Which is Better Wired or Wireless Bike Computer | Reliability or Appearance

Which is better, wired or wireless bike computer? This is one question both professional and amateur cyclists looking for bike computer reviews in Australia usually ask.

Bike computers are becoming an intricate part of the riding experience. They add a touch of style and professionalism to riding with their ability to record speed and distance [1]. Furthermore, bike computers add a touch of elegance, making your bike stand out.

Before answering this question on which computer is better, let us know the differences between them.

What Is The Difference Between Wired Or Wireless Bike Computers?

Bike computers are of great importance to both professional and leisure bike riders. Both wired and wireless computers perform similar functions. The difference is how they go about it.

Can you use a phone as a bike computer?

So for you to get a better handle on the difference between them, we would examine them individually.

About Wired Bike Computers

In the wired cycle computer, there is a corded connection between the sensor and the handlebar. The presence of wires on this bike computer makes it more reliable and consistent. Besides, one battery runs the whole computer, and changing it is easy.

Let us discuss the merits and demerits of wired bike computers.

Merits

• The presence of wires makes this computer more reliable in the range of information it provides
• It is cheaper to get this type of computer than the wireless one. 
• Wired computers have been around for a long time
• Requires one battery

Demerits

• The presence of wires makes the bike appear untidy 
• Wires often tangle, which could result in wear and tear
• Setting up wired computers requires some expertise
• They weigh more than the wireless bike computers
• Used on just one bike

About Wireless Bike Computers

With the recent advancements in technology, wireless bike computers are becoming more popular. Unlike the wired computers that have been in existence in the market for long years, wireless bike computers are new. 

The wireless bike computers replace wires with sensors for optimal connectivity. Furthermore, expensive wireless computers feature smartphone connectivity. This means you could record data generated by your bike for analysis with your smartphone.

So what are the merits and demerits of wireless bike computers?

Merits

• It is tidier in appearance than its wired counterpart
• You can use the wireless computer on multiple bikes
• Setting up this computer is easy

Demerits

• It costs a lot more than the wired bike computer 
• Requires the use of several batteries 
• Since it uses sensors for connectivity, there could be interference

Benefits of Bike Computers

Using a bike computer is beneficial to us riders. Whether you see riding as an exercise, a job, or a leisure activity, you want to know your speed and distance covered. This is what bike computers do for you. But depending on your choice of computer, there are other benefits you could derive. 

Benefits of Wired Bike Computer

These are some benefits you could get if you choose to buy a wired bike computer.

Cost

This is the first thing individuals consider when going for a product. The cost of a product is often dependent on its makeup material and functionality. And in this department, the wired bike computer trumps the wireless one in the wireless vs wired bike computer comparison.

It is a fact that wired bike computers cost less than wireless ones. But why? Well, because of the fewer number of sensors used in making wired computers. 

Wired computers connect using wires, and it would shock you to know that high-quality cables are not expensive. 

So if you are working with a tight budget, a wired computer might be right for you.

More Functional

Remember, we noted initially that wired computers have been around a long time. The secret to their longevity is their functionality. In other words, wired computers perform better than wireless ones.

How?

Well, there are no connectivity problems as pairing occurs through the use of wires.

Benefits of Wireless Bike Computer

Both wired and wireless computers perform similar functions, but what benefits make the wireless computer stand out?

Flexibility of Use

The presence of wires in the wired bike computer limits its flexibility of use. This challenge is non-existent here as connectivity occurs through the use of sensors (2). All you have to do is pair your device, and your computer is up and running. 

You could also swap this computer between bikes as long as there are sensors in each of them. This makes this unit infinitely more mobile than its wired counterpart.

Tidy appearance

Wireless bike computers make your bike appear tidier. The reason is that no cords are hanging around your bike, and the computer gives your bike a smart appearance. Furthermore, adjusting your computer becomes easier as there is no cord to worry about.

Which To Choose: Wired vs Wireless Bike Computer

We have discussed both types of computer bikes, so how do you choose the ideal one for your needs? What factors do you need to consider when selecting a bike computer?

To choose the ideal bike computer for your bicycle, you need to answer these questions;

• What is your level of cycling? Professional? Beginner? What bike computer do the pros use?
• Do you consider smartphone connectivity important?
• How much are you willing to spend on a bike computer?

Your answers to these questions would help you decide which bike computer is ideal for your needs—so having answered these questions, which is better wired or wireless bike computer?

We prefer the wireless bike computer. It gives the bike a sleek appearance and allows connection with a smartphone.

Conclusion

Having gone through this article, I know you have a better insight into both wired and wireless bike computers. We have discussed the merits and demerits of both computers and what differentiates them so you could make better decisions.

So, which is a Better, wired, or wireless bike computer? I would say the wireless, but that’s just our take. Your choice depends on several factors, including your budget and why you want a bike computer.