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Bike computer put to the test: navigating hands

2022-09-03T10:46:37.414Z


Bike computers enable navigation without a smartphone, record training data, replace the speedometer and can even send the location in the event of a fall. Five devices show what they can really do in practice.


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Photo:

Markus Linden

Do you actually need a bike computer?

The little things have GPS on board, show distance, speed and lots of other data and navigate from A to B or back to the starting point if you get lost.

A smartphone can do all of this too – and almost for free.

All you need is a holder for the smartphone, which costs between 20 and 40 euros, and an app for a few euros - Komoot, for example, is popular.

However, if you ride your bike more often, you will still appreciate the bike computers.

Because unlike a smartphone, its battery lasts longer trips - all devices in our test field work longer than a whole day, even if the navigation function is continuously active.

Another advantage: the smartphone is not needed for cycling itself - so you can take photos, make phone calls or whatever without having to laboriously free your smartphone from its handlebar mount.

And some bike computers can do even more tricks, such as recognizing an accident situation including notifying an emergency contact, connecting to electronic circuits, e-bike systems and even external sensors.

All bike computers have different view modes, which can be scrolled through with a button or with a swipe gesture on touch systems.

There is always at least one mode for displaying speed, distance and other driving data, one for altitude and one for navigation.

On devices with integrated map data, your own position can be seen in navigation mode, including the route and turn-by-turn directions.

Models without a map, on the other hand, indicate the direction with an arrow and a few brief instructions.

Out of town is usually not a problem, as there is usually only one way to turn.

Within cities with the dense road network, the mere indication that the road is immediately to the left may not be of much help.

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Almost all devices can route themselves.

Either to a "point of interest", for example to a sight or a train station, simply back to the starting point or by entering an address.

For longer tours it is better to plan the route with services like Komoot or Strava and then transfer this route to the bike computer.

This works with all bike computers in the test.

Most routes can also be transmitted in GPX format - but the direct connection to Strava or Komoot is more convenient.

Sensors are usually connected via the Ant+ radio standard.

Typical sensors are cadence, watt measurement, speed and heart rate measurement.

These cost around 30 euros each, only pedals with watt measurement are significantly more expensive.

However, they only require enthusiastic athletes.

But all bike computers in the test can be connected to them - which we also tried.

A separate topic is the connection of bike computers with e-bikes.

With e-bikes, cadence and speed are often recorded electronically, and there is also data on the battery status or daily kilometers.

Whether this data is shared with bike computers depends on the electronics of the e-bike.

You are on the safe side if your e-bike supports Ant+LEV.

Otherwise you have to look up which bike computers are supported in the e-bike manual.

Except for the Mio model, all computers in the test have fall detection and can notify emergency contacts.

These contacts must first be entered in the respective smartphone app - and the smartphone must be present for the mobile connection.

After a fall, there is about a minute to cancel the automatic notification - after which the location is sent via SMS.

Sigma Rox 11.1 Evo

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Photo: Markus Linden

The Roxx 11 from Sigma is as compact as a simple bicycle speedometer, but has integrated GPS, can be paired with sensors based on the Ant+ standard, but also via Bluetooth and connects to the Sigma app on Android or Apple smartphones runs.

What is missing is a map - planned routes are shown as arrows and supplemented with turn-by-turn directions.

Commissioning is simple: The Rox 11.1 and the smartphone find each other via Bluetooth, sensors and settings are configured via the bike computer menu.

The Rox 11.1 is operated using five buttons on both sides, with the on/off switch also calling up the settings menu.

You can scroll through the views while driving.

Although you can no longer see the labeling of the buttons while sitting on the wheel, you have noticed the assignment after a few minutes.

The connection to Komoot and Strava did not cause any problems in the test.

Routes can either be loaded onto the Rox or the bike computer can be used as an output device for the navigation that runs on the smartphone.

The display is very good and readable even in sunshine.

By default, it lights up when it's dark.

This also works well when driving through tunnels.

The views can be configured via the Sigma app.

You can put together the number and type of data fields and also assign colors to the individual fields.

There were problems with sensors: We connected original Sigma sensors for speed and cadence to the Rox via Ant+ - and for speed

get unbelievable values.

After some trial and error, it becomes apparent that the standard values ​​for 28-inch and 700C tires are well below the norm.

The wheel circumference can also be entered manually – then it works.

When the battery in the sensors was low, there was no warning, but the connection then breaks off again and again.

Other devices can do that better: They also issue battery warnings for sensors.

The Rox 11.1 Evo can also indicate the altitude and the current incline.

But you have to calibrate the altitude before you drive, which is done quickly.

But even then, the indication of the integrated barometer remains imprecise despite GPS.

These are the advantages:

The device is small, light and the display is still easy to read.

After a short time, the operation is learned and you don't have to worry about anything anymore.

These are the disadvantages:

the imperfect connection of the sensors can be disruptive.

For whom the Rox 11.1 Evo is suitable:

Anyone who can do without map navigation and simply wants a compact and inexpensive bike computer that can display all information clearly.

Wahoo Element Roam

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Photo: Markus Linden

Wahoo bike computers are particularly popular with sporty cyclists.

There are currently two models on the market: Element Bolt and Element Roam.

We decided on the larger Roam in the test because its large display is easier to read, making it suitable not only for road cyclists but also for touring cyclists who sit upright.

Setup and operation are easy: When you first start, a QR code on the device helps you download the right app for your smartphone.

The connection and setup is then step-by-step and self-explanatory.

The Wahoo can be integrated into the home WLAN.

This speeds up synchronization and helps if an update is due for one of the integrated maps – but only at home.

As with the competition, it is also synchronized with the smartphone via Bluetooth on the go.

When it comes to operation, Wahoo relies on three buttons in the lower area, which trigger different actions depending on the type of function.

Which one is shown on the display.

Two buttons on the right side "zoom" - both in the map display and in data fields.

Zooming in is an advantage, especially when driving through winding villages.

The operation of the Element Roam opens up after a few minutes.

Operating errors did not occur in the test.

The color display is easy to read, but not quite as rich in contrast as Garmin devices.

But it is matt and hardly reflects.

When navigating, the Roam not only shows the route on the map, but also uses small LEDs to indicate whether you are on the right route

and whether to turn left or right.

This is especially useful when you're traveling fast and don't have time to look at the map.

We have switched off the standard warning beeps.

Otherwise you will hear an annoying warning tone for every turn and every small deviation.

The integration of Komoot and Strava is easy and runs smoothly.

Komoot routes planned along the way sync to the Wahoo app and can be sent directly to the Element.

The only points of criticism remain: If you deviate from the planned route for a long time, the marked route occasionally disappears from the map, so that you cannot see whether you are on the left or right of the actual path.

Overall, the map display is a bit sluggish: If you zoom down a mountain at high speed, the map display sometimes lags behind.

Despite its sporty orientation, the Element Roam can also be combined with e-bikes.

But only if the bike can handle the Ant+ LEV standard.

These are the advantages:

The matte display and the uncomplicated operation ensure untroubled fun with the Element Roam.

The disadvantages:

The somewhat slow navigation and ambiguity in the event of route deviations can be particularly annoying for fast cyclists.

For whom the Wahoo Element Roam is suitable:

Anyone who wants little work when setting it up and likes to move around in a sporty way.

Garmin Edge 830

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Photo: Markus Linden

Garmin's Edge 830 is a mid-range device from the Edge series.

For many cyclists it should represent a good compromise between price and performance.

Garmin gears the Edge series to cyclists, but the devices are also suitable for touring and e-bike riders.

Unlike Wahoo, Garmin uses a touch-sensitive display.

The device is switched on using the buttons, the change of views and all settings are made by touch and swipe gestures.

This works very well and makes it easier, for example, to enter addresses if you want to be navigated to a specific location.

It gets difficult in winter: the touch system cannot be operated with gloves.

Even when it's raining, the input falters.

The display shines more than on Sigma or Wahoo devices, but Garmin counteracts this with an automatically activated backlight, which usually works well.

The manufacturer has done a lot in recent years to make its GPS devices easier to use.

For the most part, the Edge 830 has succeeded.

The start screen welcomes you with the selection of a profile (e.g. racing bike, touring bike, indoor training), training and route navigation can be started directly.

Also useful: The »IQ« menu that can be called up on the start screen.

This gives you direct access to linked apps such as Komoot, Strava or Trailforks - there is an app in the Garmin IQ store for the services mentioned.

The routes stored in these services can be called up immediately with a tap of your finger.

Very convenient.

The Edge 830 is very good at navigating: The routes are clearly marked, the maps are detailed and easy to read despite the not too large display.

If desired, the Edge 830 reroutes in the event of blockages.

A bit annoying: In the event of deviations, he likes to try to go back to where you left the route - but this is often an unnecessary detour.

Shortly before reaching a dangerous situation, such as a tight bend on a descent, the Edge warns you with a beep, regardless of whether you are using the navigation system or not.

But you can't rely on it: Garmin doesn't know all the danger spots;

Of course, the Edge 830 doesn't know anything about construction sites or holes in the bike path.

The views can be configured in great detail.

This is done via the Garmin app Connect.

If you delve deeper into the settings in the app (or in the Edge 830 itself), you would wish for clearer structures and better designations.

Entering the exact address is also unnecessarily complicated.

What I like about the Edge 830:

Good route guidance, the integration of Komoot directly on the start screen and the large range of functions.

I don't like that:

The setup and especially the deeper settings could be easier.

The glossy display is occasionally difficult to read.

For whom the Garmin Edge 830 is suitable:

For all those who want to customize as much as possible themselves and value good and reliable route guidance.

Mio Discover Pal

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Photo: Markus Linden

The Chinese manufacturer Mio obviously has tour riders as its target group with the Discover Pal: the display is large, the entire device is larger and heavier than the competition.

However, there are still profiles for racing cyclists and mountain bikers, and the Discover Pal is the only device in the test that is also suitable for hikers.

A wrist strap is included for this purpose.

The setup was a disaster in the test: the connection to the smartphone only worked after several attempts.

Then the device always wanted to install new firmware – but that didn’t work right away either.

And to top it all off, the Discover Pal was initially unable to import our Komoot routes despite a successful connection.

Only when we had created any route ourselves with the Mio app were the routes planned with Komoot displayed.

Once these hurdles have been overcome, the interface offers a beautiful, touch-operated menu that is easy to use.

Komoot and Strava routes can be found with a tip under »Tours«.

Unfortunately, the quality of the map display does not come close to that of the Garmin or Wahoo devices.

But Mio makes it easy when you want to navigate: You don't enter addresses, you just look for places on the map and tap on them.

This is also possible with Garmin (and very cumbersome with Wahoo), but not as easily and precisely as here.

If you want to save your current location, you only have to press a button once and you can then show the way back at any time.

And the Discover Pal supports the junction system for long-distance cycle paths, which, however, is only slowly gaining ground in Germany.

Then only a few digits have to be entered for the routing.

Of course, the Discover Pal also records routes and displays speed, average and distance.

This also includes information about the height.

The "Surprise me" function is for the adventurous: the device asks for the distance in kilometers and then suggests three routes in the immediate vicinity that match the profile.

"We Join" is a Mio service for connecting friends who want to cycle together or swap routes.

However, everyone must have their own Mio bike computer.

Lacking friends with Mio devices, we haven't tried this feature.

The Discover Pal accepts data from e-bikes if they have a Shimano Steps drive.

These are the advantages:

The device is easy to use and has a relatively large display.

The less:

The annoying setup of the device is simply unacceptable.

Something like this has been better for ten years.

It lacks many features compared to Garmin and Wahoo devices.

For whom the Discovery Pal is suitable:

For touring cyclists who prefer easy-to-use navigation and place less value on training data.

Garmin Edge Explore 2

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Photo: Markus Linden

The Garmin devices from the Edge Explore series are aimed primarily at touring cyclists - but in principle they can be operated in a similar way to the more compact Edge device 830. The associated Garmin Connect app is also the same.

However: As the latest device from Garmin, the Edge Explore 2 has a revised menu structure.

The main screen can be freely assigned with some functions for the direct start by the cyclist.

The Edge Explore 2 is the first Garmin device to have a routing function to avoid busy roads.

In this mode, the device does not send the cyclist to the shortest, but to the quietest route.

The data is also available offline without a connection to the smartphone.

This means that it is not the current utilization of the street that plays a role, but streets are permanently defined as busy.

The mode is extremely useful when you go on a trip on Sunday and want to enjoy nature.

If you commute to work on Mondays, you should switch to normal navigation mode.

But even without activated navigation mode, the Edge Explore 2 warns you when approaching a busy road.

Background: Product tests in the Tests department

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Test devices and review copies of games are usually made available to us by the manufacturer free of charge for a certain period of time, sometimes even before the official release.

This allows our test reports to appear in time or close to the release of the product.


We only test pre-release versions or devices from pre-series production in special cases.

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In some cases, if they are already available in stores or online, we purchase test devices at our own expense.

Expand areaCan the editors keep the products?

As a rule, test devices are returned to the manufacturers after the end of the test.

The exceptions are review copies of games and long-term loans: For example, we have game consoles and smartphones in the editorial office that we are allowed to use for a longer period of time before they are returned.

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Like the Edge 830, the screen tends towards reflections.

However, it is larger and therefore easier to read, especially when sitting upright.

The map material and level of detail are just as good as on the Edge 830.

All sensors were found and connected straight away.

The synchronization with the smartphone also worked without any problems.

The Komoot app can also be loaded directly onto the Edge Explore 2 - then you no longer have to send planned routes from the smartphone app to the device.

If you forget to leave your computer on the bike when you park your bike, you will receive a notification on your smartphone as soon as the Bluetooth connection is lost (after 50 meters at the latest).

These are the advantages:

The large display, the quick calculation of routes and the modern interface are just as appealing as the good map display.

Entering addresses is much easier than on the slightly older Edge 830.

These are the disadvantages:

the reflective display can be annoying in extreme cases.

Road cyclists will prefer smaller and lighter devices.

For whom the Edge Explore 2 is suitable:

All touring cyclists and e-bike riders who want to be navigated reliably, but still want to record and evaluate training data.

Source: spiegel

All news articles on 2022-09-03

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