Some things characterise our lives in such a way that it's hard to imagine how we could live without them. The best example is smartphones, which are less than 20 years old in the form we are familiar with, but have become an integral part of modern life. Outdoor enthusiasts and cyclists in particular feel the same way. When the first GPS computers such as the Garmin Edge 205 or 305 came onto the market almost 20 years ago, the benefits of such devices were not immediately clear to many active people; after all, it was already possible to record times, distances and speeds back then - albeit by cable - and navigation was still in its infancy.
Rapid triumph of the Garmin Edge
But then GPS computers for cyclists began a rapid triumphal march - also and above all thanks to the integration of more and more pioneering technologies. At the end of 2005, Garmin took over the company MotionBased, a web platform that recorded GPS activities and displayed their track log and associated performance data online. It enabled cyclists to see where they had ridden, how far, how fast and how many metres in altitude they had covered. This platform was soon renamed Garmin Connect, but was essentially the beginning of the ability to upload and share training data online.
Comparison in real time
Another pioneering development related to one of the original features that Garmin had introduced on the Edge: Virtual Partner. Essentially, this combined location data with speed during activity. In this way, you could measure yourself in real time on the same route section. Whilst this feature was only available on the Garmin Edge, the principle of virtually racing over a known route section and uploading this data for online comparison formed the basis for Strava segments.
Integration of sensors
The role of GPS in cycling has developed in three main areas since the early days. The first of these areas is performance and data tracking. In December 2006, Garmin acquired Dynastream, a company that had developed ANT+, an ultra-low power wireless network protocol that allowed sensors to easily connect to each other. This was crucial for the introduction of a communication standard on which the bicycle industry would rely. In this way, a third-party power meter or heart rate sensor could be connected to a Garmin bike computer.
Data analysis and interpretation
The recording of sensor data combined with the ability to upload and share data online opened up new opportunities for cyclists to track their data, understand their fitness and track their progress. The next step was to transform the recorded data in order to interpret it. Companies like Firstbeat Analytics are helping to transform this information so that athletes can understand what they have done, how it affects fitness and what they can do next to improve further.
Continuing the tradition
The new Edge 1050 seamlessly continues this tradition of innovation at Garmin. The first Edge with an LCD touch display brings even better navigation functions, closer networking of users with their community and extended group ride features. And there are quite a few cyclists who can no longer imagine how they would actually get on their bike without Garmin ...
Garmin Edge - the development from 2005 to today
2005
The first models in the Edge series are launched on the market. The Edge 305 has a heart rate monitor and barometric altimeter.
2007
Edge 605 and 705 are presented, mapping functions and colour displays are introduced. The Edge 705 was also compatible with ANT+ sensors.
2009
The Garmin Edge 500 comes as a compact, performance-orientated device with GPS, ANT+ sensor compatibility and a user-friendly interface.
2010
The new Garmin Edge 800 has a touchscreen, full-colour maps and advanced navigation functions.
2011
The Garmin Edge 200 is launched: a more affordable, simple GPS bike computer without ANT+ sensor compatibility.
2013
The Edge 510 offers smartphone connectivity, while the Edge 810 combines advanced power measurement with comprehensive mapping and navigation functions.
2014
The new flagship: The Garmin Edge 1000 has a larger, high-resolution touchscreen, enhanced navigation functions and smartphone connectivity.
2015
For beginners and occasional athletes, the Garmin Edge 25 is introduced as an affordable, compact GPS bike computer with basic performance measurement and connectivity features; the 520 also comes as a mid-range device with advanced performance data, Strava Live segments and smartphone connectivity.
2016
The new Garmin Edge 820 combines the compact form of the 520 with extended map material and a touchscreen.
2017
Update for the big one: The Garmin Edge 1030 now has a large 3.5-inch screen, extended navigation and performance tracking as well as a longer battery life.
2018
The Garmin Edge 130 is presented as a small, affordable device with basic GPS and performance tracking functions; the Edge 520 comes in the Plus version with advanced navigation functions and pre-installed maps. Also new to the portfolio is the Edge Explore - a user-friendly GPS bike navigator that makes it easier for cyclists to explore their surroundings.
2019
The Edge 530 offers push-button operation, the Edge 830 a touchscreen, both with advanced performance metrics and map functions.
2020
The Edge 1030 Plus has improved performance, battery life and software functions. An update turns the Edge 130 into the Plus model with additional performance indicators and improved connectivity.
2022
The Garmin Edge 1040 celebrates its premiere as the first model with solar charging function (in the solar version), extended power measurement and comprehensive navigation functions. As a GPS bike sat nav, the Edge Explore 2 is intended to appeal to touring cyclists and e-bikers in particular.
2023
Updates refresh Edge 540 (with button operation) and Edge 840 (with touchscreen), both are available as non-solar and solar versions.
2024
The new top-of-the-range Edge 1050 model is the first Edge with an LCD touch display, improved navigation functions, hazard reports from the community and extended group ride features.
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