Best Cycling Computer Australia (2023 Buyers Guide)

Whether you cycle every day or just want a cycling computer for the occasional expedition, you want a computer that helps you measure your performance, potentially tells you which route to take, but above all gives you your money’s worth.

You see, there are thousands of different brands and bicycle computer models in every price range. And you might be tempted to think that the best cycling computer will automatically be the most expensive one. But that’s not true.

The best bike computer is different for everyone, because it depends and what you need if for. You might want a GPS cycle computer, but if you’re never going to use it for navigation then why would you spend extra money to buy a bike GPS?

But to help you navigate your way to your best cycling computer we’ve reviewed and tested dozens of popular cycling computers to determine the best cycling computer in Australia right now. You’ll also learn a bit more about some of the top features and benefits to look out for in your new computer.

How Did We Test The Best Bike Computer?

The first step that we took was to determine what features we wanted in our best cycling computer.

We looked at all the different brands and models to find out which ones had the features that were most important for us. We then narrowed down our search by looking at reviews from other customers who had bought these products before us so that we could get the best information on what we should be looking for.

We looked at the following features-

Display: We wanted a display that was big enough to be able to easily read without having to squint. A simple process was needed so that it would not take too long either.

Backlight: We also wanted a backlight so that it would be easier to read in low lighting situations.

Functionality– We wanted a device that offered functionalities such as GPS, speedometer, and odometer. We also needed a heart rate monitor and a stopwatch.

Ease of use: We wanted an easy-to-use interface that was not too complicated so that we could easily interact with it.

Alerts: We also wanted the functionality of having alerts be sent to our phones in case we were out of battery.

Ready to read our best cycle computer reviews and pick your product? Then let’s go!

Top 3: Best cycling computer reviews Australia

You’ll find a lot of information and tips on how to pick a cycling computer at the bottom of this article. It helps you decide more quickly what computer best fits your needs.

Do you already know exactly what features you’re after, or do you just want to go for one of the top computers within your budget? Then you can straight away go through our list of the three best bike computers below.

Are bike computers worth it?

The Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt GPS cycling computer immediately proves the point we made earlier about the most expensive option not always being the best. After careful review, the Wahoo computer came out on top as it’s the best balance between price and quality.

A great mid-range product, this cycling computer gives you all the data you need. It allows you to seamlessly integrate with your smartphone and all your apps (like Strava or Komoot) through its Bluetooth and Ant+ connectivity. It also contains GPS, which means you can use it for mapping and navigation as you go so you never get lost again.

The 2.2-inch display is in black and white, which might sound old-fashioned at first. But in many cases, like when driving in the sun, this actually provides the best contract for you to still see what’s on the screen.

Input is done through buttons instead of a touchscreen, which again may sound a bit outdated. However, a touchscreen won’t always fully cooperate when the screen is wet or when you’re wearing gloves, while buttons never fail.

Another handy feature is that you can receive texts and other phone alerts so you can stay connected while riding.

All in all, it’s a top-notch cycling computer that comes at a very reasonable price.

Best suited for?

Regular cyclists who don’t want to settle for the most basic features, but who equally don’t want to spend thousands of dollars. It’s the perfect mid-range solution.

Garmin needs no introduction. It’s by far the best-known brand for cycling computers, and it does create some of the best cycling computers on the market. But, as with any big brand, it does come at a higher price tag.

But don’t think it’s just overpriced, because the Garmin Edge 830 bike GPS cycle computer does give you a lot of worth for your money. Ant+ and GPS allow for full mapping and navigation, including rerouting, while you’re out and about.

The dynamic performance monitoring gives you a wealth of insights into how you’re doing and how to best treat your body. From VO2 max to recovery to hydration and much more.

Unlike the Wahoo, the Garmin Edge does have a touchscreen and a colour display. As mentioned, this isn’t always better, but it does provide you with a much more high-end feel when using the product. At the end of the day, the Garmin Edge does definitely beat the Wahoo in terms of aesthetics.

Best suited for?

Cyclists who just want the best cycling computer available, regardless of the price.

From the best to the best for your budget. The RISEPRO cycling computer is a lot more basic than the other cycling computers on this list, but also more than ten times as cheap.

This cycling computer doesn’t contain GPS, Bluetooth, or Ant+, which means you can’t use it for mapping, navigation, or connecting it to your smartphone and apps. What you do get is an easy-to-use, handy little device to track some basic stats while riding.

The large display is divided into four lines, which give you data like an odometer, speedometer, temperature, driving time, and calorie burn from your trip.

It is waterproof and easily used with button control. The display includes a backlight to ensure you can still see your data while driving in the dark.

Best suited for?

People on a tight budget, or who simply just want the most basic stats like speed and time spent riding.

How to choose the right cycling computer?

As you can tell from the three cycling computers in our list above, there are huge differences between cycling computers. So with so many features, how do you know what to look for?

Below, you’ll find a few tips on how to choose the right cycling computer for your cycling needs.

Mapping and navigation

This is a key feature when it comes to cycling computers: Do you want it for navigation and mapping or not? And before you say yes, stop to think.

You might already have a phone holder on your steering wheel to help you navigate, or maybe you don’t go out exploring as much.

Maybe you just use it to commute, but you want to track your physical performance while cycling. Then you don’t need to spend all that money on built-in GPS and Ant+ and whatnot. Instead, you can just go for a simple computer like the RISEPRO on our list above.

Touchscreen

You’re used to using the touchscreen of your phone every day, so it’s only natural to instantly think that the touchscreen is automatically better.

However, a touchscreen won’t always work as well when wet or when wearing gloves. This means you might struggle to operate your cycling computer during rain or snow.

That said, a touchscreen does of course allow for easier use of your device and it does give a more prime feel to your device.

Colour

Similarly, you might think that colour is better, but it’s not always the case. A black-and-white screen offers a sharper contrast than most colour displays. This means you’ll be able to see your screen better when riding, especially when it’s bright outside.

Not only does this make the use of your product go more smoothly, but this can even be safer as it means you don’t have to look at your screen so much while riding, trying to figure out what it says.

With the number of deaths through cycling increasing in Australia, and around 50 people dying while cycling every year, it’s important to remain conscious of steps we cyclists can take to stay safer. [1] [2]

Ensuring you don’t fiddle around with things like your cycling computer is one of those measures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cycling computer?

A cycling computer is a GPS-enabled device that records your speed, distance, and other data as you ride. Some also include heart rate and cadence monitors.

Why do I need a cycling computer?

A cycling computer can help you track your progress on rides, measure your performance, and set goals for future rides.

How does a cycling computer work?

Most cycling computers use GPS to track your speed and distance. They also use sensors to track cadence (pedalling speed) and heart rate.

What are the key features to look for in a cycling computer?

The key features to look for in a cycling computer depend on how you plan to use it: – If you want to track basic data such as speed and distance, then look for a basic or mid-level model that includes these features – If you want to track more advanced data such as heart rate or cadence, then look for a high-end model that includes these features – If you plan to use your computer for navigation, then look for a model that includes mapping and turn-by-turn directions.

How much do cycling computers cost?

Cycling computers range in price from $60 to $600. Basic models start at around $60, while mid-level models cost between $200 and $300. High-end models can cost up to $600.

What are the best cycling computer brands?

The best cycling computer brands include Garmin, Wahoo, and Polar. Garmin is the leader in GPS devices for cyclists, while Wahoo specialises in fitness tracking devices. Polar is known for its high-end heart rate monitors.

What are the best cycling computer apps?

The best cycling computer apps include Cyclemeter, Strava, and MapMyRide. These apps allow you to track your rides, set goals, and share your data with other riders.

What features can I expect from an entry-level nonGPS cycling computer?

Entry-level GPS computers are typically equipped with basic features such as speed/cadence sensors, heart rate monitors, power meters, and cadence sensors. They also include some form of navigation software.

What features can I expect from entry-level GPS cycling computers?

The features of an entry-level model will include speed, distance, time, and altitude. They may also include a more advanced heart rate monitor compatibility, connection to ANT+ devices, and worldwide satellite coverage.

How can I use a bike computer to analyse my ride data?

Bicycle computers are an inexpensive way of understanding your ride data. You can study your speed, elapsed time, distance travelled, and altitude. This information is invaluable to cyclists as it allows them to understand their performance and make changes accordingly.

What are the best alternatives to cycling computers?

There are several alternatives, the most common being a smartphone app. For iPhones, these include Strava and GPS built-in. 

For Androids, Runtastic has similar features as Strava and offers an Android Wear application so you can track your routes while you walk, run, or cycle. Finally, standalone GPS watches are available that can connect to any smartphone via Bluetooth.

How much should I spend on a cycling computer?

Cycling computers can range from $30 to $400+ depending on the features and quality. For example, if you’re looking for a basic cycling computer, something without GPS, expect to spend about $30-$150. For a GPS-enabled cycling computer, expect to spend around $300-400+.

What makes the best cycling computer for navigation?

The best cycling computer for navigation should have great battery life and mapping capabilities. It’s important to have a bike computer that you can use with GPS and sufficient memory. Garmin, Magellan, and Wahoo Fitness make some of the best cycling computers.

Do you need a touchscreen cycling computer? 

A touchscreen cycling computer may be well-preferred, but it is not entirely necessary. It depends on your needs, the weather and also your gloves. For example, if you are cycling during rainy days or winter, your screen is wet, or your gloves do not have a touch sensor may render a touchscreen cycling computer pointless. 

How much battery life do you need for a cycling computer? 

One of the biggest downsides to cycling is that you have to monitor your progress and stay top of your stats. If you’re not careful, you might run out of battery life before finishing your workout. The end of the battery life is about two hours.

Does a cycling computer need Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity?

The cycling computer is a piece of equipment that can record data about the time, distance, time of day, speed, and other important information. For a cycling computer to work properly, it must have Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity.

How do cycling computers connect to third-party apps?

If you own a cycling computer and want to use it with third-party apps, you’ll need to ensure that your app has Bluetooth integration.

What accessories do I need for my cycling computer?

Most cycling computers have the basic accessories you need to get started, such as a mount for your handlebars. If you plan to use your computer for navigation, you may want to purchase a separate GPS device. If your computer does not include these features, you may also want to buy heart rate and cadence sensors.

How do I install a cycling computer?

Most cycling computers can be installed in minutes. Simply attach the mount to your handlebars and clip the computer onto the mount. If you are using a separate GPS device, you will need to connect it to your computer. Follow the instructions that came with your device for more installation information. 

What are the different types of cycling computers?

There are three main types of cycling computers: basic (does not include GPS), mid-level (includes basic GPS features), and high-end (includes advanced GPS features).