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Bigger computer needed?
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?
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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.
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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.
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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> |
The fewer the data fields, the larger each data field. Maybe just display speed, ride time and distance ?
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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. |
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.
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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.
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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. |
If you don’t need the latest training metrics, get the Explore2. I’m happy with mine.
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Cataract surgery with premium interocular lenses? That is my plan.
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Originally Posted by Chuck M
(Post 23210147)
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.
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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.
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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.
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We've got Peak Design magnetic iPhone mounts in our van and I just installed one of their mounts on my bike. It has magnetic and mechanical attachment. Seems to work great and there are many mapping/performance apps you can download. I'm using Ride With GPS to start with for a gravel ride I'm going to do and record performance data with my Apple watch.
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topic...ke-phone-mount |
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b0d9b854b.jpeg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9698e46f4.jpeg I went to a larger unit easier to see - easier to manage with gloves on |
Switched recently from a Bolt V1 to the Roam V2 for the larger screen. Made it much easier to see.
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Originally Posted by Bald Paul
(Post 23210154)
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. There's only two sizes of data numbers: 1. somewhat large, for fields that extend across the width of the screen. 2. a little smaller, for two-wide fields. I just tried adding a new data screen to my 1030 profile. I started with two data fields. With only a few fields, the data numbers aren't any larger! Just lots of wasted background space. I can fit 5 full-width rows on the screen, with the same size font as it uses for 1 or 2 fields. The 830 probably allows four full rows? or maybe only 3? With 6 to 9 fields, some will be full width and the others half width. 10 fields is the max, 5 rows of 2. |
Originally Posted by rsbob
(Post 23216119)
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.
Stick-on readers! I've been using stick-on readers on my cycling glasses for years. (I have a prescription insert, just for my distance vision, with a +2 stick-on for reading the Garmin or my phone. I have progressive bifocal glasses off the bike.) Hydrotac is one brand. I cut one lens in half with a razor knife, then moved it around a little, then trimmed it some more until it was right. It sticks on with a drop of water, and won't come off, even rinsing under the faucet. I could peel it off with a fingernail. I've had these same stick-ons for at least 6 years now, and even transferred them to my new distance insert. So just the handbar area is in close focus, perfect! Riding glasses, with prescription insert, with reader stick-on: https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ea2662a07.jpeg ~~~~~~~~~~~ I originally had prescription inserts that were distance only, and didn't need bifocals then. Years later, I finally got progressive glasses for non-bike use. I tried out the stick-ons with my older inserts, and they worked great. I liked the extra small patch of close vision, just covering the handlebars. Later, I wanted new updated bike inserts that had bifocals ground into them, but they couldn't do a small area bifocal. So I kept the stick-ons. It's still the original set! Maybe 15 years of use now. |
Originally Posted by rm -rf
(Post 23237921)
From another "Readers" thread:
Stick-on readers! I've been using stick-on readers on my cycling glasses for years. (I have a prescription insert, just for my distance vision, with a +2 stick-on for reading the Garmin or my phone. I have progressive bifocal glasses off the bike.) Hydrotac is one brand. I cut one lens in half with a razor knife, then moved it around a little, then trimmed it some more until it was right. It sticks on with a drop of water, and won't come off, even rinsing under the faucet. I could peel it off with a fingernail. I've had these same stick-ons for at least 6 years now, and even transferred them to my new distance insert. So just the handbar area is in close focus, perfect! Riding glasses, with prescription insert, with reader stick-on: https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ea2662a07.jpeg ~~~~~~~~~~~ I originally had prescription inserts that were distance only, and didn't need bifocals then. Years later, I finally got progressive glasses for non-bike use. I tried out the stick-ons with my older inserts, and they worked great. I liked the extra small patch of close vision, just covering the handlebars. Later, I wanted new updated bike inserts that had bifocals ground into them, but they couldn't do a small area bifocal. So I kept the stick-ons. It's still the original set! Maybe 15 years of use now. |
Originally Posted by rm -rf
(Post 23237914)
My 1030 doesn't allow larger data numbers or map features. Compared to an 830, just more data fields or a wider view of the map.
There's only two sizes of data numbers: 1. somewhat large, for fields that extend across the width of the screen. 2. a little smaller, for two-wide fields. I just tried adding a new data screen to my 1030 profile. I started with two data fields. With only a few fields, the data numbers aren't any larger! Just lots of wasted background space. I can fit 5 full-width rows on the screen, with the same size font as it uses for 1 or 2 fields. The 830 probably allows four full rows? or maybe only 3? With 6 to 9 fields, some will be full width and the others half width. 10 fields is the max, 5 rows of 2. That’s useful to know thanks. But don’t forget about custom screen setups in Connect IQ. Those can have all manner of custom fonts and graphics. Although that would require a lot more work if you didn’t use an existing screen from the IQ library. But there are many options available, so worth a look. I find them much better than the very limited standard data fields/fonts. |
Originally Posted by Iride01
(Post 23208436)
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> |
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