• Cycling Functions – The more functions, the better. Basic data such as speed and distance is standard on all bike computers, however more advanced units can record cadence, heart rate and power data (with an extra sensor) and can also include elevation, mapping, turn-by-turn navigation as well as many more features. To avoid unnecessary cost, you will need to have a clear idea of the features and functions that you want to use.

• Display Quality – A crisp high quality display that works well in bright and dull lighting.

• Battery Life – A long battery life regardless of the screen size and quality, use of external sensors and connectivity, and weather conditions.

• GPS Capability – The ability of the bike computer to connect to GPS satellite systems for fast and precise tracking, in order to accurately record speed, distance and elevation, as well as use navigational functions. No wires needed.

• Sensor Connectivity – The ability to connect to added sensors such as a speed sensor, heart rate monitor or a power meter as well as a phone, fitness tracker, electronic groupset, smart trainer or computer, via Bluetooth, Wifi and/or ANT+.

• User Interface – A simple, clear and customizable display and user interface, with the ability to look through stats with a simple press of a button is recommended. Touch screens might be the preferred choice of some cyclists however they can be difficult to use whilst wearing gloves and in wet conditions. Dual touchscreen/button operated units or button only units are usually recommended.

• Wireless Technology – Most bike computers are now wireless except for the low cost wired units. Wireless bike computers are much easier to set up, just as accurate and visibly look cleaner and more professional compared to wired units.

To learn more about the key features to look for when buying a bike computer, please view The Bike Computer Gear Guide.

What is the best bike computer? What bike computer should I buy?

The best GPS bike computers to buy are:

Garmin Edge 530 and Wahoo ELMNT BOLT – Best GPS bike computers in terms of price and performance for the majority of riders. Other worthy options include the Bryton Rider 750, Bryton Rider 420, Lezyne Mega XL GPS and the Lezyne Mega C GPS.

Garmin Edge 1030 Plus – Best premium GPS bike computer. Other worthy options are the Garmin Edge 830, Wahoo ELMNT ROAM, Stages Dash M50 and the Hammerhead Karoo 2.

Bryton Rider 15 and Lezyne Mini GPS – Best budget GPS bike computers. Other worthy but slightly more expensive options include the Garmin Edge 130 Plus, Bryton Rider 420, Giant NeosTrack GPS, Polar M460 and the Lezyne Mega C GPS.

To see detailed specifications, summarized and full reviews, as well as the latest deals for the best GPS bike computers, then view the most popular and highly rated bike computers.

What is the best budget bike computer?

The two best budget GPS bike computers to currently buy are the Bryton Rider 15 and Lezyne Mini GPS.

If you are willing to spend a little more then it’s worth looking at a Garmin Edge 130 Plus, Bryton Rider 420, Giant NeosTrack GPS, Polar M460 or a Lezyne Mega C GPS.

If you are an average everyday commuter or amateur cyclist and are only interested in basic measurements such as speed and distance, investing in a lower cost GPS bike computer or even a basic wired or wireless bike computer may still be the best option.

To see detailed specifications, summarized and full reviews, as well as the latest deals for the best budget bike computers, then view the most popular and highly rated bike computers.

Which bike computer do the pros use?

The bike computer used by a professional cyclist in the WorldTour depends on the team sponsor. The cyclist and supplied team tend to choose their preferred bike computer from the sponsor’s range.

Below is the break down of the bike computer models used by the pro cyclists in the WorldTour:

Bryton: Bryton Rider 420

Garmin: Garmin Edge 130, Edge 530, Edge 830 and Edge 1030

SRM: SRM PC8

Stages: Stages Dash M50

Wahoo: Wahoo ELMNT BOLT and ELMNT ROAM

To see detailed specifications, summarized and full reviews, as well as the latest deals for the bike computers used by the pros, then view the most popular and highly rated bike computers.

To view the full list of the bike computer brand sponsors for each team, view the WorldTour Gear 2021 page.

What does a bike computer do?

A bike computer (or a cycling computer) is a device mounted to a bicycle that calculates and displays data such as current, average and max speed as well as distance and time. When paired with extra sensors, cadence, heart rate and/or power can also be measured. Depending on the features and price, some GPS bike computers can have altitude, mapping and navigation capabilities as well as many other features that will satisfy the data hungry cyclist.

What does bike cadence measure?

Cadence is the number of pedal revolutions per minute. It is the rate at which a cyclist pedals. For example, if you have a cadence of 70, it means that your pedal makes a complete revolution 70 times in one minute. Cadence is usually measured through an external sensor attached to a crank arm or bike frame.

Do I need cadence on my bike computer?

If you are asking yourself whether you need a cadence sensor on your bike, then it depends on why you are cycling, the type of riding that you do as well as how you will use the information. Measuring cadence is very useful if you are training or monitoring your fitness levels. Every cyclist has a preferred or ideal cadence level that they want to achieve and/or ride at, which is mainly determined by rider style, fitness level, experience and preference. Measuring and viewing cadence during and post riding, can help a cyclist to achieve their training goals, determine their optimal cadence, improve pedaling efficiency and even help to reduce energy expenditure. There are also many training programs out there which are based on cadence which therefore require the use of a sensor.

Do you need a speed sensor?

If you have a GPS bike computer, then a speed sensor is not required. However, if you are riding where the GPS signal isn’t reliable, then a speed sensor is necessary to record accurate speed and distance data. GPS signals are dependent on terrain, tree coverage and/or other interference. Poor GPS signals can result in artificially high and/or low speed and distance values. Speed sensors are better at picking up sudden changes in acceleration and speed, and are generally more accurate at calculating speed and distance than relying on GPS alone, especially in the case of mountain bike trails with plenty of twist and turns. Although, the degree of accuracy between a GPS bike computer with good GPS signals and a speed sensor is generally minimal.

Is a heart rate monitor worth it for cycling?

A heart rate monitor is worth having, especially if you are training and monitoring your performance and fitness levels more closely, or if you are a data hungry cyclist. More specifically, heart rate monitors can be used in real time to ensure that structured intervals during training are ridden at the correct intensity and that training is done as efficiently and effective as possible. Heart rate monitors will not only allow a rider to improve their fitness and output, but also tell you if you are cycling too hard which can impact your energy and tiredness levels as well as recovery.

What cadence do pros ride at?

Professional cyclists tend to pedal with an average cadence of 80-110RPM. In comparison, recreational cyclists typically have an average cadence of 60-80RPM.

Can I use my phone as a bike computer?

In short yes. You can adequately use your phone as a bike computer. We have discussed the pros and cons of using a phone vs a bike computer in depth in Can I use my phone as a bike computer?

Why are bike computers so expensive?

There are a number of factors that affect the cost of a bike computer. GPS bike computers tend to be more expensive as they:

• Have a long life battery that can last multiple rides

• Have a compact, lightweight, durable, vibration resistant, waterproof and possibly even an aerodynamic design

• Require R&D for a company to make low power driven circuitry, sensors and software – the GPS bike computer also requires sensors, software and app compatibility

• Have company costs – companies need to make a profit from the time, money and effort spent to make such a product

As the price of a bike computer increases, the screen size increases, the clarity of the screen improves, the battery life increases, there are more connectivity options for sensors and data transfer, the software improves, and mapping and navigation is generally more advanced.

If you shop around, you will find that there are plenty of highly rated lower priced GPS and non-GPS bike computers out there to suit anyone’s needs. View the most popular and highly rated bike computers at any price range.

Should I get a wired or wireless bike computer?

A wireless bike computer is recommended. Most bike computers are now wireless except for the very low cost wired units. Wireless bike computers are very simple to set up, can easily be swapped between bikes, are just as accurate, and visually look better and more professional than a wired bike computer. However, wireless bike computers do cost a little more. A non-GPS wireless and a wired bike computer will generally have similar functions and features. However, a GPS unit will have many more functions and features due to the GPS and wireless connectivity options.

What is ANT+?

ANT+ (Advanced and Adaptive Network Technology) is a wireless technology that allows for the collection and transfer of sensor data, developed specifically for the health, fitness and sports industries. ANT+ is the ultra low power version of the ANT transmission protocol and uses the same frequencies as WiFi and Bluetooth, 2.4GHz. ANT+ is owned by Garmin.

An ANT+ enabled bike computer can connect to multiple sensors (such as a speed sensor, heart rate monitor and a power meter) all at the same time, including other ANT+ compatible products from other brands. Even multiple bike computers can display the data from a single sensor. Bluetooth however is a one-to-one connection, meaning that you can only pair one sensor to one bike computer at a time. When looking to buy a bike computer, it is always best to look for one which has both Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility. It’s always best to have more than one connectivity option.

Is ANT+ the same as Bluetooth?

ANT+ is similar in the fact that the ANT+ transmission protocol uses the same frequencies as WiFi and Bluetooth at 2.4GHz, however there are a few key differences. The data transfer rate for ANT+ is slower. Even though it is slower, it is still suitable as its intended use with bike computers and sensors are not resource intensive. ANT+ was designed for low power consumption and a low bit rate which works well over short distances, typically less than two metres. In contrast, standard Bluetooth works well over a longer distance and has a much faster data transfer rate, designed for a relatively high bit rate. Therefore, this results in greater battery use.

ANT+ allows many devices to communicate at the same time without interference from one another. For example, an ANT+ enabled bike computer can display data from a speed sensor, a heart rate monitor and a power meter, all at the same time. Even multiple bike computers can display the data from a single sensor. In contrast Bluetooth is a one-to-one connection, meaning that you can only pair one sensor to one bike computer at a time. When looking to buy a bike computer, it is always best to have more connectivity options, so look for one which has both Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility.

Do bike computers work with indoor trainers?

Bike computers with ANT+ and Bluetooth capabilities such as a Garmin Edge or Wahoo Elemnt Bolt can connect to and control smart trainers. Speed, distance, power and cadence can all be displayed on the bike computer when paired to a smart trainer. The resistance of the trainer can also be altered on the go automatically by using an app or a prerecorded (or downloaded) map, or can simply be adjusted manually on the go, based on your target power output or desired resistance level.

How accurate are GPS bike computers?

GPS and non-GPS bike computers are both very accurate at calculating speed and distance data. On typical straight roads and tracks with a clear GPS signal, the discrepancy between the data is minimal. However, if you are riding where the GPS signal isn’t reliable due to the terrain, tree coverage and/or other interference, typically in the case of mountain bike trails with a lot of twists and turns, then a speed sensor connected to a GPS bike computer is necessary to record accurate speed and distance data. Poor GPS signals or a high sampling interval rate can result in artificially high and/or low speed and distance values. However in general, the degree of accuracy between a GPS bike computer with good GPS signals and a non-GPS unit with a speed sensor on normal roads is minimal.

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Looking to buy a GPS bike computer? We have compiled a list of the most popular and highly rated GPS bike computers that are available to buy, with specifications, summarized reviews and the latest deals.

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