Your Guide to the Best Bike Cycle Computer 4th Aug 2025 Facebook Email Print X Pinterest We Rate Top Budget, Mid-Level & Premium Computers for Cycling A bike computer can provide a range of benefits for cyclists, from basic data like speed and distance to more advanced features like heart rate, power output, and navigation. Over the years, cycle computers have established themselves as an essential part of kit for enhancing, capturing and reviewing the cycling experience. With invaluable insights for training and navigation, they are the go-to device of choice among pro and amateur cyclists alike. This bike computer guide includes our top picks across three budget levels, the features to consider, the brands you can trust, and a helpful cycling computer comparison table. Train. Navigate. Perform. Capture real-time performance data and transform your cycling experience. Shop bike computers Our Pick of the Best Cycling Computer Models So, what are the best bike computers on the market? We share our choice for budget, mid-level and top-of-the range options. Best High-End Bike Cycling Computer - Bryton Rider S500 Jam-packed with features, flawless function and intuitive usability, the Bryton Rider S500 is one of the most affordable top-end devices. We’re big fans of the voice search, its effortless integration with other software, and fantastic battery life. There’s plenty to love about this option. Features include: Sleek & compact design Ambient light sensor Customisable quick-status menu 24H battery Seamless recording Voice search Pre-loaded OpenStreetMaps Advanced routing features Premium navigation Detailed climb-centric data Advanced workout features Auto syncs to STRAVA, TrainingPeaks, Selfloops and Relive ANT+ FE-C Smart Trainer compatibility ANT+ Rear-View Radar System for detecting vehicles from behind Bryton Active App Real-time location sharing Discover Bryton Rider S500 Best Mid-Range Bicycle Computer - Bryton Rider 460 With its fantastic long-lasting battery, clear monochrome display and great features like the Climb Challenge and Intersection Snapshot, this is a terrific cycling partner to monitor and capture your riding data. Features include: 32 hours of battery life Enhanced, intuitive and user-friendly interface Generously-sized 2.6-inch screen Quick Menu for rapid access to essential data Intersection snapshot - clear visual display of adjacent roads at intersections Group Ride and Live Track - stay connected with bike buddies Climb Challenge - comprehensive preview of approaching climbs and segment overviews Smart Trainer Workout ESS Support - monitors electronic gear-shifting system battery life, gear ratio and combination Bike Radar Support E Bike Support Discover Bryton Rider 460 Best Budget Cycle Computer - Bryton Rider 17 Simple, intuitive and ready to use, the Bryton Rider 17 is a great entry-level computer with real-time data, smart connectivity and activity-tracking. Features include: Simply turn on, wait for GPS connection, and you’re ready to roll! No complicated set-ups 25-hour battery life 23 data metrics, including speed, time, cadence, heart rate, elevation, gradient, lap info and more Flexible page customisation for home screen 3-inch screen for easy viewing Pairs with Bluetooth for Smartphone integration Real-time data tracking and sharing GARDIA R300L provides advanced radar detection to monitor approaching vehicles from behind Cloud Sync for Ride Data: Capture Every Moment Auto Sync with Bryton Active, STRAVA, TrainingPeaks, Komoot, and Relive apps Discover Bryton Rider 17 OK, now that we’ve shared our top pick of cycling computers, let’s explore some more background information we hope is useful to you. Key Bike Cycle Computer Features - What to Look For GPS Functionality In this day and age, it’s really only the most basic models that won’t provide GPS, or Global Positioning System. This captures real-time data like speed, distance, navigation and elevation. At the top end of town, your computer will connect to GPS satellite systems for instant and precise data and tracking. Connectivity options (ANT+, Bluetooth) Ideally, you want effortless pairing between your GPS bike computer and all sensors and accessories, including Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity. Depending on your cycling motivation, you may want to sync with everything from your heart rate monitor and cadence sensor to your smartphone or power metre for comprehensive ride data. Battery life The more features and usage, the more robust the battery requirements. If you’re a serious cyclist, you want a device that will last at least a five-hour session on the bike. Several GPS computers in the higher-end range provide extensive battery life. Weather resistance and screen light responsiveness Unless you’re strictly a fair-weather cyclist, you need a device that you can use and read in all manner of weather conditions. As far as we’re concerned, being waterproof is a non-negotiable feature. In fairness, you’d probably struggle to find a cycle computer that isn’t fully waterproof. However, screens are another story. A great screen will automatically adjust its backlight to the surrounding conditions. So when those dark clouds roll by and you’ve a face full of sun, the screen will respond accordingly. Cycling Computer Comparison Guide Want to get your head around the different cycling bike computer types? Whilst ultimately every model is unique and some might not neatly fit into the below table, this bicycle computer comparison guide is designed to give you a general, broad awareness of each type. Price range: Features may include a selection from: Ideal for: Potential limitations: Entry-level Under $100 - Basic speed tracking - Distance measurement - Ride time and clock - Simple wired or wireless wheel sensors - Small monochrome display - Manual setup and calibration - Casual cyclists - Cyclists on a budget - Cyclists looking for just the basics - No smartphone synching - Live route tracking unlikely - Very limited data fields Mid-range $100 - $300 - Wireless speed - Cadence sensors - Backlit displays - Multiple data fields - Heart rate compatibility - Basic Bluetooth connectivity - Customisable data screens - Barometric altimeter for elevation data - Temperature readings - Regular recreational cyclists - Fitness-focused riders - Cyclists monitoring training progress - Riders in varied terrain wanting elevation data - Limited smartphone notifications for those at the lower range Top-of-the-range Over $300 - Easy to use - Generous screen size - Ambient backlit touchscreens - Voice search -Comprehensive GPS navigation capabilities (some with preloaded maps) - Turn-by-turn directions - Advanced training metrics (VO2 max, recovery time, training load) - Structured workout guidance - Integration with electronic shifting systems - Power meter compatibility - Group tracking features - Incident detection - Emergency alerts - Automatic sync to training platforms - Live tracking and Strava segments - Seamless recording - Impressive battery life (up to 24h) - Serious amateur cyclists - Competitive cyclists - Data-focused athletes who are cross-training - Riders visiting unfamiliar areas and in need of detailed navigation and mapping - Volume of features may overwhelm - Mastering the device requires learning or degree of IT acumen Top Cycling Computer Brands - Who to Trust The best bike computers come from reputable brands - instantly recognisable names in the cycling world. Here at BikeChain, we only stock premium-quality and highly regarded cycling brands. BBB Cycling Although a somewhat newcomer to the cycling world (BBB Cycling was established in the late 1990s by two high-level Dutch cyclists), this brand wasted no time establishing itself as a major player in cycling retail. Indeed, the brand now produces some 1,500 products, all of which are designed in the Netherlands. Shop all BBB Cycling Bryton Based in Taiwan and considered one of the innovation giants in GPS cycling technology, Bryton is committed to developing affordable devices packed to the hilt with features. Shop all Bryton Cateye Founded in the mid-1950s in Japan, Cateye launched its first cycle computer in 1981. As an industry leader in tech and innovation, this brand was among the first to integrate elevation, heart rate and cadence tech into its devices. Shop all Cateye Buy a GPS Cycle Computer at BikeChain Keen to connect? BikeChain stocks a great range of impressive cycling computers across all budgets. Visit our collection today and find the best bike computers on the market. Shop bike computers Facebook Email Print X Pinterest