Previous units 1000 and 1030. Solar charging is amazing. Screen is crisper. I rode for 1 hr shakedown ride. 50% shade and 50% clear sunny day. Rode a loop. I started with 97% battery and ended with 97% battery while connected to cell phone and power meter. Con, there are two unconfigurable fields on the bottom "training" screen. Ive tried to configure on the unit and on the app, with no success. I'd like to change the fields to cadence etc and even divide the two field into 3 or 4 fields. I'd like to see a simulation of the 1040 in the app as I configue the fields. The 3/5 is also for the price and not getting HR, speed/cadence sensor. Also, I've had to unit a little over 2 wks. Garmin is good with updates and hopefully there are lots to come. I
This is a great bike computer with a complete suite of features! Its very exhaustive with a wide range of functionality. I have been an avid Wahoo Elemnt Bolt user with both previous versions of that computer. That one is great, and when this was released I just thought of giving it a try after seeing the DC Rainmaker exhaustive review.
Very satisfied with the form and functionality. Sure is little pricey, but you sure notice the value added as you keep using it, avail of the features, and customize it.
I fully charged my 1040 before leaving for RAGBRAI and have yet to place it back on the charger almost a week after. After finishing my final ride of the 8 day event I still had 40% battery left! I'm still getting to know all the new features having upgraded from an 820, but so far they have all been helpful and the device has performed flawlessly.
I recently upgraded from the 1000 edge to this. I love all the features on this. I definitely recommend for anyone who does more than 3hrs cycling. Syncing all my sensors and phone was a breeze. Ride automatically uploads to Strava without having to manually do it each time. Not sure how much of an upgrade it is from the 1030 but this was definitely a big step from the 1000. So the Solar was a bit pricey if you typically ride 3 hrs or less probably better with the regular 1040 but since I am extra and didn’t mind spending the extra money my wife doesn’t know about, I got it and have no regrets. I am very pleased. Battery life is good seems like each ride has only gained me a few minutes 11:26 was my solar gain but my rides have been pretty short
Purchased 3 weeks ago. 10 rides, 500+ miles. No issues. Occasionally screen seems less bright if sun is behind me and I have sunglasses on. It’s not an issue for me. Didn't charge before first ride battery was 68% after 3 + 1/2-hour ride battery was 66% It was hot sunny day in Pennsylvania. Was using HR monitor, speed and cadence sensors and Di2, not navigating a course. USB C and solar is nice upgrade.
I'm now roughly a month into using the 1040 Solar, and haven't had to charge yet. The interface is smooth. I love the access to some much information on the home page. The font on the profile pages have been enhanced which helps viewing in all lighting conditions.