must download maps to the Edge 1040 via the Garmin Express desktop app. This is one of the Edge 1040’s biggest disadvantages and a big shame. Come on, Garmin, it’s 2022!
Luckily, they introduced this functionality with the Edge 1050, which I will test soon, so stay tuned.
Lastly, the Edge 1040 no longer supports the Varia Vision sensor, device transfer, and duplicate Bluetooth pairing process.
Garmin Edge 1040 Alternatives
Here are some Garmin Edge 1040 (Solar) alternatives worth considering.
- Garmin Edge 1050 has a shorter battery life but a brighter display, a redesigned user interface, a new form factor, and an in-built speaker for audible guidance.
- Garmin Edge 1030 Plus is the previous generation Edge 1040 offering the same display size. But it’s cheaper, doesn’t have as many features, and isn’t available in the ‘Solar’ version.
- Garmin Edge 830 offers almost the same features as the 1030 Plus but is more affordable. On the other hand, it has a smaller (2.6″) display and lacks features such as training suggestions, POI navigation, and more.
- Hammerhead Karoo 2 offers a smartphone-like experience. It’s more affordable but has shorter battery life and GPS accuracy.
Garmin Edge 1040 Technical Specifications
Below, I summarized the technical specifications of Garmin Edge 1040 (Solar).
Technical specifications
- Battery life: 35 hours, 45 hours (Solar), USB-C charging port
- Display: 3.5in / 88.9mm (282×470px)
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Weight: 126g (Solar 133g)
- Dimensions: 118×59×20 mm
- Strava live segments: Yes
- Smart trainers control: Yes
- Smart navigation (rerouting): Yes
- Crash/incident detection: Yes
- Connectivity: ANT+, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Waterproofing: IPX7
- Storage: 32GB (Solar 64GB)
Conclusion
With the introduction of the Edge 1040, especially the Edge 1040 Solar, Garmin has taken another step towards dominating the bike computer market. My impressions of using it are mostly positive. It’s super-fast, accurate, more user-friendly, and packed with tons of features like Real-Time Stamina that are helpful for beginners and less experienced riders.
However, I encountered a few issues. The Edge 1040 froze multiple times when navigating. Luckily, it didn’t happen after future software updates and a soft reset. I have also not encountered this with the Edge 1040 Solar that I’ve been testing in 2024. Sometimes, the activities and planned routes don’t sync, and I have to turn the device off and on.
As with the 1030 Plus, the Edge 1040 is not for everyone. This is mainly due to its high price and large form factor. I believe it’s ideal for cyclists who require long battery life, detailed maps, accurate and fast navigation, and those who can leverage their training data to improve their performance. Otherwise, more affordable units like the Edge 840 will do the job well.
If you decide to buy it, please consider using the following links. It’s the best way to support my work and website. Thank you very much in advance.
Also available at competitivecyclist.com, amazon.com, and tredz.co.uk
Also available at competitiveyclist.com, amazon.com, and tredz.co.uk
Recommended Accessories
Below are some recommended accessories for Garmin Edge 1040.
Garmin Varia RTL515 Radar
Garmin Varia RCT715 Radar with Camera
Two Bolt Out Front Mount
What a great review. I’ve got a Garmin 1030 and am considering an upgrade, so your review was really insightful. Thank you.
Hello Alan,
Thank you! I am glad you find it useful. 🙂 If you have Edge 1030, the upgrade will be significant!
– Petr
While I have kept my Edge 1040 solely for the longer battery and higher GPS accuracy, it is still full of bugs. A push on the display corrupts grade and elevation, something that doesn’t affect the Edge 1000.
Routing might be faster, but generates unnecessary detours and longer routes. For example a route from Saratoga, CA to Palo Alto, CA that should be under 18mi gets a complete tour around the SF bay area, 126mi.
See https://forums.garmin.com/beta-program/edge-1040-series/public-beta-bug-reports/i/edge-1040-series—24-xx-bug-reports/routing-issue—126-miles-instead-of-19mi—high-traffic-roads-to-blame
Hi Jose,
Yeah, considering the price, it should be more refined. I don’t get it how is it possible it suffers from similar bugs.
– Petr
I found your artical 99% helpful. I have been using a 830 for sevral years but the screen is to small for me read while riding (unless i wanted to use some reading glasses and thats probally not a good idea :).
So I’m considering the 1030 Plus or the 1040. I don’t need solar so the main thing I want is a larger screen that I can read while riding in the North Texas sun.
The 99% is based on your screen measurments. The actual screen display area on my 830 is 2in.
However I can tell by the great photos you took, the 1030 or the 1040 would be great for me.
I also like the visual comparisons to other units because I was able to read reviews of some of those that fit my screen size requirement and I think I will stick with Garmin.
Thanks for your great work.
Hi Mitch,
Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate them!
– Petr
Thanks for the review. In my two years of ownership of a 1040 I have found it to be mainly an excellent device but reduced in my opinion due to the glitches. Periodically not showing strava segments, freezing at the change of work out interval, restarting mid-way through a long ride and showing the ride has been 8 days long, non-responsive screen. I am 2 months out of warranty and the device is almost unusable.
Hi Richard,
I’m sorry to hear that. Have you tried factory reset and setting it up again?
– Petr