Owning the best cycle computers used to be a luxury for most of us. However, today, with the variety of brands, you’re likely to get them for cheap with quite a few functions that let you record enough data. In fact, you will get cycle computers that are ideal for beginners, amateurs, pro cyclists, triathletes and more.
And with so many varieties, it is likely to get carried away. Most of us even land up buying the wrong one.
Don’t we?
Relax, breathe, we are here to help you shortlist the best cycle computers in the market.
But before, why would you need a cycle computer?
Get started by reading a few advantages of having the best cycle computer:
Save your phone from bad weather:
Your smartphones are probably more expensive than your cycle computers. Having them mounted on your handbag during rain, or cold weather might probably not be a good idea. On the other hand, the best cycle computers are pretty rugged and can take the beating. So you can simply keep riding, record your data and not worry about anything else!
Save phone battery:
Here’s the deal!
Most of us do use our phones to record our ride, however, it’s not that great as compared to a device that’s specially meant for recording your ride. So save your phone battery and use it to click pictures and share your ride on social media later.
Easy to access functions:
Unlike your phone, none of the bicycle computers needs to unlock the device. As it’s mounted on your handlebar, the numbers are right in your face. Especially, on a TT or a road bike 😉
So forget about shoving your hand in your back pocket to remove your phone to just have a glance at your distance and average speed.
Different functions on one interface:
Unlike your mobile apps, bicycle computers have a variety of functions such as distance, ride time, and speed. You will also get some of the best cycle computers that offer advanced functions such as temperature, heart rate, cadence, altitude, gradient, calorie burn and so on all in one computer.
But there’s a catch.
With so many brands available in the market and Ali express being our favourite, we likely get carried away for those “cheap best cycle computers”. Firstly, it takes over a month to deliver. Secondly, once it arrives it doesn’t really last as long as you expect, does it?
In such cases, knowing that best cycle computers brands is a must. You can blindly close your eyes and go with some of the brands that are listed below.
Trust us, you cannot go wrong with the brands listed below!
Best Cycle computers on Amazon
Cycle computers don’t necessarily need to be expensive. If you wish to have one, there are tons of affordable cycle computers that you can buy from Amazon. While the accuracy might be slightly off, they are pretty good when it comes to tracking your progress. Simply attach it to your handlebar and track your speed, distance, cadence and more. Some cycle computers can also be paired with some of the best cycling apps.
Best Cycle Computer brands in India 2020
CatEye:
Founded in 1954 in Osaka, Japan, Cateye is a leading manufacturer of bicycle lights, cycle computers and reflectors in the world. With progressive research and design, and in-house engineers, the brand is known to make some of the brightest and most efficient LED headlights.
Also, Cateye is among the first companies to integrate altimeter, heart rate, and cadence technology into cycle computers.
We recently happened to review a headlight by Cateye. You might be interested to read >>>
Lezyne:
Lezyne – the combination of a love for cycling and a passion for design. Their products are exquisitely designed, intelligently engineered, and functionally complete. Lezyne’s goal is to engineer and produce premium quality bicycle accessories using the best materials available.
Garmin:
What’s the first name that comes to your mind when you think of the best cycle computers or watches?
For us, it’s Garmin.
The brand is known to make products that are engineered on the inside for life on the outside.
Need we say more?
Btwin:
B’TWIN is a trademark under which the French Decathlon Group sells bicycles and other accessories like sunglasses, cycle computers and more
Sigma:
Founded in 1982, SIGMA SPORT is a German manufacturer of high-quality bike computers, lighting systems and wearables that combine tradition and expertise with innovation.
Wahoo:
Talk about technology and innovation, we feel nobody does it better than Wahoo. With some of the best smart trainers, cycling sensors and bicycle computers, Wahoo is certainly one of the best among the lot. The brand focus is to harness the awesome power of this amazing device and turn it into the ultimate training partner.
Bryton:
One of the few brands in the market that aims to bring together performance, fun and social networking into normal everyday exercise activities. Established in 2009, Bryton Inc. is a company that focusses on product development to redefine sports electronics with GPS applications, improved usability and providing unique features to keep users interested and motivated in fitness activities.
Bryton is now a sports GPS brand with a growing presence in the market with a range of innovative models to suit sports lovers of all levels.
How to choose the best cycle computer for yourself?
Choosing a cycle computer is like choosing a bicycle with the best components. We always want the best, don’t we? But then there is something called as Budget that stops us from dreaming big. It drops us to a place where we belong. So deciding on a budget is important.
What are your requirements?
Most of us who just get into cycling are curious to know how much distance they are riding or how many calories they are burning. Some prefer using a cycle computer to track their rides for motivation.
However, if you’re pretty serious about getting better on the bike, get yourself one of the best cycle computers. Doing so will not only let you train allow you to analyze, compare, it will also help you know if you are training right and whether there’s an improvement in your performance.
No, let’s navigate you through some of the best cycle computers in the market.
Best budget cycle computer
Low on a budget and still want to buy the best budget cycle computer in India? Btwin cycle computers offer some of the best speedometers you can buy at affordable prices.
Don’t worry. We got that covered too!
100 Wired Cyclometer – BLACK:
If you’re a beginner and are very low on a budget, consider looking at this simplest wired cycle computer by Decathlon. The computer offers 5 basic functions such as (current/average speed, current/average distance and time).
The 100 wired btwin cycle computer can be easily mounted on the bicycle and can be fixed to the handlebar or stem.
The 100 wired cyclometer also is available as a wireless computer.
Check it out here>>> Btwin 120 Wireless cycle computer
Cateye CC-RD200 Strada Cadence Enabled Wired Bike Computer (INR 3,190):
If you would ask us which brand is our favourite, Cateye cycle computer would certainly be one of them. When it comes to a cheap budget but high-quality cycle computer, the Cateye Strada outperforms all. It comes with a large screen and a clicktec interface that lets you switch between eight modes easily.
The Cateye cycle computer also displays an up/down arrow that lets you know whether you’re above or below your average speed.
So now more getting a mini heart-attack if your average speed falls.
Moreover, Cateye has their own innovate Flextight bracket mount that allows you to bracket mount quickly on the stem or handlebar. The best part of this mount is that you don’t need any tools to secure it.
The same innovation is used in the Headlight systems. Check it out here>>>Cateye volt 1200
Cateye Velo 7: INR 4,000:
Another popular Cateye cycle computer that you can purchase at a low budget and enjoy quite a few benefits is the Cateye Velo 7.
The computer comes with a larger screen, auto power saving mode, zip tie bracket, pace arrow and a clock. The cycle computer also has a start and stop function.
Velo Wireless:
The velo wireless is another best cycle computer that you can consider investing in. The device comes with a programmable odometer and menu screen. Besides, it’s easy to be installed on almost any bike including 27.5 and 29’ers.
The basic functions of this Cateye cycle computer include speed, trip distance, clock, leased time, calorie consumption and total distance.
The bicycle computer also offers features like pace arrow, auto start/pause, programmable odometer and Zip tie bracket.
Lezyne Mini GPS:
If you are looking for a mini cycle computer that does all the basic features, is easy to use and comes with GPS, the Lezyne Mini is what you should be looking at. The device fits easily on your handlebar and lets you upload, store and analyse your bike rides on Lezyne’s GPS Root website.
Bryton Rider 10 — £52.81:
Love cycling and want a cycle computer that comes with GPS, is affordable and lets you stay connected with your world, then the Bryton Rider 10 is perfect. The device will talk to your phone via Bluetooth and also display calls and message alerts.
Besides, it will also work with a Bluetooth heart rate monitor strap.
Sigma Sport ROX 10.0 GPS Set Black:
A decent cycle computer that ’s value for money is the Sigma Sports Rox 10. Besides the usual functions and features of a computer, this bike computer comes with GPS and a couple of other features including POWER and ANT+.
Best GPS cycle computer with maps
Garmin Edge 820:
If you are looking for a lightweight, touchscreen and compact cycle computer, Garmin Edge 820 is bang on! It has everything you need to keep a tab on your cycling performance and works well with gloves and in wet conditions. The device offers advanced performance monitoring that includes VO2 max, recovery advisor, Strava live segments, FTP, performance condition and advanced cycling dynamics².
The device comes with a GroupTrack¹ feature keeps tabs on everyone in your riding pack. It also comes with Bike-specific navigation preloaded with Garmin Cycle Map for turn-by-turn navigation. The device comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that works for up to 15 hours GPS training mode.
Another USP of the Garmin Edge 820 is that it comes with Built-in incident detection³ that sends your location to an emergency contact if you get into difficulty.
The cycle computer has so much more, we go on and on. But for now, you can read more here>>> Buy Garmin.
Garmin Edge 520 Bike GPS $210:
Stacked with features, the Garmin Edge 520 comes with features that are ideal for the series cyclist. The cycle computer comes with GSP, live-tracking, heart rate monitor, Cadence, distance, speed, elevation and more.
The computer can also be connected to starva and gives you notifications such as phone calls and text. It also lets you share on social media.
The Garmin Edge 520 can be charged with the help of a micros USB and holds 15 hours of battery life. But that’s not it, the cycle computer is also rated to be waterproof from splashes, rain or snow as well as max immersion for less than 30 minutes at a depth of less than one meter.
All the above functions are what makes it the overall best cycle computer on our list. However, don’t you feel a touch screen would take it to another level?
Lezyne Enhanced Super GPS Cycling Computer $149: (mid-range)
Another advanced cycling computer is the Lezyne Enhanced Super GPS which is extremely small and light. It comes with the latest technology and interactive features.
Besides, the usual functions of a cycle meter, the device can simultaneously pair with Bluetooth Smart or ANT+™ enabled power meters, heart rate monitors and speed/cadence sensors.
The Lezyne Enhanced Super GPS Cycling Computer can also be paid with ‘compatible’ electronic drivetrains.
If you pair with their free Ally V2 smartphone app, the Super GPS can then display incoming messages and phone calls, provide turn-by-turn navigation and be instantly customised as per your requirement. It also seamlessly integrates with Strava and training peaks as well.
Is that enough?
Wait, let us tell you more.
The device also comes with live tracking (Lezyne Track) which can be activated to let your family and friends follow in real-time. Adding to this, the Super GPS is equipped with GPS and Glonass chips, a barometer and an accelerometer.
To sum it up, it comes with the best-in-class battery runtime of up to 24 hours and is always ready for any cycling adventure.
Wahoo Bolt:
Apparently the first fully aerodynamic GPS bike computer that’s simple to set up and use. It is also easy to integrate this with your Strava. The devices also come with a USB rechargeable battery, love tracking portal, text, email, phone alerts, GPS functionality and more.
The bolt also comes with two sturdy and secure options to mount your computer- an integrated out-front mount and stem that lets you see you ride where you want.
Now let’s turn this over to you…
Which cycle computer are you using right now or which one do you think should be added to our list of the best cycle computers?
Either way, if you have any queries regarding the best cycle computers, drop a comment below.
We will be around to answer your queries!