7 Best Bike Computers for Cycling Enthusiasts 2022.
Looking for a bike computer but don’t know where to start? The best bike computers today have many functions. They help you collect important data to track your performance and improve your health.
But what if you don’t need an overwhelmed bike computer and just want a GPS device to ensure you never get lost on the road again? We’ve included both top-tier bike computers for experienced cyclists and simpler options for the cycling enthusiast in this list.
1. Hammerhead Karoo 2
Price: 399 USD
Pros:
Smartphone turned into a bike computer Beautiful bright screen Great integration with other apps Long battery life SIM card slot 28 GB memory for storing your routes and maps
Cons:
High price. Larger and heavier than other bike computers.
Hammerhead’s Karoo 2 is what you’d expect from a 21st century cycling computer. It actually looks more like a bike smartphone. It runs Android OS and has a SIM card slot for data transfer. However, you can still use most of Karoo 2’s features without a SIM card.
The advantage of this bike computer is its beautiful bright screen. Karoo 2 has a high-resolution 3.2-inch display panel that delivers high-quality images. If you love viewing maps and routes while cycling, this computer will take this experience to the next level. And since 28GB of storage is available to download new maps, you don’t have to worry about running out of space on your device. The scratch-resistant anti-glare panel at the top of the screen is the perfect finishing touch, especially if you frequently drive off-road.
Karoo 2 is one of the smartest bike computers with its ability to integrate with various bike apps like Strava, Training Peaks, Ride with GPS, Kamoot and MTB Project. You can sync your routes from these apps with Karoo 2 or download any routes in GPX, FIT, TCZ, KML, KML file formats.
Our verdict: Best overall.
2. Garmin 1030 Edge Plus
Price: $ 599
Pros:
Nice touch screen. Excellent navigation (both on-road and off-road). Good battery life. Quick setup if you have a Garmin device before.
Cons:
More expensive than other bike computers of this level. Takes up a lot of steering wheel space. For best integration, you need to be part of the Garmin ecosystem.
If you have experience with owning Garmin devices, the Garmin 1030 Edge Plus is a great option for you. It’s a versatile bike computer with useful features and an impressive 24-hour battery life.
The 1030 Edge Plus also stands out in the navigation area. It comes preloaded with detailed maps of your home region, as well as the option to download additional maps. The large, bright touchscreen lets you zoom in and out on the map, so you can get step-by-step directions both on and off the road.
However, if you want to get the most out of this bike computer, you need to be part of the Garmin ecosystem. If you’ve previously owned a Garmin bike computer, you can sync all of your data with the 1030 Edge Plus and complete the setup process in minutes. You can also get this data from Garmin Connect.
Unfortunately, the integration won’t be as smooth if you’re not a member of the Garmin ecosystem and prefer third-party apps. In this case, we recommend that you take a look at another bike computer.
Our verdict: finishing second.
3. Garmin Edge 530
Price: $ 249
Pros:
Affordable price. Clear color display. Same performance as the more expensive Garmin Edge 830.
Cons:
No touch screen. Less battery life (up to 20 hours claimed).
Want to join the Garmin Data Team but don’t want to spend money on the 1030 Edge Plus? The Garmin Edge 530 offers all the same basic features as the more expensive 830 and 1030 models, but at an average price. The only big drawback here is the lack of a touchscreen, but if that’s not a problem for you, then the 530 is the best option on the list.
In terms of navigation, you will generally have to stick to pre-planned courses as navigating maps using external buttons can be time consuming and tedious.
Our verdict: the best option.
4. Wahoo Elemnt Bolt
Price: $ 229
Pros:
Convenient customization. Aerodynamic design. Good battery life. Integration with third party applications.
Cons:
No touch screen. You need to connect your Wahoo computer to your smartphone during setup.
The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt is an excellent GPS bike computer suitable for both beginners and advanced riders. Wahoo claims the advantage of this computer is its aerodynamic design and mount. In fact, the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt has more features that make it stand out, like its functionality, long battery life, all at a reasonable price.
Wahoo Elemnt Bolt also has an interesting ‘take me anywhere’ feature where you can use your smartphone to find your destination and then your bike computer will take you there. The only downside to this bike computer is that you need a smartphone to set it up and configure later.
Our verdict: the best mid-range option.
5. Lezyne Mini GPS
Price: $ 99.
Pros:
Low price. Small and simple. Old style design.
Cons:
Expect basic functionality only. Looks chunky.
The Lezyne Mini GPS is the ideal bike computer for those looking for a neat, simple device that doesn’t take up too much space on the bike, and is easy to set up and use.
This computer performs all basic functions such as collecting exercise data (speed, distance, time, altitude, calories, heart rate, etc.) and navigating using the Lezyne smartphone app. It’s compact, lightweight and a great option for those looking for a budget bike computer.
Our verdict: the best budget option.
6. CATEYE QuickÂ
Price: $ 59
Pros:
Simple yet attractive design. Low price. Long battery life.
Cons:
Limited functionality. There are no connected functions.
The Cateye Quick is the easiest bike computer on our list. If you’re looking for something basic with a minimalist design, this is the device for you.
This compact and lightweight bike computer comes with a rechargeable battery that can be recharged daily or even weekly. However, the number of functions of this cycling computer is somewhat limited. Cateye Quick will show you your current speed and distance, but there is no GPS tracking or connected features. This means that you cannot write or export your data from this computer.
Our verdict: the best minimalistic option.
7. Stages Dash M50
Price: $ 249
Pros:
Bright color screen. Customization options. Reliable fastening system.
Cons:
Limited navigation features. You must use a smartphone app to preload routes.
If you’re looking for a rugged device that can survive on everything, including mountain biking and off-road biking, you’ll love the Stages Dash M50. It has the most reliable fastening system made of metal, not plastic.
Another attractive feature of the Stages Dash M50 is the screen. It’s bright and easy to read in any light. From this list you will find only the best screen on Karoo 2.
The downside of the M50 is limited navigation. The computer can only handle turn-by-turn navigation of pre-loaded routes that you have to create using the Stages Link app or import from a third-party app like Strava or Ride with GPS. The M50 only allows you to follow a pre-loaded course and will redirect you if you go astray, but nothing else.
Our verdict: The best option for mountain biking and off-roading.
The Best Gift for a Bike Enthusiast
A bike computer is undoubtedly the best gift for anyone who is serious about cycling. Any cycling enthusiast in your life will likely receive the bike computers listed above as a gift. And yes, if it’s you, it still counts as a holiday gift.
7 Best Bike Computers for Cycling Enthusiasts 2022
7 Best Bike Computers for Cycling Enthusiasts 2022