Garmin Edge 1000 Review – The Cyclists Perfect Accessory

garmin edge 1000 review

A Deep Dive Into The Garmin Edge 1000

Currently, the top of the range is the very popular stable of GPS-powered bike computers from Garmin. The Edge 1000 has a huge free open source mapping resource and can give the user one of 3 cycle-friendly route options. Just enter your starting point and the distance you want to ride and the Edge 1000 will present you with three routes. The Garmin Edge 1000 has been reviewed by Tristan Haskins aka CardioCritic.

Update Sept 2015 > There are now TWO versions of the Garmin Edge 1000. The original model and a newer Garmin Edge 1000 Explore. The Explorer version is focused on mapping / touring and less on performance monitoring. The Explore version should be about £40/$50 cheaper than the regular Edge 1000. If in doubt, get the regular version as it does EVERYTHING the Edge 1000 Explore does with the addition of Virtual Partner, Courses, Workouts, and Intervals. BOTH base units come with preloaded maps. BOTH support heart rate, cadence, and power metering. BOTH support round trip routing and route planning … there is also an Edge 1000 Performance Pack, incorporating the regular Edge 1000 and Garmin’s speed & cadence sensors.

Video Review

The Garmin Edge 1000 is for any cyclist who wants the very best of the navigational functionality of the Edge Touring and the performance monitoring of the Edge 810/820 with the added fun/competitiveness of SEGMENTS (anyone who has a knowledge of Strava will know all about segments !)NOTE >> in mid 2015 the Garmin Segments feature was also added retrospectively to the Edge 510 and 810. If that’s the only feature that attracted you to the Edge 1000, save some money and consider the 510/810 instead (or the newer Edge 520 / Edge 820). Naturally, being a top of the line product it supports all the key features you’d expect from a premium GPS cyclo computerA-B routing with cycle-friendly optionsHeart Rate support (ANT+)Cadence support (ANT+) [new magnet-less sensor available here]Power support (ANT+

Main Features and Functions

The big 3″ display is my favorite feature (as I wear glasses at home) but this probably won’t get many other people reaching for their wallets….

I guess it really depends on which category of cyclists you come under. If you are a sports tourer, then it could be the addition of a HUGE built in map with the option of the unit creating up to 3 cycle-friendly routes when planning a journey. If you a pure adrenalin junky weekend warrior / race head then it’s the addition of segments (although no doubt you’ll still be uploading to Strava for some time to come…)

  • Build-in MAP covering 34 countries
  • Addition of Garmin Segments so you can compete with hundreds of fellow cyclists
  • Bundle Packs come with new MAGNET-LESS speed and cadence sensors using in-built accelerometers (neat)
  • The neat optional stem mounted REMOTE CONTROL. Gives you control of the Edge without removing hands from the handlebar

Could have been better?

There’s not really anything I don’t like about this unit. It seems that a lot of people think it’s TOO BIG. Yes, it is by far the biggest Garmin Edge we have ever played with, but I like that… maybe it’s my age and failing eyesight. For the record, it’s 11.2 cm long, 5.8cm wide and 2cm deep. For those who know the other models, for comparison, the Edge 510 is 9.1cm long and 5.1cm wide.

Polar Alternative?

There is no doubt that the Edge 1000 is a top-performing GPS bike computer with full auto-routing and performance tracking functionality. However, for those who want to save a few pounds and think outside the Garmin box, then there is the Polar V650.

The Polar V650 features free MAPPING (worldwide), GPX/TCX route follow, power meter, pedal cadence and heart rate support. Featuring a large FULL-COLOUR display, multiple bike profiles, and fully customizable training views it’s a genuine alternative to the Edge mapping models.

HOWEVER, I must point out that the Polar does NOT include turn-by-turn navigation, post code lookup or advanced features like round route creation found in the Edge 820 & Edge 1000.

Garmin Edge 1000 Image Gallery

 

Garmin Edge 1000 GPS bike computer

Garmin gets Segments like Strava

Garmin Edge 1000 GPS bike computer

Garmin Edge 1000 GPS bike computer

Garmin Edge 1000 GPS bike computer

Garmin Edge 1000 - GPS bike computer

Garmin Edge 1000 – GPS bike computer

Differences? – Edge 1000, 1000 Explore, 820 & 820 Explore

What’s the main difference between the Edge 1000 and the Edge 820? To be honest, it’s a little bit cluttered at the top end of the GPS bike computer range from Garmin. The Edge is a brilliant product range but I personally think the number of models is a bit confusing. In 2017
there are two main models between £300 to £500, the Edge 820 and Edge 1000. They are BOTH fully functional GPS mapping devices that come with preloaded base maps and the ability to add further maps. These two models are then split in to two variants, the Edge 820 Explore and the Edge 1000 Explore.

Comparison Table – Edge 820 & 1000 variants

The comparison table below gives more details on the main differences in functionality and features of the 4 models. The regular (non Explore) models drop the Virtual Partner, Intervals and advanced Workouts, plus other performance monitoring features like VO2 Max and Recovery analysis. If in doubt, and budget allows, I’d personally recommend the NON-EXPLORE version to be certain

Additional Functions

It’s clear from the information in this table that the Edge 820 is the best option for the serious performance focused cyclist with Vo2 Max, FTP, stress score and lactate threshold predictions.

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Edge 1000 Specification from the Manufacturer

For Competitors and Navigators

Whether you’re riding to improve your own personal best or see where you stand against the Pro’s, Edge 1000 lets you connect, compare and compete. Turn every ride into a race by competing on Garmin Connect segments and seeing real-time results on your Edge, including alerts for segment start and finish and leaderboard rankings. The segment feature keeps you motivated and helps you push for continual improvement. Garmin Connect is a free online tool that can be used for tracking performance, downloading training plans, getting information on segments and leaderboards and more.

  • Large 3″ dual-orientation color touchscreen GPS bike computer for competing, connecting, and navigating, optimised for use with gloves and in the rain
  • Records speed, distance, time, ascent/descent, gradient, GPS position, time/distance alerts, Virtual Partner (train against a digital person), and more
  • Turn every ride into a race by competing on Garmin Connect segments and seeing real-time results on your Edge 1000 including alerts for segment start and finish and leaderboard rankings
  • Preloaded Garmin Cycle Map (34 countries) and round-trip routing for on-road or off-road navigation and points of interest. Input a distance and choose from up to three round-trip ride options
  • Instant uploads to Garmin Connect Mobile to analyse and share. Connected features (with compatible smartphone) include live tracking, incoming call, and text alerts, social media sharing, weather, sending/receiving courses and wireless uploads to Garmin Connect.

Own the Road

Along with in-ride challenges and connected features, Edge 1000 offers bike-specific navigation and mapping capabilities. The preloaded Garmin Cycle Map includes OSM (Open Street Map) content with routable road and cycle paths, elevation data, points of interest, and address search. Mapping data is stored onboard the Edge, so your access to navigation and performance capabilities isn’t dependent on mobile phone coverage, and map updates are free.

Know Where to Go

Now you can explore more, on and off-road, thanks to this device’s round-trip routing feature. Simply enter how far you want to ride, and Edge 1000 calculates up to 3 cycling-friendly routes. You can even review the elevation profiles before making your selection. It also offers a route planner capability that allows you to create routes directly on the Edge 1000 using the map, POI and segments you’ve downloaded from Garmin Connect. Again, you can preview the elevation profile of your custom route before you roll. If you do get off course or want to end your ride sooner, Edge can always guide you back to the start or calculate the most direct route and provide turn-by-turn directions to get you back.

At Your Fingertips

Edge 1000 features a 3-inch high-resolution color touchscreen display with dual orientation*. It has an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the screen brightness to changing light conditions to improve visibility. Unlike your smartphone, the display is optimised to work with gloves and in the rain³. You can customise your training pages with up to 10 data fields and use activity profiles to allow for easy transitions when you switch cycling activity, such as road, mountain, or touring.

Performance Analysis

Edge 1000 is the first Garmin cycle computer that integrates with Shimano Di2 electronic shifting systems4 to display your current gear on the screen.

Edge 1000 is compatible with a variety of ANT+ sensors (sold separately) such as a speed and cadence sensors and a heart rate monitor. It is also compatible with VectorTM, Garmin’s pedal-based power meter (sold separately) that measures total power, left/right balance, and cadence. When used with Vector, a preloaded power-based workout on Edge 1000 allows you to calculate your functional threshold power (FTP), from which you can base your power training zones. The 1000 offers a training calendar and is compatible with advanced workouts, which you can plan, schedule, and upload from Garmin Connect.

Smartphone Connectivity

When paired with your smartphone and the Garmin ConnectTM Mobile app, Edge 1000 offers a suite of connected features, including live tracking, incoming call, and text alerts, social media sharing, weather, wireless uploads and the sending/receiving of courses and segments. As soon as your ride is complete, the data can be automatically sent to Garmin Connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This lets you stay connected and instantly share the details of your ride with friends, family and social media contacts. LiveTrack allows your friends and family to follow your races and training activities in real-time. Invite followers using email or social media, so they can view your live data on a Garmin Connect tracking page. Once they get your email invite, they can click to follow and see your stats and location on the map.

Top Alternatives

 

Next Model UP

Garmin have released the Garmin Edge 1030. It’s STUNNING – phenomenal fitness status feedback, popular route creation, keeping you on the most ridden tracks, routes and roads, and amazing performance monitoring metrics.

Next Model DOWN

There are multiple models that sit below the Edge 1000. From the current line up there is the Edge 820, almost identical to the Edge 1000 but 20% smaller, probably my preferred model.

Andrew Wyatt

Andrew Wyatt

Andrew Wyatt has been a tech geek for as long as he can remember. Whether it's laptops, cameras, or projects, he's obsessed with it all. When he's not researching the latest tech products, he likes to go on long hikes with his dogs.

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