Garmin Edge 1000 Unboxing

Thank you sir!

Thanks to the collaboration between Garmin Malaysia (AECO Technologies) and 2ndSkin Asia, I received my much anticipated and awaited cycling computer known as Edge 1000. This unit is the flagship model of the Edge-series and launched in April 2014. 

My team mate, Azrul helped to collect the goodies for the team for distribution right before his Borneo International marathon (BIM) 2017. 

Yumssss

In the bags were Fenix 5X which went to a few of us. With my Garmin Vector 2s and the Speed+cadence sensor in place, having the Edge-series is the next big upgrade for my biking experience. So I left F5x for the other team mates to experience...

The Star of the Week

The unit of Edge1000 I received is the full bundle set. Meaning it has the base unit (of Edge1000) and comes with the heart rate monitor (HRM) with premium strap (version 3), the speed sensor and the cadence sensor. All these are ANT+ compatible. Highly changeable from bike to bike (assuming you have more than just 1 bike). 

First Impression

"The unit is as big as a 90's handphone, only thinner." That was my first thought. In the (cycling) world where almost everyone worth their cycling-salt is a gram-granny, this unit is suprisingly light despite the width and length. If is declared at 115grams, which is about the weight of two packs of energy gel, definitely lighter than 1xCO2 canister and a fraction the weight of a spare tube. Only challenge is the size, as triathlete may find the size to be a challenge on the cockpit area. More of that later.

The unit with the micro-USB cable and a elastic tether

Out-front mount with attachment over various 

diameter handlebar

Under the unit packing is all the items you will need to install this unit on your bikes. To start with, the unit came with a Micro-USB cable with "Garmin" embossed on it. Nice small details, as they could had easily used a generic Micro-USB that are mass-produced for other electronics. 

The elastic tether is for you to secure (read, loop over like a noose) over your handle bar as you clip the unit on the dedicated out-front mount or the quick release mount.

The quick releases mounting, grommet and 2-sizes of silicon to secure the unit over handblebar

With 3-mounting provided, you effectively able to install them on 3-different bicycles (see the N+1 equation?). So, i can see this being on my roadbike, my tribike and my mountain bike. One caution is to constantly check the silicon ring for wear and tear, as previous experience tells me that it may break over time (about 6-8months) and last you want is losing your gadgets or risk it becoming roadkill.

Quick removable speed and cadence sensor!

The bundle came with the newer speed and cadence sensor that allow for fast swap between your (N+1) bike. No complains here. The sensors are ANT+ compatible, meaning if you can strap this on your gym bike... you potentially have opportunity to collect data of your workout (just saying).

HRM with premium strap

The HRM that comes with it is the 3rd generation strap or premium strap that is known to be comofrtable as the HRM-run that I have. It is also ANT+, so it can be paired to any devices running on this format. 

Lastly, the full manual is included to complete the bundle package. I did an unboxing video and uploaded to Youtube. So if you want to see how it was packed and what was really inside (again), here is the video. DO follow for more updates.

Day 1 Simple Operation and Feel

Edge1000 relative to my tribike setup

As you can see from the photo above, the simple attachment of the Edge1000 on my tribar sort of takes up the whole hand section below my shifter. I choosed the left side as that is for the chainring, and seldom see much shifting. I ride on my big ring more often than smaller ring and shifting is minimal unless there is a big climb. I have not cycled outdoor for a long time, and likely to only know if this position is ideal before deciding to change it elsewhere - or DIY get an aftermarket attachment meant for tribar. 

The screen resolution and sensitivity is almost smartphone like - I am not sure if that will be a problem if I am wearing a glove (unlikely unless MTB), or when the unit is wet and I need to swipe the screen (also unlikely as riding a bike, won't have time for that). The disadvantage of having the top of the range Edge is that I missed the opportunity to know, or learn of the other models, thus, limiting my appreciation on what the changes or dynamics are. I am still thankful for this, don't get me wrong. I believe I will learn more of this awesome computer and will provide a long term review for you. Meanwhile... I checked the GPS and it's GLONASS+GPS capability...and locking in from cold start (first time activation) took less than 15seconds... I am impressed. 

6m accuracy...wow!

More of this unit once I start getting to know it more, so watch this blog for review. Meanwhile, this is the full specs of Garmin Edge1000 from Garmin website.

General
Physical dimensions	2.3" x 4.4" x 0.8" (58.0 x 112.0 x 20.0 mm)
Weight	4.0 oz (114.5 g)
Water rating	IPX7
Battery type	rechargeable lithium-ion
Touchscreen
Display size	1.5" x 2.6" (39.0 x 65.0 mm); 3.0" diag (76.0 mm)
Display resolution	240 x 400 pixels, touchscreen
Color display
Battery life	up to 15 hours
High-sensitivity receiver

Maps & Memory
Basemap
Ability to add maps
Accepts data cards
Waypoints/favorites/locations	200
Routes	100
History	200 hours

Sensors
GPS
GLONASS
Barometric altimeter

Daily Smart Features
Smart notifications

Training, Planning and Analysis Features
Customizable data pages
Advanced workouts
Auto Pause®
Auto scroll
Auto Lap®
Virtual Partner

Cycling Features
Courses (compete against previous activities)
Time/distance alerts (triggers alarm when you reach goal)
Interval training
Compatible with Vector™ (power meter)
Power meter compatible (displays power data from compatible third-party ANT+™-enabled power meters)	Yes (records data approx. 1 per second)

Garmin Connect™
Garmin Connect™ compatible (online community where you analyze, categorize and share data)
Automatic sync (automatically transfers data to Garmin Connect)

Additional
Additional	On-device segments: yes Wi-Fi® compatible: yes Smart Notifications: yes GLONASS: yes Compatible with Garmin Connect™ Mobile: yes Round-trip routing: yes Route planner: yes