I’ve been using Garmin bike computers for a few years now and have always been happy with them. However, they have always looked fairly outdated, even when first released. The displays, while plenty readable, were dull and old-looking. Garmin finally listened to the complaints and released a modernized head unit. The Edge 1050 features an incredibly bright, smartphone-like display with a more aggressive look.

The latest Garmin bike computer sits between the Edge 1040 and Edge 1040 Solar. Garmin confirmed that both versions of the Edge 1040 will remain on the market and will not be replaced by the Edge 1050. Instead, the Edge 1050 is for those who want a more modern display and don’t mind a slight hit to battery life as a result. I’ve been using the Edge 1050 for a few weeks, and to say I’m a fan would be an understatement.

Price, availability, and specs

The Garmin Edge 1050 is only available for purchase through Garmin’s website, Adorama, or specialty cycling stores at the time of writing. It is an expensive option, coming in at $700.

What I liked about the Garmin Edge 1050

A full-featured, powerful device with a lot to love

I know I like the Garmin Edge 1050 because it’s a device I would gladly chat someone’s ear off about. Quite simply, there’s a lot to like. The main selling point of the 1050 is the bright display, and indeed, it’s incredibly bright. It’s easy to read in literally any situation, and the ambient light sensor does a great job of smoothly adjusting brightness as you go in and out of shadows.

The touchscreen display is also very responsive. There’s no lag whatsoever when tapping through different menus and options. Even scrolling through the map is remarkably responsive. Overall, the performance is very impressive. It’s essentially like using a smartphone.

That speedy performance extends to every aspect of the device, including the gradient responsiveness. I currently live in Florida, where there is no real elevation change. However, I previously lived in Hawaii, and there was a lag in showing the correct gradient when quickly transitioning to a steep hill. Although I never get over a 5% gradient in my current local rides, it is extremely responsive and immediately recognizes when I’m climbing up a bridge.

The Edge 1050 is also very feature-rich. It would take a much longer review to go into all the features you have access to on this head unit, but the navigation tools are at the top of my list of favorite features. It’s very easy to import routes from Strava or other platforms. Or you can even create courses right on the device. Then, it can provide turn-by-turn directions via the integrated speaker (or just on the display). It also gives you a heads-up when you are coming up to a busy road or a tight turn, which I really appreciate.

Along with navigation tools, the 1050 also has plenty of safety features. It offers Incident Detection and can alert an emergency contact if it detects a crash. Additionally, the GroupRide feature will alert you if another rider in your group has an incident. Also new with the 1050 is the Road Hazard Alerts, which give you a heads-up if other cyclists have reported hazards like potholes, dangerous animals, downed trees, and more. Think of it like Waze on your bike computer.

Another highly useful safety tool comes from the integrated speaker. A simple tap on the display while riding pulls up the on-device bike bell. It sounds surprisingly like a real bike bell and is incredibly loud (my dog was not a fan, let’s just put it that way). It’s nice not having another thing taking up room on my handlebars but still being able to alert other riders and pedestrians to my presence.

In terms of convenience features, the Edge 1050 provides access to Garmin Pay contactless payment. You can leave your wallet behind and still get water or a donut (no judgment) when out on a ride. It also pairs with all the sensors and accessories you could want, including electronic shifting, Varia smart lights, power meters, heart rate monitors, smart trainers, and more.

Finally, it wouldn’t be a Garmin device without advanced training features. Like Garmin watches, the Edge 1050 provides your training status, event adaptive training plans, heat and altitude acclimation, cycling ability and course demands, daily suggested workouts, and more. It truly is a robust training tool, especially if you pair it with extra sensors to collect even more data.

What I didn’t like about the Garmin Edge 1050

A pricey option

During my testing, I’ve found only two things to complain about and one wishlist item. First is the elephant in the room: the price. At $700, it isn’t the most expensive Garmin bike computer. That award goes to the Edge 1040 Solar. But there’s no getting around the fact that it’s expensive. It’s likely more than most are willing to spend on a bike computer, and that’s totally reasonable. There are plenty of other highly capable — albeit less feature-rich — head units out there for less than half the price.

The second issue is really a non-issue for most. However, it’s worth pointing out that the bright screen comes at a cost. Garmin promises up to 20 hours of battery life in demanding situations (Multi-GNSS Multi-Band, all the sensors, LiveTrack enabled, map page on constant display, and course following). In my testing, that’s almost exactly what I was able to get (though I don’t have a power meter).

The Edge 1050’s battery life is 15 hours less than that of the Edge 1040 in the same configuration and 25 hours less than that of the Edge 1040 Solar with the right solar conditions. It also pales in comparison to the Coros Dura, which promises 70 hours with dual-frequency GPS.

Of course, 20 hours in a single ride is more than the vast majority of people need, so that lower battery life really isn’t an issue in those cases. You also have the option of different settings with the Edge 1050 to extend battery life should you want to. That includes up to 60 hours in battery saver mode. Plus, the Edge 1050 still beats out the Hammerhead and Wahoo bike computers when it comes to battery life. In reality, only those going on multi-day adventures with no way to charge the device would be seriously disappointed.

The one thing I wish the Edge 1050 had was weather maps, as you get on some of its advanced smartwatches. Afternoon scattered storms are the norm here in Florida, and it would be really nice to be able to pull up a radar to see if anything is forming in my vicinity. Sure, I could bring my phone and check on that, but having it on my head unit would be incredibly convenient and useful.

Should you buy the Garmin Edge 1050?

If you don’t mind dropping $700 on a head unit, then yes, you should buy the Garmin Edge 1050. It may be more than most casual cyclists need, but the navigation and safety features are worth it for the right people. I’ve been thoroughly impressed by the device and simply don’t have any serious complaints about it. Despite the price (or as a result of the price, perhaps), the Garmin Edge 1050 is simply the best Garmin bike computer available and the best across other brands as well. Garmin truly hit it out of the park with this one.

Of course, if you are willing to spend that kind of money, you’ll have to decide between the Edge 1040 (and 1040 Solar) and Edge 1050. While there are plenty of similarities and lots of feature cross-over, they essentially suit different types of people. It’s just like the fenix versus epix situation; you can choose between a bright, vibrant display or opt for the older-style display for longer battery life. Plus, you get a speaker for a loud bell and verbal directions on the 1050 as well. It simply depends on what’s most important to you.