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Our electronic test candidates proved to be extremely communicative. We were able to experience this immediately after unpacking during the initial set-up and the first metres of distance. The Wahoo flashes and beeps like R2D2 from Star Wars at every opportunity, while the Garmin device reminds its user to complete their profile with red-circled numbers in the app menu - for example, their drinking habits! And what does the Sigma ROX 12.1 Evo want to tell us? The "News" in the app on the paired smartphone tells the user that Sigma has new battery-powered lights or that radar devices from other manufacturers can be paired with the ANT+ wireless standard.
GPS computers: Increasingly better performance
The capabilities of GPS computers are increasing faster and faster from generation to generation, both in terms of hardware and software. Compared to their respective predecessor models, Garmin, Sigma and Wahoo have made significant gains in battery performance and memory capacity. The Edge 840 from the market leader only needs to be plugged in again after 24 hours of operation, its 32 gigabyte memory offers space for every cycle route in the world plus plenty of planned routes. The Sigma is a little less powerful in these two categories, but even with half the battery capacity and a quarter of the storage space, it is still a reliable companion in any terrain and during training.
In our experience, the companion apps for installation on the smartphone are more important. They make it much easier to operate and control the palm-sized computers, for example when customising data fields or planning routes. This is faster and more accurate on the much larger smartphone displays. Sigma's latest computer made in Germany (it is assembled by a service provider near Munich) is less impressive in terms of performance and functionality, but, like the Wahoo, it impresses with its intuitive operation. Its functional depth is user-friendly, flat and easy to learn with little practice. And some users appreciate devices that may not offer the hippest functions such as fully networked "group riding", but are easy to understand and use.
GPS computer displays
The displays of the devices measure around three inches diagonally. Sigma has the largest, Garmin the sharpest in terms of the number of pixels; both are touch-enabled and allow hybrid operation. In our experience, this button-plus-touch operation is a fine thing, especially when standing and without gloves, when the data fields on the display can be moved from left to right with a simple swipe; the touch function can be switched off on both devices.
However, if you touch the Wahoo display, you quickly realise that nothing is happening. The latest generation of the Elemnt Roam remains true to the five-button operation. Gravel bikers in particular appreciate the fact that the Wahoo is foolproof and can be operated regardless of the weather and that the matte, non-reflective display is top-readable. In this test, we would have liked to find out how the competitor Karoo 2 from Hammerhead would have fared in this competition, but a test device was not available. The manufacturer announced that a completely new Karoo would be launched on the market in May. We can't wait to see just how communicative the new Hammerhead will be.
These are the three GPS computers
Garmin Edge 840: The all-rounder
Operation
Setting up the Garmin takes significantly longer than with the two competitors. This is mainly due to the constantly growing range of functions with more and more categories and selection options. The Connect app from Garmin on the smartphone is helpful here, as all Garmin devices can be paired with it after a personal registration has taken place. Otherwise, the actual procedure is self-explanatory thanks to the accompanying step-by-step instructions. If you don't want to configure every single function during the initial setup, you can simply skip it and do it later.
A practical feature is that all settings and data can be transferred from a previous device. The sprinter is the Edge 840 When switched on, it is ready to go after 15 seconds, including satellite search - three times faster than the competition. In addition to the touch function, the Edge can be operated using a total of seven buttons distributed around the housing. They are comparatively small and not very handy; the home button at the top right is practical. The start page with the most important basic settings is also very convenient and can always be displayed with a swipe from top to bottom and disappears again with a reverse swipe. The pause symbol in start/stop mode, which covers the entire display, is annoying.
Display
The GPS computer display has the most pixels per unit area and is technically the sharpest of the three candidates. As with the smartphone, it is touch-enabled and the different page views can be scrolled and swiped. Small overlays or help pages with selection fields appear on some pages. As the Edge 840 has almost the same range of functions as the larger Edge 1040 on its smaller display, numbers, letters and graphics sometimes appear very squashed and difficult to read for weak eyes.
The touchscreen can be deactivated by pressing the start button. This is useful in raindrops and mud splashes or with long-fingered gloves without touch function. The backlight adapts to the ambient light thanks to the brightness sensor, the "Auto" setting makes the display appear relatively dark - we usually set it one or two levels brighter. In direct sunlight from above, the display hardly reflects at all, but is much more reflective in side light. The display of the Edge with solar function is duller and less brilliant.
Battery performance / charging time
In navigation mode, coupled with a sensor and with medium backlighting, the Garmin battery lasts a good 25 hours, its solar counterpart even longer if the sun is in the right position. Charging the empty battery via USB-C cable takes two hours. These are top values compared to the competition.
Storage capacity
With 32 gigabytes, the GPS computer also leads the competition in this discipline, as with the battery, and offers space for map material for a round-the-world trip and the resulting route recordings. The map material sorted by continents and countries cannot be removed or added via the Connect app, but must be managed on the computer via Garmin Express.
Connectivity / range of functions
The GPS computer from Garmin offers more than any competitor product in terms of networking and variety: using IQ-Sat, it always searches for the optimum satellite or satellites orbiting the globe in fast multi-frequency band mode (GNSS).
This enables very precise and at the same time energy-saving tracking. Thanks to ANT+, Bluetooth, WLAN and FE-C, the device connects to almost any other hardware as well as all popular platforms such as Strava, TrainingPeaks or Komoot, whose profiles can be integrated into the Connect app for uncomplicated data exchange via single sign-on. No wishes remain unfulfilled in this discipline; Shimano's Di2 can be actively integrated into the menu structure and operation. Based on heart rate and power data, the Garmin even calculates what energy reserves (Stamina) are still available on the current route and at what speed the next climb (Climb Pro) can be climbed.
Routing / map display
The position arrow on the marked path is very small and, depending on the structure of the surroundings, is not very visible in the map display. Thanks to the fast satellite search, routing works on any route format without much delay; turn-by-turn directions appear early with a turn arrow and text message. When re-routing after making a wrong turn in an urban area with streets in close succession, the Edge can sometimes lag behind with turn-by-turn directions, but then offers a prompt alternative, which is a significant improvement compared to the imprecise "Please turn!" announcements of the past. Many navigation options are possible in conjunction with the Connect app, and the destination navigation to the starting point of an imported, planned route is practical.
Holder
The bracket supplied for mounting in front of the handlebars or on the stem with the quarter-mount adapter can also accommodate Sigma computers, but Wahoo devices do not fit on it. The bracket positions the computer far enough forwards so that there is enough space to operate the start and run button. The standard version of the bracket only fits on round handlebars and not at all on integrated cockpits with aero profiles.
Conclusion on the GPS computer from Garmin
The Garmin has the most storage space for maps and routes on board and boasts a powerful battery that charges quickly. No competitor model can hold a candle to it in the connectivity and functionality categories either, with none offering more training support. What's more, you can organise group rides with your cycling friends, which can be a selling point for social media nerds. If you only want Garmin's hardware power but only want to use a few options, you will have to spend a lot of time optimising your user profile.
Valuation
- Operation: 4 from 5
- Display: 4 from 5
- Battery performance / charging time: 5 from 5
- Storage capacity: 5 from 5
- Connectivity / range of functions: 5 from 5
- App: 5 from 5
- Holder: 5 from 5
The Garmin Edge 840 in detail
- Model, firmware: Edge 840, 19.22
- Price device / as a bundle: 500 Euro >> available here / 600 Euro >> available here
- Dimensions and weight (without holder): 85 x 58 x 19 mm, 85 grammes
- Satellites: 7 Satellites
- Altimeter / compass / gyroscope: barometric / yes / yes
- Display / resolution: 2.6 inch / 246 x 322 pixels
- Operation: 7 buttons, touch display
- Battery performance / charging time: 25 hours / 2 hours
- Memory: 32 GB
- GPS: Multi-band GNSS
- Coupling drive group: Shimano Di2, SRAM eTap, Campa EPS
- Maps / route formats: Cycle Map, GPX files
- Group Sharing: Live Track and Group Track
- User profiles: all bike types, indoor
- Coaching: Training, planning and analysis functions
- Connectivity & sensors: Bluetooth, ANT+, WLAN, FE-C
- Third Party Software: Strava, TrainingPeaks, Zwift, others
- Holder: Front and stem mounting
Sigma ROX 12.1 Evo: The simple
Operation
Initial setup is quickest and easiest with the help of the Ride app previously installed on the smartphone. After selecting the national language and scanning the QR code shown on the display, it only takes three steps to get started. The Ride app is clearly organised so that even beginners can quickly find their way around the many options such as bike type, map management and sensor pairing. The thematically organised, easy-to-understand operating tutorials on the Sigmasport website also provide assistance.
The Sigma is a little more sluggish after waking up with the start button; it is only ready to go after 45 seconds. The Sigma is operated using five buttons and the touchscreen. Three buttons are located on the right-hand side, two on the left; they are used for scrolling, as a start/stop button and home button. The buttons are narrow, have little grip and are close together. The menu structure is very clear, each function has enough space on the display and two start pages are enough to show the range of functions. The accompanying Ride app increases ease of use, but is usually not even necessary.
Display
At three inches, the display is the largest in the comparison, the backlight is adjustable and sensor-controlled, it appears slightly brighter in auto mode than on the Garmin. The display reflects when the sun is at an angle, but readability is hardly affected. The touch function can be switched off if required. The fonts, pictograms and graphics are sufficiently large; the symbols are cleverly combined with small pictograms for setting functions at a glance. The display offers enough space for ten data fields, which can be individually colour-coded.
Battery performance / charging time
Compared to the competition, the battery performance is low. The manufacturer claims 14 hours; a realistic figure with a paired sensor, maximum backlighting and active routing is more like 12 hours. This is of course enough for an extended day trip, but the reserve is comparatively small. On the plus side, the battery is fully recharged in two hours.
Storage capacity
The memory capacity is eight gigabytes; Garmin and Wahoo offer four times as much. This is sufficient for Sigma's own map of Europe and for other planned routes, up to a maximum of 100. If you run out of memory, you can optimise unnecessary map sections in the map management directly in the GPS computer, provided you have a WLAN connection.
Connectivity / range of functions
The Sigma can use Bluetooth, ANT+, WLAN and FE-C and is therefore equipped for communication with other devices and third-party software. The SRAM eTap and Shimano Di2 component groups can be integrated and their satellite buttons can also be used to control the functions of the 12.1 Evo. Other devices such as smart trainers or radar distance meters can also be connected.
The profiles from Strava, Komoot or TrainingPeaks can be connected directly under Cloud and Apps. The range of integrated sports programmes has grown considerably compared to Sigma's previous models, six of which (road bike, gravel, indoor cycling etc.) are predefined and 20 others are freely configurable. Training views, road surfaces or alarm settings can be defined within the individual sports profiles, which can be done both with the GPS computer and with the Ride app.
Routing / map display
A total of seven different navigation and routing options are on offer: thanks to the clear map management, all routes, whether planned on the device itself or downloaded from Komoot, are very easy to use. Compared to Garmin and Wahoo, navigation to a destination is as simple as entering an address on a car sat nav - without a house number. A unique feature is the "Draw my Route" function, where you draw a route on the map on the display with your finger and the computer calculates a rideable road or trail route from this.
The position arrow is clearly and sharply recognisable and different surfaces can be easily distinguished on the display. Turn-by-turn directions are announced with a direction arrow, text field (even with street names) and sufficient lead time. On courses with quick changes of direction, the instructions can be scarce, but re-routing works well. What the Sigma GPS computer lacks is an integrated compass, which helps with the start alignment after a stop or when starting in unclear terrain.
Holder
The supplied holder with bracket can be mounted in front of the handlebars, the other on the stem, both are compatible with Garmin computers. However, Wahoo devices do not fit on it. As the Sigma has no control buttons at the bottom, the bracket positions the ROX closer to the handlebars than the Garmin. Both mounts only fit on handlebars with a round cross-section, not on integrated cockpits with aero profiles.
Conclusion
The Sigma GPS computer is the cheapest, has the largest display and is very easy to use in terms of its range of functions. The Sigma-optimised OSM maps offer a good display and different road surfaces are easy to distinguish. We really liked the tidy design of the menu navigation, typography and legibility. Weaknesses in the direct hardware comparison are its battery performance and limited storage space. The Sigma is also somewhat more modest in the connectivity and functionality categories.
Valuation
- Operation: 5 from 5
- Display: 4 from 5
- Battery performance / charging time: 3 from 5
- Storage capacity: 3 from 5
- Connectivity / range of functions: 4 from 5
- App: 5 from 5
- Holder: 5 from 5
The Sigma ROX 12.1 Evo in detail
- Model, firmware: ROX12.1 Evo, 1.40
- Price device / as a bundle: 380 Euro / 480 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
- Dimensions and weight (without holder): 95 x 58 x 21 mm, 109 grammes
- Satellites: GPS, Glonass, Galileo
- Altimeter / compass / gyroscope: barometric / no / yes
- Display / resolution: 3 inch, 240 x 400 pixels
- Operation: 5 buttons, touch display
- Battery performance / charging time: 14 hours / 2 hours
- Memory: 8 GB
- GPS: Multiband GNSS
- Coupling drive group: Shimano Di2
- Maps / route formats: Sigma's own map material, fit files
- Group Sharing: not specified
- User profiles: all wheel types, indoor mode
- Coaching: 6 sports profiles
- Connectivity & sensors: Bluetooth, ANT+, WLAN, USB-C, FE-C
- Third Party Software: Strava, TrainingPeaks, Komoot
- Holder: Front and stem mounting
Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2: The robust one
Operation
The Wahoo is very user-friendly during set-up, and the best way to get started is with the app (Wahoo Elemnt Companion). Once an account has been set up, the language selected, the device switched on and recognised by the app, the device QR code needs to be scanned and communication can begin. If you are already using the app and have a profile for another Wahoo device, you can transfer this to the Elemnt Roam V2 can be transferred. It is convenient to configure the data fields in the app, for example, while the change can be observed live on the device.
The GPS computer from Wahoo is operated exclusively with buttons. There are six of them, three on the top of the housing, two on the right side and one on the left. Compared to the previous model, all buttons are clearly raised, rubberised and non-slip. Their pressure point can also be felt with long-fingered gloves; small text fields with changing function instructions support operation, which is correspondingly easy to learn. In addition, operation via buttons is reliable in all weathers, even in the rain or when splashed with dirt. Another practical feature, for example, is the function that allows the number of data fields to be changed at any time without having to access the menu using the two side buttons on the right.
Display
At 2.7 inches, the display is the same size as the Garmin, but slightly taller and narrower, and it appears slightly smaller due to its large edges around the casing. Fonts and images on the display appear very clear and easy to read. The Wahoo GPS computer makes reduced use of its 64 colours, mainly for the map display in navigation mode. The display is matt and almost completely non-reflective. This makes it very easy to read in all conditions. A day and night mode can be set, in which the background and font colour alternate between black and white, and the backlight can be switched on or off.
Battery performance / charging time
With 15 hours in sat nav mode, with the backlight switched on and a paired sensor, the device sits between the two competitors. That's enough for a full day of touring, and charging takes just under three hours.
Storage capacity
32 gigabytes is a significant increase compared to the previous model; the GPS computer is now on a par with the Garmin and therefore has enough space for map material, route management or configured work-outs. Map management only works in the app on the smartphone, which is why downloading new and/or updated maps only works if there is sufficient buffer memory on the smartphone. All it takes is two clicks and you can see in the list display for which map material a more up-to-date version is available.
Connectivity / range of functions
The electronic drivetrains from Campagnolo, SRAM and Shimano can be integrated and their gear position and battery status displayed; the usual transmission standards such as ANT+ or Bluetooth are of course on board, and thanks to FE-C, non-Wahoo smart trainers can also be paired. The somewhat less well-known software providers such as Best Bike Split, Ride with GPS or Relive are also compatible.
In addition, the Wahoo GPS computer can be linked to the Core body temperature sensor to display body temperature in real time and record it during training. The so-called Wahoo Sports Science Team is designed to enable structured training and can be integrated into the calendar function. Those who like to share their favourite routes can do so with other Elemnt users in the vicinity using the "Public Route Sharing" function.
Routing / map display
Instead of an arrow, the Wahoo displays a kind of "worm" on the route, which moves further and further, while the route travelled becomes a black line. This form of visualisation is clear on thin networks of paths, but can obscure tricky forks in urban streets. A compass needle in front of the arrow worm helps with orientation.
If you change direction many times in succession, the distance and direction arrows sometimes lag behind the turn-by-turn directions, although the re-routing function quickly and reliably points you in the right direction if you get lost. Like its competitors, the Wahoo also offers the option of navigating to the starting point of planned routes. To do this, an extra route must be planned with the app and transferred to the "Routes" folder on the device.
Holder
Only Wahoo computers fit here, but it nestles elegantly and aerodynamically against the device.
Conclusion
The Elemnt is in its element when it comes to operation and functionality. Operation with the non-slip buttons is easy to understand and always works. The display is similarly practical, as it is easy to read in any environment and in any weather. Its connection standards allow networking with any device and any software in the cycling world.
Valuation
- Operation: 5 from 5
- Display: 5 from 5
- Battery performance / charging time: 4 from 5
- Storage capacity: 5 from 5
- Connectivity / range of functions: 4 from 5
- App: 5 from 5
- Holder: 4 from 5
The Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2 in detail
- Model, firmware: Elemnt Roam V2, WC46-16708
- Price device / as a bundle: 400 Euro / 500 Euro >> available here
- Dimensions and weight (without holder): 90 x 59 x 20 mm, 100 grammes
- Satellites: 7 Satellites
- Altimeter / compass / gyroscope: barometric / yes / yes
- Display / resolution: 2.7 inch, 240 x 400 pixels
- Operation: 6 buttons
- Battery performance / charging time: 15 hours / 3 hours
- Memory: 32 GB
- GPS: Multi-band GNSS
- Coupling drive group: Shimano Di2, SRAM eTAP, FSA WE and Campagnolo EPS
- Maps / route formats: OSM base / GPX, TCX files
- Group Sharing: Public Route Sharing
- User profiles: four wheel profiles, indoor mode
- Coaching: Wahoo Sports Science Team, 5 workouts
- Connectivity & sensors: Bluetooth, ANT+, WLAN, USB-C, FE-C
- Third Party Software: Strava, TrainerRoad, TrainingPeaks, Komoot
- Holder: Front and stem mounting
Matthias Borchers
Editor
