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Garmin Edge 1030 Review – Ready Rider 1

The Garmin Edge 1030, is the new king on the throne of the ultimate adventure-by-bike cycling computers. Pulling out all the stops in software, functionality, and training assets that simply can’t be overlooked.

When you’re deep in the pain-cave, and when all that matters, is crossing the line first. It’s your iron-will that keeps you striving. But even iron is sharpened with something. So where does it start for you, before training for that Everest of a race? It starts with the right training device. The Garmin Edge 1030 is your iron sharpener!

The Centre Piece:

The Garmin Edge 1030 took up the position of acting as the centre piece for all my Garmin sensors. It kept my training or race info pinned, and displayed it in an insightful manner. Plus, with the new advanced Cycling Map Navigation from Garmin, my riding universe got definitively bigger!

Okay, so let’s take a walk-around the bike; starting with the cadence sensor. I personally like to see my average pedal cadence every now and then. Specially to compare the averages from one ride to the other. It provided a good indication of whether my training program was working or not.

Next up, was the speed/distance sensor. Now, it’s obvious that every cycling computer tracks your speed. I mean it’s one of the fundamental reasons why cycling computers even exist.

The Heart-Rate Sensor that came with the Edge 1030, was with-out a doubt the most beneficial. Not only did it keep my heart rate in check, but the Edge 1030 device itself, calculated my workout productivity. I’ll talk more about that in just a second.

Finally, Garmin had also designed the Edge 1030 to be power meter compatible. And while I didn’t get to test that myself, I can say that it will make your training even more productive. Through supplying information about just how hard you’re laying down the hammer.

Easy to Use:

The Garmin Edge 1030 features a straight forward user-friendly interface. The purpose-built buttons and touch-screen navigation, make using the Edge 1030 similar to that of your everyday smart phone. When you start your ride, the GPS tracking kicks-in automatically. So there’s no having to go search through settings. Garmin also engineered the Edge 1030 to cater for any terrain. With that being said you can take your device on-road and off-road. Adding to the device’s overall convenience.

It Does the Math?!

There’s a lot more features that the Garmin Edge 1030 brought to the table. I’d like to focus on one, that simply opens up the door to upping your game! The device displays your training stats and then calculates the productivity of your workout. Inevitably providing you with your recovery time, and overall stress toll, that the workout had on your body. Now this is extremely valuable to us as cyclists. When you use your power meter, the Edge 1030 will supply you with exact power of your pedalling per kilogram of weight. All-in-all this Garmin device enables you to train better, the smarter way!

 

Quick Facts:

  • Battery Life: lasts for 20 hours on straight, flat-out usage.
  • With normal use, it lasted us for 2 weeks on a single charge.
  • Compact 123-gram weight.
  • Features Garmin’s Trendline Popular Route navigation.
  • Has corner approaching warnings enabled.
  • Connects to STRAVA for segment tracking.
  • Collects info on the roads ahead.
  • Brilliantly engages your fellow riders, with Rider-To-Rider messaging.

The Ride:

My weapon of choice for the test with the Garmin Edge 1030 was the Specialized Diverge. A gravel bike, with a bold taste for adventure. Now with this gravel bike, I tended to do a lot of exploring on roads that were unfamiliar to me. Whether it was back-street city roads, or country-side bliss, I was always in the know of the road ahead. Garmin’s unique navigation system kept me well informed of what lay ahead, and advised me based on which roads were cycled most by other cyclist. All this made my environment safer, and allowed me to be more vigilant.

Riding a gravel bike, meant that the Garmin Edge 1030 had to keep up with the terrain. I must say it did that part excellently. I always love to look back at my route and elevation level. As it’s nice to brag a little.

The Edge 1030 very much stayed sensitive to my heart-rate. I could see exactly when I could push myself to the limits. Though I prefer to seclude myself when training at times, the Edge 1030 did keep a link with the outside world. When connected to my phone the device continued to display notifications such as weather conditions, SMS’s, you name it. What’s nice is that my training wasn’t influenced, when these notifications came up.

Verdict:       

Whether you’re planning your next bike adventure, or smashing the MTB trail, the Garmin Edge 1030 will be there for you. Just like iron sharpens iron, the Edge 1030 refines your training. Therefore, making you fitter and faster!

 R11 999.00 – Available at Garmin.co.za  

Garmin Edge 1030 Review – Ready Rider 1



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Bike guide

Built for: Dual Suspension Trail
Year launched: 2022