Garmin Edge 1050 Review – My Favourite Cycling Companion
After more than a year of regular use across road, gravel, and mountain biking, the Garmin Edge 1050 has become one piece of equipment that I simply never ride without. Whether I'm heading out for a quick training ride, a long gravel adventure, or a day on the mountain bike, the 1050 has proven itself to be reliable, easy to use, and packed with features that genuinely improve the riding experience.
I've owned both the Edge 540 and Edge 840 before moving to the 1050, and without question the most impactful upgrade has been the touchscreen interface. While the button-operated units work well, I always found them slightly frustrating while riding. On the 540 and similar button-based models, it's surprisingly easy to accidentally press a button on the opposite side of the unit while squeezing it to operate another button. More than once, I've inadvertently paused or interrupted a ride recording mid-ride, which is incredibly frustrating when you're trying to capture accurate ride data. The touchscreen largely eliminates this issue and makes interacting with the unit much more intuitive, especially while moving.
Features
One of the things I enjoy most about the 1050 is how customizable it is. I have three separate ride profiles set up: Road, Gravel, and MTB. Before each ride I simply select the relevant profile, and I'm presented with the data that's most important for that discipline.
For gravel riding, I generally like to see speed, heart rate, and either elapsed time or the current time of day. On the road bike, gradient becomes much more important, particularly during climbing efforts. For mountain biking, I prefer a simpler dashboard with speed and ride time displayed prominently, while keeping the map only a quick swipe away.
The touchscreen really shines here. While viewing any screen, you can simply press and hold a data field to change what's displayed. It's incredibly intuitive and something that's only really practical on Garmin's touchscreen models such as the Edge 840 and Edge 1050. Garmin also allows extensive customization of screen layouts, so you can make critical information like speed large and easy to read while displaying as much—or as little—additional information as you want.
Speaking of the touchscreen, it's one of my favourite upgrades. The display is bright, responsive, and easy to navigate while riding. Swiping between my ride data, maps, and other screens feels natural and effortless. I can quickly check my map, then return to my speed or power data with a simple swipe. It feels much more like using a modern smartphone than a traditional cycling computer, and once you've become accustomed to it, it's difficult to go back to a button-only interface.
I've also connected the unit to my phone, which adds another layer of convenience. When the Garmin beeps during a ride, I can glance down and see the first few words of a text message along with who sent it. Incoming calls are also displayed, allowing me to decide whether it's worth stopping to answer or simply continuing my ride uninterrupted.
To help protect the unit, I fitted Garmin's silicone case. It keeps the computer looking clean after muddy and wet rides and provides a little extra protection against accidental drops or knocks when transporting the bike. Combined with the leash, it's a relatively inexpensive way to protect a device that sees plenty of rough treatment throughout the year.
Battery life has remained impressive even after a year of use. I typically get three to four rides between charges, depending on ride duration and screen brightness settings. The low-battery warnings are also helpful, giving plenty of notice before power becomes an issue. Even after a year of ownership, I haven't noticed any significant decline in battery performance.
The Garmin Connect integration is another standout feature. Once I finish a ride, the activity automatically syncs to Garmin Connect on my phone and then uploads directly to Strava. Later, I can simply open Strava, add photos, update ride details, and share the ride. The entire process happens seamlessly in the background and saves a surprising amount of time.
Although I don't use navigation every ride, the mapping functionality is excellent when needed. I've uploaded routes from friends' Strava activities and followed them without issue. The 1050 provides clear turn-by-turn directions and keeps you on course throughout the ride. It's a feature I don't use often, but when I do, it works remarkably well and can open up entirely new routes that you may not have otherwise attempted.
One feature that Garmin includes which many riders overlook is the humble leash. It often gets left in the box when people first set up their Garmin, but trust me—it's worth fitting. After your first crash or dropped bike, you'll understand why. Instead of watching your expensive head unit cartwheel down the road or disappear into the bushes, it'll simply remain attached to your handlebars. There are countless scenarios where a GPS computer can become dislodged, and everyone who's ever had one go flying tends to become a firm believer in using the leash. Imagine waiting beside the road for a car to pass so you can retrieve a buddy's Garmin from the middle of the road, while the car runs over it as you all watch on... It's a simple addition that can save a lot of stress and potentially a lot of money.
Final Verdict
Overall, the Garmin Edge 1050 has proven to be an outstanding investment. It's easy to use, highly customizable, packed with useful features, and integrates seamlessly into my riding routine. From training rides and racing to gravel adventures and MTB exploration, it delivers everything I need from a cycling computer. For me, it's become an essential piece of equipment—and one that never leaves the bike.
My biggest problem with my Garmin? When I forget to bring it with me on a ride. :)
Here's a brief comparison of the main EDGE models:
