Garmin Edge 1060: Enhanced Voice Control and Trail-Ready Features for Mountain Bikers
Navigate the Trails with Unprecedented Control and Insight
Revolutionary On-Bike Controls: Voice and Tactile Feedback
The newly unveiled Edge 1060 incorporates a microphone and speaker, enabling riders to use voice commands for accessing statistics, requesting routes, reporting hazards, or sending messages—all without releasing their grip from the handlebars. Users can activate the voice assistant by saying “Okay, Garmin” and then issue commands such as “What is my heart rate?” or “zoom out the map.” This voice functionality is particularly beneficial for map navigation, addressing previous difficulties experienced with touchscreens, especially when wearing gloves or dealing with sweat.
Ergonomic Enhancements: The Return of Physical Buttons
In addition to voice control, Garmin has significantly increased the number of physical buttons on the Edge 1060, moving from a single side button to three on the left and two on the right. This design mirrors that of the Edge MTB, offering a more reliable control interface. Many users find touchscreens problematic due to interference from sweat, rain, or gloves. The integration of more physical buttons provides a crucial alternative to touchscreen and voice controls, whose real-world speed and accuracy are yet to be fully evaluated.
Connected Communication and Audio Features
When paired with a smartphone, the Garmin 1060 allows riders to send voice memos and receive audio messages via its integrated speaker. The speaker also delivers audible navigation prompts and functions as a digital bike bell. However, unlike some Garmin smartwatches that support music downloads, the 1060 does not yet offer this feature. Garmin advises that voice command performance may vary based on riding conditions, and the effectiveness of the microphone amidst wind noise, heavy breathing, or rocky terrain remains a key test for real-world usage.
Comprehensive Mountain Biking Capabilities
Similar to the Edge MTB and Edge 1050, the Edge 1060's specifications highlight integrated Trailforks data, MTB Dynamics (including metrics for hangtime and jump distance), and specialized gravity ride profiles for downhill, enduro, and e-enduro. It also features Forksight, which simplifies navigation at trail intersections. The device also includes timing gates, a feature introduced with the Edge MTB, allowing riders to set virtual gates on a course and track their performance against their best times. This feature benefits from the 1060's 5 Hz GPS recording, ensuring accurate timing for fast descents and smooth trail mapping. Incident detection, optimized for off-road use, is also present. For e-bike enthusiasts, the 1060 offers Garmin’s eBike Smart range routing and seamless integration with SRAM AXS and Shimano Di2 systems.
Size and Cost Considerations
A notable improvement of the Edge 1060 over the Edge MTB is its substantial 480 x 800 display, a significant upgrade from the Edge MTB’s 240 x 320 screen. This larger display enhances map visibility, a critical factor for trail navigation. However, this comes with an increased weight of 142g, compared to the Edge MTB’s 57g, and a higher price point of $799.99 versus $399.99. The only MTB-specific feature missing from the Edge 1060 is a Gorilla Glass screen cover, which the Edge MTB includes for enhanced durability against nature's elements and potential crashes.
Comparing the Edge 1060 with the Edge 1050
The Edge 1050, priced at $699.99, already featured a built-in speaker for audio prompts and a bike bell. The primary hardware upgrades in the 1060 are the addition of a microphone and more physical buttons. While claimed battery life remains consistent, the 1060 is slightly lighter and more compact. New navigation features include Route Options to compare paths based on ride time, elevation, and bike type; Route Previews that display distance, estimated ride time, traffic, and reported hazards; and Free Flow Routing for routes with fewer stops. Other enhancements include automatic GroupRide detection, an interactive workout screen, a customizable home screen, automatic TrainingPeaks workout syncing, and recovery statistics from compatible Garmin smartwatches or the CIRQA Smart Band. The 1060 also supports reverse charging for Varia lights, phones, or other devices via USB-C, though it is not designed for charging while riding.
Introducing the Edge Explore 3 Series
Alongside the Edge 1060, Garmin also unveiled the Edge Explore 3 ($399.99) and Edge Explore 3 Plus ($499.99). These more streamlined and affordable units connect with compatible e-bike systems, such as Bosch smart systems and Shimano E-Bike systems. The Plus model further includes a built-in microphone and speaker for voice control. The Edge 1060 is currently available, with orders expected to commence on October 23.