Garmin’s big daddy, top-of-the-line cycling computer just got a solar update with the new Edge 1040 Solar.
Harnessing the power of the sun, the Edge 1040 Solar features a Power Glass™ solar charging lens, giving cyclists even more ride time between charges–up to 100 hours in battery saver mode –while multi-band GNSS technology provides more accurate GPS positioning in challenging ride environments, such as dense urban areas or under deep tree cover.
The Edge 1040 Solar is big and expensive. It retails for $749.99. This makes it a bike computer for people who really love big cycling computers. We’re still happy with our Edge 500 and a phone in our back pocket, but if you don’t mind the size and paying as much for a bike computer as you’d spend on an iPhone then the 1040 Solar might be right for you. For all the details click here, or follow the jump.
With their new Forerunner 945 LTE Garmin brings text, messaging, tracking and emergency alerts to their watches without requiring a phone.
“We are excited to bring LTE connectivity to the Forerunner line with the introduction of the Forerunner 945 LTE,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales. “For years, athletes have been able to leave their phone at home and still receive performance metrics, listen to music and pay for purchases with their Forerunner. Now, they can also access safety and tracking features right from their watch, making it even easier to work out without a phone and without worry.”
This brings Garmin one step closer to the Apple Watch for phone-free exercise. We’ve said the Forerunner is one of the best bike computers you can own, now it’s that much better. For all the official details from Garmin, please follow the link.
For those of us who ride mountain bike pedals ALL THE TIME, the new Garmin Rally XC200 power meters solve a power problem we’ve had for a while: double-sided SPD power with left and right metrics. Here, look at all the specs that Garmin is so proud about:
Rally power meters have undergone rigorous testing to increase reliability. Featuring a superior design with sensors housed inside, these sleek pedals install like any pedal. And they’re quick to transfer between bikes. . . In addition to total power and cadence, Rally XC200 measures much more. These metrics help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, so you can work to improve. . . Measure power from your left leg versus power from your right leg to get a better look at how symmetrically you’re producing power. . . Track the amount of time you spend in each position, and gauge position effectiveness. . . From road to gravel to cyclocross and much more, keep riding year-round with a transferable spindle that can be installed in the Rally™ RS/Rally RK road pedal body kits (each sold separately).
The pedals are for sale (in limited quantity) on the Garmin site right now and will only set you back $1,199 at the most (or $699 for one side). The pedals come in Shimano SPD, Look KEO, and Shimano SPD SL flavors and the pedals (can be swapped on the spindles). They really have thought of everything. (Pedal tops sold separately.)
For those who just don’t need or want all the virtual training bells, whistles, and attached appliances, Garmin has a new (almost retro in its simplicity) Tacx Boost indoor, mostly analog trainer.
A powerful magnetic brake allows cyclists to apply resistance, or lighten it, to get the most of their indoor ride. . . Cyclists can ride anywhere –there’s no need for an external power source. Setting up the Boost is easy –with just two simple clicks, cyclists can start riding. What’s more, the multifunctional front wheel support ensures a natural cycling position while riding and serves as a handle to carry the trainer.
In other words, this thing is straight out of 1986, with a few design upgrades. The Boost is selling right now for $299.99. Which seems kind of high for what they are offering, but if you like the looks of the Boost, please follow the jump for all the official details.
Garmin’s Varia rearview radar was a bit of a problem for people who use their phones as their cycling computers, but thanks to Garmin’s new Varia app (and the updated RVR315 and RTL515), those days are over. Now, cyclists can pair the Varia to their phone and roll out — no Garmin head-unit required. And if they use Ride with GPS it will integrate. Sadly, Garmin’s Varia app does not work with Strava. Ouch.
“Our previous generation rearview radar with tail light quickly became a staple for cyclists around the world, providing peace of mind during any ride, day or night,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales. “With the new RVR315, RTL515 and Varia app, we’re bringing those state-of-the-art safety features to even more riders, helping to ease some of the anxiety they can experience when on the road.”
For all the details, including images and prices, please follow the jump, or click here for DC Rainmaker’s complete review.
Competition in the indoor trainer market is about to get more interesting as Garmin announced today (February 12, 2019) their plans to buy Tacx the Dutch makers of connected indoor training systems and software.
“Tacx brings an entirely new product category to Garmin’s fitness portfolio that expands our reach into the indoor training market,” said Cliff Pemble, Garmin president and CEO. “Together with Tacx, Garmin will offer a seamless, enjoyable and motivating indoor and outdoor experience for cyclists
all year long.”
Totally makes sense, doesn’t it? Might as well keep all our cycling tech in the family, right? Tacx seems pretty happy with the sale as well.
“We are excited to have the support of a technology leader like Garmin,” said Koos Tacx, CEO of Tacx. “With Garmin’s extensive R&D capabilities and global distribution network, we look forward to working together to further enhance our indoor training products and technologies, and bring them to cyclists around the world.”
For the official word from Garmin, please follow the jump.
Garmin is bringing 4G LTE to the wrist with the all new vívoactive 3 Music – connected by Verizon . This new version of the vívoactive GPS smartwatch gives users a 24-7 connection to text messages, music downloads, and “incident detection” without having a phone along. As if that’s not all, the watch features five day battery life, Garmin Pay, and can be worn swimming or in the shower. Here’s how they’re pitching it:
“The vívoactive 3 Music with 4G LTE connectivity gives you everything you need from your phone – safety features, text messaging and the ability to download and listen to music – now on your watch, so customers can leave their phones behind with confidence,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “Designed for customers who lead an active lifestyle, we’re excited to introduce these new safety and communication features to the Verizon-connected vívoactive 3 Music to give added peace of mind on the go, so leaving your phone at home can be a choice instead of a cause for panic.”
We’re kind of hoping they bring this same functionality to the Edge 520. How epic would that be? Fingers crossed. For the official word from Garmin, please follow the jump.
It’s funny to think of Garmin’s new Instinct GPS adventure watch as “affordable” when it weighs in at $299, however compared the $799 fenix 5+ it’s a downright bargain. The Instinct, which comes in three colors (Graphite, Tundra and Flame Red) is bursting with G-shock flavor and features a new fiber reinforced polymer case shape that visually differentiates it from the fenix while still keeping the familiar five-button layout. It doesn’t have built-in mapping, music storage, or Garmin Pay like its big brother, but it will handle the cycling, running, hiking, and swimming (not that any of us swim) tracking just fine: cadence and speed with sensors (ANT+ or bluetooth) sure, power, nope. For the official word from Garmin, please follow the jump.
Garmin’s smartlight system gets an urban/trail boost with the new Varia UT800. The new light has five modes and is visible during the day from one mile away. And when you run it with a new Edge cycling computer Garmin says it will “automatically adjust its beam intensity based on speed and changing light condition.”
“As leaders in cycling technology, we are excited to introduce the Varia UT800 to our line of innovative Varia cycling awareness products,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “With five different light modes, whether riding on the streets or the trail, the Varia UT800 smart headlight shines brighter for longer allowing cyclists to ride with greater confidence.”
We’ve ridden with an earlier version and it worked well. For the official word (and a photo) from Garmin, please follow the jump.
Now, your Garmin GPS cycling watch can to more than just log milage, count steps, and answer your phone. Coupled with Samsung’s SmartThings enabled devices and an app, your Connect IQ compatible Garmin Forerunner 935 could unlock your front door, turn on your lights, even get your coffee started. . . interesting, huh? For more on the app, click the link.
