It is a gear assessment in regards to the Greatest Bike Computer systems for Touring, Bikepacking, and Mountain Biking 2024.
Paper maps and the old-style primary bike speedometer that labored off the dimensions of the entrance wheel are being changed by bike computer systems. Whereas Smartphone Biking Apps are OK, GPS Biking laptop is a lot better at monitoring your location, velocity and a lot extra.
The very best biking computer systems for Cycle Touring, Bikepacking, and Mountain Biking are tremendous powerful, in a position to give turn-by-turn navigation, and have lengthy battery life that may final all day.
I’ve been utilizing a motorbike laptop for years and on this bike gear assessment, I’m testing a few of the finest bike computer systems for 2024.
How We Examined
All of the Biking Computer systems on this assessment have been extensively evaluated and researched by the professional creator who has a few years of expertise in Bike Touring and Bikepacking. A few of the Bike Computer systems have been bought by the creator. They’ve been rigorously examined by the creator in every kind of climate whereas Bikepacking and Bike Touring. The analysis, testing, and expertise of the creator have mixed to give you the Greatest GPS Bike Computer systems for Bike Touring and Bikepacking 2024. Learn the Evaluation Coverage for additional particulars.
Greatest GPS Bike Computer systems 2024
The Greatest GPS Bike Computer systems in 2024 are:
Greatest Bike Laptop 2024 – Total
Garmin Edge 540 Photo voltaic
Professionals:
> Though not low cost it represents good worth
> Very lengthy battery life
> Contact Display screen Possibility and non-solar possibility
Cons:
> No touchscreen, however this isn’t actually a unfavourable!
The Garmin Edge 540 Photo voltaic affords one of the best stability between options, worth, and very lengthy battery life.
The not too long ago up to date Edge 540 comes with buttons to alter screens and navigate the options. For those who want a contact display then the newer Edge 840 is for you.
The photo voltaic glass possibility to help in charging the battery is a winner and possibility. Whereas it provides to the price it represents possibility and makes this unit a greater different to the top-of-the-range Edge 1040 Photo voltaic or Edge 1050.
As with all the opposite Garmin items I just like the photo voltaic possibility. Particularly when bikepacking and bike touring the place multiday battery life begins to develop into extra essential than a day bike owner that may simply recharge their GPS day by day after use. Having mentioned that, the options on the 540 are above and past what most Bikepackers and cycle tourers may want.
I just like the map choices and the choice to customise your display with no matter choices you wish to see when biking. So whether or not you’re a highway bike owner, mountain biker, commuter, or bikepacker this unit has you lined.
There’s additionally probably the greatest shade display GPS shows. Whether or not you’re looking at maps or simply the final entrance display of the GPS it seems nice.
Total, the Garmin Edge 540 Photo voltaic is one of the best bike laptop for 2024.
Greatest Biking Laptop – Runner Up
Garmin Edge 1040 Photo voltaic
Professionals:
> As much as 45 hours of battery life or 100 hours in battery-saver mode
> Photo voltaic charging glass
> Light-weight
> Good show
> Nice for Bike Touring and Bikepacking the place battery life is essential
Cons:
> Not the most affordable
The Garmin Edge 1040 Photo voltaic is among the newer Garmin GPS Gadgets in your bicycle. One of many higher options is the lengthy battery life due to the built-in energy glass photo voltaic charger. The battery life for the 1040 Photo voltaic is nothing in need of unbelievable, 45 hours in GPS mode and as much as 180 hours in battery saver mode.
It has virtually all of the options of the brand new Garmin 1050 however with a bit higher battery life. It additionally has the identical very giant display because the 1050, so these of us with eyes which are not so good as they was once will respect the additional giant display.
It has each conceivable possibility that each different Garmin system has and extra. It contains the facility information which lets you know the way a lot energy is required to maintain tempo. And hyperlinks with different gadgets through bluetooth and Ant +. It’s on the prime finish of the marketplace for 2024.
Total, the Garmin 1040 Photo voltaic is one of the best biking laptop for battery life and effectively suited to anybody who desires this characteristic above all others.
Greatest Excessive Finish Biking Laptop
Garmin Edge 1050
Professionals:
> Has each characteristic you would need and lots of you’ll by no means use
> You should purchase appropriate mounts and sensors for it
> Measures things like your VO2 max, hydration, altitude acclimation and the smoothness of your MTB descents
> Security options embrace group messaging and monitoring
> Glorious 20-hour battery life
Cons:
> Not Low cost
The Garmin Edge 1050 is the most recent and biggest bike laptop from market chief Garmin.
It has 20-hour battery life which extends to round 60 hours in battery-saving mode.
There are pre-loaded maps and the 64GB of storage permits a variety of storage of knowledge and the power to add a variety of routes and different maps.
The Garmin Edge 1050 comes with virtually each sort of connectivity and possibility potential. It contains the facility information which lets you know the way a lot energy is required to maintain tempo. And hyperlinks with different gadgets through Bluetooth and Ant +. Additionally, you’ll be able to join it together with your Garmin InReach when touring in distant areas! I may maintain writing about each single characteristic nevertheless it simply does the whole lot, click on the hyperlinks beneath to see all of them.
Total, the Garmin Edge 1050 is the highest-spec bike laptop in the marketplace in the meanwhile, till the 1050 Photo voltaic is launched.
Greatest Mountain Bike Laptop
Garmin Edge 840 Photo voltaic
Professionals:
> Measures things like your VO2 max, hydration, altitude acclimation
> Glorious MTB monitoring, together with the smoothness of your descents
> Security options embrace group messaging and monitoring
> As much as 32-hour battery life utilizing the GPS and 60 hours in battery saving mode
Cons:
> Garmin lack of velocity to replace any connectivity points or software program glitches
The Garmin Edge 840 definitely has loads in frequent with the Garmin Edge 540 we reviewed for you earlier. I used the sooner mannequin of this one, the Garmin Edge 810. This upgraded mannequin is a lot better than what I’ve used prior to now.
As you could think about the Garmin Edge GPS monitoring is great, supplying you with extremely correct readings for distance traveled, in addition to all of the dynamic efficiency monitoring that runs alongside it, resembling present velocity vs common velocity.Â
You’ll be able to pair the Garmin Edge 840 with varied sensors as a way to monitor things like your coronary heart fee, VO2 max, hydration ranges and extra.
If you’re into mountain biking, you’ll love the MTB monitoring. It may possibly monitor soar problem, soar distance, and the smoothness of your descent.
One other great point is the way it affords off-course recalculation in case you break up in your using group to make a fast detour. And the protection options are fairly neat, too, with group messaging and monitoring, and an alarm.
The battery life is superb. It lasts as much as 32 hours in GPS mode and round 60 hours in battery saving mode. But when that’s not fairly lengthy sufficient for you, you’ll be able to all the time pair it up with a Garmin Cost energy pack or what I love to do is use a Light-weight Energy Financial institution to cost the system.
The important thing distinction between the Garmin Edge 840 and the Garmin Edge 540 is that the 840 encompasses a touchscreen, whereas the 540 makes use of buttons. This brings the value as much as a premium degree.
You will need to understand that the Garmin Edge 840 is like all Garmin merchandise they are typically a bit sluggish to replace any software program patches for his or her biking computer systems. Some individuals is not going to like this, even if you’re tech savvy Garmin just isn’t superb on the subject of a user-friendly interface. Garmin just isn’t Apple or Google!
Total, the Garmin Edge 840 Photo voltaic is among the finest cycle computer systems for mountain biking, and folks cycle touring will even love this cycle laptop.
Greatest Funds Bike Laptop
Garmin Edge 530
Professionals:
> Very fairly priced
> You should purchase appropriate mounts and sensors for it
> Measures things like your VO2 max, hydration, altitude acclimation and the smoothness of your MTB descents
> Security options embrace group messaging and monitoring
> Glorious 20-hour battery life
Cons:
> Like all Garmin they’re patchy and sluggish to patch software program points
The Garmin Edge 530 has been changed by the up to date 540 however that signifies that this model now represents superb worth for cash.
It’s nonetheless probably the greatest bike computer systems for Bike Touring and Bikepacking. If you’re cycle touring or Bikepacking that is one of the best funds bike laptop for you and the value makes it even higher.
The Garmin Edge 530 affords the characteristic set of the dearer items and nonetheless has glorious GPS monitoring. This works effectively for correct distance traveled, alongside efficiency monitoring. I like how I can have my present velocity proper alongside my common velocity, nice once I wish to get an concept of how I’m going for the day.
Like all of the Garmin GPS Computer systems on this assessment, you’ll be able to pair the Garmin Edge 530 with a number of totally different sensors. You’ll be able to monitor your coronary heart fee, VO2 max, hydration, altitude acclimation, and extra with Bluetooth connectivity options. It additionally hyperlinks with the Garmin Join app to seek out routes.
Mountain Bikers will love the MTB monitoring on this bike laptop. It can monitor soar distance, soar depend, trip problem, and the smoothness of your descent.
The maps deliver up well-liked routing, and off-course recalculation in the event you ever make a detour. I additionally like how one can customise it with a variety of free apps and widgets in the event you select to take action.
Security options embrace an alarm, and group messaging and monitoring, which may are available in actually useful in the event you’re biking with a bunch and so they get break up.
It has an excellent battery life and can last as long as 20 hours with the GPS turned on. However in the event you want it to go on for longer, you’ll be able to all the time pair it with a Garmin Cost energy pack for an additional 40 hours of battery life or purchase any good battery energy financial institution.
For those who have been to purchase the system alone, you even have the choice so as to add on a twin coronary heart fee monitor, an ordinary sensor, or a velocity and cadence sensor if that’s one thing that you really want.
You will need to understand that the Garmin Edge 530 is like all Garmin merchandise, they are typically a bit sluggish to replace any software program patches for his or her bike computer systems. Some individuals is not going to like this, even if you’re tech-savvy, Garmin just isn’t superb at being user-friendly. Garmin just isn’t Apple or Google!
Total, the Garmin Edge 530 is an efficient low cost bike laptop at worth. It’s nonetheless price a glance regardless of a number of newer fashions being launched.
Wahoo ELEMNT Roam V2
Professionals:
> Preloaded with maps for everywhere in the world
> You’ll be able to filter for the shortest route
> You’ll be able to obtain smartphone notifications
> Wide selection of software program & {hardware} integrations
> Rechargeable battery with as much as 17 hours of battery life
Cons:
> Not a touchscreen
The brand new Wahoo Health Elemnt Roam V2 GPS Bike Laptop comes with nice options resembling a full shade display and preloaded maps for international locations everywhere in the world. It’s a nice bike touring laptop. You get on-demand route technology, and it can save you waypoints as you go alongside.
You can too filter for the shortest route if you’re in a rush. There’s a web page for each component of your trip, resembling a exercise view, and map view. What’s extra, the entire screens are totally customizable.
It’s appropriate with a variety of third celebration apps, together with the likes of Strava, Journey with GPS, and Komoot.
It has new software program integrations resembling GoPro Connectivity and there are {hardware} integrations to reap the benefits of too, together with digital gear shifters, muscle oxygen sensors, and energy meters.
And that’s not all – you should utilize it to obtain your smartphone notifications too. The battery life can also be actually good. It makes use of a chargeable battery which may present as much as 17 hours of battery life.
Total, that is one other probably the greatest bike computer systems for bike touring, mountain biking, and highway biking
Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt V2
Professionals:
> Good Battery Life at 15 hours
> Good funds bike laptop
> Good integration with bluetooth
Cons:
> No Touchscreen
The Wahoo Health ELEMNT Bolt 2 GPS Bike Laptop is the brand new and up to date model of the Bolt. It has loads in frequent with the earlier mannequin resembling the identical 15-hour battery life and connectivity with third-party apps, like Strava, Journey with GPS, and Komoot. In addition they have the all-important flip by flip notifications and top quality shade maps and navigation.
The Wahoo Health ELEMNT Bolt 2 GPS Bike Laptop continues to be priced fairly effectively contemplating the options however it’s onerous to compete with Garmin. It is a good primary GPS biking laptop with the whole lot most individuals will ever want in a motorbike laptop.
You’ll be able to pair it together with your smartphone for messaging, and get every kind of exercise knowledge up on display. And if in case you have a GoPro you’ll be able to hook up with the Bolt 2 and take photographs and movies.
What’s extra, the info is especially clear and simple to learn on display – you received’t have to fish round in your studying glasses. The battery life is about 15 hours and in contrast to some bike computer systems, you’ll be able to cost this unit whereas using through a USB charger.
It comes full with each a entrance mount and a stem mount.
Total, the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt 2 is one other of one of the best biking computer systems for these wanting a top quality bike laptop with numerous options at an affordable worth.
Extra Biking Computer systems to Contemplate
Listed below are extra choices that will probably be added to the listing as quickly as they’ve been evaluated and reviewed.
- Coros Dura Photo voltaic GPS Bike Laptop
- Garmin Edge 130
- Garmin Edge Discover 2
Cycle Laptop Comparability Desk
| Model | Battery Life GPS | Battery Saver Mode | Maps | Display screen Face Measurement (inches) | Touchscreen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Edge 540 Photo voltaic | 32 hours | 60 hours | Sure Colour | 2.6 | No |
| Garmin Edge 1040 Photo voltaic | 45 hours | as much as 180 hours | Sure Colour | 3.5 | Sure |
| Garmin Edge 1050 | 20 hours | 60 hours | Sure, Colour | 3.5 | Sure |
| Garmin Edge 840 Photo voltaic | 32 hours | 60 hours | Sure Colour | 2.6 | Sure |
| Garmin Edge 530 | 20 hours | 20 hours | Sure, Colour | 2.6 | No |
| Wahoo ELEMNT Roam V2 | 17 hours | 17 hours | Sure Colour | 2.7 | No |
| Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt V2 | 15 hours | 15 hours | Sure Colour | 2.2 | No |
Bike Laptop Patrons Information
Mapping
The mapping operate of recent GPS biking computer systems is among the principal causes to purchase a biking GPS. The GPS computer systems on these items are higher than what you get in your cellphone when utilizing google maps. So the mapping and navigation accuracy is superb. All have some type of mapping software program or a selection of maps you’ll be able to add to those GPS biking computer systems.
The GPS accuracy and battery life are a lot better on a motorbike laptop, however the maps are usually not. Garmin and Wahoo have loads to go to catch as much as the mapping high quality and know-how of Smartphones. If solely they’d higher maps!
Flip By Flip Navigation
Flip by flip navigation on a GPS laptop for biking is nice for navigating round cities and additional afield. If utilizing a Garmin bike laptop I can let you know from expertise that their flip by flip navigation is not so good as Google Maps.
As soon as, once I was cycle touring in Alaska the flip by flip navigation on my Garmin instructed me to show off the principle highway and right into a lake. I believe this lake was the house of an Ice Highway in winter, however Google by no means despatched me right into a lake.
Monitoring
Biking computer systems have nice GPS monitoring which is nice for recording your tracks of the place you have got been. You can too obtain map tracks and add them to your bike laptop and observe these tracks.
Whether or not the tracks are from different individuals, or from a GPX monitor you made, or third celebration app you’ll be able to add and obtain them from all of the GPS biking computer systems on this assessment. Both method, the monitoring options on the GPS biking computer systems are an excellent factor. I’ve effectively over 20000 miles of GPX tracks saved from my bike laptop and downloaded to my house laptop.
Equipment
Bike computer systems do job however most individuals will take a look at some form of equipment. Some may take a look at a greater handlebar mount however there are a lot extra. There are bluetooth equipment resembling coronary heart fee displays, energy meters, cadence sensors, and extra. They enhance the performance of biking computer systems, particularly for these within the knowledge that can be utilized to analyse your coaching.
Mounting
Most bike computer systems have some type of primary handlebar mounting or mount system for the steering stem. In addition they use a locking mechanism that locks them in place. Nice for mountain biking, bike touring, and bikepacking which will be on actually tough trails at occasions.
Connectivity
All one of the best bike computer systems have some type of connectivity with third celebration apps and gadgets to watch your health, velocity, and energy. If you find yourself completed together with your trip you’ll be able to add to Strava, Garmin Join and extra in the event you select.
Bluetooth ANT+ connectivity
The very best bike laptop will sync with a number of totally different bluetooth gadgets. All one of the best biking computer systems will join through ANT or Bluetooth Sensible connectivity, however most will join utilizing each. All the pieces from Bluetooth connection to your smartphone app to connecting to exterior sensors in your energy knowledge is through these strategies. Gone are the times of a USB cable.
Third Social gathering Apps
Most high-end and even funds bike computer systems can sync with third celebration biking apps resembling Strava, MapMyRide, and extra. Some even permit syncing with GoPro Cameras, Smartphones, climate apps and a lot extra.
Coaching
Best cyclists wish to monitor their coronary heart fee, cadence, energy ranges and extra. To get probably the most out of the high-end biking computer systems they require further equipment. Most of those will be bought with the GPS unit in a bundle. These typically save fairly some huge cash.
Most individuals Bike Touring and Bikepacking need good mapping and navigation with not a lot else, so a few of these features is perhaps overkill.
Display screen Measurement
The larger the display the higher it’s to view and the extra visible options you’ll be able to match on the display. Particularly for visually challenged individuals like myself who discover their eyes are not so good as they as soon as have been.
Huge knowledge screens add to the general value in lots of instances. And because the display will get greater it additionally will get heavier, not one thing anybody desires with their GPS biking laptop. Most individuals are stunned simply how huge these screens are in actual life. It seems some individuals need smaller screens these days.
Total, greater is best, however that may come at the next value.
Battery Life
All-day biking is a should for biking computer systems. For most individuals, 5-8 hours is an excellent day within the saddle. For some, it’s for much longer. Fortuitously, trendy biking GPS computer systems have superb battery life. A number of issues will have an effect on the battery life resembling display brightness, BlueTooth connectivity, wifi connectivity, sensors, temperature, and extra.
After I search for one of the best GPS biking computer systems I would like not less than 12 hours of battery life when utilizing all of the options. And once I’m completed using I can recharge and obtain the info from the GPS laptop in a single day. All of the GPS Bike Computer systems on the listing can do that and extra.
The final couple of years have seen Photo voltaic Glass added to many fashions. This enables the battery to trickle cost which provides a for much longer battery life. Whereas this characteristic prices somewhat extra I like this characteristic and imagine it’s the most suitable choice for these biking in distant areas resembling Bikepackers and Cycle Tourers.
GPS Watch
I’ve tried utilizing a GPS enabled climbing watch as a biking laptop and I discover they only don’t do job. There was a time not way back when the battery life on a GPS watch was nowhere close to nearly as good as devoted GPS enabled biking computer systems. Instances are altering rapidly with GPS watches getting a lot better. However when biking it’s quite annoying to have a look at your wrist for particulars. I even mounted one round my handlebars and it was nonetheless quite common.
Handheld Mountain climbing Laptop
Earlier than I began utilizing GPS bike computer systems I used to be utilizing a Handheld Mountain climbing GPS with a motorbike mount. It was in a position to inform me my velocity, path of journey, and it had respectable battery life. However it wasn’t in a position to do the whole lot that even probably the most primary biking laptop can do.
Total, it was introduction to the chances. You probably have one among these climbing GPS gadgets, strive it out. After some time, you’ll in all probability do the identical as me and get a devoted primary biking laptop.
Smartphone Apps
Smartphones biking Apps are usually not fairly there on the subject of getting used as a biking laptop. However they’re getting shut. Most likely throughout the subsequent 5 years, we could also be utilizing smartphones much more as biking computer systems!
Smartphones don’t use the identical GPS know-how as a GPS biking laptop. The GPS sign just isn’t as robust or correct, particularly when away from wifi, mobile phone towers, and mobile phone sign. They’re good, however not nearly as good. Additionally, the battery life is not so good as any devoted GPS biking laptop. Take into account that the fundamental laptop on a funds GPS biking laptop is best and extra correct than a smartphone.
A smartphone will be linked to the cycle laptop to reap the benefits of climate updates and extra.
Having mentioned that, I believe that with a few years Smartphones will catch up and change even one of the best bike laptop in the marketplace. Watch this area to seek out out if I’m proper!
Funds
How a lot cash do you wish to spend. The very best bike laptop just isn’t low cost. Certain it comes with a variety of performance however do you want all of it. For most individuals studying this assessment biking laptop with respectable battery life and mapping operate will probably be sufficient.
Until you’re a aggressive bike owner or a gear nerd who loves the info then one of the best bike laptop just isn’t all the time finest. If you’re bike touring or bikepacking you in all probability don’t need all of the options that enhance the value of the biking laptop.
Conclusion
So, the largest issue influencing your choice on which one to purchase will in all probability come all the way down to the value tag. And simply what number of features do you want in your bike laptop. If you’d like one of the best you’ll have to pay some huge cash.
The Greatest Bike GPS Laptop for touring, highway biking, and mountain biking in 2024 is:
Incessantly Requested Questions
Are Bike Computer systems price it?
With inbuilt mapping, flip by flip navigation, lengthy battery life and all of the fundamentals resembling velocity, elevation and distance they’re price it. The Garmin and Wahoo are definitely price it as bike laptop
What’s the Greatest Bike Laptop for Cycle Touring?
The very best bike laptop for bike touring is a selection between fashions from Garmin and Wahoo. The Garmin Edge 530 and the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt are two superb choices at an affordable worth.
Can I take advantage of a Smartphone as a motorbike laptop?
Sure and No. A smartphone could have a lot of the options of a primary bike laptop however is not going to be nearly as good on the subject of battery life or accuracy. Bike computer systems have a way more correct GPS than smartphones.
Do I want a motorbike laptop for bikepacking?
A motorcycle laptop is nice for bikepacking. It may possibly let you know the place you might be with nice mapping options and let you know how far to the following waypoint resembling your deliberate campsite for the evening. You can too add maps and GPS routes type different riders and observe their routes.
BikeHikeSafari Gear Evaluation Course of
The creator, Brad McCartney from BikeHikeSafari is a small unbiased adventurer and out of doors gear tester who owns and runs BikeHikeSafari.com.
BikeHikeSafari just isn’t half of a giant weblog community and is proudly unbiased. All critiques on this web site are unbiased and sincere gear critiques of out of doors merchandise by the creator.
The creator, Brad McCartney is a really skilled triple crown thru-hiker, adventurer, and bike tourer having spent 1000s of nights sleeping in a tent and sleeping bag (Learn extra). He was a supervisor of an out of doors retail retailer and may be very skilled in what’s essential when utilizing and testing gear for critiques like this.
BikeHikeSafari won’t ever obtain any cash for critiques and they don’t settle for sponsored critiques on this web site. All of the feedback in regards to the gear critiques are from the creator based mostly on his years of expertise. Hope this unbiased assessment was useful for you.
