Bike sat-navs put to the test: Which bike computer is the most reliable at guiding you to your destination?

Some people actually enjoy it, but I find route planning a real pain. Depending on the type and age of the map material, even after hours of fine-tuning you can’t even be sure whether the ideal route on paper is actually the best one through town, woods and countryside, or whether it might end in dead ends, lead down impassable paths, or include ramps and steps that force me to dismount. The Netherlands has so far been a notable exception: navigating using junction points and the dense, evenly distributed cycle path network in our neighbouring country makes cycling without a map a real pleasure.

However, cycling is increasingly becoming part of people’s holidays, and more and more people are managing to cover significantly longer distances – thanks to electric assistance or more regular training. But greater range also means more junctions, more potential destinations and more chances of getting completely lost. During our day-to-day testing, we were able to try out quite a few situations using various navigation options.

Conclusion: Apart from the quest for a genuine adventure, there are hardly any valid reasons left not to let technology guide you. You’re less likely to encounter unpleasant surprises, can plan with greater confidence, can find food, shelter or help much more quickly when needed, save time on planning and can visit points of interest along the route much more efficiently, and you’ll know what lies ahead much sooner than you would from road signs alone.

Cycle sat-navis: Better than Google?

As well as the traditional map and handwritten notes, as with the knot system, there are three electronic options for navigation. Nowadays, the standard option is a smartphone with Google Maps as the sat-nav app. However, especially if you’re prepared to spend a few euros, specialist apps designed specifically for cycle tourists and those using less well-maintained roads offer significantly greater safety and user convenience than Google. In particular, the investment in the komoot app – with its hundreds of thousands of route suggestions from other users – is absolutely worth the 30 euros for access to maps of the whole world. We’ve also had some lovely trips using Bikemap, Outdooractive, Niviki, Locus Map and Maps.me.

They all offer reliable route planning, each with different areas of focus as well as strengths and weaknesses, which we’ll need to list in one of our upcoming issues. Route planning and navigation are top-notch in the apps listed here; the problem with smartphones in general is: navigating using free online maps and up-to-the-minute route data requires a constant internet connection; the data transfer, the additional app and the screen being constantly on cause the device to overheat and really drain the battery. Even the latest models can barely last more than three hours.

Mobile phones, smartwatches and cycle sat-naves

Added to this is the problem of securing the phone to the handlebars, as fumbling the phone out of your pocket at every junction is no fun either. There are plenty of mobile phone holders available, but the vast majority are only suitable for short journeys on smooth roads. Claims of vibration-free performance and a rock-solid grip, even on downhill sections, have not really been borne out so far. Below, you’ll find two smartphone holders that stood out extremely positively in our tests.

Route guidance via a smartwatch is not quite as widespread. Most outdoor GPS watches allow route guidance via a map or turn-by-turn directions, although the map view on the small displays is usually cluttered, and the tedious process of entering a destination without a keyboard is reminiscent of car sat-navs from the 90s. Here, we clearly prefer the display showing arrows and distances to the next turn.

A much safer bet are the specialist devices: sat-navs specifically designed to be mounted on a bicycle handlebar. They are significantly more robust, the display is optimised for outdoor activities, cycling-specific map data is usually pre-installed, and they are easy to operate even when wearing gloves or with sweaty hands. Depending on the model, the range of functions even extends far beyond simple route planning; e-bike riders in particular benefit when route guidance and remaining battery range, for example, are combined. Sports enthusiasts are more likely to be interested in additional sensors that can be paired to monitor heart rate or pedalling power.

These two cycle computers are brand new:

>> Garmin Edge 1050: The crown jewel of cycling, now with a mobile phone-style display

>> Coros Dura cycle computer: Lightweight and with longer battery life – a rival for Garmin & Co.?

NED – The Land of Anti-Naviland

The Netherlands is famous for its cycling culture. The cycle path network is exceptionally well developed, and a clever system has been devised to help people find their way through the dense maze of routes. The easiest way is to follow the long-distance routes, which are colour-coded and run right across the country.

If you fancy a bit more variety, have a look at a map showing the so-called ‘Knooppunten’ before setting off – these ‘junctions’ each have two-digit numbers, which are repeated but not within the same region. When you reach a junction, the cycle routes leading off from it are each marked with the number of the next junction you need to reach. This makes it clear which way to turn. Ultimately, the route description consists simply of a sequence of these two-digit numbers, which you ‘work through’ junction by junction. It’s simple, almost like a game.

The Triumvirate of Navigation

The range of specialist devices isn’t actually that wide – not least because of competition from smartphones. We’ve identified seven serious manufacturers on the Central European market, of which Garmin, Sigma and Wahoo are currently taking the lion’s share of the market. They offer a wide range of models, from entry-level devices to high-tech sat-navs with over 1,000 features. We’ve taken a closer look at the models that offer the greatest benefits for touring cyclists, commuters and e-bike riders. Interestingly, they differ less in terms of accuracy and more in terms of their range of functions and hardware, so that, ultimately, the buying recommendations are quite clear-cut.

Incidentally, you’ll need to budget between 150 and 600 euros for a new device; that’s quite a wide range. As a rule of thumb: the more reliant you become on the device, the more worthwhile it is to opt for a top-of-the-range model. In other words: a basic device is sufficient for finding a destination in your own town or following a nearby route that you’ve downloaded from the internet. Anyone venturing out on self-planned multi-day tours in remote areas – and perhaps even abroad – should be prepared to spend considerably more.

>> Beeline Velo 2: A minimalist sat-nav on a tight budget.

>> The smartphone as a cycle sat-nav: a comparison of various apps and GPS devices.

>> Even more cycle sat-navis: a comparison test of 9 GPS devices for MTBs.

Garmin Edge Explore II: The top dog with good connections at the top

With navigation devices from sports electronics giant Garmin, people are effectively ‘going back to the routes’. You can tell that navigation is their speciality, both in terms of connection speed and the accuracy of the GPS position and map display. The range of features on the “Explore II” is, compared to the model tested, Garmin Edge 840 It’s a bit more straightforward, but you should still use a tablet or smartphone with the ‘Connect’ app to set it up.

Even though a number of activity profiles can automate the process, it takes a few hours just to explore all the functions. The display on the glossy yet still easy-to-read screen looks less fanciful and more genuinely topographical. The base maps are perfectly adequate for Central Europe, but Garmin charges a hefty price for specialised maps, such as those for Finland. The on-screen controls are good, partly due to the size of the display; combined with the responsive buttons, data entry is quite straightforward, though not quite as intuitive as on the Sigma Rox.

Reliable routes

The wealth of terrain information incorporated into the Garmin maps can sometimes overlap in areas with a very dense road network; however, the various highly detailed maps show virtually every path. Thanks to user data, the device knows which routes are heavily used and which are so rarely used that they may currently be impassable. The routes on the ‘Explore II’ are therefore the most reliable of the three; they are not particularly optimised for tourists, but rather for passability and traffic density.

The Garmin can also read data from most e-bike drives and incorporate it into route planning. Although you can integrate Strava, komoot and similar apps, the Connect app and the device itself are sufficient for route planning. It isn’t possible to enter an address, but you can navigate to POIs that have been added to the map. Alongside a crash alert function, an ever-present compass and an anti-theft alert, the device also has features that are a bit over the top: Being able to track group members (via an additional mobile connection) might be interesting, but a group chat on a vehicle’s display – that’s a step too far. The same applies to messages from spectators along the route.

Conclusion on the sat-nav

The touring specialist in the Garmin range is probably the “Edge 840/Edge 1040” is preferable; the more expensive models offer more features, but as a touring cyclist, you’ll rarely, if ever, use them. The top-quality hardware, the straightforward interface and the sophisticated outdoor maps of the newly released “Explore” make it the go-to choice for tech enthusiasts who want to be guided frequently, for long periods and far from home. Map updates aren’t cheap, but they’re very good!

Key facts about the Garmin Edge Explore II at a glance

• Manufacturer: Garmin
• Model, firmware: Edge Explore II
• Price (single unit/as a bundle): €299.99 / €399.99 (Power) >> available at Mountain time, Rosebikes or Amazon available
• Dimensions and weight (excluding bracket): 106 x 56 x 21 mm / 104 grams
• Satellites: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
• Altimeter/Compass/Gyroscope: barometric / yes / yes
• Display/Resolution: 3 inches / 240 x 400 pixels
• Instructions: 3 buttons, touchscreen
• Battery performance/charging time: 16 hours / 2.5 hours
• Storage: 16 GB
• GPS: Multiband GNSS
• Drive unit coupling: None, Pedelec assist integration
• Map/route formats: Garmin base maps, expandable
• Group Sharing: Group tracking / internal communication
• User profiles: all types of bikes, indoor mode
• Coaching: Planning and analysis functions
• Connectivity and sensors: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi, Vario Radar (complete)
• Third-party software: Strava, TrainingPeaks, Zwift, others (via app)
• Holder: Aero handlebar mount included

Review of the cycle sat-nav

• Instructions: 8 out of 10
• Display: 9 out of 10
• Battery performance/charging time: 9 out of 10
• Storage capacity: 7 out of 10
• Connectivity/Features: 10 out of 10
• Companion app: 10 out of 10
• Holder: 8 out of 10

Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2: An off-road sat-nav and coach in one

During set-up, the Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2 Very user-friendly; the best way to get started is with the accompanying app (Wahoo Elemnt Companion). This allows you, for example, to configure the display views brilliantly, with all changes applied to the device in real time. Short help texts give beginners confidence. Navigating the menu using six buttons might seem complicated given the hundreds of functions, but the system is clever and you’ll soon get the hang of it.

Unlike in the past, the buttons are easy to feel and operate, even when dirty or when wearing gloves. Tip: It’s better to set up several screens with fewer data fields and switch between the views. Although the display – the Elemnt’s standout feature – is easy to read in any position and from any angle and doesn’t reflect light, the font and layout can become confusing when there’s too much data. A nice touch: colours are used sparingly, which further enhances contrast and readability, just like the day-night mode.

Routing

Routing with the Wahoo is accurate and reliable, though it works better in the countryside than in urban areas. It took less than 30 seconds for the device to establish satellite contact after starting. Instead of an arrow, the Wahoo displays a sort of ‘worm’ that moves along the route, travelling further and further as the route you’ve covered turns into a black line. This form of display is clear on extensive networks of paths, but can obscure tricky junctions in the hustle and bustle of urban streets. A compass needle helps with orientation ahead of the arrow-worm. If there are many consecutive changes of direction, distance readings and direction arrows sometimes lag behind the turn-by-turn instructions; however, the re-routing feature quickly and reliably guides you back onto the right path should you ever get lost.

Like its competitors, the Wahoo also offers the option to navigate to the starting point. To do this, you need to plan an extra route using the app and transfer it to the device’s ‘Routes’ folder. Map management is handled exclusively via the app on your smartphone, which is why downloading new and/or updated maps only works if there is sufficient free storage space on your smartphone. As Wahoo has its roots in the sports sector, the device includes many features for training management or pairing with indoor trainers or other sensors, which are of less value to touring cyclists. Leisure cyclists are also unlikely to find the direct connection to training platforms particularly useful.

Conclusion on the sat-nav

Thanks to its robust hardware, a display that’s always easy to read and its core strengths in off-road routing, the Wahoo Elemnt Roam is our top pick for gravel cyclists and fitness enthusiasts. The fact that it’s operated via buttons rather than the touchscreen also appeals more to off-roaders who don’t mind if they miss a turn now and then. The price is just about acceptable.

Key facts about the Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2 at a glance

• Manufacturer: Wahoo
• Model, firmware: Elemnt Roam V2, WC46-16708
• Price (single unit/as a bundle): 400 euros / 500 euros >> available here
• Dimensions and weight (excluding bracket): 90 x 59 x 20 mm, 100 grams
• Satellites: 7 satellites
• Altimeter/Compass/Gyroscope: barometric / yes / yes
• Display/Resolution: 2.7 inches / 240 x 400 pixels
• Instructions: 6 buttons
• Battery performance/charging time: 15 hours / 3 hours
• Storage: 32 GB
• GPS: Multi-band GNSS
• Drive unit coupling: Shimano Di2, SRAM AXS
• Map/route formats: OSM Basics / GPX and TCX files
• Group Sharing: Public Route Sharing
• User profiles: four tyre tread patterns, indoor mode
• Coaching: Wahoo Sports Science Team, 5 workouts
• Connectivity and sensors: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi, USB-C, FE-C
• Third-party software: Strava, TrainerRoad, TrainingPeaks, Komoot
• Holder: Aero handlebar mounts, stem-mounted, both included

Review of the cycle sat-nav

• Instructions: 8 out of 10
• Display: 10 out of 10
• Battery performance/charging time: 9 out of 10
• Storage capacity: 10 out of 10
• Connectivity/Features: 8 out of 10
• PC application and mobile app: 10 out of 10
• Holder: 9 out of 10

Sigma Rox 12.1 Evo: Practical – Clever – Very simple

With the Sigma Rox Anyone who can operate a light switch can get to grips with it. Even without the Ride app, setting it up and navigating the menus using the large, illustrated tiles is a breeze; with a smartphone, some settings can be adjusted even more automatically. As the buttons on the side aren’t ideally positioned from an ergonomic point of view, the Rox is best operated via the excellent display, which only shows a slight glare when the sun is at its lowest point. The colours on the display are good here because they’re used across large areas rather than in small details. Even on different road surfaces, it’s clear where the ride is smooth and where it gets bumpy.

There are two minor snags: it takes more than a minute from pressing the ‘On’ button to the device being ready for use with GPS connection, and when stationary, the map often spins wildly around your location because the device lacks information on your direction of travel. If you get lost off-road, you’ll search in vain for a compass. On the other hand, there are some great tools specifically for route planning, such as the ‘Draw My Route’ function, where you can roughly sketch out the route on the map using your finger; the ‘Rox’ then converts this scribble into a route that’s usually excellent. The further-optimised OSM maps work brilliantly. Routes along selected points of interest were also easy to follow and well suited to the bike’s performance level.

Routing and more

If you stray from the route, the “Rox” doesn’t overreact and cleverly guides you back onto the route. Directions are provided in good time and are precise. Unlike its competitors, it can also navigate to postcodes; entering the address doesn’t take long, and the route was always the best one, even if not the shortest. E-bike riders will appreciate the feature that specifically adjusts routes to the battery’s remaining range, whilst fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the elevation profile of the remaining route. It’s compatible with almost all drive systems on the market. With a real-world battery life of 12 hours, the battery was sufficient in 99 per cent of all cases.

The wide range of bike types and sports profiles cuts down on preparation time, whilst the integration with komoot, for example, or the simple download of pre-prepared GPX tracks saves a lot of hassle. Only a limited number of tracks can be stored on the device itself, as the memory is relatively small. On the other hand, there’s a wide range of practical additional features. A crash alert notifies a contact person (mobile phone pairing required) of an accident and your location, whilst emergency details on the display help potential rescuers. Just as handy is the adjustable meal reminder, which can of course also remind you to drink regularly.

Conclusion on the sat-nav

With the Rox 12, Sigma has made a huge leap forward; its previous sat-nav devices were often rather half-baked. Apart from the battery and storage, the range of features, routing, graphics and, above all, ease of use are excellent! Thanks to the maps featuring roads and addresses, as well as the clever route-planning options, the Rox is – despite its price – our top recommendation for a touring sat-nav for all beginners, city-trippers, touring cyclists and those who aren’t tech-savvy.

Key facts about the Sigma Rox 12.1 Evo at a glance

• Manufacturer: Sigma
• Model, firmware: ROX 12.1 Evo, 1.40
• Price (single unit/as a bundle): 380 euros / 480 euros >> available here
• Dimensions and weight (excluding bracket): 95 x 58 x 21 mm, 109 grams
• Satellites: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
• Altimeter/Compass/Gyroscope: barometric / no / yes
• Display/Resolution: 3 inches / 240 x 400 pixels
• Instructions: 5 buttons, touchscreen
• Battery performance/charging time: 14 hours / 2 hours
• Storage: 8 GB
• GPS: Multiband GNSS
• Drive unit coupling: Shimano Di2
• Map/route formats: Sigma’s own map data, FIT files
• Group Sharing: no
• User profiles: all types of bikes, indoor mode
• Coaching: 6 sports profiles
• Connectivity and sensors: Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi, USB-C, FE-C
• Third-party software: Strava, TrainingPeaks, Komoot
• Holder: Aero handlebar mounts, stem-mounted, both included

Review of the cycle sat-nav

• Instructions: 10 out of 10
• Display: 9 out of 10
• Battery performance/charging time: 7 out of 10
• Storage capacity: 5 out of 10
• Connectivity/Features: 8 out of 10
• Companion app: 9 out of 10
• Holder: 10 out of 10

Practical tips: How to find your way to your destination safely

• In holiday destinations such as the Ruhr region, tourism associations often publish online GPX routes worth doing that include as many sights as possible. Sometimes these are themed routes, such as ‘gourmet trails’ or routes focusing entirely on ‘castles’.
• Avoiding hotspots: The ADFC advises avoiding tourist hotspots, particularly at weekends, on public holidays and during the holiday season, as it is virtually impossible to cycle smoothly in these areas. This can usually be done simply by dragging the marked route with your finger.
• The correct gait: Smart apps adapt the route to the selected bike; the mode should correspond as closely as possible to the bike being used – a gravel bike, for example, is not a mountain bike, and MTB routes are more technically challenging and steeper.
• Physical fitness and/or battery range Make sure you estimate this correctly when entering the data into the software; depending on the figures you enter, the route will include more or less elevation gain – for some, this is the highlight of a ride; for others, it spells an early end.
• Ensure a power supply: Navigation uses up quite a lot of battery power, particularly when using online routing on your mobile phone – around 2.5 times more than during everyday use. Carrying a power bank in your bag, attaching one to the handlebars, or having another power source on your bike will ensure it keeps working right up to your destination.
• Offline maps: This applies more to using your mobile phone for navigation – particularly when leaving built-up areas, download the map and route before setting off for safety’s sake; this saves battery power and prevents the app from failing when you’re out of mobile network coverage.
• Before setting off, just a few Make a note of the names of the villages along the planned route, so you can still find your way using signposts if the device ever breaks down.
• Keep your eyes peeled: Electronics can make mistakes too; routes change over time, and the previous user may have saved it incorrectly, so don’t just follow the route blindly – double-check the elevation profile and terrain mix before setting off.
• Act early: It is rare for routes to end in a dead end, e.g. due to fallen trees; in such cases, do not force your way along the electronic route. It is better to turn back at the obstacle, check the map to see whether a detour to the right or left seems more sensible, and follow the next junction. The active routing function will then switch over and suggest a new route.

Smartphone holders that we can recommend

If you prefer to use your smartphone rather than a dedicated cycle sat-nav for navigation, you don’t have to rely on a wobbly mount on your handlebars. Among other options, there are these highly functional and secure products.

Feschd Mobile Phone Holder Bundle

The adjustable mount from the start-up based in Gießen consists of an ultra-thin backing plate and a mortised holder; in addition to the powerful neodymium magnet, the stainless-steel bracket (which also acts as a stand) can be used for extra security. The magnet also sticks to a fridge or fitness equipment. The base plate is securely glued in place or integrated into a case (iPhone, Pixel, Samsung). The bike mount and mobile phone are indestructible, and the phone attaches in a second. Set including case: 68 euros.

Topeak Ridecase Mount

At the heart of this tried-and-tested system from Koblenz is the mount, which replaces the stem cap. It fits more securely than any clamp and is very discreet when not holding a mobile phone. iPhone users can clip their phone onto the Ridecase; everyone else will have to rely on the elastic rubber loops of the “Omni Ridecase” or the Drybag. Whether held horizontally or vertically, the mount cushions the phone’s journey over rough and smooth terrain, although the Apple version is certainly more reliable. Including case: €54.95 >> e.g. Available here at a reduced price.