Best Cycling Computers 2023 | 8 GPS Bike Computers Rated
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- Опубликовано: 19 июн 2024
- These are the best GPS cycling computers in 2023, as tested by the expert reviewers here at BikeRadar.
If you’re looking for a new cycling computer, this is the video for you. Aside from price, there are loads of factors to consider when buying a new unit.
Do you want navigation or just ride tracking? What size computer do you want? How long is the battery life? What types of connectivity does the unit have? We’ll cover all of this and more.
The GPS computer market has never been more crowded with quality options and, as such, you won’t see any poorly reviewed units in this video.
If you’re interested in any of the computers mentioned, check out the links below.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:26 What to look for in a GPS
03:10 Garmin Edge 1040 + 1030
04:36 Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2
05:53 Hammerhead Karoo 2
07:00 Garmin Edge 530 + 830
08:23 Sigma ROX 11.1
09:29 Wahoo Elemnt Bolt V2
10:24 Garmin Edge Explore 2
12:21 Bryton Rider 420T
In-depth reviews 👇
Garmin Edge 1040 Solar
→ www.bikeradar.com/reviews/tra...
Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2
→ www.bikeradar.com/reviews/tra...
Hammerhead Karoo 2
→ www.bikeradar.com/reviews/tra...
Garmin Edge 530
→ www.bikeradar.com/reviews/tra...
Garmin Edge 830
→ www.bikeradar.com/reviews/tra...
Sigma ROX 11.1
→ www.bikeradar.com/reviews/tra...
Wahoo Elemnt Bolt V2
→ www.bikeradar.com/reviews/tra...
Garmin Edge Explore 2
→ www.bikeradar.com/reviews/tra...
Bryton Rider 420T
→ www.bikeradar.com/reviews/tra...
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What is your computer of choice? 💻
IGPSPORT BSC100S. Please tell how is it?
TBH, I actually really like using my phone + the app Jepster. I do take an extra battery pack and routed a cable from that pack to my phone in the bike mount. It looks silly I know, but should I really care how I look? And I don't ever have trouble loading routes from my phone onto the computer or get ride-data from the computer onto my phone, since the phone is the computer.
I'm not sure how the Jepster app does it exactly, but I also never had issues with maps not loading, even in off-grid no reception areas if I just made sure the route was in the app before there. Also, when I do need to re-route or want to find a nice cafe for the cafe stop, I just open Google or Organic maps and go there. No sweat.
Oh and automatic switching to the gradient, while still showing the map and whatever data you want more? Yes Jepster does that. Same for Strava live segments BTW, no sweat.
I can even connect to my heartrate strap since it's just bluetooth and the app supports multiple ways to connect.
Also, since it's impossible to find phones with a small screen these days, mine is huge. I can see a big map + loads of data while riding without having to do any switching to other screens. And the processor in my phone is made to even play mobile games, so no issues with sluggish UI.
And my phone was what, 350 euros? That's how much more expensive than a good bike computer you say?
There's 3 downsides I see:
- Rain messes things up. I wrap my phone in a ziplock bag when it's raining (even though it should be waterproof), but it does seems to randomly tap stuff on the screen because of water near the touchscreen and also the phone doesn't charge when its wet. Jepster does have a feature to lock the touchscreen to prevent some issues, but it's not perfect. I'm looking for a nice case to use when raining to prevent issues.
- When I crash and the bike computer dies, the phone also dies. Never had this happen though, but that would be annoying.
- I do need the external battery on long rides, but then again I don't have to take 2 devices, so that kinda evens out weight-wise anyways.
Convince me why I need a dedicated bike computer.
With the release of Garmin's new Edge 540 and 840, this review is no longer valid. Perhaps you may wish to update it with a new review.
cateye padrone
Garmin Edge 530
I'm running my Lezyne Super GPS navigation for years. Small, compact and easy to use. It can run for 24hrs on one charge. All this for a quarter of the price of Garmin 1030 without any fancy color screen stuff and it always takes me from point A to B, no matter if I'm commuting or going for a 400km ride.
So the video title tells us there will be a rating, but you basically only read the technical spec sheets.
no information on how the computers improved with updates since launch (very important for the bolt 2 for example) and we get no comparison on how well the routing works for each computer.
a comparison within price points and then rating which one would be the best for each category is what i would expect for a video titles "8 computers rated".
pretty disappointing.
I like the Bryton 800 prolonged battery life bigger screen smaller and more flat. Nice options climing power, heartrate, radar, breathingrate. Schemes for training integration other programmes
I’m gonna go for the Explore 2. My Epix 2 has most of the workout functions, so I mainly need the Explore for navigation and esential data like distance, speed etc. I want touch but 840 is twice the price of Explore 2 and has tiny display. 830 is similar price but has usb-c and is outdated. Explore seems like the ideal device :-)
Do you know if Garmin Edge Explorer 2 will restart my bike mileage by calendar year? I don’t want to keep building my mileage on last years totals.
Talking about tech, it’s absolute refreshing to see a few generations old Di2 on a mainstream cycling RUclips channel. 😊😊
Which gps wpuld you choose for following mountain-bike tracks? What about Bryton rider 750? Thank you
I use the 830 from garmin. No issues at all and very difficult to manage settings. Many of the features are difficult to find and hence remain hidden somewhere. Moreover, you have to upload maps from strava to be able to navigate especially on hills. Strava needs additional subscription and garmin does not come with maps in the Middle East. So additional 200USD. I would or should have got the hammer head
Mine, also Garmin 830, I changed it under Garmin warranty three times, the slope didn't work, half bad it was inaccurate, in the end I refunded the money, they couldn't solve the problem, Garmin is perverse, not bad, perverse
The Karoo 2 is great! I’ve had it for a couple months and the battery is honestly not bad at all.
Not a mention of lesser known brands like xoss or igpsport which is a bit unfortunate. Surely cateye must have a model worthy of consideration
Thanks. Rank beginner here. Getting into cycling for fitness primarily. Need something simple just to log in rides and give basic data. What is the recommendation?
Edge 530 is my weapon of choice. Don't use half the features but I downloaded an app to tell you what way the wind is blowing, it's actually amazingly useful.
What is this app ?
Windfield. Available via Connect IQ
@@nononsense2688 i think his finger is the app whit some speeksel
I’ve kicked too many Garmin’s across the garage after letting me down so I went for the Karoo2 and it’s a game changer. Navigating is spot on and the climber function is just superb, even on a free ride without a route since it stores maps and works out where you’re going. The 2 weekly updates help stay ahead and the instant updates to your Hammerhead account make route and ride transfer something you don’t have to think about.
Been using original Elemnt Bolt for 6 years, battery still strong lasting 5~6 hours. Going to try Karoo2 though, curious about its navigation features which really sucked on bolt.
I recently purchased the Garmin 1040 solar (coming from the edge 820). I like the new interface but the standouts are the solar charging & the climb feature! The 820 would last for about 5 hours before going into power save mode which turned the screen off between stops & the 1040 hasn't been charged in 220 miles of riding & is still above 70%. It's also been very nice to know how much climb is left so I don't over do it at the bottom! The price is steep but it's been worth it for me!
I do experience bad navigation where the 1040 keeps losing satellites and suddenly positions me hundreds of feet away from where I actually am. Am I the only one?
@@ieke i haven't experienced that at all but I usually ride in the open, or canyon roads, & haven't really navigated through tall city.
I experience that as well, EACH time I choose another road that the one Garmin choosed for me, for example it's blocked etc, suddenly the GPS is completely lost and put me somewhere sometimes hundreds of meters away@@ieke
Nice content! Thanks for this!
Great review of the many cycle computers on the market. For me it’s got to be the Garmin 👍
Could I ask why?
I have been using the Garmin Edge 830 for more than a year now, but I am planning to move to the Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM, I like to manually pause and resume my activities and I'm also very unlucky with sweat and unwanted swipes which have ended my activities without a confirmation in the middle of a ride countless times, and locking the display makes some interactions clunky at best.
You can turn off the auto pause on your 830. Don't know what to tell you about the sweat on the screen though!
@@joekawasaki yeah, in fact I have auto pause disabled, the problem comes when you manually pause there's a huge end activity button on the display, and ending the activity requieres no confirmation. May times it happened to me when I pause, a drop of sweat falls in the display and that's it, your activity ended 😅.
On the other hand I can lock the touch, but then if I'm following a route on the mountains with my MTB and a notification comes, I cannot see the map until I dismiss the notification, but I can't because the tap to dismiss doesn't work when the display is locked 😅
@@Asthbendriel In my case, the error that my Garmin 830 had was the slopes and the accumulated unevenness, it recorded enormous errors, they returned my money, but Garmin no longer generates confidence in me
The Elemnt Bolt is my favorite. I hate touchscreens due to the varying performance depending on the weather. Physical buttons are superior for me. They just always work.
the user experience of the Wahoo computers is just amazing! you finish your ride and faster than you can take of your helmet your ride is on Strava… i just Love the bolt, I much prefer the look of the letters and the flat menu over any garmin
Same here. I went to it when it first came out. It has been great. And loading maps is just so easy. The thing just always works.
This was my reasoning behind buying the Roam which I now deeply regret. The lack of ability to load separate bike profiles has been a constant annoyance for me. I also wish it was a bit less reliant on the phone app.
@@Huldru I use it on multiple bikes. It had never been an issue for me. It only links to the power meters or whatever on the bike I'm using. When In edit in Strava, I change it to the bike I used when I edit. If I'm using a mechanical group set, I just zoom out once on the main screen.
@@Huldruwhich one offers multiple bike profiles??
How about igpsport igs630?
Garmin edge explore 2 looks super solid but: I can't see option for executing built in garmin connect workout. I mean: I go to garmin connect and build workout like: 5 min warmup with heartRate 130 then 10 x 2 min HR 180 1 min HR 150 and then I can turn it on on device and follow the instructions. Maybe if it is not built In there is an option to create Garmin IQ application for it?
Elemnt Bolt 2 has a long battery life is light and has clear route instruction
I have EDGE 830. Great gadget, just bought cadence / speed sensor bundle and will be linking those two with 830
Are you satisfied with it? Because I would like to buy the 830 too?
@@Alex.MackiewiczYes it is superb. Graphic is a bit primitive compared to phone screen, but I guess that is to be expected with these GPS devices.
Agree about the disappointing battery life from Karoo2, however, not mentioned are the frequent software updates which constantly add new and improved functionality. In fact, the climbing data on the fly feature was added via a software update...
The category killer device would be a solar Karoo2.
I've used the Karoo 2 myself and really enjoyed my time with it. I didn't realise the climbing data on the fly was added until climbing up the hill to my house... unfortunately it told me just how steep the hill is 😅 - Matt
I'll start cycling soon.
Can I then sit on my smart trainer plug in my device with the outside ride on it and produce watt for watt ride but on the smart trainer?
how do you like the Coosbo? Or have you not seen it yet.
Mate, Garmin 530 and 830 are due an update and with 10 months still left of 2023 I´m hoping for release information
I just know from this video apparently wahoo & garmin can't show climb route profile and etc if it is not part of preload route?
i thought the feature can also be used for regular riding with predefined route.
I don't understand what you mean by preload vs predefined? On the Bolt, it will define 4-6 climbs if you load a route through the app. Honestly, I don't always understand where it defines the start and stop point for each climb.
@@dasf89 preload or predefined meaning we create the route first and upload to computer before start riding.
let say one day we decide to just go out and ride without any route plan. can it still show the climbing data, how long the climb, next gradient and etc?
Thanks for the comparison, used your information to buy my new cycling computer. Bought the Wahoo Elemnt Roam V1. Decided to go for the old one instead of the new V2 because I could buy a V1 for only €199 instead of €349 for the V2. And you mentioned in your video the V1 is very decent too. Also, I'm only riding once maybe twice a week and it's my first cycling computer so no need to get the best one for now (maybe the next one). Thanks again!
I already have a Garmin Fēnix 6X Pro Sapphire watch. Would it be wise to buy the 1040 as well? I’m confused how a computer on a bike will know how great I’m doing without being physically connected to my body?
Oh, it will physically connect to your bike and body, all the Garmin devices have a bundle option, which includes HR strap, cadence and speed sensors
Might be good to mix watch and headunit from different brands, so if you lose one on a ride, you've got the other for a back up.
Can I do an outside ride and save it and upload it then use it on an indoor ride?
I’m opting for a bigger screen, since it sux to hafta be Squintin’ Marsalis to read it facing direct sunlight!
Rim brakes and fenders is next level.
FWIW Wahoo computers are also based on Android, it's just hidden better that on Hammerhead.
A year ago I left garmin after many years. Lack of investment in a clunky app interface and general arrogance over their position in the market. Maps aren’t great, navigation was slow (and often after the turn!) and re-routing never worked properly. I went to hammerhead and have been blown away by the clarity of the screen, re-routing is almost instant and the battery is fine… how many rides do you do that are over 10 hours? (But if you do, you can charge it on the fly). Great piece of kit and regular updates (monthly) finesse the offer and often give new features. Well worth considering.
I would love Karoo 2 but not compatible with DI2.
@@user-vp8xw6nj7t which is exactly my problem with Shimano (similar to my issue with Garmin). The Karoo 2 was compatible until Hammerhead was bought by SRAM. Scared of the competition, Shimano pulled the API. SRAM had nothing to gain but Shimano have a similar arrogance.
Ho un bolt v2. Va bene, ma quello che non mi piace sono le mappe, la cartografia è difficile da capire, le strade risultano su schermo molto grandi e in città è facile confondersi tra intrecci e incroci, così come nei sentieri.
Ho avuto un garmin edge 800 ed era molto più comprensibile orientarsi.
Il bolt ha una ottima navigazione, ma la cartografia non mi piace,
Il garmin al contrario ha una ottima cartografia comprensibile su schermo ma la navigazione ha le sue pecche.
In montagna in modalità esplorazione, il bolt non va bene, per capire dove porta un sentiero ( se lo trovi sulla mappa, non è sempre così) devi perderci 1 o 2 minuti, con garmin era molto più rapido e intuitivo il processo.
Sigma Rox 12.0 has screen of 1040 but much better price and User Interface. Only battery is maximum 10 hours unfortunately.
Do you know if my new Garmin bike computer will restart my bike mileage by calendar year? I don’t want to keep building my mileage on last years totals.
it will let you track your mileage by week month or year. don't think it will change on calendar year.
Am i just poor because all these are stupid expensive .
garmin edge 130 plus
The Hammerhead is a total POS based on one single issue: the inability to turn off rerouting. If you are MTBing and the trail has slightly changed or you are off the trail by just a few feet it will reroute the entire ride back to the start. It also confuses other trails with the one you are on and does an auto-reroute. This sounds like a little deal but it's not.
Does the Hammerhead work with Di2?
No it's why I bought Edge 830
Why the Bryton 420T and not the s800?
I know right, they offer so much value for money
What about budget computers w/o mapping features for folks who don't have as big a budget or go on shorter or familiar rides and don't really need it, and if they occasionally do then they could always pull out their phones? Yeah, I'm talking about those "off brand" ones like MooFit, Coospo, iGPSport, etc. Not what "serious" cyclists would be caught dead using but what more casual cyclists who can't justify spending $300 or more on a computer and don't usually ride with the more "serious" types go for.
Shame you didn't talk about the Lezyne range, I have has the Mega XL for a few years now (upgraded from the old Super Enhanced) I have to say that I a so impressed with this, it is competitively price and packs more features than I could use.
1040 solar hands down.... But expensive 😅
I can buy the latest Garmin 1040+ but I would not. I think my Wahoo Element Bolt, have this since release works perfect for me. Plain easy and no hassle at all.
Same. Still have the original bolt. Best bike computer ever made.
The Karoo 2 would have won hands down if not for its ridiculous battery life.
The battery life isn’t an issue for most riders. If you really need it to last longer you can adjust the brightness settings or even connect a battery pack to it.
Overall it blows all other GPS away hands down.
Edge 800 delivers 12 hours plus battery after nearly 10 years. The screen has no issues with gloves or in rain. The Edge 810 is a disappointment. I only use it because I'd rather lose it than lose my Edge 800.
Garmin Edge 500. 12 years and ticking.
Same here. I actually used the breadcrumb course navigation on my 500 this week when my main head unit went dead on a ride. Still works as usual.
Monthly charges? $$
I don’t know how you have the strength to weather this level of attack and articulate so well what’s wrong and equally, put forward constructive suggestions as a way out of this maelstrom.
As much as I do watch novara, on occasion, I would be lying if I said I felt a scintilla of confidence in the prospect that they would take up the offer, much less the prerequisite self awareness and ability to step back out of their hubris and reflect upon their actions and see them for what they are, much less experience any sense of contrition.
The clip you showed, I fear was Ash doing her absolute, level best to act out the phenomena above, and I fear if one could see them, her hands would have been tightly closed in fists, apoplectic with rage.
Joking, slightly, but what is it they say about many a word spoke in jest?
For me it's 1040 or nothing.
Not willing to compromise for anything less then an GARMIN.
Bryton 750T , after annoying Garmin 520 (no maps available anymore, battery not able to replace)
Hammerhead
but why not use a smartphone? Has all the features and more then any of these computers. And syncs automatically to all sorts of apps.
Battery life
Phone is for emergency use. Bike computers are designed to be in the sunlight and handle all the elements better.
yeah, and then crush 1000usd+ phone on a small fall. Not talking about the fact, that it would die pretty soon anyway being exposed to sun for hours and hours while biking. And then a phone wouldn't last very long battery life wise.
How about just use SMART WATCH ????
I am still using a etrex 30, 15 years on. It won´t break not even coming off at 40kmh. And it uses AA batteries.
Aha
I’m enjoying the bike so far ruclips.net/user/postUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA My only real complaints are the brakes and the pedals. I feel like a bike designed for bigger people should have much larger pedals and more heavy duty brakes. I’ve only gotten two really good rides out of it, minimal downhill action, and the brakes feel like they’re already going out. A larger person has more momentum, so I think this wasn’t thought through very well. Also, I wear size 13-14 wide shoes. My feet cramp up on these pedals that are clearly made for smaller feet. Since I’m not a pro rider (and I don’t think many are who purchase this bike) I don’t think that the straps on the pedal are necessary at all. None of this takes away from the enjoyment I get from riding, however. I’ll just head to a bike shop to improve on a few things.
How many people going go cycle 8 hrs in one go ?
Someone give me tips for cycling.
Why would I want to ‘upload your ride when you get home’?
Reviews of bike computers always have loads of stuff like this that seems to have little to do with what anyone I know who rides a bike would consider wanting to do and seem to be a big part of reviews without ever explaining why. Is there some sea of cycling people out there doing stuff we are all unaware of? Would it be worth trying to find out what and why, if we don’t do this stuff ourselves now?
Trolling right? Strava, upload to Garmin/Wahoo/et al's own software/apps to be able to track training progress, keep a record etc.
Garmin Edge Explorer 2. More for less
Seeing that mudguard was like having a splinter in my mind…
ah ah ah...thank you
Stages Dash
It takes 3 minutes to get to the computer talk. If you want to skip the fluff.
Ridden 80000kms over the last 6 years with no computer. Phone is more than enough for navigation. Use a smart watch to track rides, runs, swims etc
@ResmeN, I was wondering about that. I'm going Thailand and I'm thinking a phone will be enough?
I will never buy another Bryton product. I bought a Bryton Rider 750 which I really like but the battery failed after 4 months. They replaced it but it took over a month. The second one’s battery failed after 7 months and over 2 months later I have given up hope that they are going to replace it. Their customer service is terrible, so I recommend that you stay away from all Bryton products.
No wonder you guys at BikeRadar are struggling to survive.
Best doesn't mean most expensive.
Not everyone needs or wants all the bells and whistles.
Best means best adapted to one's needs.
A beginner could go for cheaper unit.
None of Magene, IGSport, etc, ...
We are in 2023 and you are hanging to a 2000 business model.
Wake up !
If "beginner" wants navigation, there are no cheaper units basically. If beginner just wants to see random numbers from wire-attached sensors on his wheels, he can go with whatever local bike store has for him. Reviews are usually for people doing more or less substantial purchase. And you have no idea about "business models" =)
Didn’t mention Garmin 530?
In the 830 section we say that the 530 has almost all the same features as the 830 without the touchscreen and at a cheaper price
@@bikeradar At a lower price ...💅
Garmin are a complete rip off ! What about wny of the igpsport ones ?
All of em are a waste of your hard earned cash. Just partypace and enjoy the scenery
iPhone. I’ve got a hub dynamo
honestly, why not just use your phone?
Battery life is often an issue. Using mapping can drain the battery faster and if an accident happened then you might not have your phone to call for help. An unlikely scenario but better to be safe than sorry.
We have an article on the phone vs smartwatch vs gps computer weighing up the pros/cons of each www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/bike-computer-vs-smartphone-vs-smartwatch/
Why not just use your phone instead?
Battery life
Why not take up cycling and find out?
@@rokfam why would would I check out cycling gear if I’m not into cycling?
@@simonshusse Why ask stupid questions then?
@@balkeep don’t be rude
STEER clear of any of these if its over $60! Off brand and DONE! NO connectivity! This is WHY you have the device!!! Sure transfer INFO, but no need to pair. This is for those that need to be told how to think, not for those who can think. What a useless review.
what a useless comment from a person who just needs to show off his "ability to think" and distinguish himself from the "grey mass", but in the end is just being poor and thinks that being poor makes him smart somehow. In reality it just makes him waste time on "creativity" to overcome his poorness. Time he could spend on, you know, not being poor.
I like the Bryton 800 prolonged battery life bigger screen smaller and more flat. Nice options climing power, heartrate, radar, breathingrate. Schemes for training integration other programmes