At Team Cycles, we’ve seen a huge surge in riders asking for cycling computers that do more than just track speed and distance. With a big push in providing more data and training insights, navigation and just being “connected” on big adventures, these have been amongst the top things we are asked when people are considering adding a GPS to their cockpit. A GPS computer has become a must-have.
So, which ones are flying off our shelves right now? Let’s break down the Top 3 GPS computers at Team Cycles, how they stack up against each other, and which might be the perfect fit for your rides.
🥇 1st Place – Garmin Edge 1040
The Overachiever That Won’t Let You Off the Hook
The Edge 1040 is Garmin’s equivalent of that mate who shows up to every group ride with carbon everything and still claims “it’s just an easy spin.” Multi-band GNSS means it’ll still know where you are even if you’re buried in the middle of a forest, under a bridge, and possibly in another dimension.
Why it’s top dog:
- Battery life of up to 35 hours (70 if you stick it in saver mode) which is way longer than your quads will last.
- “Stamina Insights” so you know exactly how knackered you are just in case your legs weren’t already screaming it.
- Daily suggested workouts because nothing says fun like your bike computer judging you for not riding hard enough.
- ClimbPro automatically tracks your climbs so you can relive the pain later with a smile.
The Edge 1040 basically makes excuses impossible. If you want all the data, all the time, and don’t mind a screen reminding you that you really could have pushed harder… this is your ride-or-die.
🥈 2nd Place – Garmin Edge 1050
The Social Butterfly With a Fancy Screen
Garmin clearly decided the 1040 wasn’t “extra” enough, so they built the Edge 1050. Think of it as the 1040 but with more colour, more social features, and, wait for it… a built-in bike bell. Because nothing screams “pro-level cyclist” like digitally dinging at dogs down the Bowes line.
Why it’s your mate’s favourite toy:
- Vivid colour display so you can actually see what’s going on instead of squinting like it’s a Nokia 3310.
- GroupRide features: live location sharing, in-ride leaderboards, and messages. Perfect if you’ve ever wanted to have a chat mid-ride, with your mate at the front of the pack.
- Built-in speaker that shouts instructions at you, which is great if you’ve ever thought “you know what would make this better? a sat-nav giving me unsolicited directions out loud.”
- Road hazard alerts from other cyclists, so you’ll know about potholes before you’ve face-planted into them.
It’s not as long-lasting as the 1040 (20–60 hours of battery), but it makes up for it by basically turning your ride into a group chat on wheels.
🥉 3rd Place – COROS DURA Solar
The New Dark Horse That Just Keeps Going
Garmin may hog the spotlight, but COROS quietly stepped in and said, “What if we made a computer that just never dies?” Enter the DURA Solar, with 120 hours of GPS battery life and solar charging, it’ll outlast your ride, your bike, and probably your will to cycle.
Why it’s low-key brilliant:
- Solar charging: 2 extra hours per hour of sunlight. Yes, it actually eats sunlight for breakfast.
- Offline global maps, so when you inevitably lose signal halfway through your “shortcut,” you’ll still know where you are.
- Dual-frequency GPS accuracy which means no more blaming “bad GPS” for taking the wrong turn.
- Group tracking and crash detection, so even if you go over the bars, at least someone will know about it.
It might not have the Garmin “bells and whistles” (literally, in the 1050’s case), but if your idea of fun is riding until civilisation forgets you exist, this is your computer.
Final Thoughts: Which One’s for You?
- Want every metric known to mankind and the ability to prove to Strava you definitely could have gone faster? Get the Garmin Edge 1040.
- Fancy social features, leaderboards, and a screen so pretty you’ll forget about your burning lungs? Go Edge 1050.
- Prefer to ride forever into the wilderness without worrying about charging? COROS DURA Solar’s your new best friend.
At Team Cycles, we’ve got all three sitting proudly on the shelf. Whether you’re a data nerd, a social rider, or an off-grid adventurer, there’s a GPS computer here with your name on it. Just don’t blame us when it tells you your stamina is at 0% halfway up a climb.
