GPS technology has found its way into many things over the past few years and is now commonplace in cars, phones, cameras and, yes, bike computers. Where GPS computers of the past were overly expensive and offered poor battery life, the current generation are far more affordable, reliable and offer a host of features previously only dreamed of in traditional cycle computers.
In the past, cycling GPS devices were primarily for riders who wanted navigation and trail guidance. Their usage has changed greatly however, and these devices now combine heart rate monitors, bike computers and navigation into one unit. The GPS is now just as much a dedicated training tool and ride tracker as it once was a navigation unit.
Furthermore, the technology is now hitting price points that rival basic bike computers. Using GPS technology to provide speed and distance information means it's no longer necessary to use wheel-mounted magnets and sensors. Switching the computer between bikes has never been easier.
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The cycling GPS market is dominated by similar brands to the automotive GPS industry – Garmin is the key player and Magellan (Mio in Europe, owned by Navman) as a fast-growing option. Brands such as Polar, Bryton, Suunto, CycleOps, Pioneer and CatEye also offer GPS options.
And while this buyer’s guide is for dedicated GPS units, the use of smartphones is quickly becoming a viable alternative. There are many speed, cadence, heart rate and power accessories available to work with popular smartphones and purpose-designed apps.
- Related reading: Best iPhone and Android apps for cycling
- Related reading: Best GPS devices for cycling
Despite the numerous handlebar mounts and cases available, while smartphones continue to get larger and more expensive, the use of a dedicated device on your handlebars during riding is still the preferred method for most cyclists. That said, if you’re not seeking live data such as speed, heart rate or your cadence, then keeping the phone in your pocket or pack remains an option for data collection.
Buying a GPS device – what to consider
What features are most suitable for me and the riding I do?
GPS device glossary
- ANT+: The most common wireless protocol in cycling GPS and electronics. This is used for communication between sensors such as power meters, cadence, speed and heart rate monitors and the head unit device.
- Barometric altimeter (barometer): Where some devices will use maps to give an estimate of elevation, the better options use a barometer to accurately measure elevation. In some devices, this is also used to provide more accurate co-ordinate tracking.
- Bearing/heading: Bearing is the compass direction to the next waypoint, heading is the actual direction of travel (which is usually expressed in degrees)
- Bluetooth: A form of separate wireless receiver/transmitter that is the standard in smart phone technology. Now becoming more popular in GPS units to sync with phones.
- Geocaching: The GPS equivalent of a treasure hunt, using given co-ordinates to find the location. Arguably this feature has had its day, but is still given in some devices.
- GPRS Information: Downloadable and up-to-date information on such things as accidents, congestion, road closures and so on.
- GPX: Also known as GPS Exchange format, this open data format is free to use and is widely accepted as the standard way to share ride, track, waypoint and other GPS based data.
- GLONASS: Stands for Global Navigation Satellite System, it provides alternative satellites to GPS (Global Positioning System). Units that offer GLONASS often have more reliable map coverage and recording along with faster start-up.
- IPX7: This refers to the water resistance rating. IPX7 is a standard benchmark of many electronic devices and means the item will withstand incidental exposure to water of up to one meter for up to 30 minutes. This means that use in the rain will be of no concern
- Odometer: Measures the distance you've travelled since it was last reset
- Route: Predetermined points, which are known as waypoints (see below), linked together in the order you intend to travel to them
- Segments: A term made popular by Strava (see below). Strava uses ‘segments’ of tracks and roads to offer virtual racing on popular climbs, descents and time-trials.
- Strava: Website and mobile app used to track fitness activities via GPS. It offers a ‘cloud’ to upload your ride data and compare your fitness with riders in the same area.
- Track: The record the GPS unit makes of your actual course over the ground on any journey that you undertake
- Waypoints: Specific locations that are stored in the GPS – usually used to navigate to or linked together to form a route. May also be known as Points of Interest (POI), or by the more traditional term, Landmarks.
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