As mountain biking continues to gain popularity, the popularity of the gears associated with it is also gaining momentum. When it comes to gears, the sky is the limit. The idea is to bring about maximum comfort to the users with minimum possible effort. Comfort and convenience are the buzzwords when you consider gear for mountain biking. The idea is to make your travel time as enjoyable and hassle-free as you can imagine. Therefore, the importance of the best mountain bike computer can be assessed properly.
They eliminate the need to reach out to your mobile phone for any kind of tracking data. The computer also enables the route to be well etched out on the screen in front of you. This no doubt makes for a more convenient biking experience. The computer becomes a single device to track everything from your cycling speed to heart rate at one go. To make the task a lot easier for you, we have curated the compelling list of some of the best mountain bike computers that are available now.
These are both well provided in terms of features as well as affordability. They go a long way in enhancing the overall biking experience for you.
1. CatEye Padrone Cycle Computer – FlexTight Bracket
If you are keen on getting a bike computer that helps you access and glance through all details in one go, the CatEye Pedrone is undeniably one of the best mountain bike computers. It is trendy, stylish and absolutely functional.
In fact, what really makes this computer a great buy is the convenient access to a variety of stats at one go. As a result, you don’t get distracted by these and can concentrate properly on your biking.
The display on the screen includes the maximum and average speed that you are riding the cycle at, the total distance you have covered, the overall trip distance, the time that has elapsed and of course the clock. So it surely helps you in saving time and focus on the ride.
Another advantage of this computer is that you do not have to waste time navigating from one screen to another. You just have to press the base of this computer and toggle through details in a single operation.
The FlexTight Bracket makes it an extremely secure and comfortable computer to carry. So not more of losing time arranging and setting time. You are instantly on track. That apart, this is also a smart computer. It understands when you stop midway and automatically pauses the time elapsed. It will resume again when you start. So your average speed does not get impacted.
- Display unit large and easy to read
- Easy to set-up and this is a multi-functional device
- Can pair with any sensor quite easily enhancing its overall functionality
- Simple and efficient device
- Daylight interferes with the screen, difficult to read properly during the day
- Lack of a second trip meter a major miss for many riders
2. Garmin Edge 520 Bike GPS – Tracks Functional Threshold Power
This item has earned Editors’ Choice for its outstanding quality and performance.
Garmin has been known for delivering quality biking gear for years. When you are deciding on the best mountain bike computer, this one figures quite prominently.
The aerodynamic form factor of the Garmin Edge 520 is one of the most striking aspects. Along with that, there are additional challenges onboard across the Strava live segments. The color display, connectivity features, and advanced analytics along with it make it a dependable and quality buy.
This biking computer helps you to record VO2 max and recovery time. But for this, you must remember to use it with power and heart rate. It can be easily paired with any compatible ANT+ indoor trainers. This is what will facilitate better data display and complete control.
Tracking the Functional Threshold Power on a watts/kg basis is one of the most striking aspects of this computer. The cycling dynamics when it is used with Vector or Vector 2 power meters is phenomenal, and that is what makes it one of the undeniable leaders of the biking computer segment.
Some of the other interesting features of this biking computer include live tracking, automatic uploads, smartphone notifications and also ability to share on social. In fact, this is one of the first bike computers to be compatible with Strava live segments.
- Satisfactory features with guaranteed results
- Small, compact and easy to navigate option
- The screen can be customized to an extent as per user’s necessity
- Battery life and quality of battery remains a matter of concern
3. CAT EYE Velo 7 Wired MTB Computer – Odometer & Speedometer
When all your favorite stats are displayed on a single screen at just the click of a button, what more do you need? No wonder, the Cat Eye Velo 7 features so prominently in the list of the best mountain bike computer.
In fact, this is a perfect option for beginners who are still learning to navigate these effectively for best results.
The most attractive feature of this computer is the fact that the display is rather heavy on details without being cluttered or confusing. So it gives you the average speed, current and maximum speed of the bike, the total distance covered and also the time that has elapsed. Along with that, it is also equipped with a pace arrow and a clock.
The Velo 7 comes also comes with a wired speed sensor and the battery needs a special mention. This amazing bike computer battery can last as much as 3 years offering you a perfect value for money deal and a dependable companion while you are out in the mountains biking.
- Easy to use and offers a perfect solution for beginners
- Mega multi-function device that adds to the versatility of a biking computer
- Easy to set up on your bike
- Known for phenomenal performance record
- Sensor tolerance not very satisfactory. It is less than a quarter inch
- Does not work on every type of mountain bike
4. Bryton Rider 10 GPS MTB Computer – 5 Customizable Data Screen
When we are discussing the best mountain bike computer, it is impossible to curate a list without mentioning the Bryton Rider 10 GPS MTB Computer.
This one is equipped with a high-sensitivity GPS receiver and enables fast positioning. Moreover, this one has a large 2 inches display that is rather easy-to-read display.
This is also a waterproof variant which is lightweight and compact. Moreover, you do not need to separate any speed sensor installation. This computer supports up to 29 functions. This includes the likes of time, speed, cadence, distance, heart rate, temperature, calories, and altitude.
The 5 customizable data screen on this computer enables adjustment of data as per your requirement, and it is easily compatible with a wide range of mountain bikes. This one is also equipped with auto pause button and backlight for night rides. You can also sync this with your smartphone for on-screen notification.
- Great performance at an affordable rate
- Accurate reading of distance, temperature and elevation
- However, there are some discrepancies in the average readings and come users have raised concerns about it.
5. Bryton Rider 310 GPS Bike Computer – Auto Backlight
If you are looking for a low budget high-efficiency variant, this one is one of the best mountain bike computers. It is light as a feather but strong as an elephant.
Compact, powerful and decidedly sleek, the Bryton Rider 310 is a match winner from the word go.
This particular bike computer is rich in features and offers a stupendous range of possibilities. There are three small buttons along the base of the computer. Though you may take time to master it initially, this isn’t something that you cannot master. With time and diligence, you can easily learn to access it efficiently.
This computer is equipped with wireless connectivity sensors with the help of ANT+ connection. You can also choose to go for the bluetooth connectivity. You can easily connect it to a smartphone for getting notification on-screen and also enable wireless ride uploads. You also have sensors to keep a tab on temperature, altitude, and gradient.
It does not offer the advantage of automatic sync but there are options for you to manually sync your travel using a USB or special software facilitating the sync.
- The navigation and software easy to understand and operate once you get a hang of it.
- Battery life relatively long, over 20 hours at a stretch
- Small, and visually sharp compared to many other similar offerings
- Easy to set up and very affordable
- Navigating the Strava software can be difficult if you are not attentive to details
- No option of adjusting the brightness and contrast of the screen
Tips for Deciding On the Best Mountain Bike Computer
This is, no doubt, a difficult consideration. Different people have different types of requirement and considerations. The kind of rising that you prefer also have a bearing on this. But when you are looking for the best mountain bike computer, some concerns are common to all. Often these are the factors that help you decide on a winning combination that truly gives you a value-oriented service. It is about easing the convenience and comfort factor through your ride wherever you may choose to go.
Battery Life
This is definitely the most important factor. People who prefer biking over a long distance, no doubt need more battery. The frequency at which you operate your device also has a bearing on the battery life of the computer. This is particularly important because installing and operating a wired computer can be rather difficult. The amount of data that you can download is also often dependent on the battery life of the computer that you choose. So, carefully note the complete travel time and then make a choice accordingly.
Range Of Features
Different features add a different degree of comfort. When you are choosing the best mountain bike computer, carefully assess what all features are important for you. It is pointless to clog up the entire computer memory with a range of features that you may not be using that often. Therefore, it is always a good idea to note down the key features that you need and then look for options accordingly for the best one offering you all those features.
Functionality
This essentially adds to the convenience element of the computer. If you have a device that is blue-tooth enabled and has a range of connectivity option, it goes without saying that you will be able to add to your convenience factor. It is also important to understand how easily your device loads up to other devices and ease with which you access data. Remember often this is a very important consideration for a variety of devices. Apart from that, the navigation buttons and the touch screen add to user convenience.
Versatility
Last but not the least, when you are looking for the best mountain bike computer, this is an important consideration. If you are interested in other sporting activities too, it is always good to look for options that are versatile. That means you can use the same device to calculate data for other types of sporting activities as well. The ‘wrist mount’ system is one of the best options in case you want to use the same device for multiple sports that you may be interested in.
Conclusion
Therefore if you are keen on buying the best mountain bike computer, it is very important that you have a clear idea about the specific functions that you need. Your biking style and the extent of distance that you cover on a daily basis are also important considerations. Only when you combine all these factors together, you get a quality buy that can help deliver absolute value.