The best cycle computers for 2019: a buyer’s guide

It’s rare to see a cyclist riding without a cycle computer on their handlebars these days. However, all units are not created equal – so which are the best cycle computers?

At their lowest, cycle computers start from below £20, but they can cost up to £450 – as you can expect, the available features differ dramatically.

If you just want to know how far you cycled and how fast, a basic unit may be appropriate. It will be smaller, lighter and usually have a longer battery life than a pricier option.

>>> Best apps for cyclists: Android and iPhone apps 

Mapping and navigation functionality usually means you will need a larger and more expensive unit, with a much more sophisticated display. Those interested in collecting other data – heart rate, pedalling cadence and power – will need connectivity to peripheral data collection devices.

>>> Power meters: everything you need to know

Gone are the days of cables and wires. Even for the more modestly priced GPS unit wireless capabilities generally come as standard, and most computers now use Bluetooth Smart as well as ANT+ to connect external devices.

>>> Should you use your phone as a cycling computer?

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Best cycling computers 2019

Here’s our pick of the best cycle computers. With each product is a ‘Buy Now’ or ‘Best Deal’ link. If you click on this then we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer when you purchase the item. This doesn’t affect the amount you pay.

Cateye Velo Wireless cycle computer

Read more: Cateye Velo Wireless computer review

• What it does: basic easy to use wireless bike computer to capture accurate ride data
• RRP: £34.99 Review score: 9/10
• Pros: simple, good value Cons: no backlight on screen

The Cateye Velo Wireless computer won’t do anything special, but pair it with the supplied speed sensor and it will cover off the basics like distance covered and average speed, and even give an estimate of your calorie consumption.

Buy the Cateye Velo Wireless computer now from Evans Cycles from £34.99

Buy the Cateye Velo Wireless computer now from Amazon for $44.06

Also available at Amazon

Lezyne Mini GPS GPS cycling computer

Read more: Lezyne Mini GPS cycling computer review

• What it does: GPS device, tracks distance, speed, elevation and time
• RRP: £109.99 Review score: 8/10
• Pros: small, easy to use Cons: No Bluetooth or Ant+

Much like the Garmin Edge 20/25, the Lezyne Mini GPS is absolutely tiny. It’s not quite as advanced as the Garmin Edge 25 as it doesn’t feature ANT+ or Bluetooth connectivity, which means you can’t measure heart rate or cadence. However, it is capable of measuring the basics, including distance, speed, time, average speed, temperature and time of day.

One area that the Lezyne Mini GPS does excel in is its customisability, and you can change the screen to show up to four data fields.

Buy the Lezyne Mini GPS cycling computer now from ProBikeKit for £73.49

Buy the Lezyne Mini GPS cycling computer now from Amazon for $79.99

Also available at Amazon

Garmin Edge 25 GPS cycling computer

Read more: Garmin Edge 25 cycling computer review

• What it does: GPS device, tracks distance, speed, time, elevation and heart rate and cadence with ANT+ sensors
• RRP: £139.99 Review score: 9/10
• Pros: minimalist, easy set-up Cons: short battery life, some could prefer bigger screen

The Garmin Edge 25 is one up from the bottom of Garmin’s GPS range, but it is probably the best basic option for new riders as it will connect with a heart rate monitor.

Impressively, it can connect to both standard GPS and the more accurate GLONASS satellite, and despite its size, it doesn’t skimp on connectivity – featuring both ANT+ and Bluetooth.

Buy the Garmin Edge 25 cycling computer now from Chain Reaction Cycles £83.49

Buy the Garmin Edge 25 cycling computer now from Amazon for $169.99

Also available at Amazon

Garmin Edge 130 GPS cycling computer

Read more: Garmin Edge 130 review

• What it does: GPS. Tracks distance, speed, time, elevation and heart rate and cadence with ANT+ sensors. Basic courses and routes and smartphone connectivity
• RRP: £149.99 Review score: 9/10
• Pros: good size, easy to read screen, buttons responsive Cons: navigation could be more user friendly

The Edge 130 is stripped back and simple, yet a very capable cycling computer.

Using buttons instead of a touchscreen, it’s easy to set up and changing data fields is a breeze to do, and is even possible on the fly.

It can pair with ANT+ and Bluetooth accessories such as heart rate monitors, cadence sensors and power meters. It is a device that would suit those who want to push their performance, chase Strava Live segments and train but don’t need the top-end features offered at greater prices.

Buy now: Garmin Edge 130 at Wiggle for £169.99

USA buy now: Garmin Edge 130 at Amazon $199.99

Wahoo Elemnt Bolt

Read more: Wahoo Elemnt Bolt review

• What it does: Integrates with smartphone app for turn by turn navigation, bluetooth communication for text/call alerts, speed/distance/time/elevation, plus aerodynamic claims
• RRP: £199.99 Review score: 10/10
• Pros: aerodynamic, good battery life, comes with maps Cons: requires smartphone, lights don’t show in daylight

We rate Wahoo’s devices very highly, largely for their ease of setup and great software. The Elemnt Bolt’s USP is its aerodynamic body, which claims to be 50% more slippery than others on the market.

The data screens are all set up via a Smartphone, so you can’t be without one if you plan to invest in this unit. Happily, the app is very good and we found it to be really user friendly – though the readability of the mapping left a little to be desired.

UK buy now: Wahoo Elemnt Bolt at Wiggle for £189.99

Also available at Amazon

Lezyne Super GPS

Read more: Lezyne Super GPS review

• What it does: GPS. Tracks distance, speed, elevation and time, Strava live segments, ANT+ heart rate, cadence and power sensors, mapping and turbo by turn navigation, works with electronic drivetrain
• RRP: £199.99 Review score: 8/10
• Pros: value for money, good accompanying app Cons: no mount included, navigation tough to use

The Lezyne Super GPS is standout because of its astonishing value for money. For a fraction of the cost of a Garmin you get all the same connectivity and training features.

The savings are made in the design, but the Lezyne Super GPS is perfectly functional and the black and white screen and buttons just serve to boost battery life. It’s not as slick as Wahoo’s but the Lezyne device can also be set up via its companion app.

Buy now: Lezyne Super GPS at ProBikeKit for £83.29

Buy now: Lezyne Super GPS at Amazon for $149.99 

Also available at Amazon

Mio Cycle 210

Read more: Mio Cyclo 210 GPS Cycle Computer review 

• What it does: GPS with speed/distance/ time etc, with navigation wizard on board for satnav style navigation. Strava connectivity, but no heart rate or power data connectivity
• RRP: £199.99 Review score: 8/10
• Pros: Good touchscreen and graphics Cons: Bulky

Getting started with the Mio Cyclo 210 is very easy: turn it on and you have just six menu options and configuring screens is easy.

The model includes a Navigate function which is detailed, accurate and easy to use, and includes many footpaths and bridleways as well as roads.

You don’t get connectivity to peripheral devices, although the MioShare app lets you manage your stats on a computer and automatically upload your data to Strava.

Polar V650 GPS Bike Computer

 

• What it does: GPS, OpenStreetMap, route guidance, smart coaching feedback and power and HR data via Bluetooth. Customisable screen, with indoor, mtb and road profiles. Barometer with real time VAM and sensor compatibility and Strava live Segments
• RRP: £189.50

The Polar V650 GPS Bike Computer packs a lot of features in for it’s £189.50 price tag. GPS navigation uses OpenStreetMap and allows for routes to be uploaded, with guidance. Smart coaching provides feedback immediately after rides, and also calculates training load and rest requirements.

Compatible with power, specifically Training Peaks, Rotor, Stages and Strava, including Strava Live, heart rate data and other sensors via Bluetooth Smart. The fully customisable 2.8″ colour touch screen, allows your to see only the data you need from either indoor, mtb and road rides.

Garmin Edge 520 GPS cycling computer

Read more: Garmin Edge 520 GPS cycling computer review

• What it does: GPS. Tracks distance, speed, time, elevation and heart rate and cadence with ANT+ sensors. Basic courses and routes and smartphone connectivity, tracks FTP with power meter, basic courses/routes
• RRP: £239.99 Review score: 9/10
• Pros: Lots of metrics, fitness tracking, good screen size Cons: Basemap limited for navigation

The Garmin Edge 520 really kickstarts Garmin’s bonafide training devices. It’s capable of measuring your Vo2 Max, conducting FTP training and much more. It’ll also assess your riding and give you recovery times based on your efforts – and it includes Strava segment tracking.

You can also upload routes from Strava or Garmin Connect, although it can’t create routes on the device itself. In many ways, it’s similar to the Garmin Edge 820, although it’s better because it doesn’t have the buggy touchscreen.

Buy now: Garmin Edge 520 at Wiggle for £149

USA Buy now: Garmin Edge 520 GPS cycling computer now from Amazon for $218.99

Wahoo Elemnt cycling computer

• What it does: Pairs with a smartphone app for integrated GPS, all settings etc controlled via the app. Strava live segments, LiveTracking, turn by turn navigation, LED indicators when zones exceeded etc, electronic shifting integration
• RRP: £249.99

The Wahoo Elemnt is the older sibling of the Elemnt Bolt. It still relies on the use of the Wahoo companion app, but that makes the setup very easy as it’s all done on the smartphone.

It can pair with all ANT+ and Bluetooth devices, and Wahoo has a series of pre-planned sessions loaded on the computer.

UK buy now: Wahoo Elemnt cycling computer at Chain Reaction Cycles for £249.99

USA buy now: Wahoo Elemnt cycling computer at Amazon for $329.82

Garmin Edge 1000 GPS

Read more: Garmin Edge 1000: Long term review 

• What it does: GPS. Tracks distance, speed, time, elevation and heart rate and cadence with ANT+/Bluetooth sensors. Basic courses and routes, tracks FTP with power meter, smart phone connectivity, basic courses/routes
• RRP: £499.99 Review score: 8/10
• Pros: Improved screen, easy to use, lots of data screens Cons: Expensive, battery life short, navigation on the fly poor

The Garmin Edge 1000 is aimed at competition and navigation. It comes with in-ride challenges and connected features, with preloaded maps, turn by turn navigation and even address search features.

When paired with your smartphone and the Garmin Connect Mobile app, Edge 1000 offers a suite of connected features, including live tracking, incoming call and text alerts, social media sharing, weather, wireless uploads and the sending/receiving of courses and segments.

Garmin Edge 1030 GPS cycling computer

Read more: Garmin Edge 1030 review

• What it does: As per 1000, plus rider to rider messaging, Preloaded Garmin Cycle Maps (and turn by turn navigation) Battery pack option.
• RRP: £499.99 Review score: 8/10
• Pros: Lots of metrics, fitness tracking, good screen size Cons: Basemap limited for navigation

You name it and the Edge 1030 can do it, offering everything from comprehensive mapping, to data analysis, all the way through to the ability to see communicate with electronic groupsets and even other Garmin Edge 1030 devices.

While it does perform better than the Edge 820, it’s a shame to see the touchscreen (and some of the related software bugs) be carried over to the 1030. Ultimately, it’s probably suited best to those who race, and the rest of us are better served with a Wahoo or the Garmin Edge 130.

UK buy now: Garmin Edge 1030 at Wiggle for £449.99

USA buy now: Garmin Edge 1030 at Amazon for $599.99

Also available at Amazon

What to expect from cycling computers under £100

The most basic cycle computers are generally available from about £15 (or even cheaper if you do a bit of shopping around). Of course, for this sort of money your cycle computer isn’t going to be packed full of functionality.

The very cheapest cycle computers will measure the basics such as your speed and cadence (and from these calculate things like your averages 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 (from about £30) and you can upgrade to a wireless cycle 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.

Between £50-£100 there are a lot of different cycle computers that begin to offer a bit more functionality, but still can’t quite go as far as being a true cycling GPS unit.

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Watch: what are training zones?

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In general you’ve got two different types of cycle computer that sit in this price range. First off you’ve got units that are similar to cheaper models, but offer a little more functionality, such as the ability to connect with a heart rate strap using Bluetooth or another wireless protocol, which will allow you to do more serious training and to calculate the calories that you’ve burned.

The other option is a so-called “smart” cycle computer. These computers not only connect with bike sensors using Bluetooth, but can also connect with your smartphone to use your phone’s GPS function. This means that you can use them as GPS computers, tracking your ride to upload it to Strava when you get home. Just make sure your phone is fully charged when you leave the house.

What to expect from cycling computers GPS cycling computers around £100

An entry-level GPS unit will typically be priced just over £100, although if it is bundled with a heart rate monitor and/or cadence sensor the price will be higher. At this price point, manufacturers prioritise ease of use, small size and low weight – usually well below 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+ peripheral connectivity.

>>> 15 best cycling apps for iPhone and Android

Ride data is typically displayed in two or three rows of monochrome text. 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 personalisation 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 may get virtual competitor functions, so that you can see how well you are doing compared to previous rides of the same route.

What to expect from cycling computers GPS cycling computers around £200

Spend a bit more and you will start to get additional functionality in your GPS. Mid-level units typically come in around the £200 range and above – again increased if bundled with a heart rate monitor or cadence sensor.

A mid-range unit will usually be larger with a larger screen which can display more data, often in colour. Data storage capacity will probably also increase. The unit may be controlled by buttons or a touchscreen. Many mid-range units add mapping and navigation functionality. You can buy GPSs which major on this functionality, although others still just support breadcrumb trails.

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Because of the way in which GPS satellite triangulation works, altitude data calculated from GPS is less accurate than positional data. Thus higher spec GPSs will often add a barometric altimeter to increase recording accuracy for height and rate of ascent.

Many mid-range units now include Bluetooth synchronisation to a smartphone. This allows alerts to be displayed on the GPS when an incoming call, text or e-mail is received. Other data from the phone, such as weather conditions, may also be displayed on the GPS. Some cycle 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 needing to connect to a computer.

What to expect from cycling computers GPS cycling computers over £300

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 halo products come in at £400 or more and weigh around 100 – 120 grams. Most will come packaged with a heart rate monitor strap and a cadence sensor.

At this price point, you should expect a colour touchscreen, mapping, turn-by-turn navigation and many connectivity features. This may include WiFi connectivity for data transfer, route suggestions and ability to share a route with your ride companions. Some are adding Strava-like segment functionality. There’s often a microSD slot to allow you to store data on your GPS beyond that which can be held by the internal storage.

Expect more integration with other devices and applications in future such as Shimano’s Di2 to allow control of the unit without taking your hands off the bars and Strava to give you segment information.

With their large displays and rich functionality, battery life can be an issue with some top-end units. Once the EU’s Galileo GPS satellites are commissioned, it is likely that devices will become available which use this GPS system too, potentially putting further strain on the battery.

Cycling computer connectivity and analysis

Even basic cycling GPS units allow you to download data post-ride to the manufacturer’s ride recording site. These sites support ride analysis, training plans and social interaction, as well as upload to Strava, Training Peaks or other third party sites.

Manufacturers’ sites vary in sophistication and user friendliness. Analysis options will be richer, of course, if you have used peripheral devices such as a cadence sensor to capture extra data.

The alternatives to cycle computers

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 accurate as the chip in a dedicated cycling GPS but should still allow you to track your position with reasonable accuracy. You can download free activity tracking apps from the Apple Store or Google Play to log your rides. There are many of these such as MapMyRide and Endomondo, although the most popular of the lot is Strava.

>>> Best smartwatches for cyclists

You can either put your phone in a pocket or buy a mount which attaches to your bars or stem. These normally have a clear plastic zip up sleeve on top, so that you can see your data as you ride. If you use your phone beware of water, as most 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. 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.

>>> Rokform phone mount review

For those triathletes among you, a GPS enabled sports watch may be a better option. These allow you to track activity across different sports and may allow ANT+ connection to peripheral devices too. Most come with a bar mount, so that you can use the watch attached to the bike or on your wrist.

Our latest GPS watch reviews

Garmin Epix

Score: 8

Price: £419.99

With a price tag north of £400 you should expect a lot from the Garmin Epix watch, and that’s what it delivers, offering all the conceivable data that any multi-sport athlete could ever want.

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer level of functionality on offer, but once you get the hang of it, the touchscreen is easy to use and the amount of data at your disposal should help to make you a better athlete.

Read our full review of the Garmin Epix watch here

Buy now from Amazon for £333.74 / $368.44 from Amazon US

Polar V800

Score: 7

Price: £349.50

The Polar V800 is more than just a sports watch, it is also designed to double as an activity tracker, meaning that it send you reminders when you’ve been sat behind your desk for too long.

It’s also great for really serious athletes training day after day as it will track your recovery to help you know when it’s time for a day off.

Read our full review of the Polar V800 GPS watch here

Buy now from Wiggle from £329.99 / Buy now from Amazon for $372.85

Cycle computers in summary

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.