Installing a GPS device for cycling on your bicycle can be very practical to better monitor your workouts, discover new routes and, above all and very important, make your bike outputs more safe.
There are two large groups of GPS for cycling in the market: those with real time browser and those who do not record the route and then visualize it in an app or software). In this guide we are going to focus on the former, the most complete and functional.
They are also the most expensive. Therefore, and before launching to look for models, we give you a series of recommendations when it comes to
Choose the GPS cyclocomputer for ideal cycling.
Is it essential to have a cyclocomputer/GPS?
It is the first question you should ask yourself before throwing yourself to buy one. For occasional outputs with bicycles on known routes, without pretensions to train or improve your times, it is not necessary to install a GPS with browser, whose price is usually above 200 euros in most cases.
Perhaps in this context a GPS cyclocomputer without browser is the best option. They are much cheaper, it will allow you to record the route to see it later or share it on networks, consult speed data, burned calories, etc.
But for cyclists seeking to explore new routes, step more in their training to improve performance or to compete in uninified races and marches, investing in a quality cycling GPS will always be a successful decision that you will amortize over time.
What should you look at to choose a good GPS for cycling
Then we list five main features that a good GPS must have for cycling:
Screen
That a GPS has a larger screen does not mean that it is better. The chosen size will depend on your needs and type of cycling that you practice. In general, map visualization, resolution or sharpness are more important when making Mountain Bike routes. While for road more compact models are chosen, which also do not penalize so much in weight.
Maps
The quality and detail of the maps that the device loads is another aspect to be valued. It will be more priority for bikers, since it is easier to miss on the mountain than on the road. Therefore, a browser with detailed cartography of roads, paths and altimetry will be much more practical for this purpose.
It also attends to the data storage capacity of the device if you make long -distance tours or stages routes, since you will need more space to load and store the data of the path.
Data transmission
Look at what type of connectivity allows the device, at what speed loads the route and navigation function. For road the load speed should be faster than in mountain. In general, the cycling GPS of the big brands (Garmin, Wahoo, Tomtom), include Bluetooth or ant+connectivity, which allow a fast data transfer and also allow connecting power sensors, heart rate, etc.
If you are also a user of applications that record training and sports activities, such as Strava, it is important that you check that GPS is compatible with them. You would not be the first to buy a GPS and then it is surprised that you cannot raise your routes and bicycle outings to your Strava account.
Autonomy
The fourth aspect that you should not forget to review is the ability of the model of the model. If your routes usually last several hours, be sure to buy a GPS of great autonomy, from a range of 12 to 24 hours with battery savings function. Or at least make sure you have a wide memory, 16 GB or higher. A large cyclocomputer will end up spending less battery than one with the hard drive to the limit of its capacity.
Support and assembly
Finally pay attention to the device assembly options on the bicycle. It is possible that your power is narrow or short and does not allow the installation of the support, needing a clamp for the handlebar. In addition, it must be compatible with the diameter of the handlebar. Usually, and in the range in which we are going to move for this guide, most models include supports for both power and handlebars. Although it doesn't hurt to check it before.
The best cycling GPS, marks brand
Here are what are the cycling GPS that we like the most. In Tuvalum we do not have any commercial link with any brand, so this selection is based solely on our experience of use and our personal preferences. Prices and models correspond to the time of preparing this article (November 2021).
Garmin
Garmin It remains the reference brand in GPS devices for cycling, with the most complete, but also more exclusive models, we highlight above all the high -end Edge 1030 (€ 599.99) and 830 high performance, great autonomy (24 hours) and high resolution screen.
Another more affordable models but not less recommended is the Edge Explore model (€ 249.99). A somewhat simpler and more economical cyclocomputer, but with a 3 ”screen, 12 -hour autonomy and large connectivity options with the mobile phone.
Wahoo
Wahoo It is a brand that has grown a lot in the last seasons, with models that carry professional cyclists, such as the Elemnt Bolt (€ 279.99). It has a great memory and speed in loading the maps at the same time that it offers intuitive navigation.
As an alternative for more explorers or
Mountain Bikers There is Wahoo Elemnt Roam (€ 349.99), with a wide screen of great resolution and greater autonomy (up to 17 hours).
Bryton
The Taiwanese brand
Bryton It is another emerging in this segment of GPS cyclocomputer for cyclists. From its range highlights the Rider 750 model (€ 249.95), of great relationship between quality/price. It has a compact size, intuitive navigation with notifications and 20 hours of autonomy. In addition, there is a somewhat more expensive special version that includes cadence and heart rate sensor.
Mine
The brand
Mine It is another of the highlights of the market, thanks to its wide range of cyclo cyclocomputer. We highlight its new Mio Cyclo 215 HC model (€ 249), very attractive for its price, wide 3.5 ”touch screen, easy -to -use navigation functions for all cyclists, customizable menus and autonomy over 10 am.
Twonav
More focused on GPS browsers for Mountain Bike, Grave or Bikepacking, the brand
Twonav It offers one of the most recommended models for out -of -asphalt routes, such as Trail 2 Bike (€ 399). A high -resolution screen cyclocomputer to see the maps well in any circumstance. Its design is compact but robust to endure the passage through the roads. And also has a wide autonomy of more than 20 hours.
Sigma
Finally, we highlight the German firm
Sigma Sport, which has within its catalog the GPS with Real Time Navigation function Rox 12.0 Sport (from € 399). It is very intuitive handling through large buttons, it has Wi-Fi connectivity and several training profiles. In addition, there is a Pack format that includes cadence and speed sensor and pulsometer tape.
Hammerhead
Hammerhead It is the manufacturer who revolutionized the cyclochocomputer market with GPS when he launched its Karoo model based on the Android operating system. Its new Karoo 2 comes with a 3.2 "screen, battery of up to 12 hours and direct integration with the electronic change systems Shimano DI2, Campagnolo Eps and SRAM ETAP.
