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This can be a gear evaluation in regards to the Finest Bike Computer systems for Touring, Bikepacking, and Mountain Biking 2024.
Paper maps and the old-style fundamental bike speedometer that labored off the scale of the entrance wheel are being changed by bike computer systems. Whereas Smartphone Biking Apps are OK, a superb GPS Biking pc is a lot better at monitoring your location, velocity and a lot extra.
The very best biking computer systems for Cycle Touring, Bikepacking, and Mountain Biking are tremendous robust, in a position to give turn-by-turn navigation, and have lengthy battery life that can final all day.
I’ve been utilizing a motorbike pc for years and on this bike gear evaluation, I’m trying out a few of the greatest bike computer systems for 2024.
How We Examined
All of the Biking Computer systems on this evaluation have been extensively evaluated and researched by the knowledgeable creator who has a few years of expertise in Bike Touring and Bikepacking. A few of the Bike Computer systems had been bought by the creator. They’ve been rigorously examined by the creator in all types of climate whereas Bikepacking and Bike Touring. The analysis, testing, and expertise of the creator have mixed to give you the Finest GPS Bike Computer systems for Bike Touring and Bikepacking 2024. Learn the Evaluation Coverage for additional particulars.
Finest GPS Bike Computer systems 2024
The Finest GPS Bike Computer systems in 2024 are:
Finest Bike Pc 2024 – Total
Garmin Edge 540 Photo voltaic
Execs:
> Though not low cost it represents good worth
> Very lengthy battery life
> Contact Display Possibility and non-solar choice
Cons:
> No touchscreen, however this isn’t actually a damaging!
The Garmin Edge 540 Photo voltaic gives the most effective steadiness between options, value, and very lengthy battery life.
The just lately up to date Edge 540 comes with buttons to vary screens and navigate the options. In case you want a contact display screen then the newer Edge 840 is for you.
The photo voltaic glass choice to help in charging the battery is a winner and a superb choice. Whereas it provides to the associated fee it represents a superb choice and makes this unit a greater different to the top-of-the-range Edge 1040 Photo voltaic or Edge 1050.
As with all the opposite Garmin models I just like the photo voltaic choice. Particularly when bikepacking and bike touring the place multiday battery life begins to turn out to be extra vital than a day bicycle owner that may simply recharge their GPS daily after use. Having mentioned that, the options on the 540 are above and past what most Bikepackers and cycle tourers would possibly want.
I just like the map choices and the choice to customise your display screen with no matter choices you wish to see when biking. So whether or not you’re a street bicycle owner, mountain biker, commuter, or bikepacker this unit has you coated.
There’s additionally top-of-the-line coloration display screen GPS shows. Whether or not you’re looking at maps or simply the overall entrance display screen of the GPS it appears nice.
Total, the Garmin Edge 540 Photo voltaic is the most effective bike pc for 2024.
Finest Biking Pc – Runner Up
Garmin Edge 1040 Photo voltaic
Execs:
> As much as 45 hours of battery life or 100 hours in battery-saver mode
> Photo voltaic charging glass
> Light-weight
> Good show
> Nice for Bike Touring and Bikepacking the place battery life is vital
Cons:
> Not the most affordable
The Garmin Edge 1040 Photo voltaic is without doubt one of the newer Garmin GPS Units on your bicycle. One of many higher options is the lengthy battery life because of the built-in energy glass photo voltaic charger. The battery life for the 1040 Photo voltaic is nothing wanting unbelievable, 45 hours in GPS mode and as much as 180 hours in battery saver mode.
It has virtually all of the options of the brand new Garmin 1050 however with a bit higher battery life. It additionally has the identical very giant display screen because the 1050, so these of us with eyes which can be inferior to they was once will respect the additional giant display screen.
It has each conceivable choice that each different Garmin gadget has and extra. It consists of the ability information which lets you know the way a lot energy is required to maintain tempo. And hyperlinks with different gadgets through bluetooth and Ant +. It’s on the prime finish of the marketplace for 2024.
Total, the Garmin 1040 Photo voltaic is the most effective biking pc for battery life and properly suited to anybody who desires this characteristic above all others.
Finest Excessive Finish Biking Pc
Garmin Edge 1050
Execs:
> Has each characteristic you would need and lots of you’ll by no means use
> You should buy appropriate mounts and sensors for it
> Measures things like your VO2 max, hydration, altitude acclimation and the smoothness of your MTB descents
> Security options embody group messaging and monitoring
> Wonderful 20-hour battery life
Cons:
> Not Low cost
The Garmin Edge 1050 is the most recent and biggest bike pc from market chief Garmin.
It has a superb 20-hour battery life which extends to round 60 hours in battery-saving mode.
There are pre-loaded maps and the 64GB of storage permits a number of storage of knowledge and the flexibility to add a number of routes and different maps.
The Garmin Edge 1050 comes with virtually each sort of connectivity and choice potential. It consists of the ability information which lets you know the way a lot energy is required to maintain tempo. And hyperlinks with different gadgets through Bluetooth and Ant +. Additionally, you possibly can join it together with your Garmin InReach when touring in distant areas! I might hold writing about each single characteristic but it surely simply does the whole lot, click on the hyperlinks beneath to see all of them.
Total, the Garmin Edge 1050 is the highest-spec bike pc in the marketplace in the mean time, till the 1050 Photo voltaic is launched.
Finest Mountain Bike Pc
Garmin Edge 840 Photo voltaic
Execs:
> Measures things like your VO2 max, hydration, altitude acclimation
> Wonderful MTB monitoring, together with the smoothness of your descents
> Security options embody group messaging and monitoring
> As much as 32-hour battery life utilizing the GPS and 60 hours in battery saving mode
Cons:
> Garmin lack of velocity to replace any connectivity points or software program glitches
The Garmin Edge 840 actually has rather a lot in widespread with the Garmin Edge 540 we reviewed for you earlier. I used the sooner mannequin of this one, the Garmin Edge 810. This upgraded mannequin is a lot better than what I’ve used prior to now.
As you could think about the Garmin Edge GPS monitoring is superb, providing you with extremely correct readings for distance traveled, in addition to all of the dynamic efficiency monitoring that runs alongside it, corresponding to present velocity vs common velocity.
You may pair the Garmin Edge 840 with varied sensors in an effort to monitor things like your coronary heart fee, VO2 max, hydration ranges and extra.
In case you are into mountain biking, you’ll love the MTB monitoring. It might monitor leap issue, leap distance, and the smoothness of your descent.
One other great point is the way it gives off-course recalculation in case you cut up on your using group to make a fast detour. And the protection options are fairly neat, too, with group messaging and monitoring, and an alarm.
The battery life is excellent. It lasts as much as 32 hours in GPS mode and round 60 hours in battery saving mode. But when that’s not fairly lengthy sufficient for you, you possibly can at all times pair it up with a Garmin Cost energy pack or what I love to do is use a Light-weight Energy Financial institution to cost the gadget.
The important thing distinction between the Garmin Edge 840 and the Garmin Edge 540 is that the 840 contains a touchscreen, whereas the 540 makes use of buttons. This brings the value as much as a premium degree.
You will need to take into account that the Garmin Edge 840 is like all Garmin merchandise they are typically a bit sluggish to replace any software program patches for his or her biking computer systems. Some individuals won’t like this, even in case you are tech savvy Garmin just isn’t excellent in the case of a user-friendly interface. Garmin just isn’t Apple or Google!
Total, the Garmin Edge 840 Photo voltaic is without doubt one of the greatest cycle computer systems for mountain biking, and folks cycle touring may also love this cycle pc.
Finest Finances Bike Pc
Garmin Edge 530
Execs:
> Very fairly priced
> You should buy appropriate mounts and sensors for it
> Measures things like your VO2 max, hydration, altitude acclimation and the smoothness of your MTB descents
> Security options embody group messaging and monitoring
> Wonderful 20-hour battery life
Cons:
> Like all Garmin they’re patchy and sluggish to patch software program points
The Garmin Edge 530 has been changed by the up to date 540 however that signifies that this model now represents excellent worth for cash.
It’s nonetheless top-of-the-line bike computer systems for Bike Touring and Bikepacking. In case you are cycle touring or Bikepacking that is the most effective finances bike pc for you and the value makes it even higher.
The Garmin Edge 530 gives the characteristic set of the costlier models and nonetheless has wonderful GPS monitoring. This works properly for correct distance traveled, alongside efficiency monitoring. I like how I can have my present velocity proper alongside my common velocity, nice after I wish to get an concept of how I’m going for the day.
Like all of the Garmin GPS Computer systems on this evaluation, you possibly can pair the Garmin Edge 530 with a number of completely different sensors. You may monitor your coronary heart fee, VO2 max, hydration, altitude acclimation, and extra with Bluetooth connectivity options. It additionally hyperlinks with the Garmin Join app to seek out routes.
Mountain Bikers will love the MTB monitoring on this bike pc. It’s going to monitor leap distance, leap depend, trip issue, and the smoothness of your descent.
The maps convey up fashionable routing, and off-course recalculation if you happen to ever make a detour. I additionally like how one can customise it with a variety of free apps and widgets if you happen to select to take action.
Security options embody an alarm, and group messaging and monitoring, which may are available actually helpful if you happen to’re biking with a gaggle and so they get cut up.
It has an excellent battery life and can last as long as 20 hours with the GPS turned on. However if you happen to want it to go on for longer, you possibly can at all times pair it with a Garmin Cost energy pack for an additional 40 hours of battery life or purchase any good battery energy financial institution.
In case you had been to purchase the gadget alone, you even have the choice so as to add on a twin coronary heart fee monitor, a normal sensor, or a velocity and cadence sensor if that’s one thing that you really want.
You will need to take into account that the Garmin Edge 530 is like all Garmin merchandise, they are typically a bit sluggish to replace any software program patches for his or her bike computer systems. Some individuals won’t like this, even in case you are tech-savvy, Garmin just isn’t excellent at being user-friendly. Garmin just isn’t Apple or Google!
Total, the Garmin Edge 530 is an effective low cost bike pc at a superb value. It’s nonetheless price a glance regardless of a number of newer fashions being launched.
Wahoo ELEMNT Roam V2
Execs:
> Preloaded with maps for everywhere in the world
> You may filter for the shortest route
> You may obtain smartphone notifications
> Big selection of software program & {hardware} integrations
> Rechargeable battery with as much as 17 hours of battery life
Cons:
> Not a touchscreen
The brand new Wahoo Health Elemnt Roam V2 GPS Bike Pc comes with nice options corresponding to a full coloration display screen and preloaded maps for international locations everywhere in the world. It’s a nice bike touring pc. You get on-demand route technology, and it can save you waypoints as you go alongside.
You may also filter for the shortest route in case you are in a rush. There’s a web page for each aspect of your trip, corresponding to a exercise view, and map view. What’s extra, all the screens are totally customizable.
It’s appropriate with a variety of third occasion apps, together with the likes of Strava, Experience with GPS, and Komoot.
It has new software program integrations corresponding to GoPro Connectivity and there are {hardware} integrations to make the most of too, together with digital gear shifters, muscle oxygen sensors, and energy meters.
And that’s not all – you should use it to obtain your smartphone notifications too. The battery life can also be actually good. It makes use of a chargeable battery which may present as much as 17 hours of battery life.
Total, that is one other top-of-the-line bike computer systems for bike touring, mountain biking, and street biking
Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt V2
Execs:
> Good Battery Life at 15 hours
> Good finances bike pc
> Good integration with bluetooth
Cons:
> No Touchscreen
The Wahoo Health ELEMNT Bolt 2 GPS Bike Pc is the brand new and up to date model of the Bolt. It has rather a lot in widespread with the earlier mannequin corresponding to the identical 15-hour battery life and connectivity with third-party apps, like Strava, Experience with GPS, and Komoot. Additionally they have the all-important flip by flip notifications and top quality coloration maps and navigation.
The Wahoo Health ELEMNT Bolt 2 GPS Bike Pc continues to be priced fairly properly contemplating the options however it’s onerous to compete with Garmin. This can be a good fundamental GPS biking pc with the whole lot most individuals will ever want in a motorbike pc.
You may pair it together with your smartphone for messaging, and get all types of exercise information up on display screen. And in case you have a GoPro you possibly can hook up with the Bolt 2 and take images and movies.
What’s extra, the info is especially clear and simple to learn on display screen – you received’t have to fish round on your studying glasses. The battery life is about 15 hours and in contrast to some bike computer systems, you possibly can cost this unit whereas using through a USB charger.
It comes full with each a entrance mount and a stem mount.
Total, the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt 2 is one other of the most effective biking computer systems for these wanting a top quality bike pc with numerous options at an inexpensive value.
Extra Biking Computer systems to Take into account
Listed below are extra choices that will probably be added to the record as quickly as they’ve been evaluated and reviewed.
- Coros Dura Photo voltaic GPS Bike Pc
- Garmin Edge 130
- Garmin Edge Discover 2
Cycle Pc Comparability Desk
| Model | Battery Life GPS | Battery Saver Mode | Maps | Display Face Measurement (inches) | Touchscreen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Edge 540 Photo voltaic | 32 hours | 60 hours | Sure Coloration | 2.6 | No |
| Garmin Edge 1040 Photo voltaic | 45 hours | as much as 180 hours | Sure Coloration | 3.5 | Sure |
| Garmin Edge 1050 | 20 hours | 60 hours | Sure, Coloration | 3.5 | Sure |
| Garmin Edge 840 Photo voltaic | 32 hours | 60 hours | Sure Coloration | 2.6 | Sure |
| Garmin Edge 530 | 20 hours | 20 hours | Sure, Coloration | 2.6 | No |
| Wahoo ELEMNT Roam V2 | 17 hours | 17 hours | Sure Coloration | 2.7 | No |
| Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt V2 | 15 hours | 15 hours | Sure Coloration | 2.2 | No |
Bike Pc Consumers Information
Mapping
The mapping perform of contemporary GPS biking computer systems is without doubt one of the predominant causes to purchase a biking GPS. The GPS computer systems on these models are higher than what you get in your telephone when utilizing google maps. So the mapping and navigation accuracy is excellent. All have some type of mapping software program or a alternative of maps you possibly can add to those GPS biking computer systems.
The GPS accuracy and battery life are a lot better on a motorbike pc, however the maps are usually not. Garmin and Wahoo have rather a lot to go to catch as much as the mapping high quality and know-how of Smartphones. If solely that they had higher maps!
Flip By Flip Navigation
Flip by flip navigation on a GPS pc for biking is nice for navigating round cities and additional afield. If utilizing a Garmin bike pc I can inform you from expertise that their flip by flip navigation is inferior to Google Maps.
As soon as, after I was cycle touring in Alaska the flip by flip navigation on my Garmin instructed me to show off the primary street and right into a lake. I think this lake was the house of an Ice Highway in winter, however Google by no means despatched me right into a lake.
Monitoring
Biking computer systems have nice GPS monitoring which is nice for recording your tracks of the place you’ve gotten been. You may also obtain map tracks and add them to your bike pc and observe these tracks.
Whether or not the tracks are from different individuals, or from a GPX monitor you made, or third occasion app you possibly can add and obtain them from all of the GPS biking computer systems on this evaluation. Both method, the monitoring options on the GPS biking computer systems are an ideal factor. I’ve properly over 20000 miles of GPX tracks saved from my bike pc and downloaded to my dwelling pc.
Equipment
Bike computer systems do a superb job however most individuals will have a look at some kind of equipment. Some would possibly have a look at a greater handlebar mount however there are a lot extra. There are bluetooth equipment corresponding to coronary heart fee displays, energy meters, cadence sensors, and extra. They improve the performance of biking computer systems, particularly for these within the information that can be utilized to analyse your coaching.
Mounting
Most bike computer systems have some type of fundamental handlebar mounting or mount system for the steering stem. Additionally they use a locking mechanism that locks them in place. Nice for mountain biking, bike touring, and bikepacking which might be on actually tough trails at occasions.
Connectivity
All the most effective bike computer systems have some type of connectivity with third occasion apps and gadgets to observe your health, velocity, and energy. If you end up completed together with your trip you possibly can add to Strava, Garmin Join and extra if you happen to select.
Bluetooth ANT+ connectivity
The very best bike pc will sync with a number of completely different bluetooth gadgets. All the most effective biking computer systems will join through ANT or Bluetooth Sensible connectivity, however most will join utilizing each. Every part from Bluetooth connection to your smartphone app to connecting to exterior sensors on your energy information is through these strategies. Gone are the times of a USB cable.
Third Celebration Apps
Most high-end and even finances bike computer systems can sync with third occasion biking apps corresponding to Strava, MapMyRide, and extra. Some even permit syncing with GoPro Cameras, Smartphones, climate apps and a lot extra.
Coaching
Best cyclists wish to monitor their coronary heart fee, cadence, energy ranges and extra. To get essentially the most out of the high-end biking computer systems they require additional equipment. Most of those might be bought with the GPS unit in a bundle. These typically save fairly some huge cash.
Most individuals Bike Touring and Bikepacking need good mapping and navigation with not a lot else, so a few of these capabilities is likely to be overkill.
Display Measurement
The larger the display screen the higher it’s to view and the extra visible options you possibly can match on the display screen. Particularly for visually challenged individuals like myself who discover their eyes are inferior to they as soon as had been.
Large information screens add to the general price in lots of instances. And because the display screen will get larger it additionally will get heavier, not one thing anybody desires with their GPS biking pc. Most individuals are shocked simply how large these screens are in actual life. It seems some individuals need smaller screens these days.
Total, larger is best, however that can come at a better price.
Battery Life
All-day biking is a should for biking computer systems. For most individuals, 5-8 hours is an excellent day within the saddle. For some, it’s for much longer. Thankfully, fashionable biking GPS computer systems have excellent battery life. A number of issues will have an effect on the battery life corresponding to display screen brightness, BlueTooth connectivity, wifi connectivity, sensors, temperature, and extra.
After I search for the most effective GPS biking computer systems I need not less than 12 hours of battery life when utilizing all of the options. And after I’m completed using I can recharge and obtain the info from the GPS pc in a single day. All of the GPS Bike Computer systems on the record can do that and extra.
The final couple of years have seen Photo voltaic Glass added to many fashions. This enables the battery to trickle cost which provides a for much longer battery life. Whereas this characteristic prices a little bit extra I like this characteristic and imagine it’s the best choice for these biking in distant areas corresponding to Bikepackers and Cycle Tourers.
GPS Watch
I’ve tried utilizing a GPS enabled climbing watch as a biking pc and I discover they simply don’t do a superb job. There was a time not way back when the battery life on a GPS watch was nowhere close to nearly as good as devoted GPS enabled biking computer systems. Occasions are altering rapidly with GPS watches getting a lot better. However when biking it’s relatively annoying to have a look at your wrist for particulars. I even mounted one round my handlebars and it was nonetheless relatively common.
Handheld Climbing Pc
Earlier than I began utilizing GPS bike computer systems I used to be utilizing a Handheld Climbing GPS with a motorbike mount. It was in a position to inform me my velocity, course of journey, and it had first rate battery life. However it wasn’t in a position to do the whole lot that even essentially the most fundamental biking pc can do.
Total, it was a superb introduction to the probabilities. In case you have certainly one of these climbing GPS gadgets, attempt it out. After some time, you’ll most likely do the identical as me and get a devoted fundamental biking pc.
Smartphone Apps
Smartphones biking Apps are usually not fairly there in the case of getting used as a biking pc. However they’re getting shut. Most likely throughout the subsequent 5 years, we could also be utilizing smartphones much more as biking computer systems!
Smartphones don’t use the identical GPS know-how as a GPS biking pc. The GPS sign just isn’t as sturdy or correct, particularly when away from wifi, cellphone towers, and cellphone sign. They’re good, however not nearly as good. Additionally, the battery life is inferior to any devoted GPS biking pc. Take into account that the essential pc on a finances GPS biking pc is best and extra correct than a smartphone.
A smartphone might be related to the cycle pc to make the most of climate updates and extra.
Having mentioned that, I think that with a few years Smartphones will catch up and change even the most effective bike pc in the marketplace. Watch this area to seek out out if I’m proper!
Finances
How a lot cash do you wish to spend. The very best bike pc just isn’t low cost. Certain it comes with a number of performance however do you want all of it. For most individuals studying this evaluation a superb biking pc with first rate battery life and a superb mapping perform will probably be sufficient.
Except you’re a aggressive bicycle owner or a gear nerd who loves the info then the most effective bike pc just isn’t at all times greatest. In case you are bike touring or bikepacking you most likely don’t need all of the options that improve the value of the biking pc.
Conclusion
So, the most important issue influencing your choice on which one to purchase will most likely come right down to the value tag. And simply what number of capabilities do you want in your bike pc. If you would like the most effective you’ll have to pay some huge cash.
The Finest Bike GPS Pc for touring, street biking, and mountain biking in 2024 is:
Incessantly Requested Questions
Are Bike Computer systems price it?
With inbuilt mapping, flip by flip navigation, lengthy battery life and all of the fundamentals corresponding to velocity, elevation and distance they’re price it. The Garmin and Wahoo are actually price it as a superb bike pc
What’s the Finest Bike Pc for Cycle Touring?
The very best bike pc for bike touring is a alternative between fashions from Garmin and Wahoo. The Garmin Edge 530 and the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt are two excellent choices at an inexpensive value.
Can I exploit a Smartphone as a motorbike pc?
Sure and No. A smartphone may have many of the options of a fundamental bike pc however won’t be nearly as good in the case of battery life or accuracy. Bike computer systems have a way more correct GPS than smartphones.
Do I want a motorbike pc for bikepacking?
A motorbike pc is nice for bikepacking. It might inform you the place you might be with nice mapping options and inform you how far to the subsequent waypoint corresponding to your deliberate campsite for the night time. You may also add maps and GPS routes type different riders and observe their routes.
BikeHikeSafari Gear Evaluation Course of
The creator, Brad McCartney from BikeHikeSafari is a small impartial adventurer and out of doors gear tester who owns and runs BikeHikeSafari.com.
BikeHikeSafari just isn’t half of a big weblog community and is proudly impartial. All evaluations on this web site are impartial and trustworthy gear evaluations of out of doors merchandise by the creator.
The creator, Brad McCartney is a really skilled triple crown thru-hiker, adventurer, and bike tourer having spent 1000s of nights sleeping in a tent and sleeping bag (Learn extra). He was a supervisor of an outside retail retailer and may be very skilled in what’s vital when utilizing and testing gear for evaluations like this.
BikeHikeSafari won’t ever obtain any cash for evaluations and they don’t settle for sponsored evaluations on this web site. All of the feedback in regards to the gear evaluations are from the creator primarily based on his years of expertise. Hope this impartial evaluation was useful for you.