There comes a point on a really long bike ride when you start wondering which will give up first: your legs, your motivation or your cycling computer. Garmin has clearly decided to remove at least one of those concerns. The Garmin Edge 1040 Solar GPS Cycling Computer combines intelligent navigation, advanced training technology and solar charging to keep you exploring for longer. It's built for riders who enjoy disappearing into the countryside for hours at a time, preferably with a route that includes a few challenging climbs and a well-earned café stop somewhere along the way.
At the heart of the Edge 1040 Solar is Garmin's Power Glass solar charging technology, which uses sunlight to extend battery life as you ride. Under ideal conditions, you can enjoy up to 45 hours of operation in demanding use or an impressive 100 hours in Battery Saver mode. Multi-band GNSS technology provides precise positioning through challenging environments, while detailed bike-specific maps, ClimbPro and Trailforks integration help you navigate unfamiliar territory. Garmin's advanced training tools also bring useful performance insights directly to your handlebars, including real-time stamina monitoring, Power Guide and cycling ability analysis. It's a seriously capable piece of technology that knows where you're going, how hard you're working and, rather inconveniently, exactly how much climbing you've still got left.
Key Features
Power Glass Solar Charging Technology – Integrated solar charging lens uses available sunlight to extend battery life during outdoor riding
Up To 45 Hours Battery Life – Extended operation during demanding use with solar charging under Garmin's specified conditions
Up To 100 Hours Battery Saver Mode – Impressive endurance with solar charging and battery-saving settings for long-distance adventures
Up To 42 Minutes Additional Battery Life Per Hour – Solar charging can provide extra operating time during favourable sunlight conditions in Battery Saver mode
Multi-Band GNSS Technology – Advanced satellite positioning helps deliver accurate location tracking through dense forests, mountain terrain and built-up areas
3.5-Inch Colour Touchscreen – Large, easy-to-read display provides clear access to maps, navigation and performance information
Bike-Specific Navigation – Detailed cycling maps and routing options help identify suitable roads and trails for your chosen riding discipline
Trendline Popularity Routing – Uses routes travelled by other Garmin cyclists to help discover established cycling roads and trails
Turn-By-Turn Navigation – Clear directions and route alerts help keep you on course through unfamiliar areas
Off-Course Recalculation – Helps guide you back towards your planned route when an unexpected detour takes you elsewhere
ClimbPro Ascent Planner – Displays remaining climbing distance, gradient and elevation to help manage your effort on challenging ascents
Trailforks Integration – Access mountain bike trail information and points of interest for exploring unfamiliar off-road routes
ForkSight Trail Navigation – Displays nearby trail options and useful route information when exploring supported mountain bike networks
On-Device Course Creation – Create and customise cycling routes directly from your Edge
Wi-Fi Map Management – Download, update and manage compatible maps through the device's wireless connection
Real-Time Stamina Insights – Monitor estimated remaining effort capacity to help manage your energy during longer rides
Cycling Ability Analysis – Understand your cycling strengths and compare them against the demands of a particular course
Power Guide Technology – Receive recommended power targets to help manage your effort across supported routes
Advanced Training Status – Analyse training load, recovery and performance information to understand how your fitness is progressing
VO2 Max Monitoring – Track estimated aerobic fitness using compatible performance sensors
Recovery Time Recommendations – Receive estimated recovery guidance after demanding training sessions
Adaptive Training Recommendations – Follow suggested workouts and training guidance informed by available fitness and recovery data
Heat & Altitude Acclimation – Monitor how your body is adapting to challenging environmental conditions
Nutrition & Hydration Alerts – Customisable reminders help you stay fuelled during longer rides
MTB Dynamics – Record mountain biking metrics including jump count, jump distance and hang time
Grit & Flow Metrics – Measure trail difficulty and riding smoothness for additional mountain biking performance insights
GroupTrack Connectivity – View the locations of compatible connected riders to help keep track of your group
Group Messaging – Exchange supported messages with other compatible devices through connected services
Incident Detection – Can send your location to configured emergency contacts following certain detected cycling incidents
PIN-Protected Bike Alarm – Provides smartphone notifications when movement is detected while the alarm is armed
Garmin Varia Compatibility – Connect compatible rearview radar and smart lighting accessories for additional road awareness
Garmin inReach Compatibility – Pair with supported inReach satellite communication devices for compatible messaging and location-sharing features
eBike System Compatibility – View supported battery, assistance and system information from compatible electric bikes
Smart Trainer Connectivity – Pair with compatible indoor smart trainers, including Tacx models, for structured indoor cycling sessions
Garmin Connect Synchronisation – Review activities, analyse performance and manage training information through Garmin Connect
Third-Party Training Integration – Synchronise compatible structured workouts and training plans from supported platforms
Smartphone Music Controls – Manage supported music playback directly from your cycling computer
Connect IQ Customisation – Add compatible applications, widgets and data fields to personalise your Edge
IPX7 Water Resistance – Designed to withstand wet weather and demanding outdoor cycling conditions
133g Weight – Compact construction combines a large touchscreen with practical handlebar-mounted design
The Garmin Edge 1040 Solar is built for cyclists who believe a good ride shouldn't have to end because their computer needs charging. Its clever solar technology, precise navigation and comprehensive training features make it a dependable companion for everything from everyday training to ambitious long-distance adventures. It's packed with useful information without making the experience unnecessarily complicated, helping you spend more time enjoying the road ahead. Of course, all that additional battery life does mean you'll need to come up with a different excuse when someone suggests extending the ride. Sorry about that.
Please Note: Solar charging performance depends on sunlight intensity, exposure, device settings and usage. Garmin's maximum battery figures assume specified favourable solar conditions, including 75,000 lux sunlight. Some training features require a compatible heart rate monitor, power meter or both. Messaging, tracking and safety features may require compatible connected devices or services.