The 7 Best Bike Computers of 2025

Our Picks of Bike Computers

Best Overall Bike Computer

Garmin Edge 840

Weight	85g
Dimensions	2.3" x 3.4" x 0.8"
Water and Dust rating	IPX7
Display Size	2.6"
Battery Life	Up to 26 hours (claimed)

After months of testing, the Garmin Edge 840 stands out as the best overall cycling computer. It offers a more intuitive user experience and a broader array of features than its predecessor, the Edge 830, which was a previous favorite amongst our testing team. Garmin has addressed the flaws of earlier Edge models; the navigation loads swiftly, onboard data processes quickly, and the addition of physical buttons alongside a bright touchscreen is a major advantage for wet or cold rides. 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 minimal size also means the screen dimensions are smaller, making it harder to view than some of the competition. 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.”

Read more: Garmin Edge 840 review

Best Basic Computer

CatEye Quick

Weight	18g
Dimensions	3.7" x 2.1" x 1.4"
Water and Dust rating
Display Size	1.25" x 1.25"
Battery Life	1+ years

The CatEye Quick is your best option if budget is your main constraint and you're with tracking only the basic numbers: current speed, average speed, miles, and time. It's a no-nonsense bike computer that gives you the essentials. Fortunately, it's a pretty cool-looking device, despite its low price tag. Many basic bike computers look clunky and old-school with their messy wires and toyish head unit, but this thing is sleek, wireless, and elegantly designed. It has just a few buttons to operate its few functions, which keeps it simple and easy to navigate. Setup is as easy as attaching the speed sensor and magnet and entering some basic data. For daily usage, you might need to hit a button to wake it up if it's been sitting for a long time, but beyond this, it's a set-it-and-forget-it type of bike computer. As our lead tester put it: “When I start rolling, it starts recording.”

As mentioned above, this basic device is best for those who want the necessary numbers and are ok with foregoing fancy functions and in-depth analysis. Another consideration our lead tester mentioned, “This device is not GPS-enabled, so you can't use it for navigation or tracking your routes.” If you can fork over just a bit more, you can enjoy the Bryton Rider 420, which offers GPS at a reasonable price. Transferring your ride data from the Cateye Quick to Strava or another third-party tracker is impossible, requiring you to manually log your rides on these apps. This might suit many riders just fine, but you'll need to search a bit higher up the line at the more advanced and expensive GPS-enabled models if you desire more functionality.

Read more: Cateye Quick review

Best Features and Functionality

Garmin Edge 1050

Weight	162g
Dimensions	2.4" x 4.7" x 0.6"
Water and Dust rating	IPX7
Display Size	3.5"
Battery Life	Up to 60 hours (claimed) in battery save mode, up to 20 hours with demanding use (claimed)

The Garmin Edge 1050 has more features than any other bike computer we've yet tested. This update from the previous Garmin Edge 1040 has improved screen brightness and resolution, as well as an improved processor, ensuring even more dependable computer functionality. 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 favoties 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 of the device. 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 V2 are a fraction of the price and still have decent feature sets. “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 finals list.

Read more: Garmin Edge 1050 review

Best for Bikepacking and Touring

Garmin Edge Explore 2

Weight	104g
Dimensions	4.2" x 2.2" x 0.8"
Water and Dust rating
Display Size	3"
Battery Life	Up to 16 hours (claimed)

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 it also has reduced screen resolution and 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. For accessing and customizing Strava segments, we like the Mega XL. Nevertheless, we think this device might be a great compromise for most riders. It does what you need well (namely tracking workout metrics and navigation) in a more affordable device than the cutting-edge models. We are impressed.

Read more: Garmin Edge Explore 2 review

Best Balance of Ease of Use and Functionality

Wahoo Fitness ELEMNT Bolt V2

Weight	68g
Dimensions	3.1" x 1.9" x .84"
Water and Dust rating
Display Size	2.2"
Battery Life	15 hours (claimed)

The Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt V2 is the smoothest pick-up-and-go experience of the feature-packed computers we tested. Both the computer and the excellent companion app are simple to use, the default data screens are on point, and the buttons are intuitive. We think anyone could unbox this computer and start their first ride in just a couple of minutes. If you want to collect your data and have great navigation without spending 20 minutes customizing everything, this is a great choice. We understand that huge feature sets can be overwhelming and that not everyone is a big tech nerd like us, in this case our lead tester concluded, “This computer is for those who want a great experience without working for it.”

Despite all the great attributes, this device isn't without flaws. One member of our team commented, “The boot-up time is slow to the point of frustration. It takes almost a full minute before I can get going on each ride.” The lack of ride profiles also means riders transferring the unit from one bike to another may have to tweak a data screen or live with a couple of data field remaining empty for the ride. If you plan on swapping your computer from bike to bike, you might prefer the Garmin Edge Explore 2, which offers multiple bike-specific profiles. Drawbacks aside, the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt V2 is a hardy GPS bike computer with robust functionality that suits mountain bikers, roadies, explorers, and riders who love their data but don't want to be overwhelmed by it.

Read more: Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt V2 review

Best for Battery Life

Lezyne Mega XL GPS

Weight	82g
Dimensions	2.3" x 3.1" x 1.05"
Water and Dust rating
Display Size	1.4" x 2.3"
Battery Life	48 hours

The Lezyne Mega XL is a standout in Lezyne's expanding range of GPS-enabled cycling computers. True to its name, the Mega XL features a larger display and extended battery life compared to other models in the manufacturer's lineup. With a battery life of up to 48 hours, it is an excellent choice for bikepackers, endurance riders, and touring cyclists. As our head bike tester shared, “The Mega XL is what I'd want on my handlebars for extended rides, thanks to a battery life that was almost double the competition.” The device can be used in either portrait or landscape mode and boasts a suite of training features, including Strava Live segments, performance analytics, and support for structured workouts via Today's Plan and TrainingPeaks. The Mega XL also integrates well with your smartphone, offering Live Track, text and call notifications, and wireless data transfers.

One of our biggest issues with the Mega XL has to do with the four button user interface. The buttons are meant to be multi-function, but one tester concluded, “While it works, the XL isn't as straightforward as some other models I used. I prefer single-function buttons or touchscreens.” The display also can't match the vibrant color of several other devices in our lineup. We prefer the user interface of Garmin products, such as the Garmin Edge 840, which operates via buttons and touchscreen. That said, the Mega XL remains clear, bright, and easy to read once you get used to the navigation. Overall, our testers were impressed with its features, performance, and battery life, particularly given its price point.

Read more: Lezyne Mega XL GPS review

Best on a Tight Budget

CYCPLUS G1

Weight	55g
Dimensions	2.3" x 1" x 2.2"
Water and Dust rating	IPX6
Display Size	2"
Battery Life	Up to 20 hours (claimed)

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 you to take 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, take a look at 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.

Read more: Cycplus G1 review

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 to suit your needs.

We score and rank bike computers using four performance metrics:

• Ease of Use (30% of overall score weighting)

• Ease of Setup (25% weighting)

• Features (25% weighting)

• Versatility (20% weighting)

For more detailed info on how we tested these products, see our complete How We Tested Bike Computers article.

Why Trust GearLab

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.

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.

Zach Lovell is also heavily involved with testing, photographing, and writing about bike computers. Zach is a longtime editor with GearLab and has been in product testing and development for close to 15 years. Zach is an avid biker who particularly loves lengthy singletrack days on a mountain bike, especially if it's in the alpine.

The team also received input from Curtis Smith and Ryan Baham. Curtis spent many years racing mountain, road, and cyclocross bikes and used cycling computers religiously to track his performance while training. Curtis resides in South Lake Tahoe, CA, with his wife and family and can often be found riding two-wheeled contraptions on the area's trails and roads. Ryan resides in Southern California, where he can ride bikes year-round while testing all manner of running and road cycling gear for OutdoorGearLab.

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 to ensure that anyone can use them, not just us nerds.

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, Cateye Quick, and Bryton Rider 420, prove that you don't always need the fanciest features. These models may not compete with flashy and feature-heavy options, but for many riders, they offer exactly what's needed without unnecessary extras.

At the other end of the spectrum are the high-end computers you'd expect to see dominating the performance discussion, but you might question their place in a conversation about “great value”. However, it's hard to compete against the top-scoring Garmin Edge 840 and Edge Explore 2, even with the higher price tag. Both models are spec'd out with more features compared to others in their price range, and this might be interesting to more experienced riders. The value difference between the two comes down to what you need your computer to do. The Edge 840 is unmatched for workout metrics and training plans, but you'll pay dearly for it. Meanwhile, the Edge Explore 2 can track everything you need and has excellent navigation features, but it lacks some workout and training details.

Ease of Use

Ease of use is a combination of several factors, and we assess things like 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 V2 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 Edge Explore 2, and the Garmin Edge 1040 Solar are competitive here too. The Garmin Edge 1050 is an updated version of the 1040 Solar, offering improved resolution for even better readability.

When looking at 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 V2 and the Garmin Edge 840 for their inclusion of physical press buttons, which prevents wet weather from glitching a touchscreen-only interface. On the Edge 840, you can use the physical buttons or the vibrant color touchscreen to do everything you need. In contrast, the ELEMNT Bolt V2 is all buttons, all the time. However, the buttons' function, quantity, and layout are excellent, making navigation simple and intuitive, even while riding.

The Hammerhead Karoo 2 is another model that did well here. Since it's modeled after a smartphone, we weren't surprised to find the interface engaging and intuitive. Its touchscreen is large, bright, and extremely usable, but we appreciated the inclusion of a few physical buttons. 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 Lezyne Mega XL is simple but not as intuitive as the Garmins, the Wahoos, or the Hammerhead Karoo 2. The Lezyne has a basic four-button interface (compared to the seven + touchscreen on the Garmin Edge 840), and its multi-function buttons are not as straightforward to use. With practice, though, we mastered the buttons relatively quickly. The Lezyne's screen is relatively easy to read, but again, it doesn't match the vibrant color screens of the Garmin, Wahoo, or Hammerhead bike computers.

Missing photo ID#446744, 446745

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. The non-GPS enabled Cateye Quick computer avoids this problem completely by automatically starting when movement is detected. It is an excellent feature that helps avoid the disappointment of forgetting to turn your computer on until you're halfway through a ride. The Garmin bike computers in our review, the Edge 840, 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 from Activity Profiles, and the unit needs to acquire a satellite signal. It sounds like a lot of steps, but in total, it only takes about 20 seconds. The Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt V2 takes a little longer to power up, about twice as long as the Garmin models. It was annoying at times, but the 45 seconds it takes isn't a day-ruiner.

All Garmin and Lezyne models, along with the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V2, Hammerhead Karoo 2, and Bryton Rider 420, 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. The Lezyne computer loads the home screen fastest in this case, followed by Garmin and then Wahoo.

The Bryton Rider 420 offers 32 hours of battery life by default without reducing functionality, while the Lezyne Mega XL GPS boasts an impressive 48-hour runtime with a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery charged via micro USB. The Garmin bike computers we tested, including the Edge 840, Edge 1040 Solar, and Edge 1050, use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with USB-C charging, typically taking about two 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 extends battery life significantly; we were able to get up to 100 hours in battery save mode with the Edge 1040 Solar. Impressively, it retained over 30% battery after six 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.

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. However, not all computers can handle this task, and with some of the simpler models, like the CatEye Quick, you will have to manually input ride stats from your bike computer into a tracking platform. The Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt V2, Lezyne Mega XL, and the Garmin models can store data on the device and transfer ride files to web-based applications. The Garmin and Lezyne models can also do data transfer via the included USB cable to a laptop with an Internet connection.

The Hammerhead Karoo 2 adds optional cellular connectivity with a SIM card and data plan, plus WiFi and Bluetooth. All Lezyne, Garmin, Hammerhead, and Wahoo computers can auto-sync with Strava through their apps. While Garmin, Hammerhead, and Wahoo have the advantage of WiFi compatibility, these devices can also be set up for wireless Bluetooth transfers if WiFi isn't available.

Many models have their own tracking platform, like Garmin Connect, Lezyne Ally V2, 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 than the Lezyne Ally V2 application used by the Mega XL and Wahoo Fitness' very user-friendly ELEMNT app. Strava segments are more accessible to set and more customizable with Lezyne Ally V2 and ELEMNT than Garmin Connect. All the platforms have quirks, but we like the Lezyne Ally V2, followed closely by the ELEMNT app, Garmin Connect, and the Bryton Active and Hammerhead Karoo app.

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 strictly by number of steps doesn't truly represent 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 for features can actually fall short when it comes to ease of setup.

Initial setup of a bike computer includes physically attaching it to your bike, and there are a few different mounting styles you may encounter. All the GPS-enabled computers come with a similar style of 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 very far 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 Cateye Quick is really outstanding here. We love the wireless design and found it super simple to install. Simply throw it onto the handlebars, tighten the sensor to your fork with the accompanying magnet on a spoke, tap in a few data points (wheel circumference and units of measurement), and start rolling. The setup only takes about 5 minutes, even if you're screwing around and didn't read the instructions.

Programming

Feature-rich computers like the Garmin Edge models score slightly lower due to the extra time it takes to configure features and pair compatible accessories. If you're coming from an older Garmin Edge model, the process will feel easy and automatic, but if you're new to the environment, it'll take some time. Most of the setup of the Garmin models is done on the computer itself and can be time-consuming. 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. On the other hand, the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt 2 stands out with the ELEMNT Companion app, which allows you to configure everything from your smartphone and then sync with the head unit. The same goes for the Lezyne Mega XL. Their Ally V2 app is easy to use and handles almost all programming and setup. On the other hand,

Features

Bike computers range from simple to extremely complex, but ultimately, we focus on the features that are truly usable. The Garmin Edge 1050 and Edge 840 topped the charts throughout testing. They are both GPS-enabled, ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart accessory compatible, have touchscreens, and 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 speaker on the Edge 1050 that works as a bike bell and gives audible directions.

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 V2 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. The Hammerhead Karoo 2 also impressed us with its navigation capabilities and excellent display quality.

One benefit of using a cycling computer is to monitor 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.

In contrast to the tech-heavy, feature-laden units mentioned above, the Cateye Quick is about as minimal as it gets. This unit offers primary data collection without the help of GPS and accessory sensor compatibility. Although it scores lower, it still provides reliable data collection for time, distance, and speed. Similarly, the Cycplus G1 is a no-frills model that still did well with the basics. For some, an option like this might be all that's really needed.

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.

With the Lezyne Mega XL, you can create up to five profiles for different bikes and types of cycling. Within each profile, you can customize the data pages to display the most relevant information for the activity. The Garmin Edge 840 and Edge 1040 models also have numerous activity profiles (up to 10) that you can customize for different types of rides, including indoor cycling.

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 V2 also comes with preloaded maps and offers most of the navigation features of the Garmin units, but it has a smaller screen for the map and relies more on the smartphone app to load up routes.

The Lezyne offers the least in terms of navigation and mapping. However, the Mega XL is an improvement over previous models with preloaded maps, the ability to import maps for offline navigation, and a larger screen that does a decent job with maps.

Most GPS-enabled computers we tested also deserve a nod for having ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart Sensors. This technology allows you to pick and choose sensors from a variety of manufacturers without having to worry about device compatibility. Versatility is essential; it not only makes life easier but can also save you some money since you're not locked into buying certain brands just for compatibility purposes.

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 things like ride time, distance, elevation, elevation gain, max, 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.

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 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.

How Important is Size and Weight?

A bike computer will be mounted to your handlebars, so it's wise to pay some attention to the size of your prospective device. If you're the type of cyclist who buys the lightest components for your bike, a large-screened computer can add a few more ounces than necessary. Alternatively, if you like being able to easily see your screen, that might be a worthwhile weight tradeoff. 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 Handle Bars?

A bike computer typically attaches to the handlebars using a dedicated mount, which is secured with either 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.

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 we update regularly to ensure it reflects 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.