The Garmin Edge Explore 1000 is essentially a pared back version of the Edge 1000, keeping the same large touchscreen and mapping functions, but removing the most detailed and complex training data.

The features removed include Strava Live segments, activity profiles, training calendars, Di2 integration and the ability to control a turbo trainer through ANT+. The unit itself is still ANT+ compatible, though, so will record and display a range of data from a heart rate monitor, power meter or cadence sensor, so there’s still plenty to interest a rider who has an eye on performance.

The Garmin Edge Explore 1000 also gets a new feature of its own in the form of ‘incident detection’ via an integrated accelerometer. In simple terms, if you have an off while out the bike, the Edge Explore 1000 can automatically alert and send your location to your pre-saved emergency contacts.

Then again, your contacts could already know where you are if you’ve paired the Edge Explore 1000 to a smartphone with the Garmin app and are using LiveTrack. Once paired you can also get incoming call and text alerts, social media sharing, weather updates, wireless uploads and send or receive ride routes, as with Garmin’s other Bluetooth-enabled computers.

As the name suggests, the Edge Explore retains the navigational ability of the Edge 1000. Battery life is up to a claimed 15 hours, while, like the Edge 1000, the unit can pick up a signal via either GPS or GLONASS, which should make for a speedy connection.

Specification

Price: £349.99
Weight: 114.5g
Battery life: up to 15 hours
Computer size: 5.8cm x 11.2cm x 2cm
Screen size: 3.9 x 6.5cm
Key features: Large touchscreen, ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity, full mapping and navigation, incident detection

Who’s it for?

Riders who want to explore using the computer’s mapping, navigation and large screen, and who value some data, but who don’t need the full works offered by the regular Edge 1000.