Quick & Easy Bike Computer Comparison
Everything you need to know.
So, you’ve decided to get a bike computer. The options are extensive, but don’t worry, this article will cover the basic differences between brands and models. Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking for premium features, there is a bike computer here for you.
Garmin
By far the most extensive line of cycling computers, Garmin has a proven reputation. By choosing a Garmin, you also receive access to Garmin’s large and ever-growing set of software features and easy pairing with other Garmin devices such as Varia Radar and Rally Power Meters.
Edge 1050
- Pros: Screen quality, great for navigation
- Cons: Price
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Display Size: Large (3.5”)
- Battery Life: 20 Hours
- Mount Type: Garmin
Edge 1040
- Pros: Great for navigation
- Cons: Price
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Display Size: Large (3.5”)
- Battery Life: 35 Hours (45 Hours with solar model)
- Mount Type: Garmin
Edge 840
- Pros: More storage and better navigation than 540
- Cons: Smaller screen than 1040
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Display Size: Medium (2.5”)
- Battery Life: 26 Hours (32 Hours with solar model)
- Mount Type: Garmin
Edge 540
- Pros: Premium features from 1040 and 840
- Cons: No touchscreen
- Touchscreen: No
- Display Size: Medium (2.5”)
- Battery Life: 26 Hours (32 Hours with solar model)
- Mount Type: Garmin
Edge Explore 2
- Pros: Great for bikepacking/touring. Affordable price
- Cons: Fewer features
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Display Size: Medium (3”)
- Battery Life: 16 Hours
- Mount Type: Garmin
Edge 130 Plus
- Pros: Value
- Cons: Older hardware and less access to new software updates
- Touchscreen: No
- Display Size: Small (1.8”)
- Battery Life: 12 Hours
- Mount Type: Garmin
Wahoo
A proven option, Wahoo bike computer are known for their easy out-of-the-box setup and colorful displays. With the release of the Elemnt Ace, Wahoo unleashed a new era of bike computer tech with an integrated wind sensor.
Elemnt ACE
- Pros: High-quality screen, only bike computer with a wind sensor, impressive battery life
- Cons: Price, Super large size
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Display Size: Very Large (3.8”)
- Battery Life: 30 Hours
- Mount Type: Wahoo
Elemnt Roam V2
- Pros: Amazing navigation
- Cons: No touchscreen
- Touchscreen: No
- Display Size: Medium (2.7”)
- Battery Life: 17 Hours
- Mount Type: Wahoo
Elemnt Bolt V2
- Pros: Value, intuitive button-only operation, aerodynamic design
- Cons: Small screen
- Touchscreen: No
- Display Size: Small (2.2”)
- Battery Life: 15 Hours
- Mount Type: Wahoo
Others
If the big two, Garmin and Wahoo, aren’t your thing - don’t fret, there are more options. The running/multisport smartwatch brand COROS recently released their first foray into bike computers with the COROS Dura – a unique bike computer with incredible battery life. Hammerhead (SRAM’s bikecomputer brand) is now on their 3rd iteration of the Karoo which boasts a smartphone-quality touchscreen and is extremely customizable. And of course, if you’re a fan of the classics, CatEye also makes GPS-enabled bike computers at a very affordable price.
COROS Dura
- Pros: Value, battery life, aero mount
- Cons: Limited software (thus far)
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Display Size: Medium (2.7”)
- Battery Life: 120 Hours
- Mount Type: Quarter Turn (Garmin-style)
Hammerhead Karoo
- Pros: Smartphone-quality display, excellent navigation, premium features at a lower price than Garmin or Wahoo
- Cons: Battery life
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Display Size: Large (3.2”)
- Battery Life: 15 Hours
- Mount Type: Hammerhead and Quarter Turn (Garmin-style)
CatEye AirGPS
- Pros:Price
- Cons: Only basic functionality, no ANT+ compatibility (Limited Bluetooth compatibility)
- Touchscreen: No
- Display Size: Small
- Battery Life: 10 Hours
- Mount Type: CatEye
Performance Bike Favorite
Coros Dura
Basic functionality with an amazing battery life
Best Computer for the Technophobe: If you want a computer that you can set and forget, the Coros Dura does the trick. With up to 120 hours of run time on a single charge, you might just forget that it’s not a part of your bike itself. While the software features are relatively limitedcompared to Garmin or Wahoo, this device syncs easily with Strava (or other training apps) and can be paired with power meters and other sensors. If you a rider who simply wants to track ride time, speed, distance, and upload it to Strava at the end, the Coros Dura is the ideal candidate.
Related Articles
The Best Garmin Watch for Cycling
Learn Why The Epix Pro and Fenix 7 Pro Are perfect for tracking your rides.
Learn More
Garmin Edge 540 & 840 Comparison
Solar charging, responsive touchscreen, and powerful software. Which one is right for you?
Learn More