Best Cycling and Bike Computers
Bike computers are an essential part of any cyclist’s equipment list and we have put together a guide to the best cycling and bike computers and GPS tracker devices available.
As commuting, traveling, and competing by bike has gained popularity, technology has kept up to match demand. Cycling gadgets like GPS trackers, apps and bike computers have become ubiquitous among all kinds of cyclists, from the leisurely Sunday rider to the ultra-endurance racer.
While some computers are designed to help you track your mileage, speed, and cadence, others focus on mapping your distance and helping you discover new routes. Some devices connect to your smartphone, others operate on their own, but whichever type you choose they’re adding a new dimension to the way you understand your daily ride.
Using a bike computer or GPS unit to track your progress over a few weeks can point to how you can improve your bike, gear, or pace with a bit of data and dedication. Trackers can help you stay situated while cycling away from home, communicate your location, or even locate a stolen bike.
Here’s our guide to products will make sure you’re plugged in and connected without having to rely solely on your cell phone on any type of ride.
Should You Buy A Wireless or Wired Bike Computer?
When choosing a wired or wireless bike computer, you should pay attention to its installation to your bike as this is not universal. Generally, a wired computer will include a sensor that send information to the computer mount via a wire you attach to your frame. The sensor, usually attached on or near the fork, will pick up rotation signals from a separate magnet that is attached to your front wheel. That information will travel through the wire and to the computer, which will be mounted on your handlebars.
A wireless computer eliminates (you guessed it!) the wire, meaning the computer mount, magnet and speed sensor are affixed to the bike separately, usually with zip ties or a similar attachment included with the product. Your wheel diameter will affect the computer’s readings, so read product specs carefully to make sure your wheels will work with the device in question. Both the speed and magnet sensors will usually need lithium batteries to work.
Guide to the Best Cycling and Bike Computers
Cateye Velo 7 and 9
$27.95- $29.95
Cateye’s Velo 7 (or 9) wired computer can make a great addition to your cycling starter kit thanks to its designated entry level status.
A wired bestseller, the Velo 7 is straightforward, featuring basic information like current and average speed, trip distance and elapsed time, with the added benefit of compatibility with the FlexTight universal bracket (another Cateye product that mounts to all handlebars). The Velo’s price tag adds to its appeal- its a low stakes option for those who want to give cycling computers a casual try.
Cateye Padrone Stealth (With 0F-100 Bracket), Cateye Padrone Plus Black
$59.95
Cateye’s Padrone Stealth wows with its simplicity, efficiency and function, all packed into one sleek design. A slight improvement on the original Padrone model, the Stealth comes with the versatile OF-100 bracket for easy attachment.
A large display screen, auto start and stop functions, an an easy to program odometer are a few of the features that make the user- friendly Padrone Stealth an affordable option for a daily commuter and/or weekend day tipper. The device includes current and average speed, distance, elapsed time, and a stopwatch tool. For all the same features and a backlit screen for night rides, consider the Padrone Plus Black, which comes in at the same price as the stealth.
Garmin
The Garmin range features products from ultra- accurate performance computers for daily use to highly portable smartwatches that keep you secure when out on a long distance tour. Their higher price point accounts for the variety of syncing abilities, GPS functions and built in features like inReach compatibility. Garmin products’ LiveTrack feature allows loved ones to track your location live, so that you know you’re covered even when feeling completely alone while traveling.
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus
$599.99
Thanks to meticulously collected performance data, the Edge 1030 Plus goes beyond the basics, zeroing in on details like training load, recovery time and VO2 Max. By noting your training history and trends, the Edge provides you with daily ride suggestions to improve your performance at a steady pace. Viewing your performance indicators after every ride help you decide what changes to make, and the Edge’s customized suggestions are a helpful tool (an outside perspective is always a plus)! The edge syncs to Garmin’s Connect App, along with other training apps like TrainerRoad. The Garmin Connect App allows you to access more health stats, measurements, downloadable courses, and compare and share your progress.
A cycling-specific “Dynamics” feature lets you enter details like your bike setup and see how you fare when those factors change. Mountain biking specific performance evaluation, heat and altitude acclimation information and hydration notifications are just some of the features that make the edge a trainer, digital companion and calculator all in one.
Garmin Edge Explore
$197
Recommended specifically for bike touring, the Edge Explore GPS cycling computer’s defining feature is its pre-loaded Cycle Map. Garmin’s Cycle Maps allows you to search for nearby services, indicate preferred bike routes (tour cycling, mountain biking, etc.) and look up detailed, bike specific directions to wherever you’re going. The crucial “Cycling Awareness” element of the Edge Explore is its compatibility with Garmin’s Varia series of smart bike lights and other products, meant to keep you visible even when you get distracted or are extra focused on what’s in front of you.
The computer’s assistance and incident detection features give you the peace of mind of knowing that your location will be sent to a designated emergency contact if you need immediate assistance. Rider- to rider- messaging lets you communicate quickly with riding partners in case of a change of plans; you can save pre-written messages and send them with the tap of your finger.
Have your routes saved on a separate cycling app? You can import information from outside apps directly directly to the Edge, meaning there’s no loss in translation from one device to another. Designed to be highly visible in full sunlight and functional in the rain, the Edge Explore is as rugged as you will hopefully become on your next long distance tour. Multiple pairing options and a focus on GPS mapping mean that you can get pedaling knowing you have plenty of options in case you have to improvise on the spot.
Garmin Instinct Solar – Standard Edition
$299.99
The Instinct Solar GPS Smartwatch by Garmin is a highly durable wearable that runs on a solar battery, meaning it’s an ideal choice for touring cyclists or more casual riders who plan to spend most of the day out in the sun. The Instinct is also more of an all- around athlete’s choice- it includes activity profiles for not only cycling, but hiking, running, swimming, and others.
Your watch can map variables from heart rate to stored energy and stress levels, reminding you when it’s time to take a break or just take a deep breath and relax. GPS functions include satellite systems beyond just GPS, in case you venture into remote areas and need extra support. The Instinct pairs with inReach products (you’ll need to purchase a satellite subscription for these as well), which allow you to read and send messages, track the weather, and send an SOS signal when you can’t use your Smartphone. Coming in at the lower end of the price range for a quality Garmin product, the Instinct Solar is a great choice if you plan to do more than bike, and are concerned more with tools to navigate remote areas than you are with extremely specific cycling specs.
Wahoo Fitness- Elemnt Bolt GPS Bike Computer
$299.99
Though the Wahoo Fitness name may not be as well known as Garmin or Cateye, Wahoo products undoubtedly keep up in terms of quality and user-friendly interfaces. The Elemnt Bolt, perfect for racers or anyone looking to up their speed and agility, stands out thanks an original design that combines the computer and the mount into one sleek device. Working with apps like TrainingPeaks and TrainerRoad, the Elemnt records and shares your performance stats, which are then used to create custom plans to help you achieve goals.
The Elemnt’s storage capacity allows you to access 16 GB of maps, routing, and race navigation when you need it. The Elemnt app lets you further customize your computer based on the areas you want to improve. The Bolt is highly versatile, meaning it’ll remain useful while you evolve as a cyclist and try new modes of training.
Conclusions
If you’re considering investing in a performance- focused cycling computer but aren’t sure whether you really need one or whether you’ll even end up using it, remember that a perspective separate from your own can always help you see things more clearly. Though no computer will provide you with advice, just seeing your own progress laid out in
numbers and imagery can help you understand where you are physically, as well as where you’d like to be.
Though you may think your Smartphone is enough, touring- specific GPS computers have your back when you are out of service range or battery. For experienced cyclists looking to ride in more remote areas, a GPS device will still help you feel connected while allowing you to take your eyes away from the screen and enjoy your surroundings.
Choosing a device that incorporates both performance measurements and detailed GPS tracking keeps your options limitless; even if you’re just riding to work for now, your relationship to cycling might change, especially if you start paying attention to just what you’re capable of.
Bestselling Cycling Computers
- ALL YOUR FAVORITE STATS: Displays current, max, and average speed, total distance, trip distance, elapsed time, and clock.
- SAVE YOUR MILES: With the option to manually set the odometer, you don't have to start over every time you change the battery.
- FOCUS ON THE RIDE, NOT THE SCREEN: Don't let navigating menus or buttons get in the way of enjoying your ride. Simply press the base of the unit to toggle through functions.
- SECURE AND GO: With our FlexTight Bracket, you can easily mount, adjust, and move your computer by hand. Spend less time setting up your gear and more time on the road.
- DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STOPS: Caught at a red light? Stopping for coffee? We've got you covered. Your CatEye computer knows when you've stopped and automatically stops counting time and averaging speed.
- ✅Accurate GPS Positioning: Coospo new GPS bike computer has 2 modes of global positioning, which can provideaccurate GPS data all over the world. Attention: First time positioning will take 3-5 minutes, please make sure you are outdoor.
- ✅Bike Computer ANT+：Coospo cycling gps computer can support heart rate monitor, speed and cadence sensor, power meter connection through ANT+，All cycling data you will get if sensor connection with bike computer.
- ✅Bluetooth APP Connection: By using CoospoRide App, you can set bike computer very easily on your phone, such as: quickly connect and easily set the device, load GPS track route map, record and analyze cycling activity records, update the latest firmware and so on.
- ✅Sync Activity(.fit file) to Strava: You can also sync activity(.fit file) to Strava via Coosporide App on your phone by bluetooth directly.CooSpo bike computer can record 80 hours of your riding data.
- ✅2.4 Inch Screen with Auto Backlight: 2.4-inch segment code FSTN glass screen, sunlight readable display, automatically sensing the environment to turn on the backlight. It is a screen that’s ready for any adventure.
- All your favorite stats: Displays current, max, and average speed, total distance, trip distance, elapsed time, pace arrow, and clock.
- Don't sweat the small stops: Caught at a red light? Stopping for coffee? We've got you covered. Your CatEye computer knows when you've stopped and automatically stops counting time and averaging speed.
- Wired sensor: The Velo 7 comes with a wired speed sensor.
- Go the distance: With a battery that lasts up to three years, you can install it and forget about it.
- Perfect for beginners: The Velo 7 is an entry-level computer that is perfect for beginner cyclists looking to take their riding to the next level.
- ON-DEVICE TURN BY TURN NAVIGATION - The ELEMNT BOLT will automatically generate turn-by-turn prompts for routes and file types; including GPX files, TCX files, and routes imported from Strava, Ride With GPS, and Komoot. Top LEDs and audible cues let you know, at-a-glance, what your next turn is or if you've gotten off-course.
- 100% WIRELESS - ELEMNT GPS bike computers offer a truly untethered experience, meaning the days of fumbling with your laptop connection cables to sync workout data or update your software are over.
- COMPANION APP SETUP - The free ELEMNT companion app uses the intuitive interface of your smartphone to customize your rider profile and configure your workout pages to get the most out of every ride.
- PERFECT VIEW ZOOM - Perfect View side buttons enable users to toggle between views of 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 9 curated data fields. Choose from 170+ data fields to configure screens.
- QUICKLOOK LED INDICATORS - Programmable LED indicators offer a better way to follow routes, monitor performance and stay focused with nothing more than a glance.
- ALL YOUR FAVORITE STATS: Displays current, max, and average speed, total distance, trip distance, elapsed time, calorie consumption, pace arrow, and clock.
- SAVE YOUR MILES: With the option to manually set the odometer, you don't have to start over every time you change the battery.
- SECURE AND GO: With our FlexTight Bracket, you can easily mount, adjust, and move your computer by hand. Spend less time setting up your gear and more time on the road.
- DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STOPS: Caught at a red light? Stopping for coffee? We've got you covered. Your CatEye computer knows when you've stopped and automatically stops counting time and averaging speed.
- DATA FOR HEALTH: The Urban Wireless also tracks calories burned.
- Easy-to-use GPS bike computer with high resolution, 3” Glove- and rain-friendly touchscreen that’s visible even in direct sunlight
- Includes preloaded Garmin cycle map with turn-by-turn navigation and trendline popularity routing to find the on- and off-road routes most-traveled by cyclists
- Built-in GPS tracks how far, how fast, how high and where you ride
- Compatible with varia cycling Awareness devices, including smart bike lights and rearview Radar to detect cars and alert drivers
- When paired with your compatible smartphone, you gain connected Features, including livetrack and grouptrack, smart notifications, rider-to-rider Messaging and built-in incident detection
- ON-DEVICE TURN BY TURN NAVIGATION - The ELEMNT ROAM will automatically generate turn-by-turn prompts for routes and file types; including GPX files, TCX files, and routes imported from Strava, Ride With GPS, and Komoot. Top LEDs and audible cues let you know, at-a-glance, what your next turn is or if you've gotten off-course.
- AUTOMATIC ROUTE DOWNLOADS & WORKOUT UPLOADS - When synced with compatible accounts (Strava, Ride With GPS, Best Bike Split, Komoot, MTB Project, SingleTracks), your saved routes will be automatically & wirelessly downloaded to the ELEMNT ROAM. Completed rides will automatically upload to all authorized third-party accounts.
- TAKE ME TO ON-DEMAND ROUTE GENERATION - Allows you to create a route with turn-by-turn directions by selecting a location directly on the ELEMNT ROAM map page, using its pan and zoom, or by selecting from one of your saved locations. In the ELEMNT Companion App, enter a destination, address, or point of interest and generate a route with turn-by-turn directions; sync it to the ELEMNT ROAM via Bluetooth.
- SMART NOTIFICATIONS & LIVE TRACKING - Provides on-screen pop-up alerts and LED indications to notify you of calls, texts, emails, WhatsApp, Signal, Line, Telegram, and WeChat on iOS and Android. Only available if you are riding with your smartphone and can be easily turned off with Do Not Disturb mode. Share a LiveTrack link, via the ELEMNT Companion App, for that day or indefinitely when riding with your smartphone.
- ANT+ RADAR INTEGRATION - Pair your ANT+ Rearview radar to your ELEMNT ROAM to get the real-time proximity of vehicles approaching you from behind. When paired with the ROAM you will see the vehicles represented directly on the computer’s screen and LED indications to alert you of cars approaching or if the channel is clear.
- 【Auto Wake-up Function】Automatically wakes from sleep mode upon sensing vibration in the bicycle. Bright LCD display to easily view ride statistics.
- 【Multi-functions】Small size, light weight, wireless, waterproof design makes it convenient and durable. This bicycle computer measures speed, distance, and riding time. Exactly what any serious bicyclist or fitness fanatic needs to know for stats tracking.
- 【Day & Night Backlight 】Provides backlight for easy viewing during dark hours. The backlight will automatically turn on when any button is pressed between 18:00 and 06:00. Please note the slight rattle sound from device is normal phenomenon, which results from the design of wireless automatic function.
- 【Easy to Install &Use】Simple installation that only takes a few minutes. Easy to navigate interface with only two buttons to access all measurements. Customizable to most common tyre sizes for accurate stats tracking.
- 【Applicable】Road bicycles, mountain bikes, folding bikes,and other common bicycles are compatible with this bicycle computer. This bicycle computer MAY NOT be compatible with some electric-assist bicycles. If the computer display, sensor, and magnet can be installed within the specified distances device should be fully compatible. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
- Simplified, rugged design with 1.8” display that’s crisp and easy to read in sunlight or low-light conditions
- Get training guidance by syncing structured indoor or outdoor workouts to your device from the Garmin Connect app or other apps, including TrainingPeaks and TrainerRoad
- Improve your fitness with dynamic performance insights such as VO2 max and heart rate (when paired with a compatible heart rate monitor), and manage your efforts during tough ascents with the ClimbPro feature
- Know where you’ve been, where you’re headed and how to get back to start with turn prompts and a breadcrumb map
- Cycling awareness features give loved ones peace of mind; get incident detection and assistance — which both send your real-time location to emergency contacts (when paired with a compatible heart rate monitor)
- ALL YOUR FAVORITE STATS: Displays current, max, and average speed, total distance, trip distance, elapsed time, calorie consumption, pace arrow, and clock.
- SAVE YOUR MILES: With the option to manually set the odometer, you don't have to start over every time you change the battery.
- SECURE AND GO: Included zip-tie Bracket provides a robust and secure attachment to the handlebars.
- DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STOPS: Caught at a red light? Stopping for coffee? We've got you covered. Your CatEye computer knows when you've stopped and automatically stops counting time and averaging speed.
- DATA FOR HEALTH: The Velo Wireless tracks calories burned.
