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

The Solar adds the Power Glass lens that extends battery life, which matters most on long rides. If you rarely ride beyond a normal charge, the standard Edge 1040 covers the same features.

How much extra ride time does solar charging add?

Garmin rates it at up to 70% more ride time in battery saver mode and up to 33% in intense mode. Real-world gains depend on sunlight and how the unit is mounted.

Does it work with power meters and indoor trainers?

Yes. It pairs with ANT+ and Bluetooth power meters, heart rate straps and speed and cadence sensors, and supports indoor training.

Can I use it for navigation on unfamiliar routes?

Yes. It supports courses, turn-by-turn navigation and multi-band GNSS for accuracy in cities and under tree cover. Power Guide adds suggested power targets along a course.

Is the touchscreen usable with gloves?

The screen is large and bright, but some owners report it responds less reliably with thick gloves or in heavy rain. Physical buttons remain available for core functions.

The unit comes with out-front and stem mounts, a charging cable and standard documentation. Sensors such as heart rate and speed are not included.

Where can I buy the Garmin Edge 1040 Solar Handheld Smart GPS Bike Computer?

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

Garmin Edge 1040 Solar Handheld Smart GPS Bike Computer

Q: Where is the Garmin Edge 1040 Solar Handheld Smart GPS Bike Computer cheapest?

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

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$572.99at AmazonChecked 47 min ago

18% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 14 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 and reviewers rate the Edge 1040 Solar highly for its battery life, screen and navigation accuracy. The solar charging is seen as a useful top-up rather than a replacement for charging. Some find the interface deep and the touchscreen less reliable in wet or gloved conditions.

What people mention

BatteryPraisedOwners say battery life is excellent and solar charging adds useful extra ride time.
Solar chargingMixedReviewers call the solar top-up helpful but not enough to skip charging on long rides.
GPS accuracyPraisedMulti-band GNSS is reported to hold position well around buildings and in dense areas.
TouchscreenMixedThe screen is bright and large, but some find it slow to respond with gloves or in rain.
SetupMixedThe streamlined setup is an improvement, though the deep menu system still takes time to learn.
SizeCriticisedSome riders find the unit bulky and heavy compared with smaller Edge models.

About the Garmin Edge 1040 Solar Handheld Smart GPS Bike Computer

The Garmin Edge 1040 Solar is a touchscreen GPS bike computer that monitors performance and offers insights to help riders improve and reach goals. Its Power Glass solar charging lens extends battery life. Garmin lists up to 70% more ride time in battery saver mode and up to 33% in intense mode on the solar model.

Multi-band GNSS technology gives enhanced positional accuracy where GPS signals are often lost or deflected, such as around tall buildings or in urban canyons. Ride type-specific maps highlight popular roads and trails and include searchable points of interest.

Setup and the interface are simplified. Data fields can be adjusted on the Edge device or from a paired compatible smartphone. Training plans come from the Garmin Connect mobile app or sync from other apps, including TrainingPeaks. The device prompts you to complete a missed workout.

Display

Touchscreen

Navigation

GPS with multi-band GNSS

Solar charging

Power Glass solar lens: up to 70% more ride time in battery saver mode, up to 33% in intense mode

Power Guide

Recommends power targets throughout a course

Real-Time Stamina

Shows stamina insights while you ride

Cycling Ability

Classifies your strengths and compares them to the demands of a specific course