Bike GPSs keep track of important information such as the distance you traveled, how fast you were riding, and how long your trip was. Some GPS even include additional features, such as mapping and navigation, ensuring you will not get lost and warn you about upcoming traffic or corners. Here are some of our reliable, feature-packed Bike GPSs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are GPS bike computer devices better than cycling watches?
Traditionally, bicycle GPS systems are famous for their use by riders seeking ‘absolute’ mapping and trail direction. However, their use has evolved significantly. These gadgets now integrate navigation, standard bike computer operations, communication, and health trackers into a single device. The GPS has become as much of a specialized training device and ride monitor as it was formerly a navigation device. Using GPS technology to determine the speed and range metrics eliminates the need for magnetic wheel mounts and sensors, making transferring the computer between bikes a breeze.
Most top cycling watches can collect your cycling metrics like a GPS cycling computer. They offer the additional advantage of built-in heart rate monitors but lack many cycling GPS systems’ mapping and navigation functions. GPS watches are a brilliant option if you partake in more activities besides cycling, such as jogging, swimming, or marathons. The limited screen size, however, is a disadvantage among these gadgets, so if you intend to keep it on your bicycle, you’re better off using a cycling-specific GPS device.
Is it helpful to have a bike water bottle holder?
Bike water bottle holders, called cages, are useful riding accessories for anchoring and transporting your drinks. Its configuration is straightforward: Connect the adapter to the bike’s cage mounting bracket (down tube) and attach the water bottle. The best bike water bottle adapter for you will reflect the style of cycling you undertake, the bottle design you use, the bike appearance you favor, the placement area for installation of the bottle, and other variables.
Buying Guide: When looking for an appropriate bike GPS, consider your needs as a rider and choose the one that better matches them. Most bike GPS units feature unique characteristics and functions. To help you decide, we’ve curated a list of critical factors that distinguish one device from another.
- Purpose: The most important consideration when selecting a GPS device would be whether you would like it to assist you on a ride using mapping and navigation or if you merely want it to monitor your trip and provide you with data to review afterward. Integrated mapping, higher storage, mapping software, and a considerably bigger display are standard navigational equipment features.
- Connectivity: Some bike GPS systems feature Bluetooth and ANT+ connections and can exchange data using compatible phones. When connected to smartphones and other devices, they may contain a range of functions like inbound call and text notifications and shared real-time tracking and can pair with heart rate trackers, power meters, or even cadence sensors.
- Training Features: Several bike computers now can input exercises and workout regimens straight onto the computer, allowing enhanced training sessions. These programs are available using brand-specific applications (for instance, Garmin Connect for Garmin systems) or, in certain cases, using applications such as TrainerRoad or TrainingPeaks. Other cycling computers function as training aids, but they are equally valuable and pleasant for riders who are out cycling for leisure.
- Mounting process: The device’s installation onto the bike is an important consideration often ignored. Most GPS devices mount to the bike’s handlebars or down post; verify the installation instructions to confirm the gadget is compatible with the dimensions of your bike.
- Display Dimensions: Consider the display dimensions. The wider the display size, the easier it is to see the information. However, bigger units can be bulky, overload your handlebar, or add additional mass, which may bother more weight-conscious users.
- Battery capacity: Do you like to go on lengthy commutes, multi-day expeditions, or merely go out without worrying about charging your device during practice sessions? Many computers offer a battery capacity of fifteen to twenty hours; however, this relies on usage. External battery extenders can prolong the battery life of your cycling GPS when you’re out for extended periods.
Garmin Edge Bike GPS
Best Overall
Touchscreen Bike GPS
This bike GPS has a large touchscreen and is compatible with your smartphone. It monitors your VO2 max, recovery, training balance, heat and altitude acclimation, nutrition, and hydration to help you improve your performance. It includes a Garmin cycle map that shows you all the popular routes for easy navigation and has a battery life of 20 hours. This bike GPS has various safety features, including bike alarm, group messaging, and tracking.
This bike GPS is compatible with Varia rearview radars and light to make cyclists easier to see and warn them of approaching cars. It also shows the difficulty of various riding trails.
Why We Love It:
- Bike Safety Feature
- Compatible with Android and Apple Smartphones
- Provides trail difficulty ratings
Something to Consider:
- Difficult to operate
Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt GPS Bike Computer
Waterproof Design
Precision Bike GPS
This bike GPS has a battery life of up to 15 hours and is compatible with many third-party apps like MTB Project, Komoot, Strava, Ride With GPS, Best Bike Split, and Singletracks. It automatically downloads routes and provides LED turn-by-turn notifications, so you will know where every turn is in advance.
This bike GPS comes with an Integrated Aero Out-Front mount, stem mount, and a charging cable. It is compatible with Strava Live Segments to provide real-time updates on their achievements.
Why We Love It:
- Automatically download routes
- Easy to install
- Compatible with many third-party Apps
Something to Consider:
- It takes a while to sync
CooSpo Bicycle GPS
Most Lightweight
Miniature Bike Computer
This bicycle GPS computer has a large LCD screen and a slim, lightweight design for space-saving installation. It has a straightforward layout for easy operation and can detect GPS and Beidou signals for accurate data worldwide. This GPS has an attractive, durable construction of glass-filled ABS and TPU.
This bicycle GPS is Bluetooth compatible and has a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery. It works with ANT+ sensors to gather and track information such as your heart rate, speed and cadence sensor, and power.
Why We Love It:
- Records your cycling data
- Space-saving installation
- It is compatible with ANT+ sensors
Something to Consider:
- Hard to set up
Bryton Rider GPS Cycling Computer
Most Reliable
Multifunctional GPS Computer
This cycling computer has a large, clear LCD screen with a bright backlight for easy viewing. It has over 72 built-in functions and supports up to five satellite systems for uninterrupted signals. This bike GPS works with Ant+ to monitor your heart rate, speed and cadence sensor compatibility, power meter, and power meter pedals with calibration.
This bicycle GPS is compatible with Bryton Active App and has adjustable contrast. It fits eight data on each page and has a battery life of 35 hours.
Why We Love It:
- It fits eight data on a single page
- Powerful back light for easy viewing
- Fast data transfer
Something to Consider:
- Instructions are difficult to understand
XOSS G GPS Cycling Computer
Best Performance
Features Four Positioning System
This cycling computer has four types of positioning systems and an automatic pause feature that activates when you stop. It has three pages with nine types of information, including current cycling time, current cycling distance, average speed, altitude, slope, maximum speed, clock, and total mileage.
This cycling computer allows you to set your time zone and switch unit measurements between metric and imperial. It has a battery life of 25 hours on a single charge.
Why We Love It:
- It supports both metric and imperial measurements
- It has nine kinds of data
- It has an automatic pause mode
Something to Consider:
- The screen size is small
