The Best Bike Computer 2024

The best bike computer for cycling can greatly enhance your ride. It will help you explore new routes with advanced positioning navigation function. It also allow you to train more efficiently by offering access to huge amounts of sport data from your ride. Event a basic bike computer for beginners will still track your ride for loading to apps like Strava or simply record it for your memories.

Most bike computers in the market will usually connect to your smartphone for expanded functionality like receiving messages or calls, monitoring heart rate and measuring power. Some devices come with a touchscreen for easy control when riding.  Here we’d like to introduce the best bike computer for your options.

The Garmin Edge 1040 Solar

The Garmin Edge 1040 Solar is a cutting-edge bike computer designed for advanced cyclists who need top-tier features and endurance. Equipped with solar charging, the 1040 Solar boasts a remarkable battery life of up to 100 hours in power-saver mode, making it perfect for long rides and multi-day adventures. Its multi-band GPS ensures pinpoint accuracy, even in dense environments like forests or urban areas, while offering global navigation capabilities via GPS, Glonass, and Galileo systems.

Key features include:

ClimbPro for real-time gradient information on upcoming climbs.

Cycling dynamics to track performance metrics like power output, cadence, and advanced training tools.

Touchscreen and button interface, with a responsive 3.5-inch color display for easy navigation.

Health tracking features such as heart rate, VO2 max, and training load insights.

Integration with smart trainers for indoor cycling sessions, and Wi-Fi connectivity for syncing rides and maps.

The Garmin Edge 1040 Solar is ideal for those looking for a premium device that combines solar energy, top navigation tools, and advanced training metrics.

Wahoo Elemnt Bolt v2

The Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt V2 is a compact, GPS-enabled bike computer designed for performance-focused cyclists. Known for its sleek design and aerodynamics, the Bolt V2 comes with advanced features while maintaining simplicity and ease of use.

Key Features:

High-contrast Color Display: A 2.2-inch screen with 64 colors for clear visibility in all lighting conditions.

Easy Setup: The companion app allows for quick configuration, route planning, and syncing.

Detailed Mapping: Pre-loaded global maps with turn-by-turn navigation, plus rerouting capabilities if you go off course.

Battery Life: Up to 15 hours of usage on a single charge.

Integrated Mount: The aerodynamic design helps reduce drag, making it ideal for performance cycling.

Wireless Syncing: Connects with sensors via ANT+ and Bluetooth and syncs routes, workouts, and data wirelessly.

Live Tracking and Notifications: Stay connected with real-time alerts, text messages, and call notifications during rides.

Its user-friendly interface, along with LED indicators for quick glance updates on your performance, makes the ELEMNT Bolt V2 a favorite among cyclists looking for a balance between advanced features and ease of use.

Cateye Bike Computers

Cateye offers a range of bike computers that cater to different needs, from basic models to more advanced options, from wireless models to wired computers.  The Cateye Padrone Smart+ is an advanced bike computer designed to sync with smartphones and external sensors to deliver a more connected cycling experience. It retains the large display and simplicity of the regular Padrone but adds more features thanks to Bluetooth connectivity.

Key Features:

Smartphone Pairing: The Padrone Smart+ connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone, allowing you to access GPS-based data like route tracking and navigation through the Cateye Cycling app.

Notifications: Displays text messages, calls, and email notifications from your phone on the bike computer screen, so you can stay connected while riding.

Fitness Tracking: When paired with compatible sensors, it can display heart rate, cadence, and power data. This makes it useful for cyclists looking to monitor their training metrics.

Large Display: Like the original Padrone, the Smart+ features a big, easy-to-read display, ideal for quick glances while cycling.

Battery Life: The unit uses a coin cell battery and lasts for several months before needing a replacement. However, it’s not rechargeable, which some users might find inconvenient.

Navigation: While it doesn’t have onboard GPS, it relies on your smartphone for navigation, making it a budget-friendly alternative to standalone GPS units.

The Padrone Smart+ is perfect for riders who prefer a minimalistic bike computer but want to add smart connectivity for a more feature-rich experience. It’s a great choice for cyclists who already carry their smartphone but want the added convenience of displaying stats and notifications on a larger screen.

Bryton Bike Computer

Bryton bike computers are known for being feature-packed yet affordable alternatives to brands like Garmin and Wahoo. They offer a range of models that cater to different cycling needs, from casual riders to advanced athletes.

Bryton Rider 750

Touchscreen: A 2.8-inch color touchscreen with a user-friendly interface.

GPS Navigation: Provides turn-by-turn navigation with online voice search. It supports multiple GNSS (GPS, Galileo, Glonass, etc.) for improved accuracy.

ANT+/Bluetooth Connectivity: Syncs with heart rate monitors, power meters, and other sensors.

Battery Life: Up to 20 hours.

iGPSPORT iGS800 Bike Computer

The iGPSPORT iGS800 is a feature-packed bike computer designed for serious cyclists who want advanced data tracking, navigation, and long battery life without the high price of premium brands like Garmin. Here's a breakdown of its key features:

Key Features:

2.4-inch Color Display: The iGS800 comes with a high-contrast, color LCD screen that provides clear visuals of your data in various lighting conditions.

Multi-GNSS Navigation: It supports GPS, BeiDou, Galileo, and Glonass, offering reliable navigation and precise positioning, even in challenging environments like dense urban areas or forests.

Advanced Metrics: The iGS800 tracks a range of cycling metrics, including speed, distance, time, cadence, elevation, heart rate and power data.

Mapping and Route Planning: You can upload GPX files for turn-by-turn navigation and see real-time route guidance, ideal for cyclists exploring unfamiliar terrain.

ANT+ and Bluetooth: It supports both ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing seamless connection with external sensors (heart rate monitors, cadence sensors, power meters) and smart trainers for indoor training.

Battery Life: The iGS800 boasts an impressive up to 30 hours of battery life, which is competitive for long rides and multi-day events.

App Integration: It syncs with the iGPSPORT app for detailed post-ride analysis and also supports third-party apps like Strava and TrainingPeaks.

The iGS800 is great for cyclists who need a cost-effective alternative to higher-end GPS bike computers, especially those who value navigation and long battery life. It's well-suited for touring, road cycling, and even indoor training setups due to its sensor compatibility.

This bike computer offers a lot of advanced features without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious cyclists who still want high-end functionality.