Garmin Edge 1030 – **Specifications** & Comparisons | OPINION |

The usual bundle and non-bundle offerings exist, but we are most interested in the juicy specs. And, of course, we need to get our hands on one to see if it lives up to marketing claims.

A new ‘headline’ feature is “Trendline popularity routing,” which Garmin developed after mining the data we all have in Garmin Connect. This will be similar to the heat maps available on other sports platforms (like Suunto MOVESCOUNT). However, admittedly, it will have more data points in the Garmin incarnation and probably also have better integration into active directional routing. Popularity routing will generally be a welcomed and useful feature, especially as it covers both road and off-road routes. There will probably be idiosyncracies where cycle routes are shown, and we can have a slight giggle at that, but for the most part, it will be great. I know I have found MOVESCOUNT’s heatmaps insightful – for example, when going on holiday somewhere new, you can post a request on a forum for local insight on great trails to ride. Still, looking where others cycle on heatmaps or popularity routing engines might be quicker.

Garmin is keen to remind us of STRAVA Live Segment integration, as many of us are coming to ‘rely’ on STRAVA nearly as much as the Garmin device itself. OK, ok. We know. But we might not have known that the Edge 1030 and other Edge units will receive all your STRAVA routes automatically…hooray!! Finally!!

DETAILED REVIEW: Garmin Edge 820 – 1030 gives you all this and more in a larger, updated physical format.

Garmin is ALSO keen to remind us of their integration with their VARIA cycling awareness accessories. OK, part of that is to sell more products, but when I used the VARIA rear lights and proximity RADAR, I found it pretty good and useful for avoiding being hit by large and fast lumps of metal, aka vehicles. Handy.

Finally, a new ‘headline’ feature is rider-to-rider messaging. I remain to be convinced about this. No doubt Garmin will have considered the safety issues and will tell us not to use the functionality whilst moving…I wonder if the functionality is disabled automatically when moving…let’s see. But at least there seems to be a nod towards smart/pre-canned responses to SMS messages that can be sent with a few keytaps instead of typing a whole new message from scratch.

A massive selling point for the Edge 1030 will be the new EXTENDED BATTERY PACK which uses connectors within the Garmin mount…clever, or what!? The pack can charge for an additional 24 hours. I would imagine the best use is to refuel your 1030 between stops ON YOUR HANDLEBARS as you ride and then keep the pack somewhere safe. Otherwise, your aeroness could be compromised 😉

Garmin has responded to the super-aero claims of WAHOO ELEMNT BOLT to introduce a ‘flush’ out-front mount. Although I imagine the ‘not tiny’ Edge 1030 is not particularly designed for time trials.

Structured workout CREATION will be better supported through Garmin Connect (mobile), and the 1030 will feature minor updates to workout execution.

Bluetooth sensor support is also been added. That is generally of limited value EXCEPT for those of you who want to connect to apps such as STRAVA or ZWIFT.

The touchscreen is the obvious addition. Reports are already coming in from several corners, doubting the touchscreen’s awesomeness. However, in balance and as with the Edge 820, d c rainmaker is generally happily stating, “Not to mention the touch screen improves upon the Edge 820,” even though he was happy with the Edge 820 performance, ” it works just fine in the rain or with gloves.”

Otherwise, it looks a bit like the features carried over from the Edge 820 combined with some clever stuff from FIRSTBEAT that has already been incorporated into the Fenix 5 range.

However, if you are unfamiliar with the Fenix 5 or the Edge 820 (and many of you won’t be), read through the official headline specs below. My only concerns would be: if it is properly able to run a few CIQ apps i.e. is it underpowered like the Edge 820; if the touchscreen works or not; and if the navigation is properly powered and able to be interpreted by anyone who doesn’t have a Harvard MBA. Sigh.

Summary: Looks cool if my concerns are met; I’m sticking with the WAHOO ELEMNT for now.

Specs & Information

• TRENDLINE POPULARITY ROUTING Uses billions of miles of Garmin Connect ride data to show you the best on- and off-road routes travelled by cyclists.
• DISPLAY The new 3.5” screen is bigger and sharper than in previous Edge cycling computers.
• RIDER-TO-RIDER MESSAGING1 Rider-to-rider messaging lets you send prewritten notes from your Edge 1030 to other riders’ Edge devices. Let your friends know if you’ll catch up in a few minutes or if they should go on without you.
• NEW SMART CONNECTIVITY1 Respond to missed calls or texts with prewritten messages4 such as “be home soon.” Give your friends and family — even your fellow riders — peace of mind by letting them follow your rides in real time with LiveTrack and GroupTrack2.
• GARMIN CYCLE MAPS AND ALERTS Edge 1030 is preloaded with maps and includes turn-by-turn navigation and new navigation alerts that notify you of upcoming sharp turns.
• LONGER BATTERY LIFE Your Edge battery should outlast your ride, not vice versa. With Edge 1030, get up to 20 hours of power, and if that’s not enough, add up to 24 more with the optional extended battery pack.
• STRAVA LIVE SEGMENTS Race virtually against your Strava friends with second-by-second comparisons and see how your effort compares to your PR. The new segment explore alerts you to a nearby iconic segment.
• NEW PRELOADED STRAVA ROUTES CIQ APP The starred routes automatically sync to your Edge so you can navigate and compete on your favourite segments at the same time.
• NEW PRELOADED TRAINING PEAKS CIQ APP With TrainingPeaks, bringing your coach for every ride is as easy as turning on your Edge 1030. The preloaded TrainingPeaks Connect IQ™ app puts your daily workout on the Edge device.
• VARIA COMPATIBILITY Edge 1030 is compatible with Varia™ rearview radar, Varia Vision and smart bike lights to help create a safer riding environment.
• CONNECT IQ COMPATIBLE Customize Edge 1030 with free apps, widgets and data fields you want from the Connect IQ store. Apps such as AccuWeather let you know when the rain will stop so you can find time for a ride.
• NEW IN-LINE FLUSH MOUNT This included mount keeps your device in line with the handlebars, not above them. This gives your Edge a lower profile, and it is also effortless to switch out optional accessories.

Includes: Extended out-front mount, standard mount, speed sensor, cadence sensor, premium heart rate monitor, tether, USB cable, manuals

Price: $899.99 (bundle), $799.99 (non-bundle)

As of 28 August 2017, the previous EDGE 1000 bundle was $599 on Amazon (or $450 unbundled). Bargain, in comparison ie 50% more expensive than the Edge 1000