0
Your Profile
Your Basket 0
Your Offers 0
Continue Shopping
Checkout
To improve your shopping experience today and in the future, this site uses cookies.
Read our full Privacy Policy & Cookie information here
I Accept Cookies

Cycling Tech Buying Guide

Collections Cycling Tech Buying Guide

Cyclist using a GPS bike computer while riding

Track the ride. Find new roads. Understand every effort.

Choose cycling tech that gives you useful information without getting in the way of the ride.

Cycling technology can show your speed, guide you along a new route and help you understand how your body responds to every effort. But you don't need every feature to enjoy better rides.

Start with what you want to know while riding. We'll help you choose between a GPS bike computer, sports watch, smartphone or simpler cycle computer, then explain the sensors and accessories that can complete your setup.

What can cycling tech do?

From a simple speed display to detailed mapping and training data, the right setup depends on the questions you want it to answer.

See the essentials

Keep speed, distance and ride time visible while you roll.

Record and explore

Save your route, follow directions and find your way through unfamiliar roads or trails.

Train with purpose

Connect heart-rate, cadence and power sensors to understand your effort and progress.

Ask Yourself

  • ☐ Do I want navigation, or do I normally ride familiar routes?
  • ☐ Do I want to save and review my rides?
  • ☐ Will I use the device for sports other than cycling?
  • ☐ How long are my typical rides?
  • ☐ Which sensors, apps or equipment do I already use?

GPS bike computers

A GPS bike computer, also known as a cycling head unit, sits on your handlebar and uses satellite positioning to measure and record your ride. You may also hear riders use “Garmin” as a general term for this type of device, although Garmin is one of several brands producing GPS computers.

Some head units focus on reliable recording and route guidance. Others add detailed maps, structured workouts and advanced performance information. For most riders who want to record or navigate their rides, GPS is the natural place to start.

GPS bike computer mounted on a bicycle handlebar

What to look for

Navigation and mapping

Choose between simple route guidance and detailed maps with turn prompts, recalculation, climb information and points of interest.

Display and controls

Look for a screen you can read at a glance and controls that work in your usual weather, terrain and gloves.

Battery life

Plan around your longest likely ride. Mapping, screen brightness, connected sensors and cold weather can all reduce runtime.

Apps and ride sharing

Check compatibility with services you use, such as Strava for activity tracking and Komoot for planning and following routes.

Training features

Structured workouts, training zones and recovery information can help when you have a goal. Leisure riders may value clear navigation more.

Sensor compatibility

External sensor connectivity is standard across our GPS range. What varies is the number and type of sensors each head unit supports.

Connected rides, useful data

Most GPS computers transfer completed rides to a phone or online platform. Compatibility matters more than the length of the app list.

Ride recording and connected apps

  • Import planned routes
  • Upload completed rides automatically
  • Sync activities between compatible platforms
  • Send routes to the device without a cable

Compatible equipment may include

  • Heart-rate, speed and cadence sensors
  • Power meters and smart trainers
  • Electronic gears and e-bike systems
  • Rear-facing radar and compatible lights

Rider Tip

Add data with a purpose. If a number won't change how you ride, train or recover, you probably don't need it on your main screen.

GPS computer, sports watch or smartphone?

All three can record a ride. The real difference is where you see the information and what else you want the device to do.

Choose a GPS bike computer

Best when cycling navigation, clear handlebar data and connected training sensors come first.

Maps and ride information stay directly in your line of sight, while the computer records independently of your phone. You gain the clearest cycling-focused experience, but have another device to mount, charge and set up.

Choose a sports watch

A strong choice for navigation, multi-sport training, recovery and everyday activity in one device.

Some watches show detailed maps; others use breadcrumb routes or turn prompts. The smaller screen is harder to follow while riding than a handlebar-mounted head unit.

Choose a smartphone

Useful for occasional navigation and app-based ride recording without buying another device.

Consider battery use, secure mounting, weather protection, screen visibility and keeping power in reserve for calls or emergencies.

What if you only need the essentials?

Not every rider needs mapping, apps or training data. Traditional wireless and wired computers keep the basics visible with less setup and fewer distractions.

FeatureGPS computerWireless computerWired computer
NavigationYes - from route guidance to detailed mappingNoNo
Saves your routeYesNoNo
Speed measurementGPS; optional sensor supportWireless wheel sensorWired wheel sensor
PowerRechargeable batteryUsually replaceable batteriesUsually replaceable batteries
Well suited toNavigation, ride recording and trainingBasic data with a tidy installationSimple, low-cost ride information

Sensors and accessories

Add information that helps you ride, train or navigate with more confidence. Compatibility comes first.

Heart-rate monitors

Chest straps are generally regarded as the most accurate option. They measure the heart's electrical signals and respond quickly when effort changes.

Optical arm monitors can feel more comfortable, but may respond less quickly or consistently during rapid changes in intensity.

Speed and cadence sensors

A speed sensor can improve consistency where GPS reception is restricted and can also work during indoor riding.

Cadence shows your pedal revolutions per minute, helping you understand your rhythm and manage effort.

Power meters

Power measures cycling output in watts, giving you a consistent way to pace efforts and structure training.

Meters may be built into the crankset or pedals. Consider compatibility, single- or dual-sided measurement and how easily you want to move the meter between bikes.

Mounts and computer accessories

A good mount keeps your device secure, visible and easy to reach. Check computer, handlebar and stem compatibility, required adaptors and clearance around cables and lights.

How different riders choose

Picture the rides you do most often. Your answer usually becomes clearer.

“I just want speed and distance”

Start with a basic wireless computer. Choose wired if price and simplicity matter more than a tidy installation.

“I want to record my rides”

A straightforward GPS head unit can save and upload your route without adding mapping or training features you won't use.

“I want to explore”

Prioritise clear mapping, dependable navigation and enough battery life for your longest days.

“I'm training towards a goal”

Look for the sensors and structured workout support you need. Choose data you'll act on.

“I ride and run”

A GPS sports watch can balance route guidance, multi-sport recording and recovery tracking.

“I only navigate occasionally”

Start with your smartphone and a secure mount. Move to a head unit if battery life or visibility becomes limiting.

FAQs

Straight answers to the questions riders often ask when choosing cycling tech.

Do I need GPS on a cycle computer?

No. A traditional computer is enough for speed, distance and ride time. GPS becomes valuable when you want to record routes, use navigation or upload rides.

Does a GPS bike computer need a speed sensor?

Usually not. GPS provides speed and distance, while a wheel sensor can improve consistency where reception is restricted and support indoor riding.

Do GPS bike computers work without a phone?

Most record and display ride information independently. A phone may still be needed for setup, route transfers, notifications, live tracking or automatic uploads.

Do I need maps or just GPS?

GPS records your position. Mapping shows the roads or trails around it. Basic GPS is enough to save rides; mapping is more useful for following routes and exploring unfamiliar areas.

Is a bike computer better than a smartphone?

A dedicated head unit is generally easier to read and better suited to long battery use, wet weather and regular navigation. A smartphone is versatile for occasional use.

Is a bike computer better than a sports watch?

A bike computer is normally better for visible ride data and navigation. A sports watch is more versatile across different activities and can track everyday fitness and recovery.

Can I connect a heart-rate monitor to a bike computer?

Yes. GPS computers in our range support external sensors through Bluetooth, ANT+ or both. Check the connection standards and number of supported sensors before buying.

Find the tech that fits your ride

Choose GPS to record and explore, a watch for a wider active life, or a simpler computer for the essentials. Build around the rides you do today, with room for wherever your wheels take you next.
Add
Coupons
Available

You may also be interested in…