Garmin’s Latest Bike Computer Sports Bell, Contactless Payments

Is a bell necessary on a bicycle?* Garmin thinks so and has equipped its latest, all-singing-all-dancing bike computer with a pedestrian-alerting digital speaker.

The Edge 1050 is also equipped with the new Garmin Pay contactless payments system, ideal for cafe stops, and currently available on some of Garmin’s smartwatches.

Garmin claims the Edge 1050—available later in the summer for $699— is the “brightest, smartest and most connected cycling computer ever.”

Unlike the Edge 1040 solar edition the Edge 1050 does not have on-board photovoltaics for on-the-road charging.

The computer is now Garmin’s top-of-the-range model, said to have an improved display and enhanced group ride features.

Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales, said of the Edge 1050:

“Delivering an exceptional in-ride experience, superior navigation and community-focused features, our latest cycling computer is made to keep cyclists motivated—whether they’re planning a group ride with friends or a long, solo adventure.”

The Edge 1050 features a 3.5-inch wrap-around liquid crystal touchscreen display and angled casing. The lack of solar charging could be a deal breaker for some.

Addressing that concern, a Garmin release said “the Edge 1040 Solar will exist next to the 1050 which has the brighter screen, so customers can choose if they prefer a brighter screen or solar/really long battery life.”

The Edge 1050 offers up to 20 hours of battery life “in demanding use” and up to 60 hours in eco mode.

Of interest to those familiar with Waze’s user-generated traffic warnings, riders using the 1050 will be able to receive road hazard alerts, such as warnings for potholes or fallen trees, reported by fellow riders. (Clearly, this will rely on an ecosystem of other users and the full benefits of the tech won’t be immediately apparent.)

In-ride messaging and Strava-like leaderboards have been added to the 1050 introduce a competitive element to rides. These features will also become available available to users of the Edge 540, Edge 840 and Edge 1040 series cycling computers.

Edge 1050 users will be able to use pin drop navigation to send a POI from Apple Maps and receive navigation to that location. P

* “Knock knock.

“Who’s there?

“Isabelle.

“Isabelle who?

“Is a bell necessary on a bicycle?”