What is a good bike speedometer – Best value and what to look for

What is a good bike speedometer

What Is A Good Bike Speedometer?

I’ve road-tested two of the best bike speedometers on the market. I’ll get into some of the details in this article.

Who Makes The Best Cycling Computer?

Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT

My personal favorite!

Who Makes The Best Cycling Computer

The Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT has been recognized as one of the best bike computers out there because of its special features, outstanding durability, and long battery life.

I actually own a Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT and I personally love it. I’ve been using the BOLT for almost a year now and am a big fan!

So what makes this one stand out?

It’s the user-friendly design of the Wahoo that makes the difference. It’s obvious they’ve put a lot of thought & careful planning into the layout of this device!

Garmin Edge 530

Garmin Edge 530 bike computer review

The Garmin Edge 530 series is also one of the best I’ve ever tried. It has excellent battery life, screen & wireless connectivity.

Features like a wireless sensor, GPS navigation, and Bluetooth 4.0 made this line of bike computers a favorite of hobbyists and serious cyclists alike. 

If you want to know what is a good bike speedometer, the Garmin 530 is definitely a great option to consider!

Factors To Consider Before Purchasing A Bike Speedometer

Not all bike speedometers are high-quality. To help you make the right decision, here are some factors you should consider.

Speedometer Price

I recommend you set your budget first.

Bike speedometer prices can vary widely. From lower-priced models to premium ones with much higher price tags. Know your budget and find the model that suits you best. 

Low-priced models usually range from $10 to $30. These are basic models that provide basic functions such as speed, distance, and time tracking.

Mid-range models typically cost between $50 and $100. These offer more features than the lower-priced models, such as calorie counter, odometer, and temperature measurement.

Premium models can cost anywhere from $150 to over $500. They come with a variety of features including GPS navigation, heart rate monitors, and power meters.

Accuracy

Make sure to check the accuracy of the bike speedometer before you buy it. Look for one that can accurately measure your current speed and provide accurate readings.

See also  Bicycle Speedometer MPH - How to Turbocharge your Ride!

You should also check the accuracy of the bike speedometer by comparing its readings to those of a GPS device or smartphone app. This will help you ensure that the speedometer is accurate and reliable. 

User Interface

If you’re just starting out, you should go for a user-friendly bike computer. Their easy-to-read User Interface will give you the most important information.

Advanced cycling computers can be overwhelming for beginners. For this reason, I recommend beginners start with a simpler model bike computer.

Battery Life

Bike computers have different battery life just like smartphones.

A good bike speedometer can last for many hours. This is definitely a factor that you should consider. That way you won’t have to worry about it suddenly turning off while you are cycling.

Durability

A good speedometer should be able to withstand all kinds of weather conditions so that it can last for a long time. Check for waterproofing, shockproofing, and other features that will help keep your speedometer working properly in any environment.

Accidents happen. and if they do they can certainly destroy your bike speedometer. I strongly recommend that you purchase a bike speedometer known for durability.

Wired Vs Wireless Bike Computers

Bike computers come in wired and wireless varieties. Depending on your preference and budget, you may need to consider this. Wired bike computers are more affordable and reliable, but they require installation and may be more difficult to install. Wireless bike computers are easier to install, but they can be more expensive and may not always provide accurate readings. Ultimately, the type of bike computer you choose will depend on your needs and budget.

Wireless bike speedometers are obviously more expensive and convenient than wired bike computers.

Display Screen

There are two types of Bike computer screens:

  • LED (Light Emitting Diode)
  • LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

The difference between LED and LCD screens isn’t very obvious. But LED screens are better because of the placement and type of light they use.

In addition, LEDs use diodes while LCDs make use of fluorescent lights.

This makes LED cycling computers more expensive but this does not mean LCD screens are not worth considering. 

Connectivity

Most modern speedometers come with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to track your rides and sync your data with a compatible app or website.

See also  Analog Bicycle Speedometer and how they Work

This can be a great way to monitor your progress, set goals, and stay motivated.

This type of technology can help you become more aware of your riding habits and can help you adjust them for safety and efficiency.

If you want to track your rides, look for a speedometer with Bluetooth connectivity so you can sync your data with an app or website.

Waterproof Design

One important factor of the best bike speedometers is waterproof design. The recommended waterproof rating for the best bike speedometers is IXP7 which means it can be fully submerged in water.

With an IPX7 bike speedometer, water damage from rain will never be a problem!

5. Features: Some bike speedometers come with additional features like calorie counters and heart rate monitors, which can be helpful if you’re trying to stay healthy while cycling.

Features

The latest bike speedometers have multiple special features. In fact, expensive ones have GPS.

Some come with additional features like calorie counters and heart rate monitors, which can be helpful if you’re into tracking health info while cycling.

The majority of premium bike computer makers now offer touchscreen models.

The internal storage of bike computers has is also improved with many offering 32GB memory. Some bike speedometers can also offer smart recommendations based on your history.

How Accurate Are Speedometers?

Modern bike speedometers are incredibly accurate!

Bike computer accuracy depends on inputting the correct wheel size. Each revolution your wheel makes delivers the data to the CPU.

If you input your tire diameters incorrectly, you’ll get inaccurate readings.

How Long Does A Bike Computer Last?

How Long Does A Bike Computer Last

How long a bike computer lasts will heavily depend on the battery life of the device.

For instance, the Garmin edge 1030 can last for more than a week or so. has a battery milliampere of 3,330 mAh, which is the average battery milliampere of a budget phone nowadays.

Should I Buy A Bike Computer?

Yes, in my opinion, everyone who rides their bike often should have a decent bike computer. 

I made the decision to buy a premium bike speedometer, and ever since then, I personally have loved the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt GPS. 

I have been using it for almost a year now with no issues whatsoever.

I strongly recommend you go for high-quality bike computers because purchasing cheap and substandard ones will only waste both your time and money.

If properly taken care of, high-quality bike speedometers can last for many years and remain in pristine condition.

The wrap up!

You should end up choosing a bike computer that has a great reputation and the features you want. In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT GPS.

If you enjoyed this article, go check out Do You Need A Speedometer On A Bicycle!

Happy Cycling!

About Informed Cyclist
Michael Rogers
I’m Michael, a cycling fanatic and the founder of Informed Cyclist. I started this site to give back to the sport I love! My mission is to bring the very best cycling advice & know-how to my readers. I hope you enjoy this site as much as I love working on it. I put a lot of heart & effort into it!

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