
Some of the units on this list last only half a day, while others can make it well over 24 hours. A larger and brighter display is more common nowadays, even on budget models, but it’s always worth having a proper look at it before you commit to purchasing a new cycling computer.Ĭommuters won’t mind the short battery life of some budget cycling computers, but if you’re looking for any long adventures such as backpacking, you’ll need a computer with decent battery life. And the last thing you want to be doing while descending at 60km/h is squinting at your cycling computer, trying to see where the next turn is. The display is one of the biggest faults of many budget cycling computers, as they can be small, dim, and difficult to read. Will a dim, black-and-white computer screen be readable? Or will you need to see the map on a brighter, colour screen? Consider the weather, the terrain, the amount of natural light you’ll get. Perhaps the most important factor when choosing a cycling computer is where you ride. Where you ride: display, battery life, and navigation So when you’re shopping on a budget, take a closer look at the options, not just the popular models. Companies such as Bryton might not be the most popular or easy to use, but once you get familiar with the interface, the Bryton Rider 420 has nearly all the capabilities of higher-end models. When it comes to value, there are a number of cycling computers on this list that skip the famous name (i.e. You need a computer with good GPS capabilities and an easy-to-use navigation system that works even when it’s dark and wet outside. If you’re a commuter who’s looking for new roads to explore, then you don’t need a high-end cycling computer capable of analysing your pedalling metrics and left/right balance. It’s no secret that cycling is expensive, and when you see cycling computers that cost £500, you begin to wonder what all the fuss is about.
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How to choose the best budget cycling computer for you Cost and valueĬhances are, if you’re reading through a list of the best budget cycling computers, then you’re operating on a pretty tight budget. Serious cyclists and riders focused on their pedaling technique and efficiency will find everything they need and more on the SGX-CA600, making it one of the most versatile computers on our list. It’s true that the Pioneer SGX-CA600 is on the expensive side for a “budget cycling computer,” but that’s because it comes with unmatched features and in-depth pedaling metrics when paired with a Pioneer power meter. The touchscreen’s colour display is one of the best out of any unit on this list and it even comes with OpenStreet base maps preloaded into the unit, including navigation and turn-by-turn directions. While the unit’s touchscreen isn’t perfect, you can easily pair it with its companion app and set everything up through your smartphone. The old SGX-500 head unit was a headache but the latest computer is a huge improvement in everything from its usability to the improved touchscreen. Pioneer has completed a big step up with the Pioneer SGX-CA600.


Must pair with Pioneer power meter to unlock all features The Stages Dash L10 doesn’t do that – instead, this unit is for the performance-focused rider who wants to improve their interval training and get as much data as they can from their head unit on a budget. Gravel riding, adventuring, and bike-packing are skyrocketing in popularity, and people want high-tech, colourful, updated maps that they can use to navigate anywhere in the world. In summary, the Stages Dash L10 goes against the trend that many cycling computer manufacturers have edged towards: navigation. The GPS does, however, track distance and speed, but that’s about it. The big sacrifice is the lack of navigation – no GPS, no maps, and no breadcrumbs.
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However, you’ll need a Stages Link subscription in order to reach the unit’s full capabilities. Few other cycling computers have this kind of capability, which really sets the Stages Dash L10 apart. When Stages Cycling first released the Stages Dash, it was seen as an affordable and lightweight cycling computer designed to centralise the data-monitoring experience - the Dash L10 follows this ethos.įully integrated with Stages Link training software, the Dash L10 can put you through structured interval workouts, and even provide you with performance analysis on the back end.
