Garmin has revealed its latest software update, which includes bringing new mountain biking features to the Edge 1050 bike computer.
Launched in June 2024, the Garmin Edge 1050 was billed as the company’s “brightest and smartest” bike computer yet with the ability to offer ride-specific routing for mountain biking.
The bike computer has now received a host of updates, which should make it even better for mountain biking, courtesy of a free software update.
So what’s new?
Garmin says its flagship Edge 1050 bike computer has received five mountain biking updates, which first debuted on the Edge MTB that launched in June.
Like the Edge MTB, the Edge 1050 will now feature Garmin’s timing gates function. This lets you set timing gates through a trail or course to track split times and “better understand your performance in real time.”
You’ll also be able to see more detailed information about upcoming forks in the trail thanks to improvements to the forksight mode. These improvements include seeing the distance left on a trail, the elevation profile and the distance to return to the trail’s start.
Garmin has equipped the Edge 1050 with two new ride profiles, too. The enduro ride profile tracks total ascent and descent from each run and for the overall ride.
The downhill ride profile automatically laps when completing each run. Garmin says this means returning to the top of a shuttle or ski lift won’t affect your ride stats.
Finally, the Edge 1050 will now support faster 5Hz GPS recording so you can view trail lines in great detail.
Changes to Garmin's smartwatches
Garmin’s latest software update will also bring a host of new features to its smartwatches, including the new Venu X1.
These are mostly targeted at runners, with new features such as running tolerance and running economy that first appeared on the latest Garmin Forerunner watches.
However, cyclists might be interested in the new evening report and smart wake alarm features.
The evening report is similar to Garmin’s morning report, but it suggested the amount of sleep you need, along with details about the following day’s suggested workout, plus weather and events.
The smart wake alarm provides gentle vibrations to help you “wake up at the optimal time and feel more refreshed.”
