If you are an avid cyclist, you probably want to know the details of your trip. Items such as distance, speed, altitude and heart rate can be useful information while driving, whether or not you are on the same route.
There are many ways to follow your route, and with smartphones in your pocket, each of them has a variety of applications that you can easily use to track your journey.
Come on in.
Advanced GPS bike GPS
Compact GPS bike GPS
Come on in.
Advanced GPS bike GPS
Come on in.
Compact GPS bike GPS
But what if you don’t get a good signal on your phone because you are in a remote area, or if you prefer to keep your phone’s battery for emergencies?
You need an alternative to the phone. That’s where the bike GPS comes into view. A bike GPS is a great way to keep track of your basic bike statistics, including speed, distance and, in some cases, your heart rate.
There are many bicycle GPSs on the market nowadays. They are available in different styles and with different options. Some even connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth. But which one suits you best?
You can spend hours searching the internet for bike GPSs, but with so many different options on the market it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. That’s where we came in.
We’ve researched, tested and evaluated many of the available bike GPSs on the market, and in this overview we’ve compiled our favourites.
Then we found the most frequently asked questions about cycling GPSs and examined them as well. We have put together a comprehensive set of answers to these frequently asked questions so that you don’t have to do all the research yourself.
Garmin Edge 520 Plus, GPS Bicycle/Wyck GPS
- Type: Advanced GPS bike GPS
- GPS: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
- Wireless: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
- Sealing: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
With Garmin Edge 520 Plus, you can train smarter and discover an unlimited number of new courses. This bike GPS features a bright color display, advanced GPS navigation and innovative software directly integrated into the GPS.
It comes with pre-installed Strava Live segments and a Garmin bike map with step-by-step instructions, not to mention the Best Split bike. Whether you want to innovate or push the boundaries in a race, the Edge 520 Plus has what you need.
This GPS is characterized by its software. A pre-installed Best Bike Split application shows you how changes in weight, power and resistance can affect your intended riding time and creates the perfect performance plan for every day of the race.
Connect your Best Bike Split account to your Edge 520 Plus account and you’ll have all your current travel plans at your fingertips.
Plus, with pre-installed Strava Live segments, you can compete with the best previous second-per-second and see the results in real time on your screen.
The 520 also lets you stay connected to a compatible smartphone with LiveTrack and GroupTrack applications, receive intelligent notifications, exchange messages between subscribers and have integrated incident detection.
Finally, the Garmin Edge 520 Plus outperforms any other bike GPS on our list and is an advanced and affordable GPS bike GPS that can take your bike to the next level.
- Properties: 2.3″ advertising, weight 2.2 ounces
- Benefits: Up to 15 hours of battery life, all options that improve performance by tracking the application.
- The holes: Some download and connection problems.
- Additional characteristics: Pre-installed with the Garmin cycling map, the Strava Live Segment and the best two-part cycling application.
- Purchase tips: A great way to stay in touch with a compatible smartphone via LiveTrack and GroupTrack, intelligent notifications, driver-to-driver messaging and integrated incident detection.
Garmin Krai 130 Bicycle/GPS bike
- Type: Compact GPS bike GPS
- GPS: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
- Wireless: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
- Sealing: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
The Garmin Edge 130 is a miniature model compared to the 520 Plus, and although it doesn’t have all of Garmin’s high-end ringtones and whistles, it’s more powerful than it looks.
This rugged and compact GPS bike GPS has everything you need to navigate as you ride, keep track of statistics, keep in touch with friends and more. And all this in a compact device that goes everywhere but doesn’t weigh you down.
Edge 130 is a simplified and easy-to-use GPS bike GPS with a 1.8-inch screen that is clear and easy to read, even in bright sunlight or low light.
It’s also equipped with GPS, GLONASS and Galileo satellites and an altimeter so you know how far, how fast, how difficult and how high you’ve travelled, even on your longest adventures.
The Garmin Edge is only compatible with Varia bicycle accessories, including the rear radar and Intelligent Cycling Light, for added safety and awareness.
Just because Garmin Edge 130 doesn’t have sophisticated measures for his siblings, it’s not fundamental, quite the contrary. It’s time for instant feedback and automatic route tracking with Edge 130.
- Features: 1.8 inch display, 1.12 ounce weight.
- Benefits: Lightweight, excellent on all basic data, easy to read.
- The holes: The battery is dying due to a fast and faulty firmware.
- Additional characteristics: Uses GPS, GLONASS and Galileo satellites and altimeter/barometer.
- Purchase tips: Compatible bicycle information, including a reversing radar and intelligent bicycle lighting.
Wahoo RPM speed and speed sensors
- Type: Magnetic sensors
- GPS: An application from a third party that is compatible with
- Wireless: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
- Sealing: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Collecting data on cadence and speed has never been as intensive as it is now. The Wahoo speed and cadence sensor can easily be mounted on a crank, a hub or even a cycling shoe. It records relevant data and transmits it to a paired smartphone or GPS GPS via Bluetooth 4.0 dual-band and ANT+ technology.
These well-designed devices are wireless, lightweight and run on a button cell battery that does not require recharging, which normally lasts up to a year.
Wahoo speed and cadence sensors can be easily installed on any bike and send data via a Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ connection, so all the data needed to ride a bike is delivered together!
They are lighter than the previous models and do not use magnets, which is a significant improvement over the bike sensors you have to communicate with to get up.
The Wahoo RPM is a stylish, magnet-free, wireless resolution that allows you to connect and view data on both smartphones and wireless bike GPSs. The optional shoe mount is a good solution for rotation classes or for use with multiple bikes.
- Characteristics: Dual-band technology (ANT+ and Bluetooth 4.0) is compatible with iOS and Android.
- Benefits: Lightweight, easy to install, replaceable battery.
- The holes: The Strava application doesn’t work well, there are some problems.
- Additional characteristics: Can be mounted on cranks, hubs or your shoes.
- Purchase tips: They connect perfectly to your internal simulator to get more accurate data.
CAT EYE – Cycling 7 GPS Cycling
- Type: Wired speedometer and odometer
- GPS: No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
- Wireless: No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
- Sealing: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
The Velo 7 is an entry-level nude GPS that is ideal for beginners who want to brush up on a bit of technique.
Cateye Velo 7 is the main cycling GPS that displays speed, distance and time data. However, it is not wireless, but uses a wired speed sensor that connects to the front connection and a small talking magnet to register the speed.
It’s not fantastic at all, just the essentials, but it does the job and can be purchased for less than the cost of other GPS media, making it the ideal first GPS.
- Characteristics: 3.2 ounces
- Benefits: Low cost, easy to use, with long battery life.
- The holes: Advanced frame, not universal, no GPS.
- Additional characteristics: Data includes speed, time, distance, average speed, maximum speed and odometer.
- Purchase tips: Put it in the headlights and tail lights and we’re ready to go.
CAT EYE- Wireless Bicycle GPS
- Type: Wireless speedometer and odometer
- GPS: No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
- Wireless: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
- Sealing: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Velo Wireless is now even slimmer and more fashionable and is the crowning glory of a simplified wireless GPS. In addition to the standard ride data you’re used to, the wireless bike system now features an even more powerful odometer with programmable odometer and menu screen.
A traffic light? Do you want to get a coffee? CatEye’s behind you. The GPS knows when you have stopped and automatically stops counting the time and average speed.
Other interesting features include the ability to manually set the odometer so you don’t have to use it every time you change the battery, as well as the large display and calorie function that makes it easy to see the health benefits.
In addition to the basics: current, maximum and average speed, total distance, distance covered, elapsed time, calories burned, pointer and speed clock.
The FlexTight mount allows you to manually mount, install and move your GPS on virtually any bike, including 27.5′ and 29′ bikes. This means that you spend less time setting up your equipment and more time driving.
- Characteristics: Shows the current, maximum and average speed, total distance, elapsed time, calories burned, hand and pulse clock. He weighs 26.4 grams.
- Benefits: Easy installation, good display, great value.
- The holes: No backlight, now rechargeable.
- Additional characteristics: Trace the calories burned.
- Purchase tips: Excellent option for affordable mountain bike tracking.
Frequently asked questions about bicycle GPSs
Now that we’ve presented a selection of the best bike GPSs, it’s time to delve into some of the most frequently asked questions about bike GPSs. We searched on the internet for the questions most cyclists ask on cycling GPSs and we collected them all here.
We then looked at the answers to these questions and collected all useful information in one place. You don’t have to do this job because we’ve already done it for you.
How does the bike GPS work?
Here’s a funny story about bike GPSs. The first bicycle or GPS bicycle was invented in 1895. Curtis Vyder developed a simple device to count the speed of a bicycle.
The cable was used to steer the rev counter to the analogue odometer. The driver can use the number of revolutions counted to determine the distance travelled using a simple formula.
Although the first machine was super simple, it offered the rider the same advantage as a modern bike GPS. He gave us some useful information about the distance covered.
Modern bike GPSs do a lot more, but their basic work hasn’t changed much. A modern bicycle GPS consists of a group of components, each of which allows the GPS.
Chef
The head or screen is the brain of a bicycle GPS. It receives the signal sent by other components and converts it into information such as the current speed, average speed, distance travelled, journey time and hourly time.
More advanced GPSs can also provide information on heart rate, slope, altitude and weather conditions, such as temperature. The tab can switch from one information to another by pressing the buttons on the head.
Normally the head is quite small and only shows one value at a time. This small size prevents the engine GPS from distracting the rider too much and ensures that the rider retains good visibility.
Wheel sensor
Information about things like speed and distance comes from the wheel sensor. The traditional wheel sensor uses a magnet attached to the spokes or hub of a bicycle wheel, in combination with a magnetic reed. The travel switch is mounted on the fork or at the rear of the frame.
When the wheel sensor passes the reed switch, it counts the speed. Just like the original cyclometer, the GPS receives a tachometer and converts this information into distance, speed and revolutions.
In order for the sensor to work properly and provide accurate information, the GPS must be calibrated with wheel size information.
Course sensors
The cadence sensor looks like a wheel sensor. Some bike GPSs may be equipped with a cadence sensor instead of a wheel sensor.
The magnet of the cadence sensor is attached to the bicycle crank and the sensor to the frame. The sensor measures the number of crankshaft revolutions per minute, not the number of wheel revolutions.
Transmitter
The transmitter is a way to send information from the sensor to the head. In the case of bike GPSs, there are two types of transmitters – wired or wireless.
If you use the wired version, the information from the bike or cadence sensor is sent to your head via the cable, where it is converted into useful data. When you use a wireless transmitter, the signal is sent via an unwanted signal to the head of your GPS.
Your bike GPS can give you incredibly useful information, but they are relatively simple devices. And even though your modern bike GPS gives you a lot more information, it still works just like the bike GPS Mr. Vyder invented.
Which is better: a wired or wireless bike GPS?
A wired or wireless bike GPS has advantages. The choice depends on your driving style, the kind of information you are looking for and of course the amount you want to spend.
Wired bicycle GPSs are the easiest and tend to have fewer problems registering data. The cable connection provides you with measured values in series from beginning to end.
You rarely have to worry about the connection between the sensor and your GPS head when you’re not traveling. Even wired sensors run on a single battery.
If the engine GPS batteries need to be replaced, only the battery indicated on the GPS screen needs to be replaced. A fall with wired bike GPSs is a wire.
If you don’t mind having another cable on your bike, a wired GPS is a good option. Wired bicycle GPSs are usually a little more affordable. If you have a limited budget, you may prefer this option to wireless GPSs.
However, if you often ride over difficult terrain or don’t like the idea of another cable running through your bike, a wired bike GPS is not a good option.
Wireless bike GPSs are as accurate as a wired GPS. They provide the same information wirelessly as a wired GPS.
If you drive over difficult terrain or on a single lane road with lots of trees, the wireless GPS gives you less to catch on branches or rocks.
The wireless GPSs in the case come with connections. Sometimes wireless GPSs tend to lose contact with your GPS. This can lead to inaccurate time and distance measurements. This can also happen if the sensor or the GPS’s battery runs out while driving.
This is a new decline in wireless bike GPSs. Instead of a single battery, replace the batteries in the GPS and sensor.
Finally, wireless bike GPSs are more expensive. They measure your journey perfectly, but you’ll spend more on it. If you have a limited budget, a wireless bike GPS may not be the best solution for you.
How does a GPS with a wireless cycle work?
The wireless bike GPS works like a wired bike GPS. They consist of a display or GPS main unit, a wheel or a speed sensor and a transmitter.
When you install the wireless bike GPS on your bike, you must first install the GPS’s head or display. Then attach the sensor to the wheel of your bike, either to the spokes or to the wheel hub. If you are using a cadence sensor, attach it to the crank of your bike.
If a sensor is connected, calibrate the display with a sensor using the wheel size or crank. During calibration, you also configure the GPS to communicate with the sensors. For each brand of bicycle GPS there are specific instructions on how to proceed.
While driving, the sensor reads the rotation of your wheel or crank and converts it to distance. This information is displayed on your GPS screen.
Some cyclists have noticed problems with wireless bike GPSs, but also with wired GPSs or the need to restart if you stop in the middle of the ride. However, these are not major problems if you are familiar with them and make the necessary adjustments.
Which bike GPSs work with Strava?
Strava is an excellent smartphone application that has become popular with cyclists and runners. It provides an easy way to keep track of your activities by connecting to your bike and smartphone. Strava is a great way to take learning to the next level.
This great mobile application keeps track of your route and extends it mile by mile, giving you important details about your performance.
This way you can improve your handling and drive faster on difficult stretches. Strava also allows you to communicate with other cyclists and share your cycling experiences through social media.
This relationship with other Strava users allows you to create a community of supporters who will encourage you during your workouts and share details of your own workouts. It is an excellent way to strengthen people who have difficulty with their education.
However, not every bike GPS, heart rate or GPS device will connect to Strava. If you are already using the application, but you want to take tracking to the next level, you want to be able to connect your application directly to your bike GPS.
Strava is associated with the most popular brands of cycling GPSs, but to get the best results and make sure you’ve chosen the right GPS to sync with your Strava application, you should first visit the Strava website.
This ensures easy compatibility and synchronization between your bike GPS and the Strava application without too much effort. Some of the most popular brands compatible with the Strava application are the following:
- CATEYE
- Cyclops
- Garmin
- Lesine
- MIO cycle
- Pioneer
- Polish
- Sigma
- Wahoo
Each of these brands has different models that are compatible with the Strava application. If you cannot find the brand of the bike GPS you are using in this list, please visit Strava’s website.
The list of devices compatible with the Strava system is often supplemented by additional GPSs and fitness monitoring equipment. Please make sure you have a link to the Strava website before purchase to ensure compatibility.
Also make sure you know how to sync your device with the Strava application before you buy it. This can be more difficult with some devices than with others.
If you are looking for a simple connection, it is advisable to first examine the device and the connection process. So you don’t buy a device that exceeds the limits of GPS or smartphone skills.
How accurate are bicycle GPSs?
Despite the simplicity of their functions, bicycle GPSs are generally extremely accurate. Obtaining an accurate measurement can be important for several reasons.
Maybe you’re on a race track and need to know the exact distance between turns, or you’re trying to accurately measure your own performance as you prepare for a race or increase your endurance over longer distances.
Whatever the reason is that you need the accuracy of the distance measurement, you want your bike GPS to be as accurate as possible. As they consist of only three functional parts, there are several additional elements that can cause variability in the measurements taken by your bike GPS.
In general: As long as nothing can change the movement of the wheel, a digital bike GPS will usually give you the same measurement for the same number of wheel revolutions each time.
Most bicycle GPSs have an accuracy of 2-5%. This variability has more to do with variations in the rotation of the bicycle wheels than with the actual function of the device. Here are some of the factors that affect the accuracy of your bike
- Change the wheel circumference. This may be due to the installation of a new wheel, the wear of the tread, the weight of the driver and the condition of the surface.
- Slip through pedals and brakes.
- Calibration error in the GPS.
- Complete the differences between GPS brands.
- Mileage conversion error.
- Faulty wheel magnet for sensor activation.
- Double wheel speed count.
- High speeds the GPS can’t handle.
- Low speeds that confuse a GPS.
- Battery low
To improve accuracy, there are simple measurements that don’t take much time, but can make a big difference in the quality of your track bike GPS and the distance measurement.
- Calibrate your GPS regularly to eliminate instability due to tire and tread wear, surface condition, and wheel size.
- Replace the GPS and sensor batteries regularly (if the system is wireless).
- On road bikes, the sensor should be moved towards the front wheel to prevent skidding and braking.
- Use the manufacturer’s recommended external devices so that your GPS does not have to switch from one device to another.
Performing these simple steps can increase the accuracy of the GPS from 5% to almost 1%. This can have a huge impact on your driving performance or racing characteristics, such as stops and checkpoints.
How accurate is GPS for measuring distances?
Compared to your bike GPS, you may notice that the use of a GPS system is much less accurate. GPS devices are useful and can be useful in different situations.
However, if you want to follow your daily bike tours as accurately as possible and track things like speed and cadence, it’s best to use your bike GPS via your GPS device.
The difference in accuracy between a bicycle GPS and a GPS system lies in the way the distance is measured. The bicycle GPS measures the distance by counting the actual speed of the bicycle.
This coefficient is converted into miles using a basic calculation programmed in the bicycle GPS. Most bike GPSs can measure distances up to 1/100 feet.
There are things that can create variability in this dimension, but you can use your bike GPS to predict the exact distance in a few meters.
GPS devices use your position on earth relative to satellites in space. GPS technology has made great progress in recent years, but much remains to be done in terms of positioning accuracy.
Most GPS devices can give you an accurate reading, but they may not be as close to your destination as your bike GPS.
Depending on how much you have spent on your GPS navigation system, the distance can be accurately measured between 1.5 and 2 meters. Although it is still very close, it simply cannot be compared to the ground measurement you get with your bike GPS.
Conclusion
Bike GPSs are a great way to follow your route or just to get a better idea of how far you’ve cycled every day.
In this review we presented our favorite bike GPSs on the market.
These products are a great way to track your progress and focus more on your fitness goals. We’ve also given you useful information on how cycling GPSs can be useful for your riding and fitness applications.
I hope we’ve helped you find a great new tool for your bike and a nice new gadget to take with you on your next trip.
Did we miss something, or do you have a bike GPS you like?
Share your thoughts and comments in the comment section below!
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