Garmin has refreshed its flagship bike computer. On 20 October the company launched the Edge 1060, alongside the simpler Edge Explore 3 and Edge Explore 3 Plus and a new smart trainer, the Tacx Nēra. The headline feature is the same on the flagship and the top Explore: voice control with the “Okay, Garmin” command. The Edge 1060 is also lighter, more compact and noticeably more expensive than its predecessor.
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What has changed in the Edge 1060
On the outside it is still a large handlebar computer, but the body has been trimmed considerably. According to DC Rainmaker, who is already testing the device, the dimensions have shrunk from 60.2 x 118.5 x 16.3 mm to 58.5 x 107 x 16.3 mm, and the weight has dropped from 161 g to 142 g. The screen stays the same: 3.5 inches, 480 x 800 pixels, 1000 nits. The 64 GB of storage and IPX7 water protection are unchanged too.
Battery life matches the Edge 1050: up to 20 hours in the most demanding mode and up to 60 hours in battery saver mode. DC Rainmaker notes that the user can replace the battery themselves, which is a big plus at this price: after three or four seasons you will not have to replace the whole computer because of a tired battery.
The most visible change is in the controls. Four buttons have been added to the touchscreen, making seven in total. The USB-C port has moved to the bottom edge, the speaker has shifted down too, and there is now a microphone.
Voice commands and messages
The microphone powers the voice assistant. BikeRadar reports that on the “Okay, Garmin” command the computer will read out ride data, build a route, mark a pothole or switch screens. There are also voice messages of up to 30 seconds, sent through the Garmin Messenger app. In practice this means you do not have to reach for the screen in gloves or on rough tarmac.
Navigation and training
The second big part of the update is routing. Free Flow Routing tries to plot a path along roads without constant stops, Up Ahead shows points of interest in front of you, and route preview warns about closures, hazardous sections and traffic. There is also a QWERTY keyboard with suggestions, an updated GroupRide mode for group rides and Strava Live segments on any route. From 3 November Android owners will be able to send points over from Google Maps.
Edge Explore 3 and Tacx Nēra
The Edge Explore 3 is aimed at riders who want good navigation without the flagship’s sports metrics. The base version runs up to 16 hours in heavy use, the Plus up to 14 hours, and both last up to 48 hours in battery saver mode. The Plus adds a microphone and speaker, so it gets the same voice commands and messages, plus digital calling. Both can receive a point from Google Maps and Apple Maps, work with Bosch and Shimano electric systems, and support LiveTrack and incident detection.
The Tacx Nēra is built for training at home. Garmin claims power and cadence accuracy within 1%, simulated climbs of up to 20% and sprints of up to 2200 W. Built-in movable supports let the bike rock slightly forward, back and side to side as it does on the road, while folding legs and a handle make storage easier.
UK prices
- Edge 1060: £699.99. In the US the price rose from $699 to $799 compared with the Edge 1050.
- Edge Explore 3: £349.99.
- Edge Explore 3 Plus: £429.99.
- Tacx Nēra: £859.99.
According to BikeRadar and Garmin’s press release, all the new products are already on sale.
What this means for buyers
If you own an Edge 1050, there is no rush to upgrade. The screen, battery and GPS are unchanged, and, according to DC Rainmaker, a good share of the new software features will arrive on the x50 series with updates. The Edge 1060 is worth considering if you are coming from an old Edge 1030 or 830 and want voice control and a compact body.
For most amateur riders the Explore 3 Plus is more interesting: it is £270 cheaper than the flagship but gets the same voice features and almost all of the new navigation. And if all you need is speed, distance, a track and route guidance without a premium price, an inexpensive GPS computer from AliExpress will do the job.
Cheaper alternatives and accessories for a bike computer
We picked four popular products: two affordable GPS computers and two accessories that suit both Garmin and simpler models.
IGPSPORT BSC200
The best seller in this selection, from the brand’s official store. It is a GPS computer with route navigation and sensor connections over ANT+ and Bluetooth 5.0. For training and rides on an uploaded track it is a sensible replacement for a flagship, at a fraction of the cost.
Price on 22 October: £32.06
Sold: 8337+ pcs, positive reviews: 97.1%
View on AliExpress
IGPSPORT BSC100S
A simpler model: GPS, speed, distance, stopwatch and odometer, with no route navigation. Its price is currently close to the BSC200, so the BSC100S makes sense if the seller offers a coupon or you want the simplest screen with the basic numbers.
Price on 22 October: £26.96
Sold: 5352+ pcs, positive reviews: 97.3%
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XOSS speed and cadence sensor
It works over ANT+ and Bluetooth and is water resistant. The speed sensor improves data in forests and tunnels where GPS drops out, and cadence helps you keep track of your pedalling rate. It suits both Garmin and IGPSPORT.
Price on 22 October: £6.93
Sold: 5541+ pcs, positive reviews: 98.0%
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CYCLAMI S2 computer mount
The extended mount puts the computer in front of the handlebars, where it is easier to see. The manufacturer lists compatibility with Garmin, XOSS, IGPSPORT, Magene and Coospo, and you can hang a light underneath.
Price on 22 October: £2.77
Sold: 8898+ pcs, positive reviews: 96.1%
View on AliExpress
AliExpress prices change every day, especially ahead of the 11.11 sale, so check the current price and seller coupons before you buy.
