Cycling has always been a bit of a numbers game, and bike computers are an essential tool for any cyclist looking to track and improve their performance. These small, powerful units offer a full array of riding data, which you can put to use during races or long rides, even if you simply want to know how far or fast you’ve gone. While features vary from one computer to the next, the best bike computers should be easy to use, provide accurate data and offer a range of features to help riders better understand how they are performing, and how their body responds from ride to ride.
The best bike computers can help you track and improve your cycling performance.
Illustration: Forbes/Photo: Retailer
These devices provide valuable on-bike metrics such as distance, speed, elapsed time, heart rate and cadence, allowing cyclists to measure their progress and set goals. The best bike computers feature a clear and easy-to-read display, with customizable screens and data fields, and user-friendly, intuitive controls. Durability and long battery life are also important, as riders may be using their bike computer in a range of weather conditions over long distances. Connectivity options, such as Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility, can enhance the functionality of a bike computer, allowing riders to connect to other devices or apps and track their progress over time.
With so many options available on the market, choosing the best bike computer can be a daunting task. Every unit has its own unique features and benefits, and the choice ultimately depends on the individual rider’s needs and preferences. In this article, we’ll explore the best bike computers currently available, comparing their features, performance and value. Whether you’re a competitive cyclist or a casual rider, into gravel riding, mountain biking or road cycling, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide.
The Garmin Edge 1030 Plus bike computer offers several advanced features that set it apart from other devices on the market, such as navigation, training, safety and connectivity. The bike computer’s large 3.5-inch color touchscreen display is clear and easy to read, and can be customized to show up to 10 data fields on one screen at a time. This allows you to monitor a wide range of metrics all at once.
The Edge 1030 Plus offers turn-by-turn directions and preloaded detailed Garmin Cycle maps. A couple advanced navigation features include Trendline Popularity Routing, which uses data from Garmin Connect to suggest the best cycling routes based on where other cyclists have ridden, and the ClimbPro feature that provides real-time information on your current and upcoming climbs, including gradient, distance and elevation gain.
Advanced training metrics, such as VO2 max, recovery time, training load, heat and altitude acclimation, nutrition, hydration and more help you train smarter in order to improve your performance. The device also integrates with TrainingPeaks and other training platforms to provide personalized training plans.
The Edge 1030 Plus includes a built-in incident detection system that sends a message with your location to an emergency contact if it detects a crash. It also has a feature called GroupTrack, which allows you to keep track of your cycling buddies in real-time.
The Edge 1030 Plus is compatible with ANT+ and Bluetooth sensors, allowing you to connect it to heart rate monitors, power meters and other cycling accessories. It also has Wi-Fi connectivity for easy data transfer to other apps and downloading software updates.
With a long battery life of up to 24 hours, the bike computer makes a great choice for serious cyclists who want to take their training and riding to the next level.
Pros:
Large color touchscreen display
Incident detection
Long battery life
Advanced performance tracking metrics
Cons:
Pricey
Glossy display finish can be difficult to read in direct sunlight
The popular Wahoo Elemnt Bolt has gained a reputation for its user-friendly design, compact size and long-ish battery life. It’s a great option for cyclists who want a reliable and easy-to-use device that can track your performance without getting in the way.
One of the standout features of the Elemnt Bolt is its compact design. It’s smaller and more aerodynamic than many other bike computers on the market, making it ideal for riders who want a clean cockpit and minimal drag. Despite its small size, the Elemnt Bolt has a clear and easy-to-read display that shows up to nine customizable data fields at once.
The Elemnt Bolt is also known for its user-friendly design. It’s easy to set up and pair with other devices such as power meters and heart rate monitors, and the free companion app makes it easy to customize screens and data fields. The app also allows riders to sync their data to popular fitness tracking apps such as Strava and TrainingPeaks.
The bike computer offers a range of basic performance tracking features, but you won’t find insight into advanced metrics such as VO2 max or training load. The Elemnt Bolt also has a respectable battery life, with up to 15 hours of runtime on a single charge.
Pros:
Customizable strip of LEDs that can visually indicate your speed, power or HR
Controls Wahoo smart trainers
Easy to use (the unit and connected app are intuitive) and customizable
The latest Hammerhead Karoo bike computer model is lighter and smaller than the previous model and jam-packed with features. The Karoo 2 comes with a large 3.2-inch high-resolution color touchscreen display that is scratch-resistant and easy to read in bright sunlight. When conditions get messy, the display is controllable with side buttons and can be customized to show up to 10 data fields at once.
The bike computer offers great cycling-specific navigation with audible turn-by-turn directions, instant automatic rerouting if you miss a turn and warnings for upcoming climbs with gradient insights to help you pace yourself.
The Karoo 2 also offers advanced performance tracking features, such as power meter compatibility, advanced data analysis and automatic FTP calculation. It also supports both ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity to pair all your sensors and sync with apps to track your progress over time. Pair it with most turbo trainers and smart trainers to keep riding indoors.
The new Garmin Edge 840 Solar bike computer comes equipped with a solar charging lens that extends battery life to a whopping 60 hours in battery-saving mode, which is great for those multi-day rides in remote locations where access to a power source may be limited. The device features both touchscreen navigation and button controls as an alternative option for toggling through menus, especially when wearing gloves. Additionally, the multi-band GPS technology ensures accurate tracking of your rides, even in challenging environments with poor signal such as dense forests or urban areas.
In addition to the solar charging, another standout feature of the Garmin Edge 840 bike computer is its adaptive coaching feature when pairs with a power meter and heart rate monitor. The device provides power targets throughout a course plus stamina insights so you understand how much gas you might have left in the tank in order to push harder or hold back. It will give you feedback based on your training load, recovery time and the demands of upcoming events in order to help you train smarter and improve your performance.
Despite its full functionality, the Bryton Rider 750 is budget-friendly at less than $300, making it an excellent choice for cyclists who don’t want to break the bank. The unit comes with a 2.8-inch color touchscreen that is clear and easy to read, and can be customized to show up to 10 data fields at once.
The device offers turn-by-turn directions and features a built-in altimeter for accurate climb data. It also comes preloaded with OpenStreetMap and is compatible with popular mapping services like Komoot and Trailforks, making it easy to plan and navigate routes.
The Rider 750 offers a range of basic performance tracking features, such as heart rate monitoring, power meter compatibility and advanced data analysis. The device also includes a built-in workout mode, which allows riders to create customized workouts based on their training goals.
It also supports ANT+ , Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing riders to connect to other devices, external sensors and third-party apps to track their progress over time. In terms of battery life, the device offers an impressive 20 hours of continuous use, making it a reliable companion for even the longest of day rides.
Pros:
Long battery life
Color touchscreen
Easy on the wallet
Cons:
Non-intuitive user interface
Display Size: 2.7 inches | Touchscreen: No | Color: No | Battery Life: 48 hours | Weight: 83 grams
The Lezyne Mega XL GPS bike computer comes with an impressive battery life of up to 48 hours, making it perfect for long rides and multi-day trips. This is complemented by its large, easy-to-read display that, despite its lack of color, provides clear data and navigation information in all lighting conditions, including direct sunlight, and can be set up for horizontal or vertical viewing.
The Mega XL GPS is incredibly versatile, with a wide range of features and connectivity options to suit different types of riders and activities. Wireless connectivity supports third-party app integration and sensors, including power meters, cadence sensors and heart rate monitors. The device supports GPS, Glonass and Galileo satellite navigation systems for great GPS connectivity in different environments, and includes preloaded maps with turn-by-turn navigation for both on- and off-road routes. There’s a large internal memory capacity for storing maps, routes and ride data—up to 800 hours’ worth.
It also comes with a barometer and accelerometer, which provide accurate elevation, ascent and descent data, making it useful for other adventures such as hiking or backpacking.
Pros:
Impressive battery life
Large, high-contrast screen
Good value for money
Cons:
Clunky user interface
No color mapping
Requires phone pairing for live turn-by-turn navigation
How We Chose The Best Bike Computers
As dedicated cyclists with decades of experience, we came up with a short list of high-quality units based on our own experience and online reviews. We then compare potential picks against one another, evaluating their features, specifications, expert and customer reviews before making final selections. And because bike computer technology is always changing and improving, we reevaluate this list often and update it whenever necessary to ensure your hard-earned money is spent on the latest hardware. This list was last updated April 2023.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Contributor Amy Jurries has used or owns many of the bike computers included in this list, so we can confidently recommend each one. Our staffers and contributors have extensive experience testing and reviewing all types of bike gear, and we keep an eye on the broader cycling industry to ensure we’re reviewing the latest computers. Between our research and long-term testing, we know which devices cater to each type of rider, which is why we sought out bike computers designed for a variety of needs, ensuring there’s a suitable option for ability.
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