With good iPhone and Android smartphone apps for cycling, fitness, and training available at a low cost, why use a dedicated cyclecomputer such as the new Garmin Edge 1000? It's a valid question, but my answer is that it still makes a lot of sense for most riders to go with a dedicated device. The first reason has to do with view-ability of key stats. For example, I don't recommend mounting your pricey smartphone on your handlebar, especially since it isn't waterproof.

So for most riders, that means carrying your smartphone in your jersey pocket, preferably protected with at least a small zip-lock bag. That means valuable information such as your speed, average speed, and distance are out of sight while you ride. Smartphone apps also lack a lot of the specialized training features found on high-end cyclecomputers.

That's why I still roll with a handlebar-mounted cyclecomputer. Garmin was a pioneer in this category, and still has more models and more features than any other maker. Garmin is aggressive about bringing new models to market, and it hasn't disappointed with its Edge cyclecomputer line. The new Edge 1000 model follows close on the heels of the 810. Compared with the 800-series models, the 1000 is larger overall (2.3 x 4.4 inches) vs. 2 x 3.7 inches for the 800s. But the 1000 also has a larger display (3 inches diagonal vs. 2.6) helping to justify its larger form factor.

New Features
So what's new in this model? 

• "In-Ride Challenges" let you compete with best times within Garmin's online Connect service, including real-time results and leaderboard rankings. This seems like a direct way for Garmin to compete with Strava Cycling's popular "challenges" feature.

• Bike-specific navigation and mapping, and route-planning features. "Edge 1000 has a preloaded Garmin Cycle Map with OSM (Open Street Map) content that includes routable road and bike paths, elevation data, points of interest and address search," states Garmin.  "Round-trip routing feature on Edge 1000 calculates up to 3 cycling-friendly routes based on a distance you enter. Route planner capability lets you create routes directly on the Edge 1000 using the map, points of interest and segments you’ve downloaded from Garmin Connect."
• Power training zones, which the cyclecomputer can calculate for you, plus compatibility with Garmim's Vector power meter. The 1000 also syncs up with training calendars you can customize via the free Online Garmin Connect service.
• Smartphone Bluetooth connectivity, enabling: wireless updates of your data, social media sharing, and live tracking, which lets others follow you in real time.
• Weather alerts and forecasts with data pulled from a paired smartphone.
• Incoming call and text alerts from your smartphone. I like this feature because it means you don't have to stop and reach into your jersey pocket to determine if a message needs immediate attention.

The Garmin Edge 1000 is compatible with the Edge Remote, which lets you control functions without removing your hand from the handlebar. You may also match up the Edge 1000 with Garmin's wireless heart rate monitor or pedaling cadence monitor. You may also navigate and get turn-by-turn directions using the Edge 1000's included Cycle Map. "Edge 1000 has a preloaded Garmin Cycle Map with OSM (Open Street Map) content that includes routable road and bike paths, elevation data, points of interest and address search," states Garmin.

The Edge 1000 is to sell for $599 and will be available this spring.