Every rider’s dream is to measure or calculate how was his biking or riding statistics. So, in this article, we will have a look at the best mountain bike computers available in the market that are out for you.
Mountain Bike Computers are the devices that help and analyze your ride statistics along with fitness tracking. Mountain Bike Computers are very easy to use; maintenance is easy and very solidly built so that they can go anywhere.
- Reviews Of 10 Best Mountain Bike GPS
- Garmin Edge 830 GPS Bike Computer
- Garmin Edge 1030, 3.5″ GPS Cycling/Bike Computer
- Garmin Edge 530 GPS Bike Computer
- Wahoo ELEMNT GPS Bike Computer
- Bryton Rider 10 GPS Cycling Computer
- POLAR V650 Cycle Computer
- CAT EYE – Stealth EVO Plus Wireless Bike Computer
- Sigma BC 1609 Cadence Bicycle Speedometer
- LEZYNE Micro Color GPS Cycling Computer
- CatEye Micro Wireless Bike Computer
- Mountain Bike Computers vs. Smart Watches
- Things to Consider While Selecting Best Bike Computer for Mountain Biking
- How Do Bike Computers Work?
- Other Bike Computer Features
- Is Mountain Bike Computer Worth It?
- Conclusion
Reviews Of 10 Best Mountain Bike GPS
We have reviewed the top 10 mountain bike GPS available in the market, where we have reviewed the product, compared and listed their main features, and finally, we have pros and cons of each product.
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Garmin Edge 830 GPS Bike Computer
| Check Price |
 | Garmin Edge 1030, 3.5″ GPS Cycling/Bike Computer
| Check Price |
 | Garmin Edge 530 GPS Bike Computer
| Check Price |
 | Wahoo ELEMNT GPS Bike Computer
| Check Price |
 | Bryton Rider 10 GPS Cycling Computer
| Check Price |
 | POLAR V650 Cycle Computer
| Check Price |
 | CAT EYE – Stealth EVO Plus Wireless Bike Computer
| Check Price |
 | Sigma BC 1609 Cadence Bicycle Speedometer
| Check Price |
 | LEZYNE Micro Color GPS Cycling Computer
| Check Price |
 | CatEye Micro Wireless Bike Computer
| Check Price |
Garmin Edge 830 GPS Bike Computer
Also referred to as the best mtb computer, this performance GPS Bike computer by Garmin comes with mapping and a touchscreen. This dynamically performing computer comes with insights on your VO2, training load focus, recovery, heat, altitude acclimation, and much more.
It has multiple safety features like bike alarm, group messaging and tracking assistance, and compatibility with Varia rearview radar and lights (when paired with your compatible smartphone). The pin protected bike alarm notifies you on your smartphone when anyone attempts to move your bike when you are refilling or are just resting.
You can track the Jump count, jump distance and hang time, as well as Grit, a measure of the ride’s difficulty, and MTB dynamics track flow, which tracks the smoothness of your descent, with this device. It comes with a battery life of 20 hours and a GPS.
Here, you can check video review of Garmin Edge 830 from here.
The Good
- GPS Tracking
- Speed Comparator
- Odometer
- Auto Start/Stop
- Stopwatch
- 20 hours Battery Life
- Sustainable
The Bad
- The device with potential but lacks focus.
- Has a soft build.
VERDICT
With on-device routing, color maps, and dynamic performance monitoring and insights to help you improve, the touch-screen Garmin Edge 830 GPS bike computer is ready to roll wherever you want to go.
Garmin Edge 1030, 3.5″ GPS Cycling/Bike Computer
This 3.5-inch bike computer, also well-known as the best mtb GPS according to online reviews, comes with comprehensive navigation, performance along cycling awareness. The trend line popularity routing uses billions of miles of Garmin Connect ride data to show the best on and off-road routes.
Edge 1030 works with our new in-line flush mount, which keeps your device in line with the handlebars, not above them. Not only does this give your Edge a lower profile, but the mount also makes it effortless to switch out optional accessories such as the Garmin Charge power pack or any of our Varia line of cycling awareness devices.
Edge 1030 is compatible with Varia rearview radar and smart bike lights to help create a safer riding environment. It also features built-in Incident Detection, which automatically sends your location to an emergency contact if you run into difficulty.
The Good
- GPS/GLONASS
- Touchscreen
- Smart notifications
- LiveTrack
- Strava segments Advanced
- Battery life Up to 20 hrs
The Bad
- LiveTrack is not a new tech, which has never worked on this model. But it did and still does work on older models.
- Sometimes Unreliable.
VERDICT
An amazingly well rounded and good device which does all your essentials.
Garmin Edge 530 GPS Bike Computer
Mountain bike bundle is said to be one of the best mountain bike GPS computers according to multiple online reviews. This amazing device comes with a GPS cycling computer which has a mapping feature and has a touchscreen. This dynamic device provides insight into your heat acclimation, VO2 max, nutrition, hydration, recovery, and other multiple sensors when paired with compatible sensors.
This device tracks your jump counts, jump distance, and also the hang time along with the grit and flow. There are also cycling safety features which include bike alarm, group tracking & messaging, compatibility & assistance with Varia rearview radar & lights. It has a battery life of 20 hours along with GPS, and you can customize it with free apps & widgets.
You can have more detailed look from below video.
The Good
- GPS Tracking
- Speed Comparator
- Odometer
- Trip Distance
- Pressure-based Altimeter
- Target Zone Indicator
- Smart Device Notifications
- 20 hours Battery Life
The Bad
- Hard Buttons
- Sometimes has trouble connecting with the iPhone.
VERDICT
The smaller brother of the Garmin family. Well, rounded and funky features make it interesting to use but have a lot of scope for improvement.
Wahoo ELEMNT GPS Bike Computer
Wahoo GPS bike computer, also known as the best mountain bike speedometer, is one of the most reliable devices. With automatic route downloads and uploads when synced with compatible third-party apps (Strava, RideWithGPS, Best Bike Split, Komoot, and more), this bike computer proves to be one of the best in the market.
It comes with Automatic route downloads and uploads with compatible third-party apps -Strava, RideWithGPS, Best Bike Split, Komoot, Singletracks, MTB Project+. You can also build a route and get pop-up and LED notifications on screen, so you never miss a turn. You can use the ELEMNT to control non-Wahoo Smart Trainers which are equipped with ANT+ FE-C. It is 100% Wireless, and you only have to plug it in to charge it!
The Good
- Largest-In-Class Display
- Companion APP Setup
- Turn-By-Turn Navigation
- Call, Text, and Email Alerts
- 100% Wireless
- Perfect View Zoom
- Quicklook LED Indicators
- KICKR/SNAP Control
The Bad
- Mediocre Performance.
- Battery life is marginal.
VERDICT
Garmin’s rival gives you all the same features in the same category but in a little pocket-friendly way.
Bryton Rider 10 GPS Cycling Computer
Bryton Rider GPS Cycling Computer is also called the best cycle computer for mountain biking by multiple online reviewers. It comes with a 2-inch large and IPX7 waterproof display, along with a high-sensitivity GPS receiver for fast positioning. The device has no need for a speed-sensor installation – all you have to do is power on and go.
This cycling computer can support up to 29 functions that include time, speed, distance, heart rate, cadence, altitude, calories, and also temperature. It also comes with a customizable data screen and a built-in barometer. This helps in training with terrain, auto-pause, and one-second recording. This is all customizable as well with the Byron app. This device also supports phone calls, text notifications, and emails.
The Good
- GPS Cycling Computer
- High-sensitivity GPS Chipset for fast positioning
- IPX7 waterproof
- 2″ large and easy-to-read display
- 5 customizable (via Bryton app) data screens with up to 4 data points per page
- Receive smart notifications, email, call, and text during workouts (iOS and Android)
- Anti-glare display for daytime and clear backlight for night rides
- View stats on the device or upload to Strava, Training Peaks, etc. (automatic sync by connecting accounts)
- Compatible with ANT+ sensors including HR, speed & cadence sensors (accessories sold separately).
The Bad
- Accuracy issues related to data tracking
- Rubber bands don’t fit all the handlebars.
VERDICT
A quality device that promises to deliver a lot but comes lacking in some crucial areas.
POLAR V650 Cycle Computer
This Cycle computer by Polar is their first GPS integrated computer and one of the smartest to date. Developed by the company while keeping the enthusiastic cyclers in mind, this device is built for you to track each and every aspect of your cycling performance.
The device comes with a sleek design and an easy to navigate touchscreen. Both of these features, however, are simply a bonus to the very precise metric tracking of the device. The built-in barometric sensor helps you to acquire the most accurate altitude reading.
This cycle computer also gives you an insight into the recovery time you might need along with the training load. After you are done with your session, this device also gives you feedback on your session through the polar app and helps you to plan your cycle training.
The Good
- Advanced Power Metrics
- Track Altitude, ascent/descent
- User-adjustable training displays
- GPS Yes
- OpenStreetMap
- Laps – manual and automatic
- Water resistance IPX7
- Bluetooth Smart
- Instant activity and training analysis
- Compatible with macOS 10.12, MacOS 10.13, MacOS 10.14
- Compatible with PC Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, and later
- Compatible with Polar Flow web service
The Bad
- Sometimes there are connection issues.
VERDICT
A feature-rich and user-friendly device make you go oohing and aahing, but then the user console makes you think, are you in the early 2000s?
CAT EYE – Stealth EVO Plus Wireless Bike Computer
The Stealth EVO+ sets up easily and syncs seamlessly with ANT+ power, heart rate, cadence, and speed sensors. New functions include the maximum and average power, heart rate, cadence measurements, power balance (left/right power percentages), and current altitude. Stay in control with manual start/stop and a programmable display that allows you to select the data you choose to view
Stealth EVO+ is equipped with GPS so you can track your route. Waterproof construction; programmable full-time backlight. Records 2 trip distances; displays date and clock. Recharge the lithium-ion battery in about 5 hours with a USB port. Upload ride data to compatible apps such as CatEyeAtlas, Training Peaks, and Strava (not included) for even more analysis
The Good
- Best Use Cycling
- GPS Tracking
- Current Speed
- Maximum Speed
- Average Speed
- Odometer
- Altimeter Satellite-based
- HRM Included/Integrated
- Illumination Backlight
- Low Battery Indicator
The Bad
- Some devices have had frequent breakdowns.
- Uploading to Strava is difficult.
- Less-user friendly
- Poor Built
VERDICT
A simple but budget-friendly option out in the market, but doesn’t bring the bling value like the others in the market.d
Sigma BC 1609 Cadence Bicycle Speedometer
Temperature display, two-wheel size setting, and an illuminated display round off the wide variety of functions. Shows current and average cadence and a comparison of current and average speed. Total distance and total ride time for Bike 1, Bike 2, and Bike 1 + 2 (neither shown while riding). The programmable trip section counts up and counts down.
Adjusts for two different wheel sizes; automatic recognition of the second bike. Backlight optimizes readability at night. When the battery starts to run out, a corresponding warning appears on display; all pre-settings and total values remain intact when the battery is changed. Seven language settings. Watertight design and tool-free mounting. Batteries included but not installed.
The Good
- Speed Comparator
- Odometer
- Trip Distance
- Auto Start/Stop
- Stopwatch
- Countdown Timer
- Dual Bike Memory
- Batteries CR2032
The Bad
- No Altimeter
- Inconsistent Performance
VERDICT
A good alternative to Cat Eye, if it suits your budget, it all comes down to which you like. It’s like two sides of a coin; you like this one or the other one.
LEZYNE Micro Color GPS Cycling Computer
Advanced recording system combines measurements from GPS/Glonass satellites, a barometer, and an accelerometer, which cancels out GPS ‘drift’ and saves battery life. Pairs with Lezyne Ally app to iOS or Android™ devices through Bluetooth® with compatible power meters, HR monitors, electronic drivetrains, and speed/cadence sensors.
When connected to a device, GPS provides turn-by-turn navigation, live tracking, and Strava Live Segments. Receive text, email, and phone call notifications when paired with Bluetooth Smart enabled iOS or Android devices. Intuitive 4-button operation is easy to use. Stores up to 400 hrs. of ride data. Extremely weather-resistant and durable.
Customizable fields and page count; custom alerts and auto preset. Micro USB rechargeable; includes X-Lock standard mount. Computer measures L x W x H: 67.8 x 42.9 x 27.5mm; screen: 40.1 x 31.7mm
The Good
- GPS Tracking
- Odometer
- Trip Distance
- Auto Start/Stop
- Stopwatch
- Lap Timer
- Cadence
- Target Zone Indicator
- High/Low Target Heart Rate
- 22 hours Battery Life
The Bad
- Slow Bluetooth sync
- Less Storage
VERDICT
A budget-friendly alternative to Garmin and Wahoo but lacks the build and quality of those two. But if you are happy with the quality and pocket-friendly approach, this device is for you.
CatEye Micro Wireless Bike Computer
The wireless design eliminates the need for bracket sensor wires, allowing for clean and easy installation. Features a manual-set odometer, dual tire-size memory, sleep mode, auto or manual start/stop, display, auto-power save. Backlight, stem and handlebar mount, pacer arrow, changeable speed unit, and menu screen. Includes universal bracket; fits handlebar sizes 22 – 32mm. Includes sensor mount; fits fork size 11 – 50mm.
The Good
- Odometer
- Trip Distance
- Auto Start/Stop
- Stopwatch
- Clock
- Dual Bike Memory
- Wireless
The Bad
- Inaccurate Performance Tracking
- Build Quality not so high
- Interface slightly old
VERDICT
It is a very good device for beginners and builds interest in this field but lacks all the fancy and high-tech features of Garmin and Wahoo.
Mountain Bike Computers vs. Smart Watches
Smartwatches are getting smarter and smarter every day. Things are changing now once the riders used to record their rides and trips with dedicated Mountain Bike Computers.
But which one is better—designated Computer or Smartwatch? We compare them under a few crucial parameters to decide which one is more suitable.
Price
Cycling computers vary from meager 30$ to 500$ high functioning, feature-rich device. Whereas smartwatches also begin from simple 30$ to 700$. So, in this segment, it is down to what quite of riding you wish to do. If you want to rack your rides, then a smartwatch is the way to go, but if you wish to improve your performance, Bike Computer is your solution.
Battery Life
Bike Computers on average provide a battery life of about 15-23 hours, which enables you to make long rides and trips. On the other hand, smartwatches have a battery life of about 1-2 days, but that is the simple non-functioning mode. If you were to on all the features required for the riding trip, then the battery life comes down to 8-10 hours, tracking long rides tough. But for small rides, these work like a charm.
Accuracy
When comparing the ride recorded on a cycling device using GPS to a ride recorded on a tablet using GPS in tandem with an App, it is not surprising to find variations in average speed and even distance. Computers tend to calculate the average speed within the unit itself, while Strava analyses the info independently once the file is uploaded – using both total activity distance and the detected moving time.
Despite all of this, it all bears down to the quality of your computer’s hardware vs. the GPS tracking quality of your watch. But recent experiments, studies have shown that computers are much more accurate than smartwatches.
Fitness data
Apps used by smartwatches are pretty smart and decently accurate. However, historically cycling computers and fitness units – power meters, cadence sensors, and heart rate monitors – have used ANT+ to communicate data. Generally, receive Bluetooth info, though some support ANT+, and they are listed here. Hence, computers do a better job than smartwatches in this segment.
Bottom Line
Cycling computers are purpose-designed. They’re built to be crash-proof, rainproof, and more aerodynamic. The key purpose is to record GPS data; this is considered concerning battery life. On the other hand, a phone using GPS is capable of doing almost everything a cycling computer does – but it’s not its number one job – so it’s sub-optimal in many areas.
Hence, if your purpose is to do low-key riding, then a smartwatch is the way to go. If you are a hardcore rider and plan on serious rides and improvement, then Bike Computers are the best option for you.
Things to Consider While Selecting Best Bike Computer for Mountain Biking
Cycling in the Information Age means more ride data is available to you than ever before. And finding the right Bike Computer can be a very daunting task, let alone in a market where competition is high and tough. To help you start, you need to ask yourself a few questions:
After answering these questions, you need to think of what type of riding you will do?
Casuals: Casual cyclists usually just want to know the distance, speed, and time: How far have I ridden? How fast am I going? How long did my ride take?
Enthusiasts: Enthusiastic riders, commuters, and touring riders often like a few more options such as trip distance, total odometer, average speed, and maximum speed.
Professionals: Competitive cyclists may want all of the above plus cadence, heart rate, elevation gained, and power output.
Next, you need to decide what you require, Bike Computer, Fitness Tracker, and Smartwatch/Smartphone.
Bike Computer is more suitable for Professionals and Enthusiasts.
Whereas Fitness trackers and Smartphone/watches are for casuals.
How Do Bike Computers Work?
You have several options in how a bike computer delivers information:
Types of Sensors in Bike Computers
Magnetic: This consists of a magnet attached to a wheel spoke, which rotates past a sensor attached to the front fork. For a cadence sensor, the magnet is attached to a crank arm, and the sensor is attached to a rear stay.
GPS: This uses a satellite receiver to convert GPS signals into ride data.
Types of Data Transmission in Bike Computers
Wired: Magnetic sensor with a wire transmitting the signal to the display unit.
Wireless: Magnetic sensor with a signal transmitter to the display unit. GPS sensors are intrinsically wireless.
Other Bike Computer Features
These features might help you decide and influence your decision.
Backlight, Battery life, Multiple data screens, Data transfer, Readability, Additional mounts & Multi-bike use.
If you go through all this scrutiny and find the device which ticks all the boxes or the majority of the boxes, you will have the perfect and ideal Bike Computer for you.
Is Mountain Bike Computer Worth It?
Since the introduction of fitness trackers and smartwatches/smartphones have been there, there has been a question mark on the functionality and validity of the Bike Computer.
Here and there, always a question pops out, Is Bike Computer worth it?
We mention the five points why the mountain Bike Computer is the best option available if you are serious about mountain biking and riding.
Battery Life: The No. 1 reason to go for a GPS bike computer is for the battery’s life. A smartphone/watch running a GPS app like Strava or MapMyRide will only last a few hours, while several bike computers can last up to 16 hours. Commuters may not have this problem, but you do not want to be out for a 60-mile trip and have your phone die.
Water Resistant: Many GPS bike computers have an IPX7 water-resistant certification and will not be damaged when used in the shower. If you do not own the iPhone 7 or Samsung Galaxy S7, all of which are water-resistant, it would be better to ride a bike computer.
Improved Visibility: It can be hard to see the screen on your phone on a rainy day. You’re not going to have this dilemma with a lot of bike computers. While they may not be as vibrant as your phone, they do a better job reflecting sunlight.
Access to More Accessories: You’ll eventually want to buy more sophisticated sensors and accessories for your bike. This covers products like cyclist power meters, heart rate chest straps, and pace and cadence sensors. Many of these support Bluetooth and ANT+ for attaching to a biking device, but some are exclusive to ANT+.
Here is the thing. Although almost every smartphone on the market supports Bluetooth, only Samsung and Sony add ANT+ to their smartphones. This means that you won’t be able to use a couple of accessories while using an iPhone (or another phone) on a biking device.
Price: Although high-end GPS bike computers can be very pricey, more compact versions, such as the Polar M450, are available for about $150 (£120, AU$319). The M450 is water-resistant and has a battery life of 16 hours and a fantastic monitor, but it does not support ANT+.
Several inexpensive smartphone bike mounts may be subpar and do not protect your handset correctly. A quality price, such as the Quad Lock, could cost you between $50 (£40, AU$65) and $100 (£80, AU$130). You would have to lose another $25 (£20, AU$35) for a waterproof shell. And though, there is always a risk that the phone will be dislodged and could break down. Why would you even chance it?
Conclusion
Cycling computers are purpose-designed. They’re built to be crash-proof, rainproof, and more aerodynamic. The key purpose is to record GPS data; this is taken into account concerning battery life. On the other hand, a phone using GPS is capable of doing almost everything a cycling computer does – but it’s not its number one job – so it’s sub-optimal in many areas.
Hence, If your purpose is to do low-key riding, then a smartwatch is the way to go. If you are a hardcore rider and plan on serious rides and improvement, then you must buy a best mountain bike computer for you.
Related Posts
