A bike computer does one job well: it shows your ride data where you can see it without taking your phone out. The hard part is that the range runs from simple speedometers to mapping units that cost as much as a groupset. This guide walks through what each feature does, so you can pay for the parts you will use and skip the rest.
Short version
- Most riders need GPS, ANT+ and Bluetooth sensor support, and Strava sync. That is the middle of the range.
- Pay for maps and turn-by-turn navigation only if you ride new routes often.
- Check which sensors you already own before you choose. Speed, cadence and heart rate sensors carry over between brands.
Step 1: decide what you want to see
Start with the numbers you will actually look at on a ride. For many people that is speed, distance, time and climbing. If you train with heart rate or power, you need a unit that pairs with those sensors and lets you build custom data screens.
Step 2: GPS and satellites
Every current mid-range computer records your route with satellite positioning. Newer units can use several satellite systems at once (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou), and some use dual-frequency reception. Both help in tall cities and deep valleys, where a single-system receiver can drift.
Step 3: sensors and connections
Sensors talk to the computer over ANT+ or Bluetooth Low Energy. A unit that supports both will work with nearly any sensor, including the ones you buy later.
| Sensor | What it adds | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Accurate speed in tunnels and on a trainer | Everyone who rides indoors |
| Cadence | Pedalling rate | Riders working on technique |
| Heart rate | Effort, training zones | Anyone training to a plan |
| Power meter | Exact work output | Racers and structured training |
| Radar | Warnings of cars approaching from behind | Road riders, commuters |
Step 4: maps and navigation
Navigation comes in two levels. Breadcrumb navigation shows a line to follow. Full maps show streets and paths and can re-route you if you take a wrong turn. If you mostly ride the same loops, breadcrumbs are enough. If you tour or explore, maps are worth the extra cost.
Step 5: apps and battery
Check that the brand’s phone app syncs with the services you use, such as Strava, Komoot or TrainingPeaks. For battery life, compare the maker’s figures for the same settings: screen brightness, navigation and sensor count all change the result. We quote the maker’s number and say where it comes from until we have tested a unit ourselves.
Where to start
Browse computers and sensors in our Melbourne stock, or ask us before you buy. Tell us what you ride and which sensors you have, and we will point you to a unit that fits.