The Best Cycling Computers
Having one of the best bike computers in your disposal during your next biking trip could make a huge difference to your overall cycling experience. Below, we’ve made a list of the top bike computers that you should consider.
- Garmin Edge 830 – overall best cycling computer
- Garmin Edge 1030 – nice if you have extra budget
- Wahoo Elemnt Bolt – great choice if aerodynamics is your thing
- Garmin Edge 520 – solid option, but slightly outdated
- Cateye Velo 7 – the best basic computer
- Cateye Velo 9 – optimal if you want to calculate calories and not spend too much
- Lezyne Mini GPS – exceptional quality, features and smallest possible size
- Lezyne Mega XL – ultra-large screen
- Garmin Edge 530 – super-fast performance
Garmin Edge 830
The Garmin Edge 830 so far beats other previous Garmin Edge models on different grounds. It is one of the best cycling computers you should invest in now. The touch screen makes it really easy to use and transforms 830 into a true performance monitoring device. It gives riding insights about your track, safety, and more.
Edge 830 can be customized to perform extra functions, primarily thanks to apps from Garmin’s Connect IQ Store. Edge 830’s engineers have thought about your safety, too. In case it suspects an accident, it automatically sends your contact and location details to emergency contacts.
Its long battery life guarantees you uninterrupted 20 hours with GPS while cycling, which is a good amount even compared to more expensive models. However, with the Garmin Charge power pack, you can get it to work an extra 40 hours.
Garmin Edge 830 is truly the optimal biking computer even for the most sophisticated cyclists.
Garmin Edge 1030
Being on top of Garmin’s Edge range, the 1030 is one of the best cycling computers not only from a well-known American manufacturer but probably the most advanced you can get overall.
It has one of the most massive screens for easy reading and does not get activated by sweat. 1030 crash detection and notification system is well beyond average. Just like Edge 830, it sends a notification to your listed contacts whenever there is a case of an emergency. And we must say, we didn’t get any false-positive reported events even after some rigorous testing.
The Live Tracking feature also stands out – it comes with automated texts to respond to missed calls. Asides the tracking feature, the computer supports rider to rider messaging when you are out riding with your team. The computer battery has a total span of about 20 hours.
Wahoo Elemnt Bolt
Innovation in cycling world is ongoing and Wahoo Elemnt Bolt is a conformation of that fact – it’s first fully aerodynamic GPS bike computer. It comes with two mounts – the integrated Aero Out-Front mount, and the stem mount.
Bolt offers accurate GPS speed data on its own and doesn’t need feeds from your mobile phone. The setup is quite easy and it features an excellent integration system.
For the features it provides, it is one of the most affordable options available today. Its price and value do not equal – you get a lot for your money.
On top of that, it measures and displays your heart rate on the screen. So with the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt, whatever your biking location is, you are covered, turn after turn.
Garmin Edge 520
Cateye Velo 7
If you’re not looking for fancy features and deep analysis of your performance, the Cateye Velo 7 is the kind of biking computer you need.’ Although it does nothing beyond the essential, the features it provides are enough to get started. It calculates speed (current, maximum and average), distance (total and for given trip) and time.
Velo 7 has a screen size that is larger than the conventional bike computer screen and this feature makes reading easier. The set up is pretty easy too, with no unnecessary complications as it comes with pre-programmed tire sizes. The battery has a duration span of as long as three years. All of these features give an advanced feel to basic biking.
Cateye Velo 9
Lezyne Mini GPS
The Lezyne Mini GPS is the smallest cycling computer available on the market today. But don’t let its size fool you. Unlike many of its counterparts with comparable (but still bigger) size and price, it has built-in GPS.
Therefore, it doesn’t require an iOS or Android phone to track, and can store up to 100 hours of accurate GPS data inside.
You can still connect it to the smartphone via Bluetooth if you want more functionality and better integration with cycling apps. It’s wireless connectivity also allows you to use devices like power meters and heart rate monitors.
The body is encompassed in a high-quality aluminium frame, battery is rechargeable.
Lezyne Mega XL
This Lezyne computer has Mega XL in its name for a reason. The screen is the largest we have seen in a device like that. With this model, viewing is possible in either portrait or landscape mode.
The computer is ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart equipped – so it’s compatible with virtually any external monitoring device like power meter. It operates a comprehensive mapping system that offers full navigation details at each turn of the way.
The Lezyne Mega XL cycling computer is waterproof, so now, there’s no way the storm can stop you. Besides Strava integration it also works with Training Peaks and Today’s plan. The battery life is also impressive – whopping 48 hours.
Garmin Edge 530
Garmin Edge 530 is a very substantial upgrade to the manufacturer’s cycling computer family – it’s much faster than previous models. Its medium-sized screen allows for easy reading. The battery sustains for up to 20 hours, which is standard for Garmin, and it can draw an extra 40 hours of power from the Garmin Charge power pack.
The Connect IQ Store provides numerous different apps that can feature on the Edge computer.
The device is pretty similar to the Garmin Edge 520. It offers the same features as the group tracking and when paired with a smartphone, it gives off the Varia rearview radar and lights to create awareness of your presence and be able to see the neighbors along your route.