I bought about a month ago and I really like it! It does have a huge learning curve and there are things I would change about it but if you are into gps fitness products this is a good one.
Garmin Edge 1050: A Bright Idea That Falls Flat (Literally) As a long-time Garmin user, I had high hopes for the Edge 1050, expecting an evolution from the reliable 1030. While it's true that everything works and functions perfectly in terms of its core features, the critical flaw lies in its display – or lack thereof, in real-world conditions. Garmin's decision to switch from the reflective screen of the 1030 to a new display technology on the 1050 is a massive misstep. In direct sunlight, the screen becomes completely unreadable. It's as if they've adopted an "iPhone concept" for the display, leading to the same frustrating inability to see anything when the sun hits it. To make matters worse, there's a baffling "timeout" feature for the backlight that, when triggered in sunlight, plunges the screen into total blackness, rendering it utterly useless. This isn't just an inconvenience; it's a significant safety concern when you can't see your navigation or data. Beyond the screen, the physical design also feels like a downgrade. When the Garmin is laying flat on the computer, it no longer has the crisp, readable angle that the reflective backing of the 1030 provided. This makes an already unreadable screen even harder to glimpse. And finally, at a hefty 161 grams, the 1050 feels like the clunkiest and heaviest object on my bike. In summary, while the underlying functionality of the Edge 1050 is sound, the critical issues with screen visibility in sunlight, the poor viewing angle, and the increased weight make this a disappointing upgrade. Garmin needs to revisit its display technology and design philosophy for outdoor use.
I have had the Edge 1050 for about a month and I thoroughly enjoy it. The only downside is that I can’t imagine going back to a smaller less visible unit now.
has exceeded all of my expectations! I use this for road and gravel cycling. I had gone from nothing to this and it is amazing for tracking my rides, training and navigation. I have been able to integrate with my Di2 for a hands free experience. having gone from nothing to this it can be used for any rider.
Written by a customer while visiting ExpertVoice.com
Customer Rating
5
Nice map routing
on July 1, 2025
Posted by: Instructormoore
Downloaded some maps from the Garmin Connect website and the first ride was perfect. Took us on the right track and didn't miss a turn. Responsive and quick to direct after making a turn.
Awesome screen, love the updated interface and USB-C charging, good battery life. It's large, so likley better use case for road and gravel vs MTB given mounting location.
Written by a customer while visiting ExpertVoice.com
Customer Rating
5
Best Garmin Cycling Unit Ever
on June 30, 2025
Posted by: Anonymous
I have used multiple Garmin cycling computers over the past 2 decades and the 1050 is Definitely the best. Great screen, easy migration of settings from my 1030, excellent battery life, super screen clarity and the list goes on. Only downside, the Manual that came with it is very weak, extremely small type and basically does not cover much. Have to go online to get digital copy. Jim Remillard, Cio, CA