Garmin Edge 1030 - 20 Hours of battery life and a serious software update [Review]

The Garmin Edge 1030 cycle computer is the successor to the Garmin Edge 1000. It features a ton of improvements under the hood over the Edge 1000. Besides a few new and innovative developments in the software, a number of great new accessories have also been introduced which certainly mustn’t be overlooked. What to think about the standard battery life of 20 hours, which can easily be doubled to 40? Product manager Kenneth had the honour of thoroughly testing out the new Garmin for this Garmin Edge 1030 review.

At first glance the Garmin Edge 1030 bike computer doesn’t look any larger than the Garmin Edge 1000. That is until you look at it from the side. It’s a lot thicker, but the weight difference is a measly 8.5 grams.

20 hours of battery life

The Garmin Edge 1030 can last a staggering 20 hours on a single charge of its battery. For those who demand even more; the special Garmin In-Line Flush bar mount allows you to use the Garmin Charge Power Pack as well.

That special bar mount can be used to fit the special Power Pack wirelessly to create an extra long battery life. Even the most epic bike ride won’t be a problem anymore.

Garmin In-line Flush Bar mount with the Garmin Charge Power Pack

The Garmin Edge 1030 comes with a brand new out-front bar mount, the Garmin In-Line Flush Mount. This places the Garmin Edge 1030 directly ahead of your stem, and in line with your bars nicely.

The most special feature though is the extra docking port underneath the Garmin In-Line Flush for the Garmin Charge Power Pack. This extra battery for the Garmin Edge 1030 adds an additional 20 hours of battery life to your Garmin.

The rear of the Garmin Edge 1030 has a 5-pin connector which -through the bar mount- connects wirelessly with the Garmin Charge Power Pack. Charging is done without the need for wires and it's entirely waterproof! An ideal option for really long rides or when you’re on vacation and don’t always have access to an external power supply.

Another great improvement is that there’s now a special bar mount for enthusiastic mountain bikers. It’s a lot more sturdy and has plenty of spacers to ensure your Garmin Edge 1030 fits your bars perfectly. You can also adjust the angle of the device, ensuring you’ve got the perfect view of your screen.

The Garmin Edge 1030 headunit in action

Trendline Popularity Routing

One of the new features of the Garmin Edge 1030 is the Trendline Popularity Routing. This new function uses the many billions of miles covered by the users of Garmin Connect to suggest a new route. Ideal for when you’re in unfamiliar terrain or when you want to discover new routes in your area.

The idea is that thousands of cyclists combined should produce the most rideable and iconic routes out there. This new function is based on the covered kilometres of 2015. Garmin has informed us that 2016 will soon be added to that data though.

Sending messages to other Garmin Edge 1030 units

New to the Garmin Edge 1030 is the Rider-to-Rider communication. You can set standard messages in advance which you can send to your contacts in an instant. Do they own a Garmin Edge 1030 as well? Then they’ll instantly see your message on their screen.

Convenient to let your friends know you’ll be 5 minutes late, or that you’ve fallen behind with a mechanical issue and could use a little help fixing it. Right now this only works with Garmin Edge 1030 cycle computers. It’s unclear at this time whether this function will be released to older Garmin models as well.

Smart Connectivity with your Smartphone

The last few Garmin Edge devices could use Bluetooth Smart to pair with your phone, showing you missed calls and texts. The new Garmin Edge 1030 takes things a step further.

Besides showing you calls and messages, you can now answer these as well with standard messages. These messages are easily prewritten and can contain texts like Be there soon or Mechanical issue - Need help. Or just Break out the beer, I’m almost there.

Pre-Installed Garmin IQ apps

The Garmin Edge 1030 comes with two Garmin Connect IQ apps, namely TrainingPeaks and Best Bike Split. Both apps are known training programmes used by plenty of experienced road cyclists and mountain bikers.

Improved Strava Live segments

The addition of Strava Live Segments was a big success on the previous Garmin Edge devices, and it has just gotten better. The Garmin Edge 1030 now shows you a real time second-by-second comparison to others on specific segments.

This way, you know whether you have to push just that little bit harder in real time to get that KOM or QOM on a segment. Great too for improving your personal bests.

Looking for new challenges? Then use the new Segment Explore mode. Easily find your way to the most iconic segments and be surprised by stunning segments close to home which you may have never heard of before.

Install the Strava IQ app on your Garmin Edge 1030 and you can ride Strava Segments and Routes via the navigation of the Edge 1030.

Garmin Edge 1030 does what it says on the box

It took me a little time to get used to the size of the Garmin Edge 1030 head unit. It’s hard to miss, but the design makes up for that. The combination with the Garmin In-Line Flush mount makes it all look sleek and streamlined.

The menu has clearly been given a good update and has improved tremendously when it comes to user-friendliness. Everything is where you’d expect it to be and sensors were quick to link up.

The touchscreen is responsive, even when wearing gloves. Battery life is hugely improved over the previous Garmin Edge devices and can be extended even more with the Garmin Charge Power Pack. This innovative, waterproof power solution by Garmin is a great idea and a fantastic addition to your Garmin.

Garmin Edge 1030 Cycle Computer - Simple navigation

I’ve never had any trouble navigating with the Edge 1030. The new function which warns you for turns coming up which are unexpectedly sharp is something I’ve not yet experienced. That probably has to do with the routes I’ve ridden though.

I’ve disconnected my speed sensor halfway during my ride and continued on using the GPS to see how accurate it was. It continued on showing me my speed accurately and with no trouble at all. Not even when riding under a thick forest canopy.

The Garmin Edge 1030 is certainly a great cycle computer, but it’s quite expensive. Though you do get a lot for your money with tons of great features and functions. I’m curious to see what Garmin will come up with in terms of accessories suitable for the 5-pin connection on the back of the Garmin Edge 1030.

I personally don’t use TrainingPeaks, but I can certainly see the added bonus of having the pre-installed Garmin IQ-App for the experienced cyclist. Uploading your training sessions automatically is also something I’d consider a big plus. In short: the Garmin Edge 1030 proves to be a more than worthy successor to the Garmin Edge 1000.

Garmin Edge 1030 head unit with and without sensors

Garmin Edge 1030 cycle computer accessories