The best bike computers provide a range of essential features that are particularly useful to cyclists.
For example, having a bike computer that can display speed, maximum speed, current speed, current time, number of elevations you’ve climbed, GPS, and distance you’ve traveled is sure to make a big difference.
That being said, the best bike speedometers on the market today are not cheap and it’s important that you know exactly which ones to look at.
So, with that in mind, I thought I’d give you a hand and divide them all up for you into sections of types of bike speed computers, giving you my top 3 selections for each and demonstrating the features you should be looking out for.
Check out this blog post I wrote about bike computers here and get your first glimpse of the most advanced bike computers on the market today.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin Edge 25 Cycling GPS | Best Overall |  |
| CAT EYE | Budget Pick |  |
| Garmin Edge 520 Bike GPS | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Garmin Edge 25 Cycling GPS
Pros:
- The Garmin Edge 25 is my top pick! It is a no fuss, no frills GPS that offers reliable tracking to all levels of riders at a fairly decent price point.
I love the small size and simplicity of this bike computer. It houses all the basic functions you need to navigate your way around a new city or navigate your favorite backroad and route. The screen display is easy to read with larger numbers so you can still make out what you’re looking at.
Having an easy to use touch sensitive screen is also really helpful as I feel like I’m not constantly swiping around trying to get to what I need or find my maps.
Some other features include course maps, contact (in case you go missing), alerts (so be careful not to be distracted while on the bike) and data transfer. That’s just the gist of it.
2. CAT EYE
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Long lasting battery
- Accurate
This is the best bike computer for the price.
The Velo 7 is a basic wired bike computer that is easy to set up and provides plenty of useful features. Buying this unit allows you to keep all the stats straight to track down any misconceptions that you might be having about your riding
The Velo 7 is a simple device. It works well and provides you with sufficient statistics to improve your riding experience while keeping the price low. It is the best bicycle computer on the market if you need it to be affordable.
3. Garmin Edge 520 Bike GPS
Pros:
- Changed Looks
- Easy to Use
- Plenty of Features
Cons:
- Expensive
- Touchscreen Can Be Unresponsive
Garmin Edge 520 GPS Cycle Computer is the upgraded version of the popular Garmin Edge 500, The Best Selling Bike Computer of All Time. It has plenty of features that improve upon its predecessor that people love so much.
It features the preloaded Garmin Cycle Map with bike-specific navigation for roads and trails and provides turn-by-turn directions for city streets and for cycling specific trails, it also includes optional Garmin Cycle Map updates to follow new routes when you’re exploring new areas and a preloaded Basecamp to plan new routes on your computer at home before heading out for the ride. (Optional maps can be stored on the memory card of the device). The new Garmin Edge 520 Bike GPS also includes Bluetooth connectivity and Strava Live Segments. Read my complete Garmin Edge 520 review for more details.
4. Planet Bike Protégé 9.0 bike computer
Pros:
- Easy-to-read display
- An inexpensive alternative to computerized computers
Cons:
- Display is slightly dim
- No backlight
Do you want lights on your handlebars but none on your computer? Consider the Planet Bike Protégé 9.0 bike computer. This computer is literally lights on, computer off.
The front light, housed in a first-of-its-kind wired-in headlight, keeps you visible up to 500 feet out. While not on your handlebars, the light attachment is on your handlebars, which is where you have to mount your computer if that’s what you want to do.
Since the computer is wireless, with a bright LEDs on the front light, it’s a piece of cake to install. The rack isn’t part of the bike frame, and the light and the computer are attached to the top of the head tube.
5. CAT EYE
Pros:
- USB charging port
- Waterproof up to 50 meters
- Slim, lightweight design
- Easy-to-read display
- Use multiple ride modes
- Provides more than just basic info
Cons:
- Average battery life, about 100 hours in eco mode
- Doesn’t travel well due to format
- Doesn’t hold up to rain or pressure
The CAT EYE Padrone Wireless Bike Computer is a sleek black wireless bike computer that can eliminate guesswork from your ride.
The computer transmits your current speed, average speed, and ride time to a base unit that you attach to your stem with an included band. The Padrone’s computer head also features a backlit screen, a USB charging port, and a mini recessed button for selecting functions.
Although the Padrone Wireless Bike Computer is not the most expensive option for bike computers, it actually includes a lot of features that some of the pricier devices don’t include.
6. Planet Bike Protegé 9.0 Wireless Bike Computer
Pros:
- Wireless Sensor
- Easy to use
- Bike/toilet mount
Cons:
- 9 km/h maximum speed
- Only a month battery life
- Does not auto power off
The Planet Bike Protegé 9.0 is another highly rated bike computer in terms of functionality and user-friendliness.
This wireless bike computer comes with an easy-to-read LED screen that displays speed, distance traveled, time and even can show the temperature.
It uses wireless sensors that you have to install in each of your wheels, so the computer on the handgrip is what is responsible for getting the information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best bike computer with cadence?
Cadence is a term used to describe a cyclistʼs pedaling RPMs (revolutions per minute).
Bike computers with cadence do an excellent job of displaying not only how fast you are going but what cadence you are pedaling at.
The average human being has a cadence of about 80 to 100 RPMs.
It is important to set a specific target RPM for when you are riding and make frequent assessments of where you are while keeping this target in mind.
Why is this so important?
Inefficient pedaling results in you having to exert more energy and increases the chances of serious injury and extreme fatigue.
The best bike computers with cadence have backlit displays are easy-to-read and contain multiple functions, such as speed, distance, time and calories burned.
What cycling computer do pros use?
There’s no need to go overboard on the newest and the fanciest cycling computer available for your bike. By now, the technology for such products has been fairly mainstream for quite some time and can be found throughout the industry. In fact, the same product is used by pros and amateurs in almost equal numbers.
You may have noticed bicycle components and cycling as a whole has a tendency to run toward the most complex, least intuitive option available at the time. Take this mindset and apply it to a bicycle computer and you’ll probably be in the mindset of the vast majority of cycling enthusiasts.
If you are one of the few who doesn’t need an alarm clock to wake you up in the morning, a stereo system to listen to music, and GPS navigational features on your bicycle, then you’re the perfect candidate for a bicycle computer.
Do I need a GPS bike computer?
GPS bike computers have been gaining popularity over the last few years. They range in price and functionality, so you can get exactly what you want without breaking the bank.
This type of computer includes a GPS system, which uses satellites to track your progress. The majority of these computers have limited navigation tools built in, as well as options for tracking your heart rate.
While most GPS systems are pretty basic, they’ll get the job done. The only main downside to them is the need for a power source.
To use these, you’ll need to either rely on disposable batteries or use replaceable rechargeable batteries. The good news is that the latter option means you won’t have to worry about losing power midway through your ride.
What Garmin bike computer should I buy?
There is an overwhelming amount of choices when it comes to picking the best cycling computer, which can make the decision even more difficult.
The product you ultimately choose depends on your needs, but these two have consistently been amongst the best over several years and much thought has gone into their design.
Conclusion
There are many good bike computers and speedometers on the market. So we researched and found 11 of the best bike computers of 2019 to cover a wide range of types, prices, and appearances.
We hope that after reviewing this page, you have a better idea of which bike computer to get for your bike. They make riding more fun, educational, and safer. And we hope this guide helps to make your decision easier.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin Edge 25 Cycling GPS | Best Overall | |
| CAT EYE | Budget Pick | |
| Garmin Edge 520 Bike GPS | Upgrade Pick | |