Bike Computers

With a bike computer you can see exactly during a ride how fast, how far and how intensively you are cycling. In this category you will find simple wireless bike computers that measure speed, distance and ride time, and comprehensive GPS bike computers with navigation, altitude measurement and connectivity to heart rate monitors and power meters. Handlebar mounts to position your computer firmly and within easy reading distance are also available here.

Which bike computer suits you depends on what you want to measure. If you mainly want to know how fast and how far you cycle, a compact bike computer with a large, easily readable display is sufficient. If you are training specifically for a race or triathlon, choose a GPS bike computer that automatically records your ride, can navigate routes and wirelessly connects to sensors for heart rate, cadence and power. After the ride you analyse your training in an app and track your progress.

For cyclists, mountain bikers and triathletes, a bike computer is the simplest way to bring structure to training: what gets measured gets improved.

What to look for when buying a bike computer?

First decide which data you want to see. Every bike computer shows speed, distance and ride time. A GPS bike computer adds automatic ride recording, altitude metres and navigation, without needing a sensor on your wheel. If you want to train by heart rate or power, choose a model that wirelessly connects to a chest strap or power meter.

Also look at the display and controls. A large screen with clear numbers can be read even in bright sunlight or during intense effort. Think about battery life too: for long rides and races you want a battery that lasts well beyond a full ride. Finally, check the mounting. With a good handlebar mount your computer sits vibration-free and in your line of sight, which is safer than constantly glancing down at your handlebar.

Our advice: do not buy more computer than you will use. If you only want to see speed and distance, a simple wireless bike computer is the better and cheaper option. If you train by heart rate or power, you will regret buying a model that is too basic.

Which bike computer suits your situation?

You simply want to see how fast and how far you cycle: choose a wireless bike computer with a large display. Easy to mount, long battery life and immediately clear.

You want to record your rides and analyse them afterwards: choose a GPS bike computer. Every ride is automatically saved with speed, distance and altitude profile, and synchronised with your training app.

You want to explore new routes without your phone on the handlebar: choose a bike computer with navigation and map display. You follow a planned route with directions on the screen.

You are training specifically for a race or triathlon: choose a GPS model that connects heart rate, cadence and power. This allows you to steer your training by exact values rather than by feel, including during indoor training on indoor trainers.

GPS bike computer or regular bike computer?

A regular wireless bike computer measures via a sensor on your front wheel and shows the basic data: speed, distance and ride time. It is affordable, light and often runs on a coin cell for a year or more. A GPS bike computer determines your position via satellites, records your full route and connects to sensors and apps. The trade-off is that it is more expensive and needs to be charged after every few rides. If you cycle recreationally and just want to track your mileage, a regular bike computer is sufficient. If you train systematically, race or want to navigate, GPS is the logical choice and you get far more out of every ride.

Frequently asked questions about bike computers

Is a bike computer better than a phone on the handlebar?

For serious cycling use, yes. A bike computer is built to remain readable and operable in rain, sun and cold, while a phone screen is hard to read in bright sunlight and drains quickly with GPS on. A bike computer also lasts many more hours per charge, which makes the difference on long rides. Your phone also sits safely in your back pocket instead of vulnerably on the handlebar in a crash. For a single recreational ride a phone is fine, but anyone who cycles weekly notices the difference in convenience and reliability immediately.

Do I need a bike computer with navigation?

That depends on where you ride. If you mainly follow fixed training loops in your local area, navigation adds little and a model without maps is sufficient. If you enjoy exploring new routes, cycle on holiday or ride sportives and gran fondos, a bike computer with navigation is a great asset. You plan a route in advance and follow the directions on the screen without stopping for your phone. Also handy: many models automatically calculate a route back to your starting point. For mountain bikers in unfamiliar terrain, map display is also valuable.

Which sensors can I connect to a GPS bike computer?

Most GPS bike computers connect wirelessly to a heart rate monitor, a cadence sensor, a speed sensor and a power meter. A heart rate strap gives insight into your effort and training zones, a cadence sensor into your pedalling rate. A power meter is the most accurate measure of your delivered effort and the standard for structured training. Check before buying whether the computer supports the wireless protocol of your sensors; the common standards are supported by virtually all modern models. You can build your measurement system step by step, starting for example with a heart rate monitor.

Does a bike computer also work on the mountain bike?

Yes, a bike computer works on every bike, from road bike to mountain bike. For MTB use, pay attention to a few points. Choose a model with a sturdy mount that absorbs vibrations and impacts, and a housing that can handle mud and water. GPS models are more practical in the forest than computers with a wheel sensor, because branches and mud have no effect on the measurement. Map display also helps to find your way back in unfamiliar woods. Mount the computer preferably in the centre of the handlebar, protected between your hands.

Need help choosing?

Would you like to buy a bike computer but are not quite sure which one best suits your wishes and needs? We are happy to help with all your questions. You can reach our triathlon specialists by phone at +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon store in Volkel, the Netherlands.