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Best Bike Speedometers Reviewed and Rated For Quality
Possibly you have one already and are looking to upgrade or want a newer improved bike speedometer. Whatever your level of expertise or riding preferences; this review of the best 10 bike speedometers will provide a varied snippet of the best of what’s on the market today.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Connectivity
Modern bike speedometers are offered in two main types, being wireless and wired.
Both have advantages and disadvantages. For a wireless speedometer, the plus side is the lack of extra connecting wires on your bike that can be untidy and may get caught in other equipment. On the negative side, these styles of speedometer need batteries in the head unit and the transmitter – which ultimately means either changing your batteries before every ride or having to carry an extra set when you’re out and about.
One other thing to think about here is the fact that wireless bike speedometers do sometimes lose their signal; (and although it is thought that any data will still be saved during these off periods), this is potentially a risk so it may be a good idea to always have backup when you’re riding in the middle of nowhere.
For wired speedometers, this extra set of batteries may still be relevant, albeit the requirement will be halved. The wires can be messy, can break or become loose or unattached and that won’t be functional especially if you’re on a longer ride. Wired are considered more reliable for serious rides in the middle of nowhere, they are more economical and if you use rechargeable batteries they are even more cost-effective and reliable in the long run.
Ease of Use
You should check the installation requirements for the safe and reliable fitting of your bike speedometer.
Most should come with fittings and brackets etc included in the pack, don’t be tempted to use kits that are not provided because they can cause damage to your speedometer or may even not be adequate enough to hold it in a secure position – especially if you intend to ride on rough or uneven terrain.
Careful attachment of the sensor is important too if this is done incorrectly; you won’t get reliable readings if you get any at all. Be sure to put your computer in a suitable place on your handlebars so it won’t obstruct your movements or view of it when you are riding, and it is good practice to cable tie the wires to your frame to prevent catching and breaking.
Placing the magnet sensor on your wheel in the right place is vital too – this will relay the rotation and allows the correct calculation to be achieved. Finally; the computer needs calibrating to your specific bike, this is usually easily implemented by inputting the tire size into the computer, so it is able to collate, calculate and display the correct information.
Features
For more advanced bike speedometers you can also find them with smartphone pairing feature, to enable you to keep track on your past and present rides and even set yourself challenges for future rides.
And a great new advantage is the addition of GPS on the speedometer so you need never lose your way again, this is a great way to save the battery life on your smartphone and reduces the need for carrying paper maps. These features also allow you to keep your phone safely tucked away and allows you distraction-free riding without fear of dropping your phone or taking your eye off the ball to check it.
Weather Resistance
If you’re planning your cycling around the weather, you will know it’s not always certain if you’ll be caught in the rain.
Any level of precipitation can be a possible cause of bike speedometer malfunction, but you can check the levels of water resistance your new speedometer can offer by checking the IP Code. Better to be safe than sorry, the last thing you want is to be caught in the middle of a summer or winter downpour in the sticks to find that your expensive bike speedometer isn’t waterproof at all.
It is the digit on the code you should be more aware of because each number indicates a different level of resistance. From 1 which offers protection against vertically dripping water, up to 5 for protection against water jets and even up to 9 for high pressure and warmer water jets.
Additional letters M and S indicate moving devices in testing or standing devices. As ever though, it is always better to have at least an idea of the weather conditions or implications that you are likely to encounter on your rides, being properly prepared is half the joy of planning and executing a fulfilling and exhilarating ride.
Value
On regular, mediately priced bike speedometers you will find some standard features that may include some of the following.
Speed; this can be broken into your current speed, it can show and/or store your maximum and average speed, it can measure the overall trip distance which is great if you like to plan ahead and beat your own times or hours spent on the bike.
Ride time (for when you’re actually moving), cadence is shown to represent how fast your legs are turning, the clock so you know where you are in the day and an odometer for a visual on your total distance for the stint you are on or have just completed.
More advanced features can be found on some higher priced bike speedometers, you can monitor your heart rate, including your average and maximum beat, your altitude – high point and in real time, the ascent is measured as well as descent and finally temperature.
These indicators are input to help you get the best out of your riding, they can aid your increasing test levels if you want to better your times or speeds, and when used properly can be a very useful and informative part of your cycling routine. All these features are fast becoming more standard, but if you are always best advised to check your favorite speedometer has the specific features you require.
10 Best Bike Speedometers
1. CatEye Velo 7
This versatile bike speedometer is offered as an ideal starter computer for those beginning their cycling tracking, it is easy to set up and simple to understand and use. The wired speed sensor adequately tracks useful stats including a clock, total riding time, speed measurements as current speed, a maximum, and average speed, trip distance and elapsed time, as well as a pace arrow so allowing all the important data to be displayed and stored for future reference.
Movement Sensitive
The CatEye Velo 7 is smart enough to know when stopping and automatically stops counting average speed and time. This feature is practical because it takes into consideration those irregular normal traffic stops and doesn’t affect the overall readings.
Long Lasting
The battery life boasts being long-lasting – for up to three years so there is less concern about the requirement of always carrying spare batteries. The programmable odometer is clear and straightforward to use, and it benefits from a simple tire sizing feature.
Cost and Value
Considering the overall benefits this bike speedometer has to offer, combined with the easy setup and functional display, and the added long-lasting battery life – it is easy to reflect that both cost and value are very well represented with this setup.
2. Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt GPS Bike Computer
If you are interested in a design that not only tells you how fast you are traveling but where you are going as well. This design from Wahoo is an excellent choice. This design boasts a large and easy to read LCD screen that has a map and GPS functionality so you can always find your way back home. It may cost a bit more than other options, but it is well worth it for serious riders.
Easy to Mount
One of the things that users love most about this design is that it is super easy to mount on your handlebars. Unlike some of the smaller designs out there on the market. The size of this screen is much larger and easier to read at a glance. Users can toggle between screens that provide speed and maps or refer to step by step directions so that you never take a wrong turn.
Smartphone Syncing
The central screen displays the map, your distance traveled, your speed, and even time left to reach your destination. We also like this option and are also able to be synced with your smartphone with a companion app. This app makes configuring your unit much easier, and even sends your workout info straight to your phone for easy access.
Cost and Value
If you are willing to spare no expense for the best of the best, this design from Wahoo is a great choice. Users love that the companion app makes it super easy to use and configure, and store all of your travels and times for easy access. Plus, the GPS functionality ensures that you will always know where you are going, and how to get home.
3. Planet Bike
Planet Bike offers this bike speedometer as an easy to install and read a computer that has a larger than average display for practicality and shows up to five pieces of information for convenience. It boasts nine handy functions including current, maximum and average speed, trip distance and rides time, temperature monitor, a clock and a dual odometer that is compatible for two-wheel sizes. It comes with a CR2032 battery for immediate usage after setting up and offers a long life between the requirements for battery changes.
Complete Mounting Kit
It comes complete with a full mounting kit that includes an eighty-two-centimeter wire for front-wheel mounting and a handy handlebar bracket that is complemented with easy to understand instructions so is practically ready to go.
Convenient Use
The design incorporates a button-less screen so leaves more room for the clear display of data. And for better ease of use the screen is simply touched to operate so reduces distractions and the risk of untimely accidents.
Cost and Value
The durable and robust design of this speedometer combined with the innovative technology used in its production and the practical, easy to use features ensures that money spent on this is money well spent.
4. CatEye Velo Wireless
This wireless bike speedometer is available from the CatEye Velo range and has functional features for tracking miles. It includes functions like a clock, a pace arrow for regular monitoring, complete distance traveled, a trip distance function, and elapsed time is also added. Speed is monitored in terms of current speed, maximum speed and average speed for tracking and storing data to enable comparisons and even setting targets for the next run.
Extra Features
This computer has a handy feature that tracks the data of total calories burned, and it has a clever automatic stop/start feature that recognizes when the bike wheel is not turning and doesn’t begin again until wheel movement is detected.
Functional Mounting
The computer comes complete with a full mounting kit and easy instructions for installation, the Flex Tight Bracket that is included allows practically instant setting up meaningless time getting ready and more time on the road.
Cost and Value
The relative balance between both cost and value is well reflected, the functional and practical features it has including the calories burnt counter, the easy setup and sharp large display, means that this is excellent value for money
5. SOON GO
This wireless bike speedometer is equipped with a multitude of practical features including an automatic start and stop function, speed measured as average, maximum and current so tracking accomplishments is easy, complete riding time, an odometer, distance reading, and a handy maintenance alert. The computer has quick respond buttons that reduce distractions and the risk of taking much-needed attention on the road ahead, and it has an instant wake up from sleeping so it gets working the minute the bike wheels move.
Functionally Practical
The computer is ready to use even in the dark or changing light conditions, a quick press button turns on a brief green backlight to enable easy reading no matter what time of day or night it is. The easy to install and use the computer comes complete with full, comprehensive instructions.
Weather resistant
This computer boasts being waterproof with the addition of a full rubber ring and sealed body, this improves its overall versatility because there is less concern about being caught out in inclement weather.
Cost and Value
The great features that come as standard with this speedometer including the functional display screen and the waterproofing, equalize the benefits between cost and value and gives overall great value for money.
6. Garmin Edge 130
This handy Garmin Edge 130 boasts being completely set-up free and is ready to install and go straight from the packet. The functions it is equipped with include time tracking, number of calories burnt, speed and even location. The unit is quick to use and is versatile enough to be moved between different bikes without the requirement for re-setting. The computer has the ability to store over one-hundred and thirty hours of data for back referencing and comparisons of previous achievements, along with the ease of setting new challenges.
GPS Enabled
The GPS receiver has HotFix satellite prediction enabling so location and journeys are provided with more accuracy, its ability to trace satellites quickly means there is less time waiting for signals and relays of important location information.
Auto Pause Function
The computer has a clever design function that recognizes automatically when the wheels are not turning and stops, then restarts when the bike does without adjustment. It also has a unique function that allows specific targets to be set such as distance to improve achievements.
Cost and Value
The useful and highly practical features that are available with the Garmin Edge 130 combine an accurate GPS system, functional settings and an easy to install and read computer – ensures that overall this is excellent value for money.
7. Garmin Edge 25
This bike computer boasts being one of the smallest and lightest computers available on the market, it weighs in at a mere twenty-five grams and this gives it more appeal especially if traveling between rides. It has GPS +GLONASS that enables quicker tracking of satellites meaning more time riding, and it benefits from still being functional under the cover of trees for greater convenience when riding over altering terrains.
Functional Connectivity
The availability of Garmin Connect allows the download of interesting courses and enables the viewing of personal tracking for analysis. The connectivity increases when the computer is paired with other Garmin devices allowing sharing of live tracking and achievements.
Extra Features
For added useful features, pair this ANT+COMPATIBLE computer with a heart rate monitor to check personal health indicators and cadence and speed sensors to retrieve practical data and monitor day to day usage.
Cost and Value
Considering the compact and lightweight design of this Garmin Edge 25, and mix that with the other great features like the possible connectivity and +GLONASS satellite enablement, it is clearly balanced on both the cost and the value it provides.
8. Garmin Edge 520
This computer includes features for improved connectivity with automatic uploads, social media sharing, smart notifications, live tracking and even offers the ability to send and receive courses when connected. The inclusion of Strava allows live segment challenges and the GPS provides real-time accuracy as soon as it is enabled. The sleek tidy design measures two-point nine by naught-point eight by one-point nine inches fits neatly onto the bike with little fuss and is practically ready to go as soon as it arrives.
Mobile Compatibility
The Garmin Edge 520 is compatible with Shimano Di2 electronic shifting systems5 and additional ANT+ sensors, which not only improves its overall versatility but offers a greater range of uses and features when on the go.
Functional Features
The aerodynamic computer is technologically improved to analyze data such as correct time zones according to location. Its lightweight design is a mere twelve-ounces and this makes it highly appealing and useful for taking traveling in between rides.
Cost and Value
The relatively higher price of the Garmin Edge 520 is justified in terms of the technological features that it has, including the mobile connectivity and analyzing capabilities; overall this computer is an advanced and therefore good value for the price.
9. CatEye Strada Wireless
The CatEye Strada wireless has favorable features that include speed shown as an average, as a maximum and as current, it shows full journey distance, a handy clock, real-time elapsed and a useful pace arrow so riding stats can be monitored all along the ride. It benefits from an automatic stop and starts feature that doesn’t need any adjustment and simply recognizes the differences, and as a bonus, the time stopped doesn’t get included in the overall stats. It is versatile and is suitable to be used on two separate bikes with the dual tire size application.
Safety Features
The computer enables use by simply touching the bottom of the unit – this improves overall safety and means less chance of potentially causing an accident through button switching distractions, and makes checking different data a breeze.
Secure Mounting
It comes complete with a Flex Tight Bracket that allows easy and quick mounting time, less fuss installing inevitably means more time to enjoy the road. This easy mounting also acts as an anti-theft addition because it can be removed quickly when stopping for well-earnt rest breaks.
Cost and Value
The considerations between both cost and value are well reflected and represented in both areas, the ease of use and mounting along with the dual tyre settings, ensure that this is good value and money spent here is money well spent.
10. Flian
If you love your night ride and want to stay safe and aware of your time and speed, this design from Flian is an excellent choice. This design boasts a built-in light on the front so you can see ahead of you, and it also boasts a light-up screen as well. Plus, it comes in at a price point that won’t break the bank.
Light Up Screen
This design from Flian is one of the only options on our list that boasts a light-up screen. This small LCD screen displays your speed, distance, and time traveled. It also displays the temperature outside as well. The most notable feature of this design is that the front of this design also includes a headlight which is a must-have for night riders.
Read Light
We also like that this option comes with a few notable accessories. It includes a red read light, which helps to keep you safe when riding at night. It includes two charging cables that allows you to charge up your device at the end of the day and doesn’t require the use of batteries.
Cost and Value
For riders that like to ride at night and want to stay safe, this design is a great choice. We love that it doesn’t require batteries and comes with dual USB charging cables for quick and easy charging. It also boasts a light-up screen, which makes it one of the only designs on our list that is able to be used at night.
11. Sigma Sport BC16.12STS
Sigma offer this bike speedometer as a wireless computer that is easy to install and use, and needs no tools for full installation, it benefits from being water-proof as well so reduces the risk of damage when riding in questionable weather conditions. It has a full text and easy to read display and information tracked is downloadable for complete personal comparisons and analysis. It is designed to sit neatly on the center of the handlebars so is readable without straining.
Digital Encoding
The Sigma Transmission System offers a digitally coded transmission system that stops interfacing with other computers. The collection of transmitted data is sent directly to a receiver that is conveniently placed within the computer.
Practical Features
The computer is operated through a simple four-button operation for ease of use when riding, and the large screen makes it easy to read the data projected. The mount is easily attached and is flexible enough to maintain accuracy on any ride.
Cost and Value
When taken into consideration the wireless digital encoding offered, and the ease of use it benefits from, it is justified to say that the balance between cost and value is well represented and this is great value for money.
Sources
- , Wikipedia, Information Site
- , Live Strong, Lifestyle Site