We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
Modern bike computers offer so much, from route planning to GPS navigation to logging workouts and rides. But what features do you actually need, and which just get in the way of a great ride?
To find out, we rode thousands of miles and evaluated ease of use, feature sets, and versatility along the way. Each computer is tested over a multi-month period on various mountain, road, and gravel rides.
Our top choice is still the Garmin Edge 840, which offers tons of features, a fantastic display, and a user interface that's controlled by either buttons or a touchscreen so that you can operate it with or without gloves. While the new Garmin Edge 850 is awesome, we think the battery life is a step backwards, and the upgrades aren't quite worth the cash.
If you're looking for an affordable computer that still provides advanced features and app support, we think the Coros Dura is a great option. It has most of the features serious riders are looking for at a price lower than most. Oh, and the battery life is insane.
Editor's Note: On November 18, 2025, we added six new models to this review from Coros, Garmin, Cateye, and Wahoo.
Great battery life that's increased with the Solar version
Full control via touchscreen or buttons
CONS
Somewhat costly
Small screen for the price
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight
85g
Display Size
2.6"
Battery Life
Up to 26 hours (claimed)
GPS
Glonass, Galileo
Dimensions
2.3" x 3.4" x 0.8"
The Garmin Edge 840 stands out as the best overall cycling computer. Even though its successor, the Garmin Edge 850 is available, we don't think it's much of an upgrade for most riders. The 840 packs a ton of advanced features, including ClimbPro, Power Guide, and more. Navigation is fast and efficient. The screen is easy to see in all conditions, and the touchscreen is simple to use, with buttons available as well. After months of use, the device proved to be very dependable, with no freezes or forced reboots, making it a top choice for cyclists seeking performance and reliability. As our lead tester concluded, “This is my pick for all-arounder champion. I love the small profile balanced with high performance.”
The Edge 840 weighs a modest 3 ounces, making it an ideal option for gram-counting cyclists and mountain bikers. Unfortunately, its small size also means the screen is smaller, making it harder to view than some competitors'. If you think this might be a problem for you, the Garmin Edge 1050 boasts a large 3.5" screen with very sharp definition. The 840 isn't the cheapest bike computer in the lineup, but as our head gear expert shared, “You get what you pay for with this model from Garmin. Whether you're a serious road cyclist or an avid mountain biker, the extensive features make this the ultimate pedal companion.”
Up to 60 hours (claimed) in battery save mode, up to 20 hours with demanding use (claimed)
GPS
Glonass, Galileo
Dimensions
2.4" x 4.7" x 0.6"
The Garmin Edge 1050 has more features than any other bike computer we've yet tested. This update to the previous Garmin Edge 1040 has improved screen brightness and resolution, as well as a faster processor, ensuring even more reliable computer performance. While we love the ease of reading a 3.5" screen, it makes for a much heavier device, so consider the Garmin Edge 840 if you're needing something more compact, with many of the same features. Our bike computer experts shared, “The 1050 truly has too many features to list, but a few of my favorites include a speaker that works as a bike bell, and also gives navigation instructions, real-time hazard reports, and extensive preloaded maps with Trailforks.”
The Edge 1050 is so capable that it's closer to a smartphone than a bike computer, with the ability to send prewritten text replies and even a Garmin Wallet built in, so you can buy a coffee or lunch mid-ride with a tap. Unfortunately, this option costs as much as some cell phones, making it harder to justify unless you ride a lot. If you need a more affordable model, the Garmin Edge 840 or the Wahoo Fitness ELEMNT Bolt 3 is a fraction of the price and still offers a decent feature set. “It all comes down to value. If you spend a lot of time on your bike saddle, you're more likely to get the most out of a top-shelf device like the 1050,” one member of our testing team offered. If you're a committed mountain biker or cyclist who demands the utmost from their bike computer, the Edge 1050 should be on your final list.
After all our rigorous testing, we are happy to report that the Garmin Edge Explore 2 lives up to its name; it's designed to explore. With excellent turn-by-turn navigation that works offline and calculates quickly, it's a joy to use on rural roads and in unfamiliar cities. It combines this navigation prowess with features reminiscent of the Edge 830. You can add up to three ride profiles to use across different bikes, has smart trainer control, ClimbPro analysis, music control, and integration with hundreds of peripherals. As our gear experts concluded, “The Edge Explore 2 does almost everything you need and little that you don't.”
Compared to Garmin's top models, the Edge Explore 2 costs less but has lower screen resolution and fewer workout metrics. Our test team enjoyed this screen, but they shared, “It definitely doesn't pop as much as premium models and can be more difficult to read in direct sunlight.” Fortunately, it's quite large and in color, which helps make up for the lower resolution. Unlike other top models tested, it doesn't have Strava segment integration or the ability to run custom workouts.
The Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt 3 takes everything we loved about the previous version and adds a few new features, making it one of the best all-around bike computers for most riders. The best part of this unit is the simplicity. While it lacks a touchscreen, the buttons are intuitive, and the UI is extremely simple. The out-of-the-box data screens offer solid choices, and it's as easy as pressing a button to add or subtract data fields. Thanks to its broad accessory support, ease-of-use, great companion app, and solid navigation, our lead tester said, “This computer offers everything most riders need, a few extras, and nothing they really don't. That's just about perfect for most people.”
Even though our testers appreciated most things about this device, there are some drawbacks. First off, just like the previous version, boot-up time is tedious. Our testers found it took about 35 seconds on average. That's compared to the almost instantaneous starts from key competitors. And while the physical buttons are easy to use, a touchscreen would be a nice option. If you're after a simple-to-use computer, the Coros Dura is a great, affordable option that doesn't offer the navigation prowess, but it does have a touchscreen and incredible battery life. Overall, though, we think the ELEMNT Bolt 3 is one of the best options for almost any rider.
The Cycplus G1 is one of the least expensive bike computers we've ever used. This device covers only the basics, such as tracking riding time, distance, current speed, odometer readings, and altitude. But this is all that many cyclists really want to know. The G1 design is reminiscent of the straightforward displays found on stationary bikes at the gym, and while we were skeptical at first, its simplicity quickly became one of its most appealing features. If you demand more from your bike computer, a model like the Bryton Rider 420 offers a few more features without skyrocketing the price. However, don't underestimate the power of simplicity. “The Cycplus G1 costs as little as a counter-service dinner, making it appealing for bikers who are either new to bike computers or don't need the heavy-handed feature sets of a higher-end model,” our head tester concluded.
The G1 is generally intuitive to use, though adjusting settings like time or measurement units may require a quick look at the manual. Once configured, it's easy to get started and enjoy a hassle-free ride. If you don't like the idea of fiddling with setup, consider the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt V2 for a particularly user-friendly option. But if you take it for what it is, a bare bones yet affordable and reliable data tracker, you won't be disappointed. If the low price isn't enough to make you consider the G1, our review team also shared, “The G1 also stands out for its weight, coming in at a modest 2.5 ounces, and is great for shoppers needing a minimalist device.” For shoppers seeking a budget-friendly option, this no-frills model is a great choice.
The Coros Dura Solar is a great choice for many riders. It's best for riders who want advanced features like power data fields, FTP testing, turn-by-turn navigation, and more at a relatively wallet-friendly price. Our testers loved the battery life, with one reporting, “I was able to get weeks of training in without needing a recharge.” Setup is simple, and the Coros app is easy to use and well-designed. The initial data fields are solid, especially for riders who use heart rate monitors and/or power meters. Overall, the UI is pretty great, whether you're off on an adventure or tackling a pre-made structured workout.
The single biggest drawback to the Dura is the navigation. You can't route to different places from the unit itself. You need to use the paired Coros app. That's a huge miss for riders who often ride out of cell service (like our testers), or don't have a phone on them, or who regularly blow past turns on their routes. You can't reroute without your cell phone connected to the unit. Our testers also found that the touchscreen lacked sensitivity, and the digital dial was touchy. One reported, “I ride almost exclusively on gravel. Navigating the menu system of this unit when I need to reconnect an accessory is nearly impossible while moving on uneven surfaces.” Both of these areas are where the similarly simple Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt 3 stands out. Overall, though, we think that the massive battery life, simplicity, and robust feature set make this an option many riders should consider.
The Dura is very easy to use and packs a lot of value, but the controls do take some getting used to.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Compare Products
We pushed every bike computer to perform in a variety of settings and on many different types of bike to make our analysis as thorough as possible.
Credit: Zach Lovell
How We Tested
Since 2013, we've put dozens of cycling computers through their paces, logging thousands of miles and countless pedal strokes. Our testing covers every condition imaginable — from scorching heat to freezing cold, from rain-soaked roads to dusty gravel trails. We used these computers to track our stats during road races, cyclocross mud pits, and long-haul bikepacking adventures. We push each device to its limits, put manufacturer claims to the test, and evaluate compatibility with third-party and companion apps. Our thorough approach ensures we can assess accuracy, reliability, and overall user experience for each model. After years of cumulative testing experience, we're confident in our recommendations. No matter what kind of cyclist you are, we've found the right computer for you.
We score and rank bike computers using four performance metrics:
Our core testing crew is made up of gear-obsessed bike nerds who live and breathe the latest in cycling tech. With decades of riding and reviewing under their belts, they have a knack for sniffing out the best gadgets from the crowd.
Nathaniel Bailey contributed to testing. He's a certified coach working with runners and triathletes. He's competed in NCAA cross country and track, cycled unsupported across the USA, and now splits his training time between road running and gravel riding in Helena, Montana. His focus on evidence-based training often requires extensive data collection, making him a great fit for this test.
Zach Lovell is also heavily involved with testing, photographing, and writing about bike computers. Zach is a longtime editor at GearLab and has been in product testing and development for nearly 15 years. Zach is an avid biker who particularly loves long singletrack days on a mountain bike, especially in the alpine.
Luke Hollomon is our lead road cycling reviewer. He's a physical therapist, physiologist, cycling coach, and long-time cyclist based in Richmond, Virginia. He rides and races road and mountain bikes and competes in ultra-endurance bikepacking. As a physiologist, he values a data-driven approach to cycling, and he's always up to date on the best way to track his rides.
Our team of bike computer testers are lifelong cyclists, mountain bikers, and professional coaches.
Analysis and Test Results
Cycling computers have come a long way since their introduction in 1985, especially in recent years. Today, they can do so much, with some models rivaling the functionality of a smartphone. But do you need all the bells and whistles? To answer this question, we look into the ease of use of the computers and their companion apps to ensure everyone can take advantage of their features. We hand off the devices to inexperienced cyclists and non-data geeks so anyone can use them, not just us nerds.
Rigorous side-by-side testing allowed us to be as comparative as possible with our review.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Bike Phone Mounts with Apps
Phone mounts for handlebars have also improved significantly in recent years, offering a range of attachment methods and much more security. While phones are generally bulkier than bike computers and tend to have shorter battery life, they give you access to a wide variety of high-quality fitness-tracking apps, many of which are free. If you're considering a sub-$100 bike computer, you might want to consider a phone mount. For more info, see our bike phone mount review.
Modern phone mounts like the Peak Design offer a large screen and easy on-and-off access.
Credit: Chris McNamara
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
There is a wide array of bike computers at every budget, and some models carry your dollar further than others, but that doesn't mean the most expensive option is the best for every rider. Just as a Formula 1 car would struggle on a rocky Baja trail compared to a Jeep, the true value of a bike computer depends on your specific needs and how you use it. Value is about performance in real-world scenarios, not just individual specs. Many top-tier computers tend to dominate with high scores across the board, and often come with a hefty price tag, but our budget picks, like the Cycplus G1, prove that you don't always need the fanciest features. This model may not compete with flashy and feature-heavy options, but it offers the basics in an easy-to-use format. You'll get GPS-based distance, speed, and time for a very reasonable price. It's great for new riders or those on a budget. While it doesn't have the advanced features of more expensive GPS models, it's a great place to start. Similarly, the Cateye Quick steps in to cover the basics for riders who don't need GPS but want to know how far they've ridden or how fast they're going. We think this is ideal for commuters or riders who just want to know how far and how fast they've ridden.
Models like the Garmin Edge 840 aren't cheap, but you get a bunch of features in a small package.
Credit: Zach Lovell
At the other end of the spectrum are the high-end computers you'd expect to see dominating the performance discussion. These computers pack multi-band GPS, advanced sensor connections, the ability to control indoor trainers, mapping, turn-by-turn navigation, and much more. They also cost a lot. That's where the Coros Dura comes in. It may not have all the features of the top-scoring Edge 850 and 850, but it packs a lot into a much more affordable price. We think it is a phenomenal choice for riders who want advanced data collection, GPS routing, and more at a reasonable price.
Value is also the reason the older Garmin 840 retains its place in this test. Both the 840 and the newer 850 are spec'd with more features than others in their price range. The difference in value between the two comes down to what you need your computer to do. The Edge 840 offers most of the advanced features you'll find on the 850, plus better battery life. The 850 has a nicer menu system, an extremely nice display, and a few extra features, like a bike bell. We think the 840 offers better value for most people.
The Garmin Edge 1050 is an incredibly capable device, but it'll cost you an arm and a leg.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Ease of Use
Ease of use is a combination of several factors, and we assess factors such as charging and battery life, user interface, startup speed, screen navigation, and the simplicity of uploading workouts to online tracking platforms. We also assessed smartphone app integration and connectivity. Of all these elements, user interface and ease of navigation are the most important when you are on the road (or trail). Below is a detailed breakdown of each area, along with our analysis of how each product performed during testing.
User Interface
If this is your first time riding with a bike computer, you can find either an endlessly configurable gadget or the perfect set-it-and-forget-it tool; either way, you'll have to do a little extra planning. Check that your computer's charged, your route is loaded, your data views are built out, your phone's paired, and then you're ready to get on the road. Those who have been in the game for a while treat this pre-ride prep as second nature. But even after you're used to the routine, there are still some units that are just a pain to start up before each ride, and others that you don't even have to press a single button. The Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt 3 is a top device in this space. It's simple to operate, even if you're new to bike tech. Other devices like the Garmin Edge 840, the Garmin Edge 850, the Edge Explore 2, and the Garmin Edge 1040 Solar are competitive but have a learning curve. The Garmin Edge 1050 is an updated version of the 1040 Solar, offering improved resolution for even better readability.
The Garmin Edge 1050 stood out in this metric for its generously sized screen with excellent resolution.
Credit: Zach Lovell
When looking at the user interface, a few key things make all the difference. Are there physical buttons, a touchscreen, or both? What is the display size, what info does it show, and is it easy to read? How intuitively can you navigate through menus and functions? We like the UX of both the ELEMNT Bolt 3 and the Garmin Edge 840 for their physical press buttons, which prevent wet weather from glitching a touchscreen-only interface. On the Edge 840, you can use the physical buttons or the color touchscreen to do everything you need, just like on its siblings, the Garmin 850 and Garmin 1050. In contrast, the ELEMNT Bolt 3 is all buttons, all the time. However, the buttons' function, quantity, and layout are excellent, making navigation simple and intuitive, even while riding.
The buttons on the Bolt 3 are easy to use even when the device is being handheld (which we do not recommend, only done here due to a broken mount).
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
The Edge Explore 2 goes the other direction, with a touchscreen-only approach. The vibrant color screen is used to navigate between pages of pre-selected data during a workout and for all menu functions, setup, and navigation. It works well in fair conditions, but isn't quite as reliable in wet or cold weather.
In our tests, we found navigating the Coros Dura and the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt 3 to be easiest. The Garmin systems tended to take the most getting used to, though the Edge 850 and 1050 both have better user-interface systems.
Looking at a screen in sunlight vs shade can be a completely different experience. You'll want a device that is clear and easy to read in both settings.
Startup Time
Faster is better, right? We think so. That means less time pacing on the side of the road because the computer isn't cued up when you're amped to go. Nothing beats the Coros Dura here. It's always in standby mode and can be ready to go in literally seconds. The Garmin bike computers in our review, the Edge 840, Edge 850, Edge 1040, and Edge Explore 2, must be turned on by pressing the power button, and they all take several seconds to power up. Once they are on, the user selects an Activity Profile, and the unit must acquire a satellite signal. It sounds like a lot of steps, but in total, it only takes 10-20 seconds. The Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt 3 takes about twice as long to power up as the Garmin models. It was annoying at times, but maybe that's the time to lube your chain.
The Coros Dura reliably boots up in about 1 second or less. Turning it off takes longer (you have to press and hold for 3 seconds.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
All Garmin models, along with the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3 and Coros Dura, support Global Navigation Satellite Systems to provide data such as speed, direction, and elevation. These devices can connect to multiple satellite networks, including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, and QZSS. This can improve accuracy and coverage, but startup times may be longer when GPS is enabled.
Charging and Battery Life
Coin Cell vs. Rechargable
All tested models use batteries. Some of the simpler models, like the Cateye Quick, use inexpensive, replaceable coin cells, while others use rechargeable batteries. Rechargeables reduce waste and the need for replacements, but coin cells are easy to carry as spares for trips without charging access.
The Coros Dura takes top marks here too, thanks to an insane (claimed) 120 hours of battery life. In practice, we were able to ride ~50 hours right out of the box over a few weeks. The unit came at roughly 60% battery.
The Garmin bike computers we tested, including the Edge 840, Edge 850, Edge 1040 Solar, and Edge 1050, use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with USB-C charging, which typically take about 2 hours to fully charge. The Edge 840 claims 32 hours of battery life, though in practice it lasts through about two weeks of 10–15 hours of riding per week before needing a recharge.
Adding a solar panel to the Edge 1040 Solar and Edge 840 Solar significantly extends battery life; we were able to get up to 100 hours in battery save mode with the Edge 1040 Solar. Impressively, it retained over 30% of its battery after 6 days of 10+ hours of daily riding. The Edge 1050 lacks a solar panel and has reduced battery life, but if you have frequent charging access, it offers added features that might justify the trade-off. All these models feature a Battery Save mode that extends battery life by limiting GPS accuracy, reducing data points, and dimming the backlight.
These little connections might not look like much, but they allow units like the Edge 840 and Edge 850 to charge while you ride with compatible mounts.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
=Data Transfers and Smartphone Integration
Once you have all your data logged, you'll likely want to transfer it to a format that is easier to view and digest. Some models handle this transfer via smartphone apps over Wi-Fi. The Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt 3, Coros Dura, and the Garmin models can store data on the device and transfer ride files to cloud-based applications. The Garmin models can also transfer data via the included USB cable to a laptop with an Internet connection, or via Bluetooth to apps like Strava.
The Garmin Connect app makes it easy to set up and control a Garmin unit. Here are examples from both a newly setup Garmin Edge 130 Plus and a well-used Garmin Edge 850.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
All Garmin, Coros, and Wahoo computers can auto-sync with Strava through their apps. While Garmin, Coros, and Wahoo offer WiFi compatibility, these devices can also be set up for wireless Bluetooth transfers if WiFi isn't available.
Many models have their own tracking platforms, such as Garmin Connect or Wahoo ELEMNT. The Garmin Edge 1040, Edge 840, and Edge Explore 2 use Garmin Connect to pair with a smartphone. The Garmin Connect application is slightly more cumbersome, but with a little practice, you'll have figured it out.
Ease of Setup
Every bike computer requires some setup, but in our experience, the more features and tracking abilities the model has, the more initial configuration you'll have to work through. However, rating solely by the number of steps doesn't accurately reflect how easy or difficult the process is. Physical design matters; touchscreens usually make setup easier than button-only interfaces. However, the real difference lies in the digital interface: when menus are confusing or require too many screens to click through, it quickly becomes frustrating. Many riders have skipped using cool features simply because getting them up and running felt like too much trouble. For this reason, some units that score high on features can actually fall short in ease of setup.
Initial setup of a bike computer involves physically attaching it to your bike, and you may encounter several mounting styles. All GPS-enabled computers come with a standard quarter-turn mount that attaches directly to the handlebar or stem. The Garmin Edge computers and the Wahoo Fitness models both come with a standard mount and an out-front mount that extends the computer out in front of the stem. We consider this an optimal position, as you don't have to take your eyes off the road or trail to view your next navigation or current speed. Including multiple mounts is a huge bonus, as it makes swapping the computer between bikes much quicker and easier.
The CYCPLUS G1 has a classic quarter-turn mount that lets you quickly attach and remove the device from your handlebars.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Programming
Feature-rich computers like the Garmin Edge models score slightly lower because of the extra time required to configure features and pair compatible accessories. If you're coming from an older Garmin Edge model, the process will feel easy and automatic (especially because the Garmin Connect app can simply copy over your settings), but if you're new to the environment, it'll take some time. You can adjust things in the app or on the device. Garmin pre-sets data fields based on the sensors you connect to it, but we found it still required quite a fair bit of tweaking to get it right. The Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt 3 stands out with the ELEMNT Companion app, which lets you configure everything on your smartphone and sync it with the head unit.
Here you can see the device control page from the respective Garmin, Wahoo, and Coros apps. All three are really solid, although Wahoo makes controlling the ELEMNT Bolt V3 extremely easy in comparision.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Features
Bike computers range from simple to extremely complex, but ultimately, we focus on the truly usable features. The Garmin Edge 1050, Edge 850, and Edge 840 topped the charts throughout testing. They are both GPS-enabled, compatible with ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart accessories, have touchscreens, and offer a wealth of training, navigation, and connected features. But that's just skimming the surface; both models have too many features to mention here.
Connected features work via your smartphone, typically through the computer's companion app. Connected features include text and call notifications, activity uploads to fitness-tracking apps, and Live Tracking. Most models of GPS-enabled computers have these basic connected features. The Garmin Edge 1050, Edge 840, and Edge Explore 2 take it to another level with Group Track, device-to-device transfers, weather, and rider-to-rider messaging. They even have hydration and nutrition tracking functions. All of the Garmin Edge models also have a unique Incident Detection feature that, when enabled, can automatically notify your contacts in the event of a crash. We also love the built-in speakers on the Edge 1050 and 850, which work as a bike bell and give audible directions.
To use the bike bell feature on the Garmin Edge 850 and 1050, simply tap the screen during a ride and then press the “Bell” button. It's not super loud, but it's enough to be polite on a bike path.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Many of the bike computers we tested include navigation features such as maps, route planning, and turn-by-turn navigation. While most GPS-enabled models offer solid nav features, the Garmin Edge Explore 2 stands out as being particularly helpful with its large color touchscreen, preloaded global maps, customizable course creation based on road preferences, automatic round-trip routing, Strava route integration, turn-by-turn guidance, a searchable database of destinations, and audio prompts. We found it just as effective as a smartphone for navigating to local restaurants and coffee shops. The ELEMNT Bolt 3 also offers a large color display and robust navigation, though its screen isn't as vibrant as Garmin's and its interface is slightly less intuitive.
Here, the Garmin Edge 850 map screen is compared to the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt 3. Both are good, but there's no denying that Garmin's screen is crisper, and when zoomed in offers better contrast and more detail.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
One benefit of using a cycling computer is monitoring your training progress; many have features designed to help you work towards your fitness and training goals, and can be used in combination with other apps and devices to help you create and follow a training plan. Most GPS-enabled computers are compatible with ANT+ and/or Bluetooth Smart sensors to monitor heart rate, cadence, speed, and power. Sensors provide the user with real-time, quantifiable training information essential to improving performance. Some computers can program workouts or upload them from other apps like Training Peaks. If you have a Premium Strava account, Strava Live is a feature that takes your chosen Strava segments and provides prompts before, during, and after those segments so that you can monitor them as you go. Strava Live is now available on all GPS-enabled computers except the Edge Explore 2 in this review.
Versatility
If you love riding, you probably don't limit yourself to just one style. Many of us enjoy a variety of cycling disciplines, and can be found road biking one day and tackling mountain trails, or even multi-day bikepacking adventures the next. This makes versatility a top priority, and we're constantly looking for a bike computer that works seamlessly across all our different bikes and riding styles.
The Garmin Edge 840, Edge 850, and Edge 1040 models have numerous activity profiles (up to 10) that you can customize for different types of rides, including indoor cycling. The Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt 3 and Coros Dura offer similar features.
Versatility is more than just different activity profiles; it includes mapping and navigation capabilities. Some computers are better for tracking and posting your ride to Strava, while others are powerful navigation tools that can create routes and help you explore new trails and roads. The Garmin Edge units have the most robust mapping and navigation features, particularly the Edge Explore 2. The Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt 3 also comes with preloaded maps and offers most of the navigation features of Garmin units, but it has a smaller map screen and relies more on the smartphone app for route loading. The Coros Dura offers mapping, but relies entirely on the app to design routes. We find that to be a significant drawback.
Side-by-side testing allowed us to evaluate not just ease-of-use on a variety of terrain, but accuracy as well.
Credit: Nathaniel Bailey
Most GPS-enabled computers we tested also deserve a nod for having ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart Sensors. This technology lets you pick and choose sensors from various manufacturers without worrying about device compatibility. Versatility is essential; it not only makes life easier but can also save you money, since you're not locked into buying certain brands just for compatibility.
How to Pick the Right Bike Computer for You
Bike computers can be complex devices, with price points that range from the cost of a meal out to a smartphone, but finding the right option for you and your budget is easier than you might think. Here are a few considerations to help you make a purchasing decision for your first, or next, bike computer.
What Do You Need a Bike Computer to Do?
First, think about the type of riding you do now, and what you'd normally ask of your bike computer. Essentials include tracking ride time, distance, elevation, elevation gain, maximum and current bike speed. Then size up a bit. Anticipate your growth as a rider, and know that even if you are ok with just the essentials now, as you get more into the sport, you might be interested in having more data. If you truly don't want anything but the essentials, you're in luck; bare bones models are very inexpensive. If you are just starting out, we get it. You just bought a bike, helmet, shoes… You can't splurge on a top-of-the-line bike computer just yet. In this case, a basic model will do you a solid, and something is better than nothing.
Models that only track the basics are generally inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to use.
Credit: Zach Lovell
If you need more from your bike computer (we think you will), it's easy to find an option with more bells and whistles. The next step up from the basics includes features like onboard maps, turn-by-turn navigation, and GPX ride tracking so that you can save and publish your rides later. If you want even more from your handlebar computer, you can get models that offer cell phone pairing so you can read texts mid-ride, and some options even offer crash detection. These more advanced options also typically have more robust maps and can serve as your own personal bike coach.
More capable devices are great for shoppers who are more serious about cycling.
Credit: Zach Lovell
How Important is Size and Weight?
A bike computer will be mounted to your handlebars, so it's wise to consider the size of the device you're considering. If you're the type of cyclist who buys the lightest components for your bike, a large-screened computer can add a few extra ounces. Alternatively, if you like being able to easily see your screen, that might be a worthwhile trade-off in weight. If you like the bare-bones devices, you'll likely already have a lightweight option on your list.
How Does a Bike Computer Attach to the Handlebars?
A bike computer typically attaches to the handlebars with a dedicated mount, secured with screws, rubber bands, or cable ties to ensure a snug fit and easy visibility. The computer unit then slides or clicks into the mount, allowing for quick removal when needed. In our expert opinion, these attachment systems are very reliable if installed correctly; we've never had a malfunction.
From budget options to high-end computers, these devices can be dependably attached to your bike.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Conclusion
Bike computers are valuable tools for professional riders, data enthusiasts, and casual riders alike. With so many models on the market, choosing the right one with the features and design that fit your needs can be overwhelming. In this review, we highlight the best bike computers available today and regularly update it to reflect the latest and most relevant options. Keep in mind that “best” doesn't always mean the most expensive or the flashiest; it's about finding the right fit. What works well for a professional racer might not be the ideal choice for a weekend road cyclist, and a road-focused computer may not suit mountain bikers or gravel riders. Our approach centers on matching each device's performance to the needs of different types of riders. We hope this review helps you find the bike computer that best fits your riding style and budget.
A bike computer is just the cherry on top of a good ride. If you're looking to flesh out your kit with top-performing basics, our team of expert cyclists has tested everything from the best bike shoes to our favorite bike shorts. Check out our review of road bike helmets, complete with impact test results, to find the best fit.
Kurt Refsnider is taking a quick break on his first ride of the 5,000-mile Orogenesis Trail from Canada to Cabo. He used the Coros Dura because of its nearly unlimited battery life and simple setup and interface.
