Buy Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus Quick Overview
Released in June 2020, the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus is Garmin's top-of-the-line bicycle GPS meter with colour mapping, voice guidance, round-trip route generator, dedicated mountain bike application (including maps of nearly 300,000 tracks in more than 120 countries), comprehensive features for sports tracking, safety and connectivity (communication between cyclists, position sharing, etc.). It is the model of excellence. It is hard to find a better GPS bike and mountain bike computer on the market.
Not to be confused with the old model, the Edge 1030
First of all, be aware that there is a version prior to the Edge 1030 Plus. It is the Edge 1030 released in 2017, and its price dropped with the release of the Edge 1030 Plus in 2020. It is less well equipped in components (GPS chip, screen and processor), offers a few less functions (not many because its features have been aligned with those of recent models), does not include the Trailforks app and ATV track data. Its only advantage over the Edge 1030 Plus is that it is more affordable (€100 less).
For more information, see our comparison Garmin Edge 1030 versus 1030 Plus: the differences, which one to choose
Edge 1030 Plus at a glance
New in 2020, the Edge 1030 Plus is a high-end bike, mountain bike and gravel bike GPS meter for cyclists, touring cyclists, amateur or professional mountain bikers. It is the best bike GPS computer of the brand. It replaces the Edge 1030 model, still marketed. You will find the list of new products in the following section.
Its main asset is to offer a large and comfortable to read screen as well as a large memory capacity (32 Gb) and a long battery life. It includes colour cartography (roads and cycle paths) of Europe, Africa and North America accessible directly from the device, without the need to connect to a smartphone. Its navigation functions allow you to follow a programmed route on the screen, either directly from the meter (for example, a round trip generator) or imported from Garmin Connect or a third-party application.
In addition to maps, the Edge 1030 Plus knows a multitude of paths and trails thanks to the registrations of thousands of Garmin community users and their opinions (Trendline Popularity Routing feature and heat maps). It can also suggest round-trip routes automatically on roads and trails. Wherever you are, you'll discover new paths to take and can follow them without ever getting lost and in the safest possible conditions thanks to turn-by-turn assistance with alerts in case of dangerous bends or voice guidance like a car GPS. It can take you back to the start and can even recalculate the route if you deviate from the planned route.
This GPS offers valuable tools to help the athlete, including a ClimbPro function displaying the altitude profile, a route generator, a Trailforks function giving access to mountain bike trails and their difficulty, assistance for electric bikes, and weather applications.
The Edge 1030 Plus also includes advanced performance analysis features that take into account past workouts, recovery, and more. Mountain bike dynamics analyze the number of jumps, jump length, suspension time, course difficulty and downhill fluidity to help you improve your technique. The device evaluates acclimatization to altitude and heat. It also tells you when to eat and drink by evaluating the difficulty of the course and your efforts. All of these functions help you to better understand the impact of the outings on your training and to improve your progress.
Finally, The Edge 1030 Plus is equipped with safety features such as fall detection and incident assistance with programmed number dialing, rider-to-bike communication, tracking of other riders, Internet tracking, a bike alarm, and a function to recover the device if lost in a fall.
Edge 1030 Plus: the new features
The Edge 1030 Plus (and not a new Edge 1040 model as we thought) fills in the gaps of the Edge 1030. It has all the features of the 1030, the components of the 830 (display, GPS, processor), all the features of the 830 (including Trailforks and ATV data) and some interesting new features. All this makes for an ultra-complete 1030 Plus model that brings together the best of all Garmin bike GPS computers.
This new meter benefits from better hardware (more sensitive and better quality screen, processor twice as fast, high-sensitivity GPS chip), everything you need for mountain biking (Trailforks application, data from nearly 300,000 mountain bike trails and their difficulty in over 120 countries) in addition of course to all the other new features of the Edge 830 model now integrated into the Edge 1030 (update 2019). So much for the upgrade that was missing from the old model.
Concerning the real novelties, i.e. the additional functions that do not equip the old model today, there are the following functions (you will find more information below, in the detailed review) :
- Hardware improvements listed above (screen, GPS chip and processor)
- Integration of more cycling maps: Europe, USA and Africa for a device purchased in Europe (instead of Europe only)
- Doubling of memory capacity (32 Gb instead of 16 Gb)
- Removing the micro SD card (memory expansion)
- Improved autonomy: 24 hours instead of 20 hours
- Trailforks data (MTB tracks and difficulty) and Trailforks functions (Forksight, Trail Planning)
- Off-course re-route calculation in case of an exit from the planned route
- A new pause-route function
- The improvement of the return to the starting point function (one can return earlier, i.e. before reaching the end of the planned route).
- A new daily training suggestion function
- Improved LiveTrack function: guests can now see the planned route. This enhancement will be incorporated into the Edge 1030 in an upcoming update. The interface has also been revised and simplified.
- Automated transfer of the configuration from the old Edge to the new and predefined configurations for new users. The function will also be integrated into the Edge 1030 in the near future.
Read more: Comparison Garmin Edge 1030 vs. 1030 Plus: the differences, which one to choose
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus Features
124 g
Display
Color, touch, 3.5 inch, 282 x 470 pixels
Sports
Bike, Mountain bike, Gravel bike, Cycle touring
Autonomy
24 hours in GPS mode, 48 hours in power save mode, Garmin Charge compatible (double the autonomy)
Memory
32 Gb, 100 routes, history 200 h
GPS
GPS, GPS+GLONASS, GPS+Galileo
Topographical maps
Yes, Europe, Africa, USA (Cycle map, voice guidance, POIs)
Barometric altimeter
Yes
Accelerometer
Yes
Cardio belt compatibility, cadence, speed, power, Varia, VIRB camera, home trainer, Shimano and Sram groups
Trailforks
Yes (300.000 trails, 120 countries)
Burt calories
Yes
Weather
Yes (temperature, forecast), with Smartphone
Waterproof
1 ATM (10 m, withstands rain, snow, mud, splashes)
Other
ClimbPro, Trendline Popularity Routing, Physiological measurements (VO2max, recovery, lactic threshold, altitude and temperature acclimatization), Cycling and mountain bike dynamics, Nutrition Alerts, Training suggestions, Live Track, GroupTrack, FTP, Vitual Partner, SOS function in case of fall, training programs, split
Detailed review of Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
Design and technical features: a brighter and more sensitive screen
The Edge 1030 Plus has the same design as the previous model, but in black instead of black and white. It weighs 1g more (124g) than the Edge 1030 and 45g more than the Edge 830.
It offers a new screen, the one that equips the latest models released in 2019 (Edge 530 and 830). This colour touch screen is brighter and more sensitive than the old one. You can appreciate the difference in the rain or when wearing gloves. The dimensions and definition remain unchanged: 3.5" (89 mm) and 282 x 470 pixels (compared to the 2.6" (66 mm) and 246 x 322 pixels of the Edge 830).
It benefits from a latest-generation processor, the one that powers the Edge 530 and Edge 830. It runs twice as fast as the Edge 1030, making response times much better for route calculation.
With its IPX7 (1 ATM) standard, it is resistant to water, i.e. rain, snow, splashes and up to accidental immersion in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
The memory is increased to 32 Gb (instead of 16 Gb), allowing more maps to be integrated into the unit but not increasing the recording capacity (always 100 routes, 200 hours of history and 200 waypoints maximum). On the other hand, the SD card, which made it possible to extend the memory if needed, is no longer offered on the new model, which is not really a drawback with the 32 Gb onboard.
It comes with 2 bike supports (standard support and recessed front support) and a USB cable. Garmin also offers, for an additional €100, a pack including a speed sensor, a cadence sensor and an HRM-Dual cardio belt.
On the application side, the menus and interfaces are clearer and easier to use. The applications and data displayed can be set up from the meter or from the Garmin Connect application.
Autonomy: up to 48 hours!
The Edge 1030 Plus gains 20% more battery life compared to the previous model, Edge 1030, or Edge 830. This means that you can switch to 24-hour standard mode instead of 20 hours.
A power saving mode doubles this autonomy. Garmin plays notably on 2 parameters. The frequency of recording data from sensors and GPS on the one hand (activation of the intelligent mode which focuses on key points, such as changes in direction, speed or heart rate. The accuracy of the recorded data is therefore reduced). Switching off the screen on the other hand (you have to touch it to switch it on again).
For longer battery life without data loss, Garmin offers Garmin Charge™ a waterproof external power pack (IPX7 standard) to plug under the Edge bracket. It allows to double the autonomy. Of course, the Edge can also be recharged during a break or between two outputs via a standard phone charger (not supplied).
Sensors
The Edge 1030 Plus features a new high-sensitivity, low-power Sony GPS chip. It picks up the signal better than the old Mediatek chip used on older models (1030, 820). The chip is compatible with the GPS, Galileo and GLONASS satellite networks. To improve the hanging speed and reception, the device can connect to 2 networks at the same time. The user can choose between GPS alone, GPS+GLONASS or GPS+Galileo. The use of 2 networks reduces the battery life even more. This possibility is deactivated in power saving mode.
The computer is equipped with an accelerometer and a barometric altimeter for accurate measurements of altitude, altitude difference and vertical speed.
It is compatible with many external sensors (and many can be connected at the same time): heart rate monitor (chest belt), cadence sensor, speed sensor, power sensor, Varia products (Vision, Radar, Lights), VIRB camera, eBike, electronic groups (Shimano Di2, Dura-Ace, Ultegra, Sram), home trainer. For the chest belt and cadence, speed and power sensors, Garmin offers Bluetooth Smart in addition to the ANT+ protocol.
The connect IQ interface also allows the coupling of other sensors such as a pneumatic pressure sensor and more.
Cartography and GPS navigation
The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus includes Garmin Cycle maps of Europe, Africa (new) and the United States of America (new) for a device purchased in Europe. Additional maps can also be purchased and loaded as needed. These maps are OEM maps (Open Street Map): they include data on cycle routes and tracks, altitude data, points of interest and functions to exploit them, such as the ability to search for a given address or point of interest (restaurant, hotel, train stations, hostel, cinema, etc.).
Thanks to its integrated cartography, the Edge makes it easy to plan a bike ride. A route can be programmed directly on the device, even offline, or a destination address can be entered. It is also possible to program a route from the Garmin Connect application or from a third-party application (Komoot or Strava, for example) and transfer it to the computer. Then, simply follow the directions to complete the route.
If you don't know where to go (especially when travelling away from home, on holiday for example), nothing could be simpler: the Edge is able to offer looping routes from your current position, with a given direction and maximum distance. You can also use the Trendline Popularity Routing feature, which lists millions of routes registered by the Garmin member community (even outside of bike lanes) and displays them as heat maps.
For mountain bikers, dedicated functions and the data of nearly 300,000 tracks are available free of charge thanks to Trailforks (see below).
Once the route is set, the Edge 1030 Plus assists the rider in their journey by displaying the route on the map and arrowhead directions. Voice guidance can be activated to follow audio instructions (the unit has a speaker). This function requires a connected Smartphone. The device can also be programmed to generate an alert (beep and display) in the event of a change of direction or a sharp or dangerous turn.
Garmin introduces 3 interesting changes that will not be installed on the old model:
- Navigation Break: it allows you to disable navigation if you need to temporarily leave the planned route, e.g. to refuel, visit a site outside the route, etc. The Edge will then no longer send trip exit alerts.
- Off-road re-routing is automatically activated when you leave the planned route (or when you have activated the pause and reactivate it after leaving the route). The Edge 1030 Plus now offers 3 ways to return to the planned route: retrace your steps, cut to the shortest route to get back to the point where you left the route, or cut to the shortest route to catch up with the route, regardless of where you are.
- The function of return to the starting point has been improved. It now makes it possible to return earlier than planned, i.e. before completing the route.
Functions dedicated to mountain biking. Nearly 300,000 tracks listed in more than 120 countries.
Mountain bike fans will appreciate Edge 1030 Plus for the Trailforks app onboard and data from nearly 300,000 tracks worldwide (more than 120 countries covered). This data comes from community members and continues to grow over time. The difficulty of each trail is evaluated live during an outing and made available to users. Users can thus choose a track according to their level and follow it even if it does not exist on the cycling maps.
In addition to track data, Trailforks offers a number of practical functions:
- Trail Planning: a function that allows you to search for a trail by specifying a difficulty level.
- Forksight: this function is automatically activated when you pause. It displays the next intersections and your position within the trail network.
The Edge also offers mountain bike dynamics, indicators that can be used to inform the athlete about his outing and that can be useful to improve his technique: number of jumps, position of the jumps, length and duration of the jumps, difficulty of the course (Grit function) and fluidity of the descents (Flow function). The difficulty of the course is evaluated from the altitude, the difference in height, the slope and the rapid changes in direction. For the smoothness of the descent, the meter analyzes various parameters, including how braking is used.
ClimbPro: to better manage climbs
ClimbPro is a function designed for climbers. Already present on recent GPS bike computers (Edge 530, Edge 830 and recently on the Edge 1030) but also on the latest high-end watches (Garmin Fenix 6 and Forerunner 945), it displays the altitude profile of the route, indicates the percentage of average slope, the remaining difference in altitude to be climbed and the distance to the summit. The profile is divided into coloured sections according to difficulty. The cyclist can thus easily analyse the difficulty of the slope and manage their effort accordingly. This is a particularly interesting feature for climbing difficult passes.
Sports functions
The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus records your trip data (distance, speed, pace, GPS coordinates, power if you have a sensor, etc.) and outputs it to the Garmin Connect application in the form of comprehensive reports with map display, graphs and analysis. This allows you to analyze your output to improve your technique and training, obtain detailed statistics and much more.
The Edge allows you to program advanced workouts (including split training) from Garmin Connect or from third-party applications such as TrainingPeaks or TrainerRoad and then track them directly on the device.
The meter uses Firstbeat's algorithms to provide nearly 15 physiological measurements, including evaluation of the VO2max, estimated recovery time after an outing, measurement of FTP power (with compatible accessory), evaluation of the lactic threshold, effort score, Training Effect, load and training status, etc. You can find a description of these features on the Garmin website. The algorithm uses the training history and performance indicators to evaluate the quality of training and guide the athlete's decisions.
The Edge 1030 Plus has a new feature, the daily training suggestion. This is a coach that suggests workouts on a daily basis, depending on the fitness level assessed on the basis of recovery, sleep quality and training load over the last 7 days. The training sessions are adapted according to the form (VO2max), varying in intensity and duration. This tool is perfect for people who need to be guided through their training without being familiar with it. It requires the use of a cardio belt and, for even more precision, the use of a power sensor.
Other features available on the Edge (including Edge 1030) include :
- The power curve : Garmin calculates the average power developed during your outings and records the data for comparison over several weeks or even months. This function requires a power sensor.
- The evaluation of acclimatization to heat and altitude: this function requires a heart rate monitor (chest belt) and coupling the Edge to a Smartphone connected to the network for access to weather data (for temperature access). For total acclimatization, a minimum of 4 days of training is required.
- Intelligent nutrition and hydration alerts: the cyclist's needs are assessed according to his calorie expenditure, accumulated altitude difference, temperature, effort (pedalling power and heart rate are used if the cyclist uses compatible sensors). The Edge sends alerts when it is time to feed or hydrate.
- Cycling dynamics: power phases (pressure on the pedals depending on the angle), right leg-left leg balance, dancer's position time, offset from the platform (distribution of force on the pedals). These measures are aimed at analysing and improving technique or adjusting the bike's settings to minimise the risk of injury and optimise performance. Compatible sensors are of course required.
The Edge 1030 Plus has a Virtual Partner feature, allowing you to compete against yourself or a community member on a given course.
Support and security functions
The new Edge 1030 Plus benefits from the new features of the 530, 830 and 1030 models and some improvements. These features increase the cyclist's safety.
These include:
- Fall detection and assistance in case of a fall: the meter can contact a programmed emergency number and transmit the GPS position of the cyclist.
- LiveTrack: to be followed remotely by a third party from a Smartphone or on the Internet, with the possibility to send predefined messages. Garmin has made improvements to its feature. The interface has been simplified (the changes are available on all Edge) and guests can now see the planned route (this change will only be available on other Edge later).
- GroupTrack allows you to follow other cyclists from your device and exchange messages with them. These functions require the Edge to be paired with a smartphone and to have a network connection.
- A bike alarm that rings and sends an alert to your smartphone if the bike is moved.
- Find my Edge to find the counter when lost in a fall.
- Varia: the meter is compatible with Varia products (Vision, Lights, Radar) to see and be seen by motorists.
- Find My Edge: a function that allows you to find your Edge when lost in case of a fall.
- Compatibility with the InReach satellite communication beacon: the meter can be coupled with a satellite beacon for data transmission (text and SMS) where network connectivity is absent (in the mountains for example). Messages can be received and replied to, share trip data, send SOS messages.
Connectivity: many possibilities for cyclists
First of all, the Edge 1030 Plus offers a new feature that should appeal to people who already have an Edge meter: the automatic porting of the configuration of their old device to the new one (sensors, profiles and data fields) for a significant time saving and less frustration. And for others, Edge offers a predefined configuration based on the sensors used and the habits of the Garmin community. This will allow you to quickly configure your new bike computer!
The Edge 1030 Plus offers smartphone notifications. It allows you to access data from the Garmin Connect™ community via a connected smartphone to view and download workouts, download a course, share data on Garmin, synchronize data from a growing number of third-party applications (including TrainingPeaks, Strava, Komoot), and participate in challenges on social networks. For example, you can compare your performance on a given segment (route fragment), directly on the meter. Access to the weather forecast allows you to offer alerts and assess your acclimatization to the heat.
The computer can be coupled to external devices such as a VIRB camera placed for example on a helmet or on the bike, a Shimano derailleur (Ultegra, Dura-Ace, Di2) or Sram. For people who train at home or in the gym it can be connected to a Tacx or Wahoo home trainer. It is also suitable for electric bikes equipped with the Shimano Steps system: it takes the status of the bike and displays it on a dedicated screen (gear engaged, battery level, assistance level, etc.). If there is a smartphone connected nearby, the Edge displays the weather and can be programmed to generate alerts.
Customization
The device can be customized with the many free widgets and applications that Garmin offers on its Connect IQ store. For example, the display can be customized or new data fields can be loaded. Some applications provide information about the weather and allow you to accurately anticipate the least appropriate times for an outing. Others provide information about bike shops (sales, repairs) or places to eat. There is plenty to do.
Our opinion about the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus: Should you buy it?
The best bike and mountain bike GPS on the market?
This new premium Edge 1030 Plus model is the culmination of all Garmin meters and is in our opinion the best on the market today for both cycling (bike races, cycling outings, ballads) and mountain biking. It integrates the best in terms of navigation, athlete assistance tools, connected functions and safety tools. It has everything a cyclist could dream of, from ultra-complete cartography with advanced navigation functions (route generator, access to community routes, voice guidance, search for points of interest, etc.) to advanced sports functions covering the needs of everyone, amateur or professional. One is surprised by the number of additional functions for safety, communication between sportsmen and women, and remote control of devices. If budget is not an issue, this is THE bike computer for you.
Why choose the Edge 1030 Plus?
First of all, we like this GPS bike computer for the large size of its screen (like the Edge 1030's), comfortable and very readable. That's the number 1 reason to choose it. Otherwise, it's better to go for the Edge 830, cheaper, lighter and just as complete or almost complete (see our comparison between Edge 830 and Edge 1030 Plus).
The interest of this new model is also its memory capacity, doubled compared to the Edge 830 and Edge 1030 models, which allows to store more maps. For people who travel, the US onboard card is an asset. In addition, the autonomy increases by 20% (24 hours instead of 20 hours), which is not negligible, especially for bicycle touring.
For people who need to be coached, who don't know how to train to stay in shape, the new daily training suggestion function will be a great help. But don't count on it to train to climb the Ventoux!
The new configuration transfer function is very useful. Note that it will soon be integrated into Edge 830 and Edge 1030.
The other functions of this counter are also available on Edge 830. They are therefore not a criterion of choice for this model.
Finally, we have an ultra-complete meter, with high-performance components (aligned with those of the Edge 830) for the price of the Edge 1030 before the release of this new meter. So we have a better and much more powerful GPS for the price of the old one.
Edge 1030 or Edge 1030 Plus? Which one to choose? Should you switch to the new model?
The difference between the 2 models is not so much in terms of functions (software updates for Edge 1030 have brought it in line with Edge 830) but in terms of components. Edge 1030 had fallen behind the range, with hardware components dating back to 2017. The new Edge 1030 Plus offers a better display (increased sensitivity and brightness), a high-sensitivity GPS receiver and a processor that is twice as fast, resulting in improved response times, especially for route calculation and route generation.
If you already have an Edge 1030, switching to the new model is only worthwhile if you're experiencing problems with your Edge today: screen reacts poorly in the rain or with gloves on (you still have to ride in the rain and wear closed gloves), frequent loss of GPS signal, frustration with meter response times. The extra 4 hours of autonomy can also be an argument, but it is still possible to buy a Garmin charger to double the capacity. Additional maps (USA, Africa) do not justify a change of counter: you can buy them and load them into your Edge 1030. Finally, the few functional enhancements (returning to the start earlier, training suggestion, re-routing out of the planned route) are still somewhat weak arguments for changing the counter (they won't be available on the Edge 1030). So if you already have an Edge 1030, it's up to you to see, with the few advantages listed above, if the passage is really interesting for you.
If you don't have a bike computer yet and are hesitating between the Edge 1030 and the Edge 1030 Plus, the choice is simple: if budget is not an issue, choose the Edge 1030 Plus without hesitation. The Edge 1030 Plus is much better in terms of components, performance and, to a lesser extent, features. You've got the ultimate in GPS bike computers. Now, if you don't have the budget, the Edge 1030 is still a good choice: it's a full-featured, wide-screen meter that's been priced right now since the new model was released. Otherwise, consider the Edge 830, which is just as complete or almost as complete, less expensive, but with a smaller screen. See our detailed review of the Edge 830 and opinion on this model.
In conclusion
We think the Edge 1030 Plus is a great GPS bike computer, as long as you're willing to pay the price and don't look too hard on weight (44g heavier than the Edge 830, 56% heavier) and size. To summarize our advice above:
- Edge 1030 Plus: the most complete, wide screen and comfortable to read, new and performing components.
- Edge 830: functions almost as complete as Edge 1030 Plus, new and powerful components. It's lighter and less expensive than the Edge 1030 Plus but offers a smaller screen.
- Edge 1030: functions almost as complete as the Edge 1030 Plus except for MTB (no Trailforks application, no MTB track data), a wide screen and a good price but less performant components. The choice here is a question of budget. It's a good value for money if you absolutely want a widescreen display.
- Alignment to the Edge 830 (high-performance components, processor speed)
- The large, touch screen with good sensitivity
- On-board mapping and heat maps
- Advanced GPS navigation
- Trailforks Data Integration for ATVs
- The ClimbPro function
- Incident support in addition to the LiveTrack and GroupTrack functions
- Complete physiological measurements and dynamics of cycling and mountain biking
- Long battery life (24 hours) and compatibility with Garmin Charge
- A slightly lower price
Price and availability
The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus has been available for sale since June 2020 at the suggested retail price of €599.99. The model comes with 2 supports (standard and front), a USB cable and a user manual. Garmin also offers, for an additional €100, a Performance Pack that also includes an HRM-Dual flexible chest belt, a cadence sensor and a speed sensor.
The Edge 1030 is priced lower. Garmin's recommended retail price is €499.99 instead of €599.99.
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Buy Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
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