Best cycling computers 2024: GPS units for routing and training
The best cycling computers can enhance your ride, whether that is by helping you explore new routes or by allowing you to train more effectively.
Best cycling computers 2024: Jump Menu
The best cycling computers give you access to huge amounts of data from your ride and allow you to navigate flawlessly across unknown terrain. If these features aren't of interest to you, cheaper units will still track your ride for uploading to apps like Strava or simply record it for your memories.
The computers will usually connect to your smartphone for added functionality, such as messaging or calls, as well as other devices like heart rate monitors and power meters. Some units offer a touchscreen for easy control whereas others use buttons that are more convenient when wearing gloves.
More advice on which features to look out for and what to consider when buying a computer is offered at the end of the article, but first have a look at our choice of the best cycling computers.
The quick list
Best overall
Best overall
The Karoo 2 has a large, high-resolution touchscreen that is responsive and easy to read. It uses an Android operating system and so benefits from an intuitive design and regular updates.
Best for training
Best for training tools
Solar charging helps increase the battery life of the Edge 1040, and there is an impressive array of metrics and data recorded to get stuck into. Not cheap though, and requires peripherals like an HRM and power meter to get the most from it.
Best app
Best smartphone integration
Buttons rather than a touchscreen operate the Roam, which will be a pro to some users and a con to others. Training and navigating functions are done well, but battery life could be better.
Best budget
Best for those on a budget
The minimalist Garmin Edge 130 Plus does the basics well, and will be ideal for a lot of riders. Button controls and a sharp screen make it easy to use, and set-up is simple too.
Best value overall
Best value overall
With a color screen, loads of features and clear navigation, Wahoo's Elmnt Bolt is a pleasure to use. Battery life is good and the app makes setting the device up very easy.
Best value for navigation
Best value for navigation
Aimed more at navigation than training, the Edge Explore 2 lacks certain functions such as Strava Live, but it can still be used with a power meter, etc. It is significantly cheaper than some options too, so well worth considering.
Best cycling computers
The best cycling computer
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Now owned by SRAM, Hammerhead makes the Karoo 2, which works a bit differently from other cycling computers, with the ease of use and responsiveness of a smartphone that other cycling computers can't match.
That starts with an Android operating system rather than something proprietary and Hammerhead releases regular updates to its software, so it's likely to be futureproof. It's also more fully integrated with your smartphone.
The touchscreen is also much more smartphone-like. We found it super-responsive and you can pinch to zoom and, like a smartphone, navigate quickly between screens via shortcuts. The Karoo 2 is also quick to charge via its USB C port.
Read more: Hammerhead Karoo 2 full review
The best cycling computer for training
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The ability to charge the Edge 1040 Solar via the sun is quite the attention grabber. Garmin says the Power Glass™ solar charging extends battery life up to 42 minutes per hour in battery saver mode, giving you up to 45 hours of battery life in what it describes as "demanding use cases" and up to 100 hours in battery saver mode.
It's worth noting that this is based on an assumption of continuous 75,000 lux conditions during daytime rides. Essentially that means consistently bright sunshine that you may well enjoy during summer rides but, depending on where you live, are less likely to experience during the cooler seasons. Naturally, your expectations should match the amount of cloud cover.
The Garmin Edge 1040 Solar also features a revamped user interface that we found to be far easier to navigate than other Garmin models. The home page features customizable data fields so you can easily scroll through your recent activity history, training schedule, weather forecast and more. You can also view data such as your recovery time using the 'glances' feature.
Other interesting features include the Power Guide, which generates a pacing strategy for your chosen route to help you best manage your efforts. Naturally, all this tech doesn't come cheap, but if you're after an all-singing, all-dancing cycling computer you're unlikely to be disappointed.
Read more: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar first ride
The best integration with smartphone app
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Wahoo Elemnt Roam brings what we know and love from the Elemnt Bolt into a slightly larger format. Function and compatibility-wise, the Roam covers all the basics as well as phone communication alerts, live tracking, and structured training, to name but a few.
It's the best rival for the more pricey Garmin Edge 830, but doesn't get a touchscreen, which is actually a benefit for some riders who ride in wet weather and find this feature far from ideal. The three main control buttons are well-sited at the bottom of the unit's face; they are large and were easier for us to use than the small side-mounted buttons of many cycling GPSs.
The battery isn't as long-lasting as some of the other computers' claimed times, but it's a handful of extra hours over the Bolt.
Read more: Wahoo Elemnt Roam full review
The best budget cycling computer
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
We know that this buyer's guide is looking very much like a 'Best Garmin Cycling Computer Guide', but it just goes to show the brand's domination in the field, with the Garmin Edge 130 Plus no exception, having gained a Cycling Weekly Editor's Choice Award.
The Edge 130 Plus is stripped back and simple, yet a very capable cycling computer. Using buttons instead of a touchscreen, we thought it was easy to set up and changing data fields is a breeze to do, even on the fly.
It can pair with ANT+ and Bluetooth accessories like heart rate monitors, cadence sensors and the best power meters. It is a device that would suit those who want to push their performance, chase Strava Live segments and train, but who don't need the top-end features offered at higher prices.
Read more: Garmin Edge 130 Plus full review
The best value
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
We are big fans of Wahoo's cycle computers for their ease of setup and bombproof software.
The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt has received an upgrade with more memory and a color screen. It's still button-operated rather than its 2.2" screen being touch-sensitive, but the buttons are now convex for easier operation, particularly when wearing gloves.
Set-up, pairing to a smartphone and configuration remain super-easy though and data is clear and legible. The LED array can help guide you too, although we didn't find it very useful.
Mapping and route management have been upgraded as well and there's clear turn-by-turn navigation and plenty of onboard map coverage without needing to download more basemaps. Navigation can be hit-and-miss though in our experience.
Other features include structured workouts, Strava Live integration and multisport handovers, as well as the newly-added Summit Climbs that give you a gradient profile for a pre-mapped route. Battery life is around 15 hours and there's quick USB-C charging.
Read more: Wahoo Elemnt Bolt V2 full review
The best value cycling computer for navigation
6. Garmin Edge Explore 2
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Edge Explore 2 is a kind of antidote to the all-singing, all-dancing, solar-powered Edge 1040 Solar. It costs less than half as much as the 1040 and it’s aimed at the rider who doesn’t need all the performance metrics or the outdoor structured workouts. There’s also no Strava Live Segments. That said, it will pair with Bluetooth and ANT+ sensors, sync everything with Garmin Connect (via Bluetooth; it doesn’t have WiFi), upload to Strava and other training apps and give you smart notifications, group ride messaging and incident detection - always handy.
If you've been using a heart rate monitor and power meter you'll get 'Highlights' after finishing your ride - a new V02max (if applicable) and recovery time - which feeds into Garmin Connect once synced and adds to your overall fitness data if you're tracking it.
So although navigation is the Edge Explore 2's primary function - and it does it incredibly well - training is by no means neglected.
In testing we found the Edge Explore 2 easy to set up, easy to use, easy to afford (relatively speaking) and ideal for most cyclists most of the time. It doesn't have the largest range of options (only three activity profiles for example) or the latest version of ClimbPro, and it's a shame you don't get an out-front mount in the box, but overall it's a great unit for the money.
Read more: Garmin Edge Explore 2 full review
Good features at a reasonable price
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Bryton Rider 420 is one of the brand's more budget-friendly options. The fully-featured head unit supports every sensor under the sun and provides advanced data metrics like normalized power and TSS.
While it doesn't have a color screen, it can offer turn-by-turn directions, though without a basemap you are just following a black line on a blank screen. Setup can be done on the device itself, or through the companion app, which wasn't a totally intuitive experience for us, but it still works pretty well. Best of all, with a 35-hour battery life, it will outlast most other computers on the market.
With around 77 available data fields, it's comparable to the Garmin Edge 130 or the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt, but it isn't exactly a fair fight as for the price saving you do lose maps and user-friendliness, but if you're on a tight budget, it's a fair price for a functional unit.
Read more: Bryton Rider 420 full review
Best cycling computer for simplicity
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Tested alongside a Garmin Edge 530 , the Cateye Quick mirrored the more powerful unit digit for digit in terms of speed and distance accuracy. Not bad for such a simple and relatively, in the scheme of things, cheap unit.
It’s also easy to read at speed and the out-front position puts it neatly in the field of view. As with all of Cateye’s simple computers, the battery life is measured in years rather than hours.
With the delightful simplicity, you do limit functionality. There isn't any compatibility beyond the wireless speed transmitter and you won't get a record of where you've been as there's no GPS chip on board. But if you are looking for a neat and simple cycling computer and don't need connected features, the Cateye Quick is accurate, reliable, and best of all looks really cool.
Read more: Cateye Quick full review
Best for re-routing
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Although Garmin recently brought out the Edge 840 (which offers improved maps, coaching and solar charging over its previous iteration, the 830), we absolutely loved using the Garmin Edge 830 and were impressed by its design and excellent touchscreen. For those reasons, we added it to the Cycling Weekly's Editor's Choice Awards and, with it no longer being Garmin's latest generation model, fantastic deals can usually be found.
At first glance, it's tricky to tell the difference between the Edge 530 and Edge 830, both have a similar-sized profile and display screens. The biggest deals functionality-wise are that the Garmin Edge 830 gains a touchscreen and you're also able to amend and create a route directly on the unit, while you'll need to sync with your phone or computer with the Edge 530.
With a significant amount of data, capabilities and compatibility, you have a whole suite of analysis at your fingertips, which will probably be more than most bike riders ever need. But if you're the kind of rider who likes to change things up on the fly, it's hard to beat.
Read more: Garmin Edge 830 full review
Best non-solar performance
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
The Edge 1030 Plus extends Garmin's top model's capability off-road. It's the biggest device Garmin makes, but with its black bezel and grey case it is in line appearance-wise with the rest of the Garmin range.
In terms of navigation, Garmin is one of the best in the field. Increased mapping capability is the biggest update on this cycle computer, with detailed maps of your home region coming as standard.
This wireless bike computer features far-improved navigation which includes turn-by-turn directions even off-road, clearer mapping and a much-improved touchscreen that allows you to pinch and zoom the map, just like on a mobile phone, making it possibly the best cycling sat nav out there.
Unusually, setup is one of the highlights and this update also takes its cues from mobile phone tech: via Intelligent Activity Profiles, the 1030 Plus ports across the activity data from your previous Edge 830 or 1030, so no more having to program data fields and no need to ride the bike to make sure it all works properly.
It's exactly like setting up a new iPhone, with the whole process taking less than three minutes rather than half an hour. If you don't have another Garmin unit, it will use data from Garmin Connect. We thought this was the best update from Garmin for quite a while.
Other than its incredible user-friendliness, the Gamin Edge 1030 Plus is overflowing with features and capabilities, from messaging and safety features, to road and off-road navigation and even syncing training plans and receiving nutrition and hydration alerts.
It's an incredibly smart cycle computer, like having a mini coach on your bars every ride, but you do have to pay for the privilege.
Read more: Garmin Edge 1030 Plus full review
Best mid-range
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Anyone wanting to join the data squad with a Garmin, but struggling to justify the expense of the high-end versions will be pleased to know that the Edge 530 mirrors the Garmin Edge 830, but without the added expense of the touchscreen, which for some, including our reviewer, is no bad thing. It's no longer the latest model, Garmin released the latest iteration, the Edge 540, in the spring, which means there are often discounts on the 530.
The buttons and system set-up aren't quite as good as the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt, but considering it packs all the performance of the larger Edge 830 and most of the Edge 1030, it's a highly desirable cycling computer.
For size and functionality, it's hard to find anything on the market that's quite as good.
Read more: Garmin Edge 530 full review
ADVICE
Buyer's guide to the best cycling computers
What features can I expect from an entry level non-GPS cycling computer?
The most basic cycle computers are generally available for about the cost of a takeout lunch, (or even cheaper if you do a bit of shopping around). Of course, for this sort of money your computer isn't going to be packed full of functionality.
The very cheapest bike computers will measure the basics such as your speed and cadence (and from these calculate things like your average speed and average cadence), taking these figures from speed and cadence sensors located on the bike frame, to which they are connected using wires.
Pay a little bit more, and you can upgrade to a wireless cycling computer, which will connect to your speed and cadence sensors without the need for having unsightly wires running all over your frame. These sorts of computers are probably the best option if you're on a budget and aren't worried about uploading your rides to Strava or doing any serious, structured training.
In general, just less than a triple-figure price tag will give you even more choice cycling computer-wise, and they will begin to offer more functionality, although in general, unless you get one of a deal, it's unlikely that these models will go quite as far as being a true GPS enabled unit.
What features can I expect from entry level GPS cycling computers?
An entry-level GPS unit will be great for getting you going with tracking your rides, and possibly other features. You can often find bundle deals with a heart rate monitor and/or cadence sensor, which might push the price up slightly, but work out more cost-effective than buying items separately.
At this price point, manufacturers prioritize ease of use, small size and low weight – usually well below 3.5oz/ 100g.
The GPS unit will typically track your ride statistics such as distance, time, speed and lap times but will not provide navigation. Most units will pause automatically when you stop moving and resume when you restart and provide ANT+ connectivity for external sensors.
Ride data is typically displayed in two or three rows on a black and white screen. There may be the option to specify which data items and how many rows are displayed, but one of the selling points of these devices is that you turn them on and start cycling without needing to delve into complex configuration options, so personalization tends not to be a priority.
The GPS may also allow you to set alerts when you have reached a target value such as having ridden for a pre-specified time. You can get virtual competitor functions so that you can see how well you are doing compared to previous rides of the same route.
What features will I find on a mid-range GPS cycling computer?
Spend a bit more and you will start to get additional functionality in your GPS. Mid-level units can often come bundled in with a heart rate monitor or cadence sensor, but will also have a high level of compatibility, so will be capable of displaying and tracking data from existing hardware you have, including any power data.
A mid-range unit will usually be larger with a bigger screen which can display more data, often in color. Data storage capacity will probably also increase. The unit may be controlled by buttons or a touchscreen, and many mid-range units add mapping and navigation functionality. Some will have basemaps preinstalled, or that can be downloaded while others may only support breadcrumb trails.
Because of how GPS satellite triangulation works, altitude data calculated from GPS is less accurate than positional data. Thus higher-spec units will often add a barometric altimeter to increase recording accuracy for height and rate of ascent.
Many mid-range units now include Bluetooth synchronization to a smartphone, meaning your computer will show you calls and texts on screen, and other data from the phone, such as weather alerts. Some computers send data back to the phone, so it can transmit ride progress data to the internet, where people you allow can view it, and let you upload your rides without the need for a USB cable.
What features can I expect to find on a high-end GPS bike computer?
The arms race in high-end cycle computers continues and manufacturers seem to be announcing new top-of-the-range features every few months. These products come in at almost half the price of a decent road bike or more, weigh up to 7oz/ 200g and may come packaged with a heart rate monitor strap and a cadence sensor.
At this price point, you should expect a color touchscreen, mapping, turn-by-turn navigation, and advanced training features and integration. This may include WiFi connectivity for data transfer, route suggestions, and the ability to share a route with your ride companions.
These higher-end computers are likely to have integration with other devices and applications. Most will connect to electronic drivetrains for gear information, show Strava Live Segments and allow for workouts to be synced directly from third-party apps like TrainingPeaks or Today's Plan.
There was a time when battery life was an issue on these computers with their large screens, but now you can expect about 20-hours of run time. These higher-end units will all have access to multiple positional satellite constellations like the Russian GLONASS, Chinese BeiDou, and the EU's Galileo network.
How can I use a bike computer to analyze my ride data?
Even basic cycling GPS units allow you to download data post-ride to the manufacturer’s ride recording site and phone app. These apps support ride analysis, training plans and social interaction, although the quality of the functionality and user interface varies. But you can then upload your data to Strava, Training Peaks or other third-party sites if the manufacturer's site falls short.
Analysis options will be richer, of course, if you have used peripheral devices such as a cadence sensor or power meter to capture extra data.
What are the best alternatives to a cycling computer?
If you don’t want to buy a cycling-specific GPS, other options are available. Modern smartphones will have a GPS chip built into them. This may not be as precise as the chip in a dedicated cycling GPS but should still allow you to track your position with reasonable accuracy. You can log your rides using a smartphone app like Strava, with the best smartphone apps offering much of the functionality of a basic computer.
You can either put your phone in a pocket or buy a phone mount that attaches to your bars or stem, like a Quadlock or Rokform phone mount. Both are good examples of how to mount your phone on the handlebars safely.
If you use your phone beware of water, as many are not water-resistant. Battery life may be an issue too, especially if you want to use your phone’s display to see your data while you ride.
If you are going to carry your phone, another option is to use its GPS capability to collect ride data, which is transmitted via Bluetooth to a bar-mounted display unit, like the Cateye Padrone.
This allows you to keep your phone out of the way and turn off the screen whilst still being able to see ride statistics. Display units will usually also show data collected from peripheral devices via ANT or Bluetooth.
GPS-enabled sports watches are also popular among triathletes and mountain bikers. Our page on the best smartwatches for cycling gives you the full lowdown on wearable fitness trackers that are great when riding.
These allow you to track activity across different sports and many allow connection to peripheral devices and include navigation too. Some come with a bar mount so that you can use the watch attached to the bike or on your wrist.
How we test
Cycling Weekly has a team of testers with vast experience in testing bikes, components, clothing and accessories across a wide range of prices and spec levels, so they know bikes and tech inside out and have the experience to know what makes a great cycling product.
Our experience means that you'll have a consistent, in-depth viewpoint, which is reflected in our product scoring. You can find out more on our How We Test page.
When it comes to testing the best cycling computers we log plenty of miles both outdoors and on the turbo to assess their performance. We take into consideration a range of factors, including how easy they are to set up and use and the variety of functions they offer, both as navigational and training tools, as well as practical considerations like battery life, charge time, resistance to weather and of course value for money.
Cycling computers in summary
You can trust Cycling Weekly.
However much you want to spend and however much data you decide to record, a GPS unit will enhance your ride by leaving you a permanent record of where you have ridden, when and how fast.
It will give you the option to delve further into your performance and the tools to improve and broaden your cycling experience. You will be able to share ride data with friends, compete against others and improve on your personal bests.
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Hannah is Cycling Weekly’s longest-serving tech writer, having started with the magazine back in 2011. She has covered all things technical for both print and digital over multiple seasons representing CW at spring Classics, and Grand Tours and all races in between.
Hannah was a successful road and track racer herself, competing in UCI races all over Europe as well as in China, Pakistan and New Zealand.
For fun, she's ridden LEJOG unaided, a lap of Majorca in a day, won a 24-hour mountain bike race and tackled famous mountain passes in the French Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites and Himalayas.
She lives just outside the Peak District National Park near Manchester UK with her partner, daughter and a small but beautifully formed bike collection.
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