Cycling is one of the most popular sports in the UK. Beyond the bike itself (mountain bike, cyclocross...), it is advisable to choose the right bike computer or cyclometer for an accurate performance monitoring. But among so many ranges on the market, how to choose? Follow our guide, because we will present you the best bike computers to help you in your choice.
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Our selection
"If you are looking for a high performance cycling computer, the iGPSPORT iGS10 is what you are looking for. It's simple and basic, and it's…"
"The CatEye Vélo 7 CC-VL520 is not the ultimate in bike computers. However, it displays all the basic information you need during your rides. An…"
"Very powerful and compact, the Garmin Edge 830 bike computer is the evolved version of the Garmin Edge 820. Equipped with a touch screen, it…"
"The Polar V650 GPS bike computer is designed for the hardcore cyclist. Very powerful and intelligent, it offers a multitude of parameters allowing you to…"
"The YS brand bike computer is quite small and unobtrusive. With an LCD display and a nighttime backlight that automatically activates when you are in…"
If you are looking for a high performance cycling computer, the iGPSPORT iGS10 is what you are looking for. It's simple and basic, and it's capable of delivering all the data you'll need to measure your performance.
47,19 £ on AmazonThe iGPSPORT iGS10 GPS bike computer is an easy to use computer. As soon as you turn the unit on, the speed, mileage, time and altitude will be displayed on the screen. It is multifunctional if you browse its menu, you can even find other options, such as calories burned, percentage of a slope, stopwatch and many others. It has a very intuitive black and white screen. In addition, an anti-reflective glass allows you to better readability in all conditions. With an IPX6-certified shell, it's perfectly water-resistant. That means it stays operational even if you get caught in the rain during your run.
In addition, this black device has a high sensitivity GPS. Its size is 7.5 x 4.8 x 2 cm. Its battery lasts up to 25 hours of autonomy. The iGPSPORT iGS10 bike computer comes with a 2 year warranty and is perfect for promoting your sport.
The CatEye Vélo 7 CC-VL520 is not the ultimate in bike computers. However, it displays all the basic information you need during your rides. An inexpensive cyclometer that does the job well.
See priceThe CatEye Vélo 7 CC-VL520 provides speed, distance traveled (odometer), average and maximum speed or total time. It uses a wired speed sensor that attaches to the front fork and a magnet that sits on the spokes to record your speed. There is nothing special about it. The device will just give you the essential information and do the job as it should.
Its screen is large enough to be visible even under the hot sun. It turns on automatically as soon as the bike is moving. When stopped, it instantly switches to power save mode. The CatEye Vélo 7 CC-VL520 can be easily set up via the one big button on the front.
Very powerful and compact, the Garmin Edge 830 bike computer is the evolved version of the Garmin Edge 820. Equipped with a touch screen, it is a bike computer easy to handle.
366 £ on AmazonThe Garmin Edge 830 bike computer is a very powerful bike computer. It is equipped with two GPS chips Glonass and Galileo, which allow accurate location with a correction of barometric altitude. Measuring only 5.0 x 8.2 x 2.0 cm, this GPS offers the advantage of being relatively light, namely 79.1 grams. Regarding its waterproofness, this Garmin 830 bike computer is certified IPX7. It is therefore completely waterproof, mudproof, splashproof, but also to the ambient humidity. It incorporates a touch screen of 2.6 inches, or 66 millimeters diagonal.
This device has a battery life of up to 20 hours in traditional use, and up to 40 hours in power saving mode. It is also equipped with triple connectivity that are ANT+, Bluetooth and WIFI, ensuring maximum compatibility with all equipment, sensors and third-party accessories. A very practical device, the Garmin Edge 830 is therefore the ideal bike computer that will provide you with dynamic performance tracking.
The Polar V650 GPS bike computer is designed for the hardcore cyclist. Very powerful and intelligent, it offers a multitude of parameters allowing you to carry out your favorite activity.
See the pricePolar V650 has a 2.8-inch color screen. It is compatible with many sensors and delivers a lot of additional data. This device also has buttons on the main interface and also on the left front. It can be installed quickly and easily, as it has two elastic bands on the back to secure it. It is also a very practical bike computer, as it has a LED headlamp that will be of great use to you when you are short of light on your ride. With a weight of 118 g and dimensions of 14.7 x 9.7 x 7.3 cm, this device is also compatible with the operating system Windows XP and later versions as well as MAC OSX X 10.6 and higher. With a battery life of 12 hours, you can enjoy all the features included in the Polar V650 bike computer.
The YS brand bike computer is quite small and unobtrusive. With an LCD display and a nighttime backlight that automatically activates when you are in low light conditions, it is ideal for cycling at night.
See the priceAny specific needs?
The best bike computer in 2021
The best entry-level bike computer
The best high-end bike computer
The best wireless bike computer
The best bike computer in 2021
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| TOP OF THE TOP | NOT EXPENSIVE | TOP OF THE RANGE | EXCELLENT | Top of the top | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
8/10 |
8/10 |
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7/10 |
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| OUR SELECTION |
iGPSPORT iGS10
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CatEye Vélo 7 CC-VL520
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Garmin Edge 830
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Polar V650
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YS Compteur vélo
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If you are looking for a high performance cycling computer, the iGPSPORT iGS10 is what you are looking for. It's simple and basic, and it's capable of delivering all the data you'll need to measure your performance.
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The CatEye Vélo 7 CC-VL520 is not the ultimate in bike computers. However, it displays all the basic information you need during your rides. An inexpensive cyclometer that does the job well.
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Very powerful and compact, the Garmin Edge 830 bike computer is the evolved version of the Garmin Edge 820. Equipped with a touch screen, it is a bike computer easy to handle.
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The Polar V650 GPS bike computer is designed for the hardcore cyclist. Very powerful and intelligent, it offers a multitude of parameters allowing you to carry out your favorite activity.
|
The YS brand bike computer is quite small and unobtrusive. With an LCD display and a nighttime backlight that automatically activates when you are in low light conditions, it is ideal for cycling at night.
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Style
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GPS meter
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Wired bike computer
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GPS meter
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GPS meter
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Wireless meter
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Autonomy
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25h
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-
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20h to 40h
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12 hrs
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18h
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Screen size
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1.8 inches
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-
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2.6 inches
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2.8 inches
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Display
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speed, miles traveled, time and altitude
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Total mileage, daily distance, current speed, average speed, maximum speed, comparison of current speed to average speed, time, total riding time
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Route calculation
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altitude, vertical drops, cumulative, inclinometer and ascent rate
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performance, speed and distance to time
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Dimensions
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7.5 x 4.8 x 2 cm
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3.71 x 1.8 x 5.51 cm
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5.0 x 8.2 x 2.0 cm
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14.7 x 9.7 x 7.3 cm
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15.29 x 10.21 x 2.31 cm
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If you're planning to go for simple rides around town or in the woods, a basic model will certainly suit you. Maximum speed, distance... in short, you will have what you need for your family outings. If you're a regular rider, you'll want a mid-range bike computer. The data displayed are much more interesting and provided namely speed, distance traveled, cadence and heart rate. In addition, a high-end model will be perfect for a professional athlete since it usually includes a barometric altimeter and a power sensor. Those who can not separate themselves from their smartphone will find their happiness in connected models. The control of the device will be easier via the device. Likewise, you will have information about the weather, the calendar and many others. Some models are equipped with a smartphone holder. The presence of GPS map and voice guidance system makes long rides easier.
The battery life of a bike computer depends mainly on its battery and built-in features. If you choose a model with a GPS function, be aware that it will have a limited life span, around 20 hours. On the other hand, an odometer without GPS will provide a better autonomy reaching 3,000 to 5,000 km of travel.
In this case, the choice will be made according to your budget and your needs. With a GPS bike computer with a map, be sure to check the type of map included (map of France, map of Europe ...). This type of bike computer is expensive because it includes a larger memory, navigation software and a large screen.
For
maximum comfort, some models include connectivity with a smartphone. For maximum convenience, some models include smartphone connectivity, so you can transmit your route data via Bluetooth
or use additional features such as call notifications and SMS reception.
Reading information will be easier depending on the size of its screen. However, it can vary depending on the size of the bike computer. In this sense, you have the choice between compact models (pocket size) and large models like the Garmin Edge 1030 with a 3.5-inch screen. Note that the screen of such a device can be backlit, color or touchscreen.
In addition to displaying basic data such as speed and distance, the bike computer offers, for some cases, wireless ANT+ or Bluetooth connectivity. This allows you to pair it with several types of data sensors. Among others, the ANT+ protocol is compatible with a heart rate belt. The same is true for power sensors. These accessories are often optional and require additional expenses.
In general, a bike computer has several components: the information unit and the data sensors (GPS, speed sensor, pedaling frequency sensor, heart rate monitor, power sensor). Some of these components may be optional. However, all models have a display that allows the cyclist to view the data. The sound system, also optional, allows to guide him without having to check the screen. He will not be disturbed and can concentrate on his route.
The bike computer works in a very simple way. First, place the sensor on the part of the bike that will serve as a source of information. It will transmit the data collected on the screen of the computer. Note that this information will be displayed in real time. Models equipped with GPS do not need a speed sensor. It will instantly receive the data via satellites and can assess your speed.
Currently, we can distinguish 3 types of bike computers: the wireless bike computer, the wired bike computer and the GPS bike computer. Your choice will depend on the features you need and the level of accuracy of the data provided.
It is the first model of bike computer marketed. Today, it is becoming increasingly rare, leaving room for more innovative models equipped with wireless technology or GPS. This type of computer is very solid and efficient in providing relatively accurate data.
The wired bike computer is quite basic and is very well suited for occasional use, a ride or a use in town
. It offers only the main features. Known for its lightness, this device is usually installed on the fork of the bike and will be connected through a magnet wire (a magnetic sensor) located on the wheel spoke for optimal speed and distance calculation.
The
wireless computer stands out due to its great lightness, practicality and ease of transport. This type of model is suitable for a racing bike as well as a mountain bike or a road bike due to the fact that it comes with different mounts. In addition to its basic functions, the computer transfers your information (pedaling rate, temperature, altitude, altitude difference calculation...) to your PC.
It comes with an integrated battery that runs on a powerful and durable battery. High-end models offer a Bluetooth connection or are capable of being connected to a device via a USB cable. Its greatest asset is its ease of installation.
Most popular, the GPS bike computer is free of wires and sensors. It comes with a wide range of features for your best convenience. Serving as a virtual trainer, the GPS will give you the ability to orient yourself during your ride. At the same time, it will provide you with all the necessary instructions to facilitate your progress.
Easy to install and use, this type of bike computer uses mainly a satellite to give you more accurate and reliable information. You will no longer have to hesitate when choosing the path to follow. The GPS bike computer will guide you through its large screen. It should be noted that some models have an integrated map.
A GPS bike computer is by definition a navigation system that facilitates your routes, whether on a mountain bike, in cycle touring... thanks to the intelligent calculation of your route. The device offers you a precise follow-up of its performances. Unlike a GPS application usually installed on a smartphone, the GPS computer is more solid and robust. Its many features offer more precision.
It has the ability to resist shocks and vibrations. If it is accompanied by a protective cover, the equipment does not risk falling or suffering any damage. Waterproof, the GPS bike computer is not affected by humidity or bad weather. It offers many advantages, including a colour display, intelligent design for intuitive use, up to 24 hours of battery life, accurate distance and speed calculation and wireless functionality or voice guidance.
The GPS watch offers different functions, each more interesting than the other. Very advantageous for all sportsmen, it allows you to measure in real time your pulse and your heart rate. Thus, you will have all the leisure to adjust the level of intensity of your efforts according to the received data. By calculating your maximum heart rate, you will be aware of the threshold not to exceed. This device is generally suitable for people wishing to lose weight. Indeed, it invites you to prefer endurance sports to those which are rather violent, thus to bet on the soft and regular progression.
With its GPS function, the cardio watch picks up satellite signals in order to provide you with precise, live data on your route. If you have an entry-level model, it is worth transferring the routes to the device. Very practical, you never risk getting lost thanks to the GPS since it will bring you back to your starting point. In particular, it estimates your recovery time between two workouts.
The GPS bike computer and the GPS watch have almost the same operating modes. However, there is a small difference. The first does not require any recharging and offers a great autonomy. You can use it exclusively for cycling. On the other hand, the GPS watch is more interesting if you want a versatile device. It can be used for other sports, including cycling, and can be securely attached to the bike.
Install your wireless bike computer
To install a wireless bike computer more easily, make sure to recharge the battery. Afterwards, attach the device to the handlebars with a rubber band to prevent it from wobbling or even falling off during your rides.
Place the sensors in the right places
The
way the sensors on a bike computer are placed will impact the way it works. Generally, they should be placed at the fork of the bike. The heart rate sensors will sit on your chest. The pedal box will support the pedaling frequency sensors while the rear wheel hub can carry the power sensors.
Opt for a bike computer instead of a smartphone
Although
there are GPS applications compatible with your smartphone, they don't compete with bike computers in terms of functionality offered. Besides, you should know that this device is just as waterproof as it is weatherproof.
Avoid losing your bike computer
What
cyclist who has ever owned a bike computer has never experienced this situation? The risk of falling is often unavoidable in spite of the snap-on feature. In order to avoid this, the easiest way is to block and secure the device with a rubber band or a piece of rubber.
Make the right settings
Most bicycle computers are compatible with a large majority of bicycles. For its proper functioning, the model you have will simply need the size of your wheel (in mm). Indeed, the calculation of speed and distance is made according to the revolutions made by the wheels multiplied by their circumference.
The best bike computer depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.
Yes, just attach the bike computer to the bike's chainstay and connect the speed or cadence sensors via ANT+ or Bluetooth.
Yes, although the electric bike already has some of the features that the computer has. In this case, the device will mainly serve as a navigation system through its integrated mapping.
Yes, if you don't exceed 99 km/h. This is the limit it can display. Beyond that, the device will mark 0 on the screen.
Be in a location that allows you to connect to the GPS. Go to the device settings and adjust the time zone offset (increase or decrease depending on the country you are in).
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