The craft and hobby of bicycling is one that is, by nature, pretty complicated. From selecting specific tires to body frames all the way to handlebar types, there is a choice to be made. However, once you make it past those choices, you will be staring down the final customization points: the bike computer.
The bike computer, otherwise known as the cyclo-computer or cycling computer, is a device that mounts directly to a bicycle to transmit information to the rider. These are very popular on bicycles for riders that want to get the most out of their time on the road. So to find out if you fit the bill, let’s take a look at what these machines can really do and so you can select the best cycling computer for you.
Top 10 Best Bike Computers Reviewed
1. MEILAN M4 Wireless Bike Computer
2. Cateye Enduro CC-ED400 Computer
3. Hiland Bicycle Computer
4. West Biking Bike Computer
5. Garmin Edge 25 GPS Cycling Computer
6. Planet Bike Wireless Bike Computer
7. Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt GPS Bike Computer
8. Garmin Edge 530 Bike Computer with Mapping
9. XOSS G GPS Bike Computer
10. IPSXP Bike Computer
How do bike computers work?
Before we turn this into a guide on selecting your first bike computer, we should at least have a firm understanding of how they work. Bike computers are not mere digital devices strapped to your handlebars as they have a little more going on than that. There are two important technical points that we need to confer.
1. Magnetic Sensing Ability
The magnetic sensing bike computer uses a reed switch attached to the front fork and a magnet attached to your wheel spoke. There is also a cadence sensor with the seating placed on the rear stay and crank arm instead.
Basically, this type of sensor gives you a device that will stay charged longer and not run on any advanced digital technology. The downside, and it is a big one for some riders, is no GPS.
2. GPS Sensing Ability
The second and more popular style of the bike computer is made around a GPS device. This device is strapped on to your bike handles. Information is beamed down from GPS satellites and then transferred to your monitor in front of you.
The information you receive is super flexible in that it can be then shipped off to a personal computer for record-keeping. The downside is that these units are more expensive and often need to be recharged.
What does a bike computer do for me?
Now that we know how these computers work in a roundabout way, we need to assess if they will benefit us. In terms of information seeking, bike computers can offer riders unparalleled information.
A glance at the computer display will show you such important information such as how far you have cycled, what elevation you are currently at, what grade of incline you are riding, and so much more!
As we briefly discussed above, the different sensors will provide you with different kinds of data. If you opt for the cheaper magnetic sensor, then you will not be privy to the information that GPS-fueled devices can offer you.
A magnetic sensing bike computer won’t have ready access to the weather, nor will it compile the data it records for analyzing on other devices. If these two devices seem too different to pick correctly, move on to the next step.
Assess what kind of rider you are.
A hobbyist basketball player shouldn’t drop $500 on a pair of Jordan’s when all they are going to do is scuff them up on the blacktop. A cycling hobbyist shouldn’t drop a ton of money on a bike computer that will give them more data than they want or need. Like in all commercial life situations, assess yourself before assessing the product.
1. Casual Rider
For a casual rider, you won’t need a bike computer that gives you super in-depth metrics. Typically you will want something that will churn out your distance, speed, and time. You want to know how fast you went, how long you rode, and how far you got. For a casual rider, the computer and bike should be simple and cheap.
2. Bike Enthusiast
If you are the kind of cyclist, who needs to know just about everything, opt for a device that gives you even more information. You will want to know your average and maximum speeds, have a running odometer, and so much more.
3. Competitive Biker
If you are the type of cyclist who plans to compete or ride seriously for a passion, you need all the available information. You can get bike monitors that offer you elevation metrics, heart rate analytics, and much much more.
Remember, the only way to get the product you need is by knowing what you really will be doing with it. So use these guidelines above to accurately assess the style of riding that you plan to do. If you want to go out and ride four days a week for hours at a time when your needs will be different than those that plan to ride only once or twice a month.
Which is better wired or wireless bike computer?
Wireless bike computers are better than wired bike computers. Wireless bike computers easier to set up, and look better on the bike. Radio interference is an issue that some early units had, but that has long since been dealt with. The wireless computer can easily be swapped from one bike to another, and can even be used on multiple bikes at the same time with the same computer.
Bike computer vs. phone
High-end bike computers with additional sensors give you much more information than an app on a smartphone. A power meter, heart rate monitor, and cadence meter are just some of the data collection instruments. A speed of around 80 revolutions per minute is recommended for the protection of your knees. Not everyone needs all that data, and some apps can be paired with a heart rate Monitor. The bike computer is a better choice if you really want or need all the data.
Do bike computers work with trainers?
Some bike computers work with trainers. Some bike computers have sensors that mount to the rear wheel instead of the front. Since the bike’s front wheel will not be turning, a unit with a rear mounting sensor should work with your trainer.