jandnvh

I’ve been using a Garmin 830 for a few years, but it gets more difficult to see the screen, especially following directions on the map. Eyesight is not what it was. Thinking about upgrading to a 1040. Do you find it more helpful? I looked at DCR’s review and I probably don’t need all the information that is available on it, i like the bigger screen. What is your experience with it?

50PlusCycling

No experience with actual use, but I compared the 1040 Solar with the Wahoo Element Roam, the new version, and preferred the latter’s visibility. You can easily zoom in and out to increase or decrease the size of the characters. I’ve been using it for a week now, and have no complaints, except that the dual band GPS doesn’t seem to improve tracking as much as they claim.

Polaris OBark

The Edge Explore 2 is now on sale for $250. It has a similarly large screen and a subset of the functionality of the 1040/840/540, but it might have everything you need.

Iride01 

If your eyes are getting old and you need readers, then you'll probably eventually have trouble with the 1040's bigger screen as the condition progresses and you go from needing 1.25x magnification to over 2.5x magnification.

You might consider tinted or clear bifocal safety glasses. They are inexpensive and if you keep several spares at the house, you won't mind if you drop them and they get run over by friends you ride with.

https://safetyglassesusa.com/collect...safety-glasses

If nothing else, they might allow you to delay a new GPS purchase till they come out with the Garmin Edge 1060 plus. Of course then you'll have to weigh whether you want to hold out for the Edge 1070! <grin>

Steve B.

The fewer the data fields, the larger each data field. Maybe just display speed, ride time and distance ?

Kai Winters

While I do not own a 1040 I've recently played around with one for a few days. I was setting it up for a customer so I set up all the pertinent data and created the varied data screens. It is certainly a large display and the customization ability is amazing. It is certainly larger than the 830/840, I have both and use the 840 daily, and doesn't look too large on a bike handlebar of stem mount. It is no different than the 840 just a much larger screen.
I prefer the 840 because size does matter to me and the cost is less which is also important.

pdlamb

Cut out a row of data fields and see if you still need a bigger screen. You can always change pages if you really need or want to see all those fields, but perhaps you'd be better off getting your head up and watching your road/trail/surroundings.

Chuck M 

I think what the OP is explaining is that he is having trouble following the map, not seeing data screens so I think the suggestion to use bifocal safety glasses is a good one. Something I did was get the stick on bifocal lenses on Amazon to put in my Oakley sunglasses. I also lately have been riding with a pair of butt ugly prescription safety sunglasses my employer provided.

Bald Paul

You can set up several screens in the 1040, each with only one or two data fields, then scroll through the various screens. The data will be bigger.
For that matter, you can probably do the same with the 830, but there is no way to make the map larger.

Classtime 

If you don’t need the latest training metrics, get the Explore2. I’m happy with mine.

staehpj1

Cataract surgery with premium interocular lenses? That is my plan.

DirePenguin

I’ve recently got a pair of the newest version of Tifosi’s Crit sunglasses; they’re both photochromic and have built-in readers (they’re +2.0). They’ve made a big difference in reading my Garmin 530 when I’m wearing my contacts for distance vision.

rsbob 

I also use photocromic lenses with bifocal inserts which are removable. Getting custom lenses for the inserts was cheap because declined all the special treatments and coatings. Thought it would screw up my distance vision while riding but made distance and close much better and no issues with the line between the two.

Carbonfiberboy 

Same here. I just bought a 1030 on ebay, works great, solves the visibility problem, didn't break the bank. There is a definite learning curve, whole different user interface.