How to Choose a Bike Computer? (Buyer’s Guide)

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Bike computers track your rides, connect to additional sensors, and guide you through places you don’t know. However, the differences between models are hard to spot, and the wide range of products can overwhelm a newcomer.

That’s why I wrote this guide on how to choose a bike computer. I explain what a bike computer does, how it works, and which features to compare so you can spend your money wisely.

NOTE: Bike (cycling) computers are also called head units.

What Is a Bike Computer and How Does It Work?

A bike computer is a small device on your handlebars that shows your ride data in real time and records the whole ride. Its built-in GPS measures speed, distance, and position, while sensors like heart rate monitors, cadence sensors, and power meters connect over ANT+ or Bluetooth. After the ride, it syncs the activity to the phone app and on to Strava or TrainingPeaks.

Wired vs. Wireless Bike Computers

Wired bike computers are basic speedometers with a cable running to a sensor on the fork. They are cheap and reliable but fiddly to install. Wireless speedometers and all GPS bike computers skip the cable.

Do You Even Need a Bike Computer?

One of the first things to consider before buying a bike computer is whether you need one at all. A basic speedometer may be sufficient for your use case.

Basic speedometers usually don’t offer the features mentioned above. However, they can measure your speed and cadence and show the time of the day, temperature, etc. They are suitable for casual riders who don’t take cycling too seriously.

Learn more about the benefits and disadvantages of bike computers.

Before You Buy a Bike Computer

Alright, you’ve decided that a cycling computer is more suitable for you than a speedometer. Great. Now, I recommend asking yourself the following questions.

• Do you prefer a smaller (more compact form factor) or a larger screen (better for navigation)?
• Do you prefer a touchscreen display or buttons?
• Do you need full on-device navigation (e.g., the computer can recalculate your route if you deviate from the route)?
• Do you prefer setting it up directly or via a mobile phone app?
• Do you mind charging it more often?

And, of course, there is also the aspect of money. The more sophisticated bike computers are more expensive but often offer features you will never use.

If this is your first bike computer, you don’t need the flagship model. A mid-range unit with good battery life and turn-by-turn navigation covers what most beginners need, and you won’t pay for features you’re not ready to use yet.

Let me now guide you through the most important features of bike computers.

How to Choose a Bike Computer: Features to Compare

I explain each of them below.

NOTE: All bike computers measure the same basic metrics as speedometers (speed, distance, time of day, temperature, etc.).

Screen

The screen is one of the most important features of a bike computer. Consider its size, resolution, type, colors, and readability. Basically, it has features similar to those of a smartphone.

Screen Size & Resolution

Bike computer screen size varies from around 1.8″ to 3.8″ (Wahoo ELEMNT ACE), and the higher the resolution, the sharper the displayed data.

The following picture shows multiple bike computers compared to the iPhone 6s (4.7″ display).

Larger screens are better for navigation and maps, and they let you display more data fields at once.

However, with a larger screen comes a larger form factor, higher weight, and less compactness.

Screen Type

The screen type tells you whether the bike computer has a touchscreen. Most bike computers have a touchscreen display or buttons. But there are also bike computers that combine these two.

Touchscreen displays are great if they are done right. If not, using them with sweaty hands, gloves, or in wet conditions is a pain.

Screen Colors & Readability

Lower-end bike computers have monochrome screens. These computers are more affordable and provide good readability but can’t show as much information as color screens (for example, when using maps).

Mid-range and higher-end cycling computers have color displays. Depending on the manufacturer, they can, for example, illustrate gradients using colors. They are also better for reading maps.

It is also important that the text is readable in direct sunlight. In the end, you want to see your ride data or the map, don’t you?

So, always double-check pictures and videos from real reviews where you can see the display in direct sunlight.

Battery Life

Battery life matters if you plan full-day rides or don’t want to recharge the computer often.

Aim for a battery life of at least 15 hours, ideally 20 hours or more. Many current mid-range and high-end models claim 20 hours or more, and some go much further (the Garmin Edge 1040 Solar claims up to 45 hours). Remember, the more sensors are connected and the more features are turned on, the faster the battery drains.

Most bike computers allow you to adjust the brightness to save battery. Some of them can do it automatically, thanks to an ambient light sensor.

Navigation

Bike computers with limited navigation can’t recalculate your route if you deviate from it. They also won’t be able to take you to a selected point on a map. On the other hand, these units tend to be more affordable.

Basic speedometers don’t offer any navigation features.

I recommend buying a cycling computer with full on-device navigation if you plan to use it on vacation or in unfamiliar places. Otherwise, you will have to stick to the preplanned route.

Maps

Some bike computers come with pre-loaded basic maps. However, they are usually not as detailed as maps dedicated to a given region.

Depending on how detailed you need the maps to be, check which maps the manufacturer offers. For example, Garmin Edge computers are considered the best for mapping thanks to their detailed maps. Since May 2025, Garmin has used TopoActive maps on its Edge computers. On some older models, you have to buy* extra regions separately.

*Mapping models like the Edge 540, 840, 1040, and 1050 get free map updates via Garmin Express. Older models without a microSD slot, like the Edge 530 and 830, need extra regions bought and downloaded separately.

Wahoo and Hammerhead aren’t far behind. Their maps are free, and you download only the countries and regions you need.

Connectivity

Today’s bike computers feature ANT+, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.

ANT+ is a wireless protocol that connects the bike computer to sensors like power meters, cadence and speed sensors, HR monitors, etc. Bike computers also use it to communicate with smart bike trainers. Most current bike computers can pair Bluetooth sensors too, which matters if one of your sensors only supports Bluetooth.

Bluetooth also lets your bike computer sync your ride data (or settings) with your phone and receive notifications. Wi-Fi is mostly used to download firmware updates and maps.

If you are a Strava fan, ensure the head unit features Strava live segments. It will show you how far ahead of or behind the KOM you are, the time left to the end of the segment, nearby segments, and more. But remember, you need a paid Strava subscription.

Rear radars like the Garmin Varia have become very popular. However, not every bike computer is compatible with them, so I recommend double-checking compatibility.

Last but not least, compatible bike computers can show you the gear and battery level of an electronic shifter like Shimano Di2 or SRAM eTap.

Brand

The bicycle computer world is dominated by two brands: Garmin and Wahoo. However, there are other smaller players like Hammerhead, Bryton, COROS, Sigma, and Chinese brands like Magene, iGPSport, and Cycplus.

Garmin is known for its wide range of bike computers (in addition to many other product categories like smartwatches), which are packed with features and customizable thanks to third-party Connect IQ apps.

Wahoo bike computers stand out thanks to their ease of use, easy-to-read displays, and simple setup via a smartphone app.

The following table lines up comparable Garmin and Wahoo models side by side.

Bryton, COROS, and Sigma bike computers, as well as Chinese brands like Magene, iGPSport, and Cycplus, are more affordable alternatives to the two brands above while offering similar features.

Hammerhead (owned by SRAM since 2022) stirred the waters with its smartphone-like approach, which changed the interaction between the rider and the bike computer.

If you don’t need fancy features, CatEye makes simple speedometers.

Other Features to Consider

Here are a few other features to consider when buying a bike computer:

• Water resistance is especially important if you live in a rainy area or often get caught in the rain. Today, most bike computers have an IPX7 water resistance rating (protection against immersion for 30 minutes to a depth of 1 meter).
• The weight of bike computers varies from around 60 g to over 200 g (the Wahoo ELEMNT ACE weighs 208 g). It may be important for weight weenies.

• Larger internal storage lets you download more maps and routes to your device and store more activities.
• MTB metrics like grit and flow are unique to Garmin bike computers.
• Recommended recovery, suggested workouts, crash detection, and dozens more.

Bike Computer Alternatives

The main bike computer alternatives include smartwatches, smartphones, and speedometers. Let’s examine their advantages and disadvantages.

Smartwatches

Smartwatches are more compact and versatile than bike computers. They can be used for cycling, running, swimming, and other (non)fitness activities.

You can wear your smartwatch on your wrist or wrap it around your handlebars when cycling. The first method allows you to track your HR, but you’ll have to twist your hand to see your ride data (which can be dangerous).

The second method lets you see your ride data just like a bike computer (but on a smaller screen). However, you won’t have the HR data unless you pair your watch with an HR strap or other HR source.

Smartphones

A smartphone attached to a phone mount is a good bike computer alternative. However, if you use a low-quality mount, your phone may fall and break.

Another way is to keep your phone in a jersey pocket. But you won’t see your ride data as if you were using a bike computer.

There is another downside. A smartphone drains its battery faster than a bike computer. You will need to recharge it often, and on long rides, it may not even last the entire ride.

Read my entire comparison of bike computers vs. smartphones for more detailed info.

Basic Speedometers

Speedometers can measure basic metrics like your current speed, average speed, ascent, descent, temperature, time, etc. Moreover, they are affordable (cost a few dozen bucks) and easy to use.

When I started cycling, I used a speedometer with this basic info to know what distance I rode, my average speed, etc.

However, once I got hooked on Strava and training, I wanted more and bought a bike computer to pair with my HR monitor and, later, a power meter.

Speedometers are suitable for beginners and casual riders who want a basic ride overview. To get more info about your ride (e.g., a comparison with other riders), you can use a Strava phone app.

What Bike Computer Do Pro Cyclists Use?

The following table shows the bike computer brands used by WorldTour cycling teams.

Summary

When choosing a bike computer, focus mainly on its screen (size, type, readability), navigation features (limited or full on-device navigation with re-routing features), and price.

Among other features worth considering are battery life, user-friendliness, customizability, and Strava live segments.

It boils down to your preferences and how you intend to use it.

Feel free to comment or contact me if you have any comments or tips regarding bike computers.

Bike Computers FAQ