Is the Edge 1040 Solar worth it over the standard Edge 1040?

The Solar adds a solar-charging lens that extends battery life, which matters most on multi-hour and multi-day rides. If you rarely ride long days, the standard model covers the same navigation and training features.

How does it compare with the Edge 840?

The 1040 Solar has a larger screen, longer battery life and solar charging, while the 840 is smaller, lighter and cheaper. The 840 suits racers who want a compact unit; the 1040 Solar suits riders who prioritize screen size and endurance.

Does solar charging replace plug-in charging?

No. Solar charging supplements battery life and slows drain in direct sunlight, but you still need to charge via USB-C, especially in shade or on cloudy days.

The box includes the computer, a USB-C charging cable, an out-front mount, a stem or handlebar mount, an MTB mount, a silicone protective case, a tether and a manual.

Can it navigate off-road and on gravel?

Yes. Preloaded maps, multi-band GNSS and Trailforks integration support gravel and mountain bike routes, and the unit can reroute you back to a planned course.

Does it work with Strava and Komoot?

Yes. It integrates with Strava, Komoot and Trailforks, so you can load routes from those services and follow them on the device.

Where is the Garmin Edge 1040 Solar fietscomputer cheapest?

At Amazon, for $572.99, 18% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

Where can I buy the Garmin Edge 1040 Solar fietscomputer?

16 stores we checked sell it, including Best Buy, Wheat Ridge Cyclery, SX Collective, BikeTiresDirect.com, Garmin.

Garmin Edge 1040 Solar fietscomputer

Best price now

$572.99at AmazonChecked 44 min ago

18% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 16 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when. Store links may earn us a commission. As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

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What reviewers say

Owners rate the Edge 1040 Solar highly for its screen, navigation and battery life on long rides. Many praise the solar charging and reliable positioning, while some find it large, pricey and occasionally slow to sync or crash.

What people mention

BatteryPraisedRiders say the battery lasts for very long rides and solar charging adds useful extra runtime.
ScreenPraisedOwners find the large color display easy to read in sunlight and quick to respond.
NavigationPraisedTurn-by-turn guidance and rerouting are reported as reliable on unfamiliar routes.
SizeMixedSome riders find the unit bulky and heavy on the bars, though others like the big screen.
SoftwareCriticisedA few owners report occasional crashes and slow syncing with phones and apps.
TouchscreenMixedThe touchscreen works well bare-handed but is harder to use with gloves or in rain.

About the Garmin Edge 1040 Solar fietscomputer

The Garmin Edge 1040 Solar is a GPS bike computer with a solar charging panel built into the screen. It is made for road, mountain and gravel riding. The 3.5-inch color touchscreen is easy to read in all conditions, and an updated processor makes it respond quickly.

Preloaded cycling maps show elevation and points of interest, and you can search for addresses. Turn-by-turn navigation gives clear prompts along the route, including a warning before an unexpectedly sharp turn. If you leave the route, the Edge guides you back to it. You can have it calculate a route, load existing .gpx routes through the Garmin Connect app, create round-trip courses on the device, or generate a route of a set distance. Garmin Heatmap data from uploaded rides can help it pick popular routes. Multi-Band GNSS keeps positioning accurate near dense foliage or tall buildings.

The Edge 1040 Solar tracks VO2 max, recovery time, training load and training stress. It gives daily training suggestions based on your current training load and VO2 max. Setup is quick, because it can carry over ride profiles, ride types and sensors from a previous Edge, along with popular setups from other users.

Screen

3.5-inch color touchscreen

Charging

USB-C cable; solar panel in the screen

Battery saver mode

Up to 100 hours

Solar charging

Adds up to 42 minutes of battery life per hour of daytime riding

Navigation

Turn-by-turn, preloaded cycling maps, route recalculation, sharp-turn warnings, .gpx route import

Positioning

Multi-Band GNSS