Inexpensive bike computers: Five bike sat navs in the TOUR test

Short & sweet: Bike computer with GPS

GPS bike sat navs for 200 euros can do a lot, but not everything. The candidates from Garmin and Sigma are compact, clever and smart; the latter is available without a chest strap or speed sensor from just 90 euros. Both devices offer a good standard of connectivity, route and training recording. In terms of navigation, however, they are only recommended for use in rural areas without road confusion. Bryton and Lezyne are slightly better in this discipline, with the latter even offering a rough map view in panoramic format. The shortcoming of both devices is that the buttons take some getting used to. A special case is the Ciclomaster Navic 400, which presents itself as a fully-fledged navigator, but is not convincing due to its weak computing power.

Cheap bike sat navs in the test

It flashes on the display of Sigma's GPS computer on the handlebars a few seconds after diving into a tunnel under the city motorway: "GPS lost". Behind the tube, the navigator is able to "see" the satellite again, capture its guiding beam and the display reports, accompanied by a beep: "GPS OK!" "Luckily, back on course!" thinks the tester, before a new beep draws his attention to the next message: "Off track!" So turn round, head back through the tunnel and set course again at the last junction before the tube.

GPS bike computers are actually supposed to prevent such wrong turns; after all, they are - among other things - there to show cyclists the right way in unfamiliar terrain. In our practical test around Munich, however, this was not always successful. However, this was not because the small computers had fundamental problems with the positioning signal, which is now offered by the five providers GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou and Quasi-Zenith.

Bike computer - an important orientation aid

The challenge is rather to follow the small arrows on the indicated track with your eyes, especially on black and white displays. On the Bryton, Garmin, Lezyne and Sigma devices, they are so small and pixelated that they are difficult to recognise. The denser the maze of roads in the surrounding area, the easier it is to lose sight of your position and miss the turn-off in an instant.

Before the ride, however, the track must be created on the device - in other words, the route you want to follow. Four of the five devices require the corresponding app on the smartphone, which is also used to create the route. Only the Ciclomaster can create the track itself.

The larger monitors with better resolution from Lezyne and Ciclomaster are an advantage when navigating, especially the four-inch colour display of the Ciclomaster Navic 400 makes it easier to read. A practical feature of the Lezyne is that the device can be mounted in both portrait and landscape format.

In addition, it not only offers minimalist arrow-plus-path navigation, but also roughly displays streets and rows of houses in the neighbourhood, which makes orientation easier.

In addition to the large colour display, the Ciclomaster GPS computer has another trump card with the installed map material. This luxury is otherwise only offered by sat navs from Garmin or Wahoo that are twice as expensive. Equipped in this way, the largest and heaviest device in the comparison (180 grams) should actually provide ideal conditions for convenient navigation. However, the weak computing power causes map graphics and positioning to stumble time and again; recalculation of the route in the event of a wrong turn is slow.

With a push back

Despite its touch-capable display and relatively flat menu structure, the Ciclomaster is not particularly clear and intuitive to use. Tracks recorded via PC software are somewhat hidden in the "Extras" menu item instead of in the tour folder, which also contains all recorded tours. At least the Navic 400 has a practical home button, with which you can always find your way back to the start screen, as well as fully-fledged start-destination navigation. No other device in this price range offers this.

>> GPS tracker: The digital detectives in the TOUR practical test

However, due to a lack of connectivity, the Ciclomaster cannot be used as a data collector and training computer. It is the only device in the test that cannot be paired with sensors, a power meter or a smartphone. The other four devices, on the other hand, scored well in this discipline thanks to integrated wireless standards such as ANT+, Bluetooth or an integrated FE-C chip.

They can be connected to a wide range of sensors (including those from other manufacturers) such as heart rate monitors, power meters and even smart trainers; their data can be shown on the display and saved when recording the training session, thus extending their range of applications and usefulness.

Simple operation of the apps

We got on well with the apps from Bryton, Garmin, Lezyne and Sigma. They could also be loaded and installed with our older test smartphone, an iPhone 6S with an outdated operating system; pairing with the device was also easy, as long as the latest firmware is installed on the bike computer itself.

Only with the Sigma did we need several attempts to pair with the smartphone: between the delivery date and the time of the test, the manufacturer had two new firmware versions on offer, which required a smartphone with the latest operating system. Afterwards, it worked perfectly between the devices.

The range of functions and operating concept of the apps posed no problems for our testers. All apps were easy to use after just a little familiarisation. We particularly liked the simple configuration of the data fields with Sigma using the Ride app. With Garmin's Connect app, tracks can be intuitively planned, saved and transferred to the device via Bluetooth.

Conclusion on the affordable bike computers

At prices below 200 euros, the five bike computers in the test offer a solid basis for GPS navigation, but clearly lag behind more expensive devices in terms of functionality and ease of use. The Ciclomaster Navic 400 is the only one that is suitable as a stand-alone navigation device, but reveals weaknesses in terms of speed and connectivity. The other four are stylish and slim bike computers that can be mounted on any handlebar; however, they require the app on the smartphone in order to realise their full potential.

Inexpensive bike computers with GPS in the TOUR test

Bryton Rider 420

• Price110 Euro >> e.g. available at Amazon

• Weight (without holder) / protection class67 grams / IPX7 (waterproof)
• Display2.3 inch; 128 x 160 pixels
• Connectivity / AppANT+, BLE, FE-C / Bryton Active App
• Third-party compatibilityStrava, Komoot, TrainingPeaks, Selfloops, Relive, today's plan
• AltimeterBarometric
• Battery life (manufacturer's data/test): 35 hours / 18 hours

TOUR rating

• Device operation - 4,0
• Display / readability - 2,7
• Battery life - 1,0
• Connectivity - 1,3
• Navigation - 3,5
• Holder - 3,3

>> Overall grade: 2.6

ConclusionVersatile endurance runner: The Bryton Rider 420 scores points above all with its long battery life and well-designed app. Training statistics are included as well as a customisable training plan. The Rider 420 is also at the forefront when it comes to connectivity. The device can be paired with smart trainers, heart rate monitors or power meters; recorded activities are uploaded directly to the app, which requires you to create a user account. Compatibility with Bluetooth, ANT+, BLE and FE-C are plus points. However, there are some shortcomings when it comes to navigation and operation. Two of the four buttons are located on the back of the device and are difficult to reach. The double assignment of the buttons does not make operation any easier either. The navigation with arrows and street names looks good, but in the end the user is only guided by a loose line.

Garmin Edge 130 Plus

• Price149 Euro >> at Alltricks available

• Weight (without holder) / protection class33 grams / IPX7 (waterproof)
• Display1.8 inch; 303 x 230 pixels
• Connectivity / AppANT+, BLE, FE-C / Garmin Connect
• Third-party compatibility: Strava, Komoot
• AltimeterBarometric
• Battery life (manufacturer's data/test): 12 hours / 8 hours

TOUR rating

• Device operation - 1,7
• Display / Readability - 2,7
• Battery life - 3,0
• Connectivity - 1,0
• Navigation - 2,3
• Holder - 2,0

>> Overall grade: 2.1

ConclusionClever compact computer: At 1.8 inches, the mini Garmin has the smallest display in the test, but thanks to its high resolution it is sharp and easy to read in any lighting conditions. Five buttons are required for operation, which is logical and easy to learn. All wireless standards such as ANT+, Bluetooth and even FE-C are on board, allowing all sensors from power meters to smart trainers to be docked. In conjunction with the Connect app on your smartphone, you can ride Komoot routes or integrate Strava segments; the Climb Pro function shows the elevation profile along the route. This helps you to organise your strength in unfamiliar terrain. The arrow navigation is slightly better than Sigma's thanks to the visualisation of the route, but quick changes of direction require a lot of attention. The device is a convincing training companion on the road and on the smart trainer. Eight hours of battery life with standard pairing with sensor and smartphone is fine

Lezyne Mega XL GPS

• Price: 200 Euro >> available at Amazon

• Weight (without holder) / protection class81 grams / IPX7 (waterproof)
• Display2.7 inch; 240 x 400 pixels
• Connectivity / App: ANT+, BLE, FE-C / GPS ALLY
• Third-party compatibility: Strava, Komoot, Relive, TrainingPeaks, today's plan
• AltimeterBarometric
• Battery life (manufacturer's data/test): 48 hours / 16 hours

TOUR rating

• Device operation - 3,0
• Display / Readability - 2,2
• Battery life - 1,0
• Connectivity - 1,8
• Navigation - 2,5
• Holder - 3,8

>> Overall grade: 2.4

Conclusion: Clear navigator: The Lezyne Mega XL GPS has a solid battery performance, plus another special feature: The device can be used in portrait and landscape format. With the already above-average screen size, this makes the display almost perfectly legible. However, operating the device is rather difficult. Due to the relatively high pressure resistance of the buttons, there is a risk of tearing the handlebars. The buttons are also very close together, making operation with gloves difficult. Although the GPS signal initially takes some time to find the position, once the ride is started, the user receives a very detailed view and navigation. Routes from Komoot or Strava can be imported directly into the app. The Lezyne can also be paired with numerous sensors via ANT+ or Bluetooth.

Sigma ROX 4.0

• Price200 Euro >> at Rose available

• Weight (without holder) / protection class51 grams / IPX7 (waterproof)
• Display2.4 inch; 59 x 23 pixels
• Connectivity / AppANT+, BLE / Sigma Ride App
• Third-party compatibility: Strava, Komoot
• AltimeterBarometric
• Battery life (manufacturer's data/test): 25 hours / 20 hours

TOUR rating

• Device operation - 1,7
• Display / readability - 2,7
• Battery life - 1,0
• Connectivity - 2,2
• Navigation - 2,8
• Holder - 1,5

>> Overall grade: 2.0

Conclusion: Powerful logician: The Sigma has a relatively large display for the size of the device. Although its pixel density is low, figures and graphics are easy to read even in sunlight and the backlight switches on automatically in the dark. Just three large buttons with a defined pressure point control all the functions, and the logic behind them is easy to learn. Coupled with the Ride app on the smartphone, tracks can be planned and transferred to the device and the data fields can be easily customised; heart rate monitors or power meters can also be connected via ANT+ and Bluetooth, which enables training control; Komoot or Strava are also compatible. The battery provides more than ten hours of power when paired with sensors and smartphones in navi mode. Points are deducted for the fast but simple arrow navigation. Although turn-offs are easily recognisable when riding overland, it is hardly sufficient for urban streets or off-road terrain.

Ciclomaster Navic 400

• Price: 230 Euro >> at Available on Amazon

• Weight (without holder) / protection class180 grams / IPX 5 (rainproof)
• Display4 inch; touch colour display; 480 x 854 pixels
• Connectivity / Appwithout send function / Ciclo Guide 2
• Third-party compatibility: not compatible
• AltimeterBarometric
• Battery life (manufacturer's data/test): 14 hours / 6 hours

TOUR rating

• Device operation - 3,0
• Display / Readability - 2,7
• Battery life - 3,5
• Connectivity - 5,0
• Navigation - 2,3
• Holder - 3,0

>> Overall grade: 3.3

Conclusion: Large colour screen: With its four-inch colour display and offline maps from Falk and Open Street Map, the Navic 400 offers the best prerequisites as a convenient navigator and pathfinder that even masters start-destination navigation. Actually. Because its biggest shortcoming is its weak computing power; it takes 75 seconds from switching on until it is fully booted up and ready for data input. The display is not very brilliant, it reflects strongly in strong sunlight; although it is touch-sensitive, it occasionally reacts sluggishly or reluctantly to gestures. The small buttons have a hard pressure point, which can cause the device to slip in the holder. When it comes to connectivity, the Navic 400 comes up empty. This means that the device from Ciclomaster is no longer quite up to date, but is offered at half price by many online retailers.

Bike computer with GPS - How TOUR tests

All functions of the bike computer with GPS and the application in combination with the associated app, which all manufacturers except Ciclomaster offer, were assessed. All criteria were included in the overall score with equal weighting.

Device operation

The decisive factors in this criterion are the arrangement, size and pressure point of the control buttons. Sigma does it best, Bryton worst; the two buttons on the back of the housing are impractical and difficult to operate.

Display / Readability

All black and white displays are easy to read in any lighting situation. Thanks to the high resolution and sharpness, the Garmin still delivers a good result despite the smallest display. Backlighting is now standard. The colour display of the Ciclomaster reflects in sunlight, and the font and numbers are relatively coarse.

Battery life

We measured the battery life of the bike computers with a connected smartphone with app (not with the Ciclomaster), active navigation and maximum display brightness. It can be seen that each additional paired sensor significantly reduces the battery life. The devices from Sigma, Lezyne and Bryton manage several tours in a row without recharging.

Connectivity

Pairing power sensors or smart trainers via the ANT+, Blutooth or FE-C wireless standards was almost exclusively reserved for top models in previous device generations. Fortunately, cheaper devices now also have these functions, in the test all except the Ciclomaster.

Navigation

Only the Ciclomaster was reasonably convincing in terms of navigation. The simple arrow navigation of all other devices is very imprecise in complex terrain.

Holder

All brackets included in the scope of delivery were suitable for round handlebar cross-sections. None of the computers could be attached to aerobars.

Cheap bike computers - the alternatives

We also took a look above and below the 200 euro price level of our test field. For example, you end up with a Garmin Edge 530 for 400 euros. If you want to navigate your bike for significantly less than €200, you can use your smartphone in conjunction with the premium version of the Strava app, if you have one; then you end up with around €50 for a smartphone handlebar mount and around €50 (per year) for the app.

Garmin Edge 530

• Price299 Euro >> available here

StrengthsRobust housing, button operation, battery life, training control, all navigation modes, operation with buttons plus touch function, many holders, compact on the handlebars.

WeaknessesCalculation of long routes takes a long time, poor service, neither battery nor display can be replaced

Smartphone plus Strava Premium

StrengthsProcessor calculates quickly, older smartphones can be used; community, follow friends' tracks, route planning with choice of surface; competition idea; training diary with fitness analysis

WeaknessesTraining plans and power meter cannot be integrated; depends on the network quality; large smartphones can interfere with the handlebars, possibly short battery life, poor readability of the display in sunlight, only touch operation