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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?
The short answer: we think most people should get the Garmin Edge 840. It offers a fantastic display and an intuitive user interface controlled by buttons or a touchscreen, so you can operate it with or without gloves. While the new Garmin Edge 850 is awesome, we think the battery life is a step backward, 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, the Coros Dura is a great option. It has most of the features serious riders look for at a lower price than most. Oh, and the battery life feels endless.
To test bike computers, we log thousands of miles across mountain, road, and gravel trails. Over months of rigorous field testing, we evaluate every device for ease of use, feature depth, and real-world versatility to find the absolute best options for your cockpit.
Editor's Note: On November 18, 2025, we added six new models to this review from Coros, Garmin, Cateye, and Wahoo.
Quick Picks
Here's a quick list of our favorite Bike Computer recommendations.
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
Screen Size
2.6 in
Controls (Touch vs Buttons)
Touchscreen
Navigation Type
Full Maps
Claimed Battery Life
Up to 26 hours
The Garmin Edge 840 stands out as the best overall cycling computer. Its successor, the Garmin Edge 850, isn't much of an upgrade for most riders. The 840 packs advanced features like ClimbPro and Power Guide into a highly intuitive design. Navigation is fast and efficient, and the crisp screen is easy to read in all conditions. The interface perfectly balances a responsive touchscreen with tactile physical buttons. After months of testing across diverse terrain, the device proved exceptionally dependable with zero freezes or forced reboots. As our lead tester concluded, “This is my pick for all-arounder champion. I love the small profile balanced with high performance.”
Weighing a modest 3 ounces, the Edge 840 is ideal for gram-counting cyclists and mountain bikers, though its compact size can make the screen harder to view than on larger competitors. If maximum readability is a priority, the Garmin Edge 1050 steps up with a vibrant, high-definition 3.5" display. While the 840 isn't the cheapest computer in the lineup, it delivers exceptional value for the investment. As our head tester shared, “You get what you pay for with this. Whether you're a serious road cyclist or an avid mountain biker, the extensive features make this the ultimate pedal companion.”
The Garmin Edge 1050 stands out as one of the most capable and feature-rich bike computers available on the market today. Its crowning achievement is a vibrant, high-resolution 3.5-inch touchscreen display that looks and responds much like a premium smartphone, offering incredible visibility across varying light conditions. Under the hood, an upgraded processor ensures lightning-fast menu navigation and highly dependable turn-by-turn directions. Cyclists will appreciate the dizzying array of advanced features, including the ClimbPro ascent planner, seamlessly integrated Trailforks maps for mountain biking, a built-in speaker that doubles as a bike bell, and Garmin Wallet for effortless tap-to-pay.
Despite its impressive performance, the Garmin Edge 1050 has some distinct drawbacks that may deter certain riders. The most noticeable issue is its substantial size and weight. Weighing a hefty 162 grams, it is exceptionally bulky and occupies a massive footprint on your handlebars, making it a poor choice for minimalist, gram-counting cyclists. Furthermore, the device relies almost entirely on its touchscreen interface and severely lacks physical buttons. This design choice is highly frustrating in rainy weather, as the screen is noticeably less responsive when wet. Finally, its $700 premium price tag hits the rider's wallet especially hard.
The 1050 offers the best features offerings and screen resolution we've yet seen in a bike computer, though it'll cost you a pretty penny. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Garmin Edge Explore 2 is a standout choice for touring, bikepacking, and casual exploration, earning a Top Pick award for its phenomenal navigation capabilities. It features a bright, colorful 3-inch touchscreen with a large virtual keyboard, making it incredibly easy to use. The device boasts an expansive, searchable offline database of local points of interest, such as bike shops and cafes, allowing it to easily replace a smartphone. It offers ride-type specific maps, 16 hours of dependable battery life, and excellent compatibility with standard sensors and Shimano STEPS eBike systems, all wrapped into a budget-friendly $300 price tag. As our tester concluded, “The Edge Explore 2 does almost everything you need and little that you don't.”
However, the Edge Explore 2 has notable drawbacks for performance-minded cyclists. To keep the price low, Garmin intentionally omitted advanced training metrics and guided workout features, making it a poor choice for structured training. It is limited to just three fixed activity profiles, which restricts custom data screen layouts for riders who commute, race, and train on the same terrain. Additionally, the device lacks comprehensive physical buttons, relying almost entirely on its touchscreen interface. This layout proves frustratingly finicky and unresponsive in rainy conditions, and the computer's overall processing speed can occasionally feel sluggish.
For a first-time buyer, the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt 3 is the ultimate “no-frills” champion, striking a perfect balance between simplicity and functionality. Setting it up is incredibly welcoming for beginners—you just scan a QR code via the companion smartphone app to go from box to bike in under 15 minutes. It features an incredibly intuitive button-based interface with clear digital labels and an amazing “quick zoom” feature that lets you easily scale data fields up or down mid-ride. With a crisp, highly readable screen in direct sunlight, versatile activity profiles, and seamless sensor connectivity, it reliably delivers exactly what you need without overwhelming tech confusion.
However, newcomers should be aware of a few distinct trade-offs. The Bolt 3 completely lacks a modern touchscreen interface, relying entirely on six physical buttons for navigation. While the software is well optimized for this setup, the compact 2.3-inch display can feel a bit cramped if you plan to do heavy map navigation on the road. On-the-fly route building is also limited, requiring you to use your smartphone to search and sync new destinations. Finally, the unit suffers from a notoriously sluggish startup time that often takes over 30 seconds, and it lacks advanced coaching metrics or training load-tracking tools.
The Cycplus G1 is an unbeatable option for budget-conscious riders or newcomers seeking a no-frills experience. At just $35, it costs about as much as a casual counter-service dinner, making it more than 10 times cheaper than premium alternatives. It cleanly tracks your essential data—including current, average, and maximum speed, ride time, distance, and altitude—relying on onboard GPS for accuracy. Weighing a mere 2.5 ounces, this small, lightweight device is highly packable on your handlebars and uses a standard Garmin-style mounting system, allowing it to easily swap between commute, road, and mountain bike setups.
However, the incredibly low price tag means sacrificing modern conveniences. The G1 is a bare-bones unit that lacks advanced features such as smartphone connectivity, sensor integration, and on-board maps or turn-by-turn navigation. It cannot log or export your exact GPS route data; it operates similarly to a basic stationary gym bike computer. Furthermore, adjusting initial settings is a frustrating chore. Lacking a touchscreen or companion phone app, navigating its cryptic settings menu to update the clock or switch from metric to imperial requires careful study of the manual. It is an excellent basic speedometer, but performance-driven cyclists will find it highly limiting.
Whether you're wanting a bike computer for your commuter or are wanting some basic stats for an evening ride, the G1's price is hard to beat. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Coros Dura Solar is an exceptional option for price-conscious riders wanting premium technology at $250. Its absolute standout feature is an insane, solar-assisted battery life that lets you practically forget about charging, lasting up to 120 hours even without sun. One tester reported, “I was able to get weeks of training in without needing a recharge.” Waking up from standby mode in less than a second, it boasts a remarkably fast start-up time. Initial setup is a breeze via the companion app, taking under 10 minutes from unboxing to riding. It offers highly customizable data fields, an intuitive split-screen map mode, and advanced fitness metrics typically found on much more expensive units.
However, the hardware and navigation suffer from several distinct limitations. Because it relies heavily on the dedicated solar panel directly above the display, the unit has a significantly larger physical footprint without offering a larger screen. The touchscreen can feel notably laggy—especially when wearing gloves—and the digital control dial is overly sensitive, lacks tactile feedback, and is easily bumped. Furthermore, the device is deeply dependent on your smartphone; you cannot build custom routes directly on the unit. Maps completely lack street names, and on-the-fly re-routing fails entirely if you happen to ride out of cellular service range.
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
Product Comparison Table
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. Credit: Chris McNamara
