Super solid and easy to learn if you are an experienced Garmin user like me. I found the HR less accurate than the chest strap - seems to be slow to respond to fluctuations. I like having the smart watch functions that give you read outs on total calories, steps, sleep quantity, and quality, etc. It's also nice to use in a pinch for ride if you don't want to mess with a chest strap or a separate computer.
I replaced my Garmin 520 (which I really liked) since the battery would not stay charged. I also wanted better map capability since the 520 was not adequate. The 1030 battery is light years ahead of the 520. I'm not wild about the appearance of the 1030 since it is so much larger but the payoff is how much easier it is too read. The 1030 also manages my Bontrager ION front light. The 1030 is also giving me a lot more ride data. All in all I would buy this again.
Like the size, battery life, and menu selections, especially the ride history. However for the senior rider who needs reading glasses but doesn't like riding with them, the smaller display can be difficult to read.
I have been using this for training and racing. The course mapping is improved over the 520. No problem finding heart rate monitors, smart trainers or power meters. Multiple displays can be set up for each type of riding that you are doing. You can have your main screen focus on heart rate, power, cadence and time and then have other screens to check lap data and so on. You can have turn-by-turn info for your course too. So far, I have used it in a race, for training and on a road bike (Favero Assioma power) and mountain bike (Stages power). Western Bike Works had a really good price for the unit.
