Main goal is navigation: following downloaded courses, especially for gravel races. So fast, correct, notifications of turns is essential. But also for mtb riding , so Trailforks maps are a must (but I think all Garmins have that?).
Prefer not to have it too big or too expensive and decent battery life, say 12 hours of continuous navigation but no need for multi day (will recharge if that’s needed) run time.
Additional navigation features like POi and rerouting on the bike computer also required.
I want to stick with Garmin as my wife and I each have a Garmin Watch and I have an Edge 530 already and a Varia radar. So, to keep ease of use with this second computer for us, I want to stick with Garmin.
Since your primary use is maps/ navigation (same for me), I’d go with the 850 (or maybe 840 if still available). Touchscreen for panning/zooming is indispensable, IMHO.
Same answer. I have a 1040 solar and the navigation is really good, both gravel and mtb. I use it when doing gravel sportive type events where a fox file of the route is supplied. Very clear and never got lost. Battery on the solar model is very very good.
Sounds like an Edge 840 would be a good fit for your needs. Not sure how your vision is, but I tend to lean towards the 1040\1050 just so I do not have to race with my reading glasses. You can certainly change the level of the detail maps on the 840 if it’s too cluttered on the smaller screen. I don’t think any of the Edge untis do POI’s very well. I usually use a Garmin Etrex in conjunction with my Edge 1040 when I need to deal with POI’s like water stops or a control points.
I’ve been using the 1050 for about a month now. While it’s a bit pricy, the screen is really easy to read when you’re on the trail, and the audible turn-by-turn directions are nice on gravel.
And it has…a…BELL! I just go back from a week in Bentonville, and it was really handy on busy trails.
I just go back from a week in Bentonville, and it was really handy on busy trails.