Good for Garmin to make things right. Just curious, did you write a physical letter (vs an email) and how'd you find out where to send it. Garmin is such a huge organization with offices all over the world. Well done. (time for a 1050 😉)
I wrote a physical letter and sent it by email. I originally wrote to the VP of Global Marketing, but she then passed me on to someone in the USA that could deal with my warranty issue. I just spoke with him over the phone. I use the RocketReach website when I'm looking to get contact info for someone specific within a company.
Some annoying thing that are worse than before: 1. More clicking and smaller icons. You can't wipe out of the sub menus to get back to the activity. Instead need to click the tiny arrows in corner. 2. It syncs much slower / unreliably 3. The Garmin Radar icon is blocking the time of day. Yes really, can't see the time when using a radar. 4. The metal mount is giving me a sloppy fit with my old mounts. Had to replace one it was so loose.
Since the price difference between the two is minimal, I’d go for the 1050 simply for the brighter and more responsive display. There are a few other new features but nothing revolutionary. If battery life is your priority, then the 1040 Solar is the way to go.
I do wish the screen was better, but if it truly does help with the battery life, I'm fine with it. I went with the solar model, and I know that I took a hit on the screen even more because they have a solar panel inside the screen area. Overall though, I can glance at the screen and see everything just fine. My only real gripe on the screen really is that looking at the map could be a little better. I'll have to play with it more. Coming from a Wahoo Elemnt (the OG) this is a substantial upgrade and is packed with a ton of features that I haven't really even started to play with yet. Loving it so far.
Good to hear! True, that’s it’s packed with features. Having used it for over six months now, I am even more impressed with the improvements they’ve made, particularly to the UI. Plus, the ClimbPro data screen has become a must-have on my rides. Especially, when riding unfamiliar routes.
Firstly, having your 1030 fail on your big trip sounded so frustrating. I would have been furious, too, and in similar circumstances (as a consumer of other stuff), I've also written long letters of dissatisfaction. Most companies take that seriously, so it's great that Garmin treated you well. I have an Edge 840 Solar. I agree with the user interface, but you need to rewire your brain to get used to it. My wife uses an old Edge 520, it's the same concept but I agree the new xx40 UI is better but I think a lot of that is the touch screen. All this said, I still struggle with software reliability - I had a couple annoying software issues last season, it seems to be a continuing problem with Garmin. I would be curious about your long term experience as you use it more.
Thanks for that. I know others have also complained about software issues, but I really haven’t experienced any of that. Either with this new 1040 or my previous 1030 or 840. Maybe just luck of the draw. The only glitchy thing-recently-is that I don’t get consistent phone/text/social media notifications on my cycle computer that used to work reliably. I’ll keep an eye on it and see if it improves. It’s an important feature, so I hope they haven’t buggered it all up.
I have a 1040 solar and the battery life is outstanding. For example I recently rode a 10 hr ride using full mapping, then another 4 x 2 hour rides and still had over 70% power remaining. I've never had a device so good in that respect. Love it.
Between the 1040 Solar and 1040 Non-solar, the solar version is for sure the better option. My non-solar can get me through long rides, but I do have to manage my battery usage. I just drop the brightness on the display which makes a huge difference.
Just bought one for possibly being the last MIP model. They might look like crap indoors but as soon as sun hits them they shine and the phone display of the 1050 / others look like crap and burn in due to the backlight constantly running at 200%.
@@bikesbymike I had issues with many phones and also my coffee machine burning in the status bars. Will be interesting in the long run if Garmin managed to choose a screen without this issue given that it's mostly used with higher backlight values. I got my 1040. Felt like I had to pull the trigger now that it's listed under "former models".
Ive just bought the Standard 1040 (couldn't justify the extra for the solar) looking forward to getting to grips with this now coming from a Wahoo roam 1
Hello pal. I have a question. You praise Karoo for higher res, which is understandable. What Im curious about is if karoo's higher res actually translates to any real life benefits, like, does the high res actually in any way improve user experience? After all if we are riding a bike we focus on road, not on counting pixels on our device.
Higher resolution and better colour contrast certainly makes the map easier to view. Garmin must have seen their display specs as a weakness as the new 1050 now has a higher res, better colour contrast, LCD display.
My gripe with ALL cycle computers is - why is it taking SOOoo long to reduce the bezel around the screen? It's such a waste of potential space, and it's not like the tech is not there, it is, and I would be happy to pay more for a bigger screen, it baffles me to the max.
Yes. And bezel gets even larger when solar is added. You won’t be happy with the look of the new 1050. But finally! A new, higher resolution, bright LCD display.
I think you a wrong. In a trade-off between a brighter, higher res display and being certain the battery will endure from sunrise to sunset, most users would pick the longer battery life.
True. And if they can't produce an AMOLED cycle computer with a reasonable run-time, then I'd go with a low res display as well. But Garmin's 51mm Epic Pro with an AMOLED display, for example, gets 30 hrs. of battery life even with full dual-band navigation. If they can get that kind of life on a smartwatch, they should certainly be able to get all-day battery life on a cycle computer.
Strangely, I've been using my Edge 1030 for over 5 years in various weather/temp conditions and road surface conditions. I recently added another Cannondale bike to my collection that came with a different version bike mount on a Vision Metro one-piece handlebar. The Garmin unit had more raddle, due to an un-snug fit in the locked position, and within a half dozen rides the polymer mount broke (one of the tabs) on the Edge unit. Very disappointing because but still wondering if it was due to possible small vibrations due to a less than snug fit when locked into the mount? But glad to see the Garmin Edge 1040 units come with metal mounts for full confidence in durability! And BTW, great review!
Thanks for those comments. It sounds like we had identical experiences. I didn’t mention it in my video (because you just reminded me of it), but my mount wasn’t holding my Garmin 1030 as tightly as it had previously leading up to the incident. I guess I could have prevented the quarter-turn mount from breaking if I just replaced the stem mount as a preventative measure. But with Garmin now going with an aluminum mount on the 1040, it’s a total non-issue. Thanks for watching!
I slightly have to disagree about navigation. Garmin's head units have inferior navigation features when it comes to browsing the map, planning random routes. You cannot even add a via point to an existing route. Mobile phones (almost any app, Komoot, RWGPS, BikeMap, LocusMap) are way better and look nicer. Ok, Edge devices are durable and dedicated.
I agree that Edge units can’t match the features you get with smartphone navigation apps. But when compared to other dedicated cycle computers and smartwatches, they can hold their own. Certainly room for improvement as you suggest. Thanks for commenting.
I just recently bought a 1040 solar and I have to say you’re spot on with your criticism of the screen resolution. You don’t have much time to look down and try to figure out what the screen is telling you and with low resolution, trying to understand what a map is trying to tell you with big fat arrows and roads that just look like a mess on the screen, it is extremely disappointing for the cost of the unit.
I appreciate your video: content, format, and straight-up down to earth, practical approach!!!! I have a 1030 and, for various reasons, was away from cycling for a while, but getting back into it now...will use my 1030 for now, but am researching the most recent model hence landing on your video. Much helpful! BTW, like the t-shirts!
Thanks! I have no charisma, so my only option is to share a lot of info and hope some find it useful 🤣. Good luck researching the 1040. The longer I use it, the more I like it. Cheers.
I'm surprised that no one noticed another major feature of the 1030, namely that when you stop, the map always rotates correctly. The previous model couldn't do that and it always waited for your movement, making it difficult to navigate.
The metal mount is a great improvement but as the quarter turn bracket it fits into is still made of plastic/resin/polymer the problem of something breaking is still there plus we now have metal on plastic which may result in a more aggressive wear on the inside of the bracket.
I agree with you. My preference would be to have gone with an aluminum mount, like the excellent ones made by K-EDGE. Unfortunately, they don’t make one that allows a duo mount with a Garmin cycle computer and a Cycliq light. The only good thing with going with a 3D printed option like the plastic one I have, is that if the 1040 does take a big blow, it’s possible the mount will break before the 1040. Essentially, sacrificing the mount over damaging the more expensive cycle computer. The same concept applied to derailleur hangers.
Good point. Bike computers are always on typically held at the same brightness all the time. But they are getting some pretty impressive runtimes on some of the new AMOLED smartwatches. The new Garmin Epix Pro 51mm gets 11 days of runtime in the always on mode. Yes, it dims when you’re not looking at it, but it still displays. Curious what it would get in always on non-dimming mode.
7/15/24. After installing update 13.75 on my 1030 it was rendered useless. I called Garmin today and they’re replacing it with a 1040. Thanks Garmin. I really appreciate it.
I started having battery and connectivity issues after the previous update a month ago. After 13.75 it quit. I don’t know what the cause was but updating didn’t help matters. Since they’re out of 1030’s they’re sending a 1040. Great service.
For my running watch I liked the screen of the ForeRunner 965, but I'm still more than happy with my 955 resolution and especially it's battery life. When I'm cycling, my head is not nearly as close to the screen as it gets to my phone or my watch. I don't use my cycling computer except for when cycling, while I do use my watch. I really don't see how a higher resolution would be beneficial. As an ex-owner of the Hammerhead Karoo, I can say that screen has more wow-factor but functionally the screen isn't better (the interface is!), and when riding in dark conditions it's lowest brightness is still too bright. The battery life of the Hammerhead is a LOT worse. MIP screens ftw if you ask me.
Yeah. All good points. I still think that for navigation, Garmin needs to improve the clarity. It shouldn’t be a struggle to quickly make out your route or where you are on your route. Maybe I’m just grumpy because the arrow that marks your location is so small. Simple user interface improvements would help.
@@bikesbymike I agree! But do think it's 100% caused by the map design. Flashing the LEDs and screen to get my attention would be a good idea, for example. Also, recalculation of the Hammerhead was much faster and more often correct. Fitness and tracking features of Garmin however are unmatched. Accident detection is a lifesaver if you ask me. What I miss from both is the ability to set the number of seconds I want to get a message before I need to turn. You'd think they should be able to do that accurately since they know my speed etc. ;)
The Edge 1040 is my first Garmin device in a long time, as I have been in the Wahoo eco-system (both Bolt and Roam V2) for some years. In general, it is a big step up from previous Garmin Edge computers I have had (the last one before this was the Garmin Edge 1000). Usability definitely have improved (also much needed). I have been mostly satisfied with the device for the year I have used it. The battery life is really something when you are on multi-day rides and I like the size of the screen (though I think contrast could be better). But long term stability? Lately, I have had more issues with it. Issues like dropping sensor connections or stop doing turn-by-turn directions early into the ride (each day on multi-day ride). I have already had to do one device reset. It also frustrates me, that the touch screen can get activated by rain. So it's a good device, but definitely not without issues. Honestly, if Wahoo released a device with similar screen size and somewhat similar battery lifetime I'd go back. The Hammerhead Karoo 2 is an interesting device, but battery lifetime deters me.
Good to hear your experience. You’re another person that has found a lot of bugs in the software. As for the overly sensitive touch screen when raining, I don’t experience that, but I do use a screen protector. Not sure if you use one, but you may want to try one if you don’t.
Good for Garmin to make things right. Just curious, did you write a physical letter (vs an email) and how'd you find out where to send it. Garmin is such a huge organization with offices all over the world. Well done.
(time for a 1050 😉)
I wrote a physical letter and sent it by email. I originally wrote to the VP of Global Marketing, but she then passed me on to someone in the USA that could deal with my warranty issue. I just spoke with him over the phone. I use the RocketReach website when I'm looking to get contact info for someone specific within a company.
Yo también quiero que garmin me regale un 1040!!!
7 min. b4 title kicks in.
Some annoying thing that are worse than before:
1. More clicking and smaller icons. You can't wipe out of the sub menus to get back to the activity. Instead need to click the tiny arrows in corner.
2. It syncs much slower / unreliably
3. The Garmin Radar icon is blocking the time of day. Yes really, can't see the time when using a radar.
4. The metal mount is giving me a sloppy fit with my old mounts. Had to replace one it was so loose.
I got a new bike. Would you recommend 1040 or 1050?
Since the price difference between the two is minimal, I’d go for the 1050 simply for the brighter and more responsive display. There are a few other new features but nothing revolutionary. If battery life is your priority, then the 1040 Solar is the way to go.
I do wish the screen was better, but if it truly does help with the battery life, I'm fine with it. I went with the solar model, and I know that I took a hit on the screen even more because they have a solar panel inside the screen area. Overall though, I can glance at the screen and see everything just fine. My only real gripe on the screen really is that looking at the map could be a little better. I'll have to play with it more. Coming from a Wahoo Elemnt (the OG) this is a substantial upgrade and is packed with a ton of features that I haven't really even started to play with yet. Loving it so far.
Good to hear! True, that’s it’s packed with features. Having used it for over six months now, I am even more impressed with the improvements they’ve made, particularly to the UI. Plus, the ClimbPro data screen has become a must-have on my rides. Especially, when riding unfamiliar routes.
Firstly, having your 1030 fail on your big trip sounded so frustrating. I would have been furious, too, and in similar circumstances (as a consumer of other stuff), I've also written long letters of dissatisfaction. Most companies take that seriously, so it's great that Garmin treated you well. I have an Edge 840 Solar. I agree with the user interface, but you need to rewire your brain to get used to it. My wife uses an old Edge 520, it's the same concept but I agree the new xx40 UI is better but I think a lot of that is the touch screen. All this said, I still struggle with software reliability - I had a couple annoying software issues last season, it seems to be a continuing problem with Garmin. I would be curious about your long term experience as you use it more.
Thanks for that. I know others have also complained about software issues, but I really haven’t experienced any of that. Either with this new 1040 or my previous 1030 or 840. Maybe just luck of the draw. The only glitchy thing-recently-is that I don’t get consistent phone/text/social media notifications on my cycle computer that used to work reliably. I’ll keep an eye on it and see if it improves. It’s an important feature, so I hope they haven’t buggered it all up.
I have a 1040 solar and the battery life is outstanding. For example I recently rode a 10 hr ride using full mapping, then another 4 x 2 hour rides and still had over 70% power remaining. I've never had a device so good in that respect. Love it.
Between the 1040 Solar and 1040 Non-solar, the solar version is for sure the better option. My non-solar can get me through long rides, but I do have to manage my battery usage. I just drop the brightness on the display which makes a huge difference.
Just bought one for possibly being the last MIP model. They might look like crap indoors but as soon as sun hits them they shine and the phone display of the 1050 / others look like crap and burn in due to the backlight constantly running at 200%.
That is a good point on the disadvantage of an AMOLED display. Trying to use a cell phone in full sun is another good reminder.
@@bikesbymike I had issues with many phones and also my coffee machine burning in the status bars. Will be interesting in the long run if Garmin managed to choose a screen without this issue given that it's mostly used with higher backlight values. I got my 1040. Felt like I had to pull the trigger now that it's listed under "former models".
@@thirtycrows Yup. The 1040 is quickly becoming a collectors item.
Good fluent interesting presentation
Thank you! 😃
Ive just bought the Standard 1040 (couldn't justify the extra for the solar) looking forward to getting to grips with this now coming from a Wahoo roam 1
Great vid!
Hello pal. I have a question. You praise Karoo for higher res, which is understandable. What Im curious about is if karoo's higher res actually translates to any real life benefits, like, does the high res actually in any way improve user experience? After all if we are riding a bike we focus on road, not on counting pixels on our device.
Higher resolution and better colour contrast certainly makes the map easier to view. Garmin must have seen their display specs as a weakness as the new 1050 now has a higher res, better colour contrast, LCD display.
My gripe with ALL cycle computers is - why is it taking SOOoo long to reduce the bezel around the screen? It's such a waste of potential space, and it's not like the tech is not there, it is, and I would be happy to pay more for a bigger screen, it baffles me to the max.
Yes. And bezel gets even larger when solar is added. You won’t be happy with the look of the new 1050. But finally! A new, higher resolution, bright LCD display.
I think you a wrong. In a trade-off between a brighter, higher res display and being certain the battery will endure from sunrise to sunset, most users would pick the longer battery life.
True. And if they can't produce an AMOLED cycle computer with a reasonable run-time, then I'd go with a low res display as well. But Garmin's 51mm Epic Pro with an AMOLED display, for example, gets 30 hrs. of battery life even with full dual-band navigation. If they can get that kind of life on a smartwatch, they should certainly be able to get all-day battery life on a cycle computer.
Strangely, I've been using my Edge 1030 for over 5 years in various weather/temp conditions and road surface conditions.
I recently added another Cannondale bike to my collection that came with a different version bike mount on a Vision Metro one-piece handlebar. The Garmin unit had more raddle, due to an un-snug fit in the locked position, and within a half dozen rides the polymer mount broke (one of the tabs) on the Edge unit.
Very disappointing because but still wondering if it was due to possible small vibrations due to a less than snug fit when locked into the mount? But glad to see the Garmin Edge 1040 units come with metal mounts for full confidence in durability!
And BTW, great review!
Thanks for those comments. It sounds like we had identical experiences. I didn’t mention it in my video (because you just reminded me of it), but my mount wasn’t holding my Garmin 1030 as tightly as it had previously leading up to the incident. I guess I could have prevented the quarter-turn mount from breaking if I just replaced the stem mount as a preventative measure. But with Garmin now going with an aluminum mount on the 1040, it’s a total non-issue. Thanks for watching!
I slightly have to disagree about navigation. Garmin's head units have inferior navigation features when it comes to browsing the map, planning random routes. You cannot even add a via point to an existing route. Mobile phones (almost any app, Komoot, RWGPS, BikeMap, LocusMap) are way better and look nicer. Ok, Edge devices are durable and dedicated.
I agree that Edge units can’t match the features you get with smartphone navigation apps. But when compared to other dedicated cycle computers and smartwatches, they can hold their own. Certainly room for improvement as you suggest. Thanks for commenting.
i am looking forward to seeing what comes out by May if anything
I just recently bought a 1040 solar and I have to say you’re spot on with your criticism of the screen resolution. You don’t have much time to look down and try to figure out what the screen is telling you and with low resolution, trying to understand what a map is trying to tell you with big fat arrows and roads that just look like a mess on the screen, it is extremely disappointing for the cost of the unit.
Garmin just released the new 1050 with a super bright LCD screen and min. 20 hours of battery life. It looks mighty nice!
I appreciate your video: content, format, and straight-up down to earth, practical approach!!!! I have a 1030 and, for various reasons, was away from cycling for a while, but getting back into it now...will use my 1030 for now, but am researching the most recent model hence landing on your video. Much helpful! BTW, like the t-shirts!
Thanks! I have no charisma, so my only option is to share a lot of info and hope some find it useful 🤣. Good luck researching the 1040. The longer I use it, the more I like it. Cheers.
I'm surprised that no one noticed another major feature of the 1030, namely that when you stop, the map always rotates correctly. The previous model couldn't do that and it always waited for your movement, making it difficult to navigate.
...I never noticed that. I'll need to check that out on my next ride. Thanks for the tip!
The metal mount is a great improvement but as the quarter turn bracket it fits into is still made of plastic/resin/polymer the problem of something breaking is still there plus we now have metal on plastic which may result in a more aggressive wear on the inside of the bracket.
I agree with you. My preference would be to have gone with an aluminum mount, like the excellent ones made by K-EDGE. Unfortunately, they don’t make one that allows a duo mount with a Garmin cycle computer and a Cycliq light. The only good thing with going with a 3D printed option like the plastic one I have, is that if the 1040 does take a big blow, it’s possible the mount will break before the 1040. Essentially, sacrificing the mount over damaging the more expensive cycle computer. The same concept applied to derailleur hangers.
Garmin is MEGA SHIT!!!
12:41 not sure. Watch displays are off the most of the time but bycicle computer has to be on all the time.
Good point. Bike computers are always on typically held at the same brightness all the time. But they are getting some pretty impressive runtimes on some of the new AMOLED smartwatches. The new Garmin Epix Pro 51mm gets 11 days of runtime in the always on mode. Yes, it dims when you’re not looking at it, but it still displays. Curious what it would get in always on non-dimming mode.
Not critical enough...but thanks for the information.
You’re probably right. Had I paid for it, I’d be less happy with it. Thanks for watching.
7/15/24. After installing update 13.75 on my 1030 it was rendered useless. I called Garmin today and they’re replacing it with a 1040. Thanks Garmin. I really appreciate it.
Wow! A firmware update caused it to be inoperable. That’s big.
I started having battery and connectivity issues after the previous update a month ago. After 13.75 it quit. I don’t know what the cause was but updating didn’t help matters. Since they’re out of 1030’s they’re sending a 1040. Great service.
@@bikesbymike update. Two days later the 1030 woke up with a dead battery. I charged and it worked well today. We’ll see how it does tomorrow.
@@billmaidment Interesting. Good to hear!
For my running watch I liked the screen of the ForeRunner 965, but I'm still more than happy with my 955 resolution and especially it's battery life. When I'm cycling, my head is not nearly as close to the screen as it gets to my phone or my watch. I don't use my cycling computer except for when cycling, while I do use my watch. I really don't see how a higher resolution would be beneficial. As an ex-owner of the Hammerhead Karoo, I can say that screen has more wow-factor but functionally the screen isn't better (the interface is!), and when riding in dark conditions it's lowest brightness is still too bright. The battery life of the Hammerhead is a LOT worse. MIP screens ftw if you ask me.
Yeah. All good points. I still think that for navigation, Garmin needs to improve the clarity. It shouldn’t be a struggle to quickly make out your route or where you are on your route. Maybe I’m just grumpy because the arrow that marks your location is so small. Simple user interface improvements would help.
@@bikesbymike I agree! But do think it's 100% caused by the map design. Flashing the LEDs and screen to get my attention would be a good idea, for example. Also, recalculation of the Hammerhead was much faster and more often correct. Fitness and tracking features of Garmin however are unmatched. Accident detection is a lifesaver if you ask me.
What I miss from both is the ability to set the number of seconds I want to get a message before I need to turn. You'd think they should be able to do that accurately since they know my speed etc. ;)
@@4nz-nl Agreed. I'd like the option to set a custom notification time as well. It tends to be quite short for road rides. Especially group rides.
The Edge 1040 is my first Garmin device in a long time, as I have been in the Wahoo eco-system (both Bolt and Roam V2) for some years.
In general, it is a big step up from previous Garmin Edge computers I have had (the last one before this was the Garmin Edge 1000). Usability definitely have improved (also much needed). I have been mostly satisfied with the device for the year I have used it.
The battery life is really something when you are on multi-day rides and I like the size of the screen (though I think contrast could be better).
But long term stability? Lately, I have had more issues with it. Issues like dropping sensor connections or stop doing turn-by-turn directions early into the ride (each day on multi-day ride). I have already had to do one device reset. It also frustrates me, that the touch screen can get activated by rain.
So it's a good device, but definitely not without issues. Honestly, if Wahoo released a device with similar screen size and somewhat similar battery lifetime I'd go back. The Hammerhead Karoo 2 is an interesting device, but battery lifetime deters me.
Good to hear your experience. You’re another person that has found a lot of bugs in the software. As for the overly sensitive touch screen when raining, I don’t experience that, but I do use a screen protector. Not sure if you use one, but you may want to try one if you don’t.