While mobile apps such as Strava, TrailForks and MapMyRide are incredibly popular, if you want all the bells and whistles a proper GPS cycle computer is exactly what you need. Many have the ability to guide you round a loop, analyse your performance and some even allow you to keep track of other riders in your group in case they get lost or fall behind.
Add in connectivity with your smartphone to allow you to view messages and phone calls while you ride, and also showing you live segments from Strava, so you can see if you’ve claimed that prized KOM on the move rather than having to wait with baited breath until you finish your ride and you’ve got yourself a pretty handy little gadget!
Our favourite GPS cycle computers
With stripped back GPS computers available for less than £100 and more feature-laden variants costing up to 4 or 5 times more, we’ve assembled our top 4 picks to help you get the best GPS computer for your needs.
Garmin Edge 1030 GPS Enabled Cycle Computer
Crammed with the latest must-haves and cutting-edge technology, the Garmin Edge 1030 is the current pinnacle of GPS cycle computers. Preloaded with a Garmin Cycle Map for turn-by-turn directions on and off-road as well as Strava Live Segments, there’s nothing better for mapping your rides. It also features Garmin’s new GroupTrack feature, which allows you to track other members of your riding group in case they got lost or fall behind. Finally, the Edge 1030 can be used to display all your usual performance data; power, cadence, speed, heart rate, you name it the Edge 1030 can do it!
Garmin Edge 820 GPS Enabled Cycle Computer
The Garmin 820 crams a lot of the features of the more expensive 1030 in a smaller, cheaper package. With a crystal clear 2.3 inch touchscreen to display maps and all your riding data, the Edge 820 packs Garmin’s GroupTrack and Cycle Maps as well as Strava Live Segments as standard and can be hooked up to any ANT+ devices like a power meter or heart rate monitor with ease. The Edge 820 packs a huge amount into a compact and lightweight package; once again Garmin have delivered an absolute cracker of a GPS unit!
Lezyne Mega C GPS Cycle Computer
Lezyne’s Mega C packs a punch; With its colour screen, feature-rich design, long battery runtime and durable construction you’re free to keep the adventure going. The Mega C’s full mapping and routing can be used on or offline so once you’ve downloaded a map of your desired region through Lezyne’s free GPS Ally phone app you can build routes, search for an address or tap a destination for instant navigation, even when you’re outside of your phone’s network service area. Add in the usual ANT+ connectivity and Strava Live Segment functions and the Mega C shows what a great value, feature-laden package it is.
Lezyne Mini GPS Navigate Cycle Computer
Despite being one of the cheapest GPS cycle computers on the market, the Lezyne Mini GPS can still hold its own against the competition. The Mini GPS Navigate is compact, lightweight and loaded with features comparable to devices many times its price. To enhance the built-in features Lezyne developed the free Ally app which, when paired with the device, turns it into a feature-rich system offering services such as turn-by-turn navigation, live tracking, Strava Live Segments as well as email, text message and phone call notifications. It’s fair to say that the Mini GPS stands as one of the best value GPS computers on the market.
It’s safe to say then that modern GPS Cycle Computers are packed with some clever tech!
For our full range of GPS cycle computers, mounts and accessories you can head to our website or if you have any questions our experienced sales team are on hand by calling 01978660003.