I won’t report on daily firmware updates, but this one is notable. Some significant features have been added to older Edge models, and this represents a turnaround by Garmin as this is yet another recent example of new features on the latest generation (Edge 1060) now being passed back to predecessors. Nice move, Garmin.
Garmin has moved four Edge 1060 features to Edge 1050, 850 and 550 in public beta 33.13, and two of them to Edge 1040, 840 and 540 in public beta 31.67.
- Beta 33.13 adds Garmin Messenger, GroupRide, Alternate Datafields and Garmin Cycling Coach to Edge 1050, 850 and 550.
- Beta 31.67 adds the new GroupRide and Garmin Cycling Coach to Edge 1040, 840 and 540.
- Both betas fix battery drain while the device is not in use and invalid gear-tracking mileage.
- Beta 33.13 also fixes GPS and bike lights being disabled while a Connect IQ app is open, and a problem setting the routing mode.
- Beta 31.67 also fixes LiveTrack sessions ending after 24 hours and elevation sometimes reading zero.
- Both are at 100% rollout to enrolled units, which need a Wi-Fi network and Check For Updates under Main Menu, System, About.
What it means
An Edge 1040 owner can now follow Garmin Cycling Coach’s adaptive training plan on the head unit and use the new GroupRide on group rides, without buying new hardware. Edge 1050 owners also get two-way messaging through Garmin Messenger, which leaves the microphone and voice control as the main reasons to move up to Edge 1060, as set out in Edge 1060 vs 1050.
Riders on long events should note the LiveTrack fix for Edge 1040, since sessions previously stopped after 24 hours.
Quick answers
Does Edge 1040 get Garmin Messenger?
Not in beta 31.67, which adds GroupRide and Garmin Cycling Coach only. Garmin Messenger is listed in beta 33.13 for Edge 1050, 850 and 550.
How do I install the Edge beta?
Enrol the Edge in Garmin’s beta program, add a Wi-Fi network, then go to Main Menu, System, About and Check For Updates. It may be necessary to select the software update to start the install.
More Edge coverage is on the Garmin Edge hub and in the Edge upgrade guide, with spec pages for Edge 1050 and Edge 1040 Solar and the best cycling computer guide.
Last Updated on 23 October 2026 by tfk the5krunner
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Beet It Sport nitrate shots: Beetroot shots I take in the days before a race. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. See the gear tfk uses. ID
