We are returning to our favorite format; this time, we’re pitting 5 cheap and cheerful bike computers against 5 luxurious and expensive bike computers to ask and (hopefully) answer one question: when do you stop paying for true performance and start paying for pricey gimmicks?
Cheap & Effective Computers
These bike computers don’t cost an arm and a leg, but they measure just how much power your legs put into the ride. They might not have the most features, but they sure pack a punch at their respective price points.
Planet Bike Protege 5.0
Priced at $25, the Planet Bike Protege 5.0 is a basic computer at a great entry price. It provides essential ride metrics like current speed, trip distance, elapsed time, and battery level, all in a compact housing. For its price, this computer is easy to use and no-nonsense, meant for riders who need the basics.
CatEye Enduro Wired
The $35 CatEye Enduro is also a well-built, durable, and rugged computer. It can also track automatic stop-and-start tracking, a pace arrow, and a programmable odometer. You can also get a computer that can survive heavy vibrations and harsh weather. It can survive wireless interference and dropouts, making it the ideal workhorse.
CatEye Padrone Plus
The $60 CatEye Padrone Plus features a much larger display than the smaller, wired counterpart. It also features a bright backlight, making it easy to see even in the dark. It can do all the basic telemetry tracking, and you also get the additional feature os simplified, wireless data transfer.
CatEye Air GPS
At $70, the CatEye Air GPS is the first offering on this list with satellite-powered GPS tracking, automatic time sync, and integration with your existing suite of fitness apps and tech. It is rechargeable via USB, sets up simply via an app, and pairs with other sensors. You can also set time zones and use the bright backlight.
CatEye Padrone GPS
This $120 version is the spiritual successor to the aforementioned CatEye Padrone. It features GPS integration, Bluetooth connectivity, and smart sensor connectivity to track dual-band heart rate and cadence data. With the additional sensors in the set-up, this exceeds the genre of a basic computer and becomes a proper training tool.
Luxurious & High-Performance Sensors
When you cross the threshold into luxury and high-performance hardware, e-bike computers transform from basic readouts into sophisticated, integrated cockpit computers. At this price point, they need to be designed for best-in-class ecosystem integration, color mapping, and advanced multi-band satellite navigation. Here are our picks!
Bosch Kiox 400C
At $300, the Bosch Kiox 400C shatters the illusion of affordability. When your bike computer costs as much as a cheap bike, you must focus on the granular features it offers. For one, the Kiox offers a bright 2-inch screen, built-in USB-C charging, 30 customizable data points, and seamless Bosch Smart System navigation.
Garmin Edge 540
At $350, the Garmin Edge 540 is only a $50 uptick from the Bosch kiox. For the extra $50, you get many more features. You get multi-band GNSS satellite tracking, a button-controlled interface, ClimbPro ascent planning (route planning), targeted coaching, and native e-bike ANT+ connectivity. You also get pinpoint satellite-powered accuracy, even through dense foliage and heavy canopies. It also tracks battery levels, pedal assist levels, and motor output (if set-up).
Garmin Edge Explore 2
At $400, and yet another $50 price jump, the Garmin Edge Explore 2 is a high-contrast 3-inch touchscreen display, with e-bike-specific navigation routing, road hazard alerts, and a direct power connection from compatible batteries. With the power mount bundle, you can also power the computer from your e-bike’s battery, virtually eliminating range anxiety. Your computer also adapts to avoid steep uphill climbs based on how much charge is left in your bike’s battery, making it ideal for small-battery e-MTB users.
Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3
At $465, the Wahoo Elemnt Roam 3 features a 2.8-inch high-contrast touchscreen display, dual-band GPS, 64GB onboard memory, an integrated speaker for turn prompts, and Wahoo’s ready-to-ride dashboard. For this steep price, you also get crystal-clear map layers, audible directions, 25 hours of battery life, and advanced route management.
Garmin Edge 1050
At $700, the Garmin Edge 1050 is the flagship pick in this category. It features a liquid-crystal display for maximum resolution. It is built with a speaker and voice prompts for directions. You can also use the Garmin contactless payments system when you’re out and about. You also get a digital bike bell, real-time road hazard notifications, and unmatched diagnostic monitoring.
