Garmin has decided not to keep every Edge 1060 novelty for the new model alone. On 30 October DC Rainmaker published the full list of features moving to older bike computers, and the5krunner and Garmin Rumors then confirmed the same details. Owners of the Edge 1050, 850, 550 and Edge MTB get the most, and some of the updates are already in the public beta. The Edge 1040, 840 and 540 series gets noticeably less, and a few key features stay exclusive to the new model.
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What you can already try on the Edge 1050, 850, 550 and Edge MTB
For this range Garmin has released public beta firmware 33.13. It includes three features that arrived with the Edge 1060.
Alternate data fields
This is a fallback field on the screen. If the sensor that should supply the data is not found, for example because you removed a power meter or switched to another bike, a backup metric automatically takes its place. It is a small thing, but it saves you from empty cells and from reconfiguring your screens before every ride.
GroupRide with a prompt at the start
If other Edge bike computers are nearby, the device offers to create a group ride on its own. The code is passed to other Edge units over Bluetooth, so you can form a group in the car park without sending codes around in messaging apps.
Garmin Messenger and Garmin Locate
Incoming messages appear on the screen, you can send text from the bike computer, and Garmin Locate helps you share your location. On the Edge 850 and Edge 1050 messages can be played through the built-in speaker.
What arrives in the first quarter of 2027
A second wave of updates for the Edge 1050, 850, 550 and Edge MTB is planned for the first quarter of 2027. It includes:
- New Strava Live Segments. Segments will work on any route, not just Strava routes. The segment page gets collapsible sections and rival markers on the map and elevation profile.
- A new structured workout page with collapsible blocks, so the essentials are visible on screen.
- Road closure and hazard alerts. An extension of the system in which cyclists flag problem spots for everyone else.
- Garmin Link. Heart rate broadcasting from a Garmin watch starts automatically when you begin a ride. One curious detail: according to DC Rainmaker, the Edge 1060 itself does not have this feature yet either.
What the Edge 1040, 840 and 540 get
The previous generation is left with a short list. The GroupRide prompt is already in public beta 31.67, and road closure alerts are promised for the first quarter of 2027. The new Strava and workout pages, alternate data fields, Garmin Messenger and Garmin Link are not listed for these models.
Garmin Connect update on 3 November
Two features do not depend on firmware and arrive through the Garmin Connect app. On Tuesday 3 November they become available to all users:
- Sending routes from Google Maps to your Edge for Android phone owners.
- Challenger plans in Garmin Coach. New training programmes that, according to DC Rainmaker, do not require a power meter.
This applies to the Edge 1040, 840, 540, Edge 1050, 850, 550, as well as the Edge 1060 and Edge Explore 3.
What stays exclusive to the Edge 1060
The most noticeable difference of the new model, voice control and voice messages, will not reach older models: they simply have no microphone. In addition, the Edge 1060 keeps the features tied to maps and navigation:
- a preview of hazards and closures on the route page;
- Route Options with an elevation profile, estimated time, climbing and distance for each route variant;
- Up Ahead prompts about points of interest on the road ahead;
- FreeFlow routing;
- a QWERTY keyboard with predictive input;
- a ride readiness checklist.
Garmin has not given an official reason. Garmin Rumors recalls a similar story with the Fenix 8 and Enduro 3 watches: the company then explained that the new mapping engine needs a faster processor and more memory than earlier models have.
What this means for buyers
If you already own an Edge 1050, 850 or 550, there is no point rushing to the Edge 1060. You get most of the software novelties for free, and the real difference comes down to voice control and the new navigation features. If you mostly ride familiar routes, you are unlikely to notice their absence.
If you are only now choosing a Garmin bike computer, last year’s x50 series looks particularly sensible after this update, especially if its price drops once the new model is out. Owners of the Edge 1040 and lower models should understand that their devices now receive only selective support: road closures, GroupRide and app-based features.
One more takeaway: much of a bike computer’s usefulness depends not only on firmware but also on sensors. Alternate data fields, Garmin Coach workouts and even heart rate broadcasting through Garmin Link work better when a heart rate monitor and a cadence sensor are connected to the device. And if a Garmin is out of budget for now, popular brands on AliExpress offer inexpensive GPS bike computers with route navigation.
What to add to or use instead of your bike computer
We picked four products that people buy by the thousand on AliExpress: one bike computer as an alternative to Garmin and three accessories that suit any Edge.
GEOID CC700: an affordable GPS bike computer with a colour screen
The best-selling bike computer in the AliExpress results for our search. The CC700 has a 2.8-inch colour screen, route navigation, Wi-Fi and a waterproof case. It has no voice features and none of the Garmin ecosystem, but for recording workouts and following a loaded route that is enough, and it costs far less.
Price on 1 November: £44.78
Sold: 14070+ pcs, positive reviews: 98.0%
View on AliExpress
Magene H303: a chest heart rate monitor
This dual-mode sensor works over Bluetooth and ANT+, so it connects to a Garmin bike computer as well as to a smartphone or indoor training apps. A chest strap is usually more accurate than a watch’s optical sensor during intervals, which matters for heart rate zone training.
Price on 1 November: £13.56
Sold: 5308+ pcs, positive reviews: 96.9%
View on AliExpress
Magene S3+: a speed and cadence sensor
One sensor switches between speed and cadence modes and also supports ANT+ and Bluetooth. The seller lists compatibility with Strava, Garmin, iGPSPORT and Bryton. With a speed sensor your bike computer shows accurate speed even where GPS loses signal, such as in woods or a tunnel.
Price on 1 November: £12.29
Sold: 2460+ pcs, positive reviews: 96.4%
View on AliExpress
ROCKBROS: a mount for a bike computer and light
This nylon extension mount holds the bike computer ahead of the handlebar and fits Garmin mounts. A light can hang underneath it, which frees up space on the bars. In autumn and winter, when you cannot do without lights, it is a handy way to carry both the screen and the lamp.
Price on 1 November: £3.51
Sold: 3431+ pcs, positive reviews: 98.0%
View on AliExpress
Updates for beta testers are already available, and the Garmin Connect features arrive on 3 November. If you ride with an Edge 1050, 850 or 550, check your beta programme settings: alternate data fields and GroupRide can be tried right now.
