Bike sat navs put to the test: Which bike computer leads you to your destination most reliably?
Timo Dillenberger
· 24.06.2024
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Some people even enjoy it, but I find route planning a real pain. Depending on the type and age of the map material, after hours of optimisation you can't even be sure whether the ideal route on paper is also the best one through the city, woods and fields or perhaps ends in dead ends, leads along unrideable paths or includes ramps and stairs for which I have to get off the saddle. The Netherlands has been a notable exception in this respect: navigating by means of junctions and the dense and evenly distributed network of cycle paths in our neighbouring country makes cycling without a map a pleasure.
More and more often, however, the bike is becoming part of the holiday, and more and more people are managing significantly longer distances - thanks to the auxiliary drive or more regular training. However, more range also means more junctions, more possible destinations and more chances of getting completely lost. In the course of our day-to-day testing, we were able to try out quite a few situations with various navigation options.
To summarise: apart from the search for a real adventure, there are hardly any other valid reasons not to be guided by electronics. There are fewer nasty surprises, you can plan more boldly, you can find food, shelter or help much more quickly if necessary, you save time when planning and can approach interesting points along the route much more efficiently, and you know much sooner than from the signposting what is still to come.
Bike sat navs: Better than Google?
In addition to the classic map and the written record as in the node system, there are three electronic options for guidance. The standard today is the smartphone with Google Maps as a sat nav app. However, if you are prepared to spend a few euros, specialised apps offer significantly more safety and user convenience than Google, especially for cycle tourists and users of less civilised roads. The investment in the komoot app in particular, with its hundreds of thousands of route suggestions from other users, is absolutely worth the 30 euros for all the maps in the world. We've also had some great trips with Bikemap, Outdooractive, Niviki, Locus Map and Maps.me.
They all offer safe routing with different focal points as well as strengths and weaknesses, which will have to be listed in one of the next issues. Route planning and guidance are excellent with the apps listed, but the problem with smartphones in general is that they require a permanent internet connection: Navigating with free online maps and very up-to-date data on the route requires a permanent internet connection, the data transfer and the additional app plus the consistently activated display heat up the device and really eat up the battery. Even the latest models can hardly last more than three hours.
Mobile phones, smartwatches and bike sat navs
Then there's the problematic handlebar attachment, because fumbling your mobile phone out of your pocket at every junction is no fun either. There are plenty of mobile phone holders, but most of them are only suitable for short distances on smooth roads. Promises of vibration-free and bombproof hold even on downhill tracks have not really been confirmed so far. Two smartphone holders that stood out extremely positively in our tests can be found below.
Route guidance via smartwatch is not quite as widespread. Most outdoor GPS watches allow route guidance via a map or turn-by-turn instructions, although the route display as a map on the small displays is usually overloaded, and the lengthy route entry without a keypad is reminiscent of car sat navs from the 90s. Here we clearly prefer the display with arrows and distances to the next turn.
The specialists are a much safer bet: sat navs specially developed for mounting on a bike handlebar. They are much more robust, the display is optimised for outdoor activities and bike-optimised map material is usually pre-installed, and they are easy to operate even with gloves or sweaty hands. Depending on the model, the range of functions even goes far beyond pure routing tasks; pedelec riders in particular benefit from the fact that route guidance and remaining battery range are combined, for example. Sports enthusiasts are more interested in additional connectable sensors for heart rate or pedalling power.
These two bike computers are brand new:
NED - The Antinaviland
The Netherlands is famous for its cycling culture. The network of cycle paths is excellent and an intelligent system has been developed to help you find your way through the dense maze of routes. The easiest routes to follow are the long-distance routes, which are colour-coded and lead through the entire country.
If you want more variety, take a look at a map with the so-called "Knooppunten" before setting off - these "junctions" each have two-digit numbers, which are assigned several times, but not in one region. When you reach a junction, the cycle paths leading off are labelled with the number of the next junction to be reached. This makes turning off clear. At the end of the day, the record consists only of a series of these two-digit numbers, which you "work through" junction by junction. It's simple, almost playful.
The triumvirate of navigation
The range of specialised devices on offer is not even that big - not least because of the competition from smartphones. There are seven serious manufacturers on the Central European market, of which Garmin, Sigma and Wahoo are currently taking the biggest pieces of the pie. They offer a range of models from entry-level devices to high-tech devices with over 1000 features. We have taken a closer look at the one with the greatest benefits for touring cyclists, commuters and e-bikers. Interestingly, they differ less in terms of accuracy and more in terms of functionality and hardware, resulting in fairly clear recommendations for purchase.
Incidentally, you have to budget between 150 and 600 euros for a new device; that's quite a wide range. Rule of thumb: The more dependent you are on the device, the more worthwhile a top model is. In other words, a simple device is sufficient for searching for a destination in your own city or travelling a nearby route that you have downloaded from the internet. If you want to go on self-planned multi-day tours in remote areas and possibly even abroad, you should spend considerably more.
Garmin Edge Explore II: top dog with a good connection to the top
With navigation devices, the people at sports electronics giant Garmin are going "back to the routes", so to speak. The fact that navigation is their speciality can be seen both in the connection time and in the precision of the GPS position and map preparation. The range of functions of the "Explore II" is limited compared to the tested Garmin Edge 840 somewhat more manageable, 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 discover all the functions. The presentation on the glossy, yet easy-to-read display looks less playful than truly topographical. The basic maps are fully sufficient for Central Europe, but Garmin charges well for special maps, such as those of Finland. Operation via the screen is also good due to the size of the display; in combination with the sensitive buttons, input is quite simple, even if not as intuitive as with the Sigma Rox.
Reliable routes
The large amount of landscape information that is incorporated into the Garmin maps can overlap if the road network is very dense, but virtually every path is marked on the various very detailed maps. Thanks to user data, the device knows which paths are heavily frequented and which are so infrequent that they may not be passable at the moment. The routes of the "Explore II" are therefore the most reliable of the three, not optimised for tourism, but rather for drivability and traffic density.
The Garmin can also read out the data from most e-bike drives and integrate it into the routing. Although Strava, komoot etc. can be integrated, the Connect app and device are sufficient for route planning. It is not possible to enter an address, but POIs entered in the map can be travelled to. In addition to the crash alarm function, an omnipresent compass and an anti-theft warning, the device also has functions that are a bit too much: Being able to locate group members (via additional mobile phone connection) may be interesting, but a group chat on the display of a vehicle - that's a step too far. This also 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"; the more expensive devices offer more functions, but you will rarely or never use them as a touring cyclist. The best hardware, the sober display and the sophisticated outdoor maps of the new "Explore" make it the choice for technology enthusiasts who want to be guided far from home for a long time. Map extensions are not cheap, but they are very good!
The most important facts about the Garmin Edge Explore II at a glance
- Manufacturer: Garmin
- Model, firmware: Edge Explore II
- Price device/as bundle: 299.99 Euro / 399.99 Euro (Power) >> at Mountain time, Rosebikes or Amazon available
- Dimensions and weight (without holder): 106 x 56 x 21 mm / 104 grammes
- Satellites: GPS, Glonass, Galileo
- Altimeter/compass/gyroscope: barometric / yes / yes
- Display/resolution: 3 inch / 240 x 400 pixels
- Operation: 3 buttons, touch display
- Battery performance/charging time: 16 hours / 2.5 hours
- Memory: 16 GB
- GPS: Multiband GNSS
- Coupling drive group: none, pedelec assist integration
- Maps/route formats: Garmin base maps, expandable
- Group Sharing: Group tracking / internal communication
- User profiles: all wheel types, indoor mode
- Coaching: Planning and analysis functions
- Connectivity and sensors: Bluetooth, ANT+, WLAN, Vario Radar comp.
- Third Party Software: Strava, TrainingPeaks, Zwift, others (via app)
- Holder: Aero handlebar holder included
Evaluation of the bike sat nav
- Operation: 8 from 10
- Display: 9 from 10
- Battery performance/charging time: 9 from 10
- Storage capacity: 7 from 10
- Connectivity/range of functions: 10 from 10
- Companion app: 10 from 10
- Holder: 8 from 10
Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2: Off-road sat nav and coach in one
The set-up shows the Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2 Very user-friendly, the best way to get started is with the accompanying app (Wahoo Elemnt Companion). This is a great way to configure the display views, for example, and all changes are implemented ad hoc on the device. Small help texts provide security for beginners. The six-button menu navigation may seem complicated given the hundreds of functions, but the system is clever and immediately becomes second nature.
Unlike in the past, the buttons are easy to feel and operate even when dirty or wearing gloves. Tip: Rather create several screens with few data fields and change the views. Although the display, the centrepiece of the Elemnt, is easy to read in any position and from any angle and does not reflect, the font and layout can be confusing if there is too much data. Nice: Colours are used discreetly, which increases contrast and legibility even more, just like the day/night mode.
Routing
Routing with the Wahoo is accurate and reliable, but works better over land 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 kind of "worm" along the route, which moves on and on, while the route travelled becomes a black line. This form of visualisation is clear for extensive route networks, but can obscure tricky forks in urban streets. A compass needle in front of the arrow worm helps with orientation. If you change direction many times in succession, the distance and direction arrows sometimes lag behind the turn-by-turn directions, although the re-routing function quickly and reliably points you in the right direction if you make a mistake.
Like its competitors, the Wahoo also offers the option to navigate to the starting point. To do this, an extra route must be planned with the app and transferred to the "Routes" folder on the device. The map management only works in the app on the smartphone, which is why the download of new and/or updated maps only works if there is sufficient buffer memory on the smartphone. As Wahoo comes from the sports sector, the device implements many functions for training control or coupling with indoor trainers or other sensors, which are less valuable for touring bikers. The direct connection to training platforms will also be less enjoyable for the connoisseur.
Conclusion on the sat nav
The Wahoo Elemnt Roam is our tip for gravel bikers and athletes due to its robust hardware, display that is always legible and its core competences in routing away from the city. Operation via buttons rather than the touch display also appeals more to off-roaders who don't care if they miss a turn-off. The price is just about right.
The most important facts about the Wahoo Elemnt Roam V2 at a glance
- Manufacturer: Wahoo
- Model, firmware: Elemnt Roam V2, WC46-16708
- Price device/as bundle: 400 Euro / 500 Euro >> available here
- Dimensions and weight (without holder): 90 x 59 x 20 mm,100 gram
- Satellites: 7 Satellites
- Altimeter/compass/gyroscope: barometric / yes / yes
- Display/resolution: 2.7 inch / 240 x 400 pixels
- Operation: 6 buttons
- Battery performance/charging time: 15 hours / 3 hours
- Memory: 32 GB
- GPS: Multi-band GNSS
- Coupling drive group: Shimano Di2, SRAM AXS
- Maps/route formats: OSM base / GPX, TCX files
- Group Sharing: Public Route Sharing
- User profiles: four wheel profiles, indoor mode
- Coaching: Wahoo Sports Science Team, 5 workouts
- Connectivity and sensors: Bluetooth, ANT+, WLAN, USB- C, FE-C
- Third Party Software: Strava, TrainerRoad, TrainingPeaks, Komoot
- Holder: Aero handlebar bracket, stem mounting, both incl.
Evaluation of the bike sat nav
- Operation: 8 from 10
- Display: 10 from 10
- Battery performance/charging time: 9 from 10
- Storage capacity: 10 from 10
- Connectivity/range of functions: 8 from 10
- PC application and mobile phone app: 10 from 10
- Holder: 9 from 10
Sigma Rox 12.1 Evo: Practical - Clever - Very simple
With the Sigma Rox Anyone who knows how to operate a light switch will be able to use it. Even without the Ride app, set-up and menu navigation is a breeze using the large illustrated tiles; with a smartphone, settings can be made even more automatically. Because the buttons are not ideally positioned on the side, the Rox is best operated via the good display, which only reflects a little when the sun is low. The colours of the display are good here because they are flat and not small. Even on different road surfaces, it is clear where it is rolling well and where it is rough.
Two small snags: It takes more than a minute from the on button to the device being ready for operation with GPS contact, and when stationary, the map often rotates wildly around the location because the device then lacks the direction of travel. If you get lost off-road, you will look in vain for a compass. However, there are great aids for route planning, such as the "draw my route" function, which allows you to roughly sketch out the route on the map with your finger, and the "Rox" converts the squiggle into a mostly excellent route. The further optimised OSM maps work brilliantly. Routes along selected points of interest were also easy to ride and adapted to the performance level.
Routing and more
If you leave the route, the "Rox" does not react frantically and cleverly guides you back to the route. Instructions are timely and precise. In contrast to the competition, you can also go to postal addresses, it doesn't take long to enter the address and the route is always the best, if not the shortest. E-bikers will be pleased with the battery's remaining range, specially adapted to routes, while sports enthusiasts will be pleased with the altitude profile of the remaining distance. It is compatible with almost all drive systems on the market. At 12 hours in real terms, the battery lasted 99 per cent of the time.
The many bike type and sport profiles shorten the preparation time, and the connection to komoot, for example, or the simple download of prepared gpx tracks is easy on the nerves. Only a limited number of tracks can be archived on the device itself and the memory is comparatively small. On the other hand, the range of practical additional functions is extensive. A crash alarm informs a contact person (mobile phone pairing is required) about the accident and position, emergency data on the display helps potential rescuers. Just as practical: the adjustable food alarm, which can of course also remind you to drink regularly.
Conclusion on the sat nav
Sigma has made a huge leap forward with the Rox 12; the sat navs of the past were often rather half-baked. Apart from the battery and memory, the range of functions, routing, graphics and, above all, operation are excellent! Because of the maps with streets and addresses as well as the clever route planning options, the Rox is our touring sat nav tip for all beginners, city trippers, touring cyclists and anti-technology nerds, despite the price.
The most important facts about the Sigma Rox 12.1 Evo at a glance
- Manufacturer: Sigma
- Model, firmware: ROX 12.1 Evo, 1.40
- Price device/as bundle: 380 Euro / 480 Euro >> available here
- Dimensions and weight (without holder): 95 x 58 x 21 mm, 109 grammes
- Satellites: GPS, Glonass, Galileo
- Altimeter/compass/gyroscope: barometric / no / yes
- Display/resolution: 3 inch / 240 x 400 pixels
- Operation: 5 buttons, touch display
- Battery performance/charging time: 14 hours / 2 hours
- Memory: 8 GB
- GPS: Multiband GNSS
- Coupling drive group: Shimano Di2
- Maps/route formats: Sigma's own map material, fit files
- Group Sharing: no
- User profiles: all wheel types, indoor mode
- Coaching: 6 sports profiles
- Connectivity and sensors: Bluetooth, ANT+, WLAN, USB-C, FE-C
- Third Party Software: Strava, TrainingPeaks, Komoot
- Holder: Aero handlebar bracket, stem mounting, both incl.
Evaluation of the bike sat nav
- Operation: 10 from 10
- Display: 9 from 10
- Battery performance/charging time: 7 from 10
- Storage capacity: 5 from 10
- Connectivity/range of functions: 8 from 10
- Companion app: 9 from 10
- Holder: 10 from 10
Practical tips: How to reach your destination safely
- In holiday regions such as the Ruhr area, tourism associations often publish online worthwhile gpx tours that include as many sights as possible. Sometimes there are also themed routes such as "gourmet trails" or everything on the subject of "castles".
- Avoid hotspots: The ADFC advises cyclists to avoid the tourist epicentres, especially on weekends, public holidays and holiday days, because smooth cycling is hardly possible in these areas. This can usually be achieved by simply dragging the marked route with your finger.
- The right pace: Intelligent apps adapt the route to the selected vehicle, the mode should also correspond as closely as possible to the bike used, a gravel bike, for example, is not a mountain bike, MTB routes are technically harder and steeper.
- Physical fitness and/or battery range The set-up adds more or less altitude metres according to the information given; for some the salt of a tour, for others the premature end.
- Ensure power supply: Navigation consumes a lot of battery capacity, especially when routing online with a mobile phone - around 2.5 times more than with everyday use. A power bank in your luggage, on the handlebars or another power source on the bike will ensure that it continues to function until you reach your destination.
- Offline maps: This applies more to navigation by mobile phone - especially when leaving populated areas, download the map and route before setting off to be on the safe side, this saves battery and prevents failures away from the mobile phone network.
- Before starting your journey, a few Note the names of towns along the planned routeThis way, you can also find the direction using a signpost if the device fails.
- Keep your eyes open: Electronics also make mistakes, routes change over time, the predecessor may have saved incorrectly, so don't follow the route blindly, check the elevation and surface mix before starting the journey.
- React early: Rarely do routes end in a dead end, e.g. due to fallen trees, in which case do not force your way along the electronic line. It is better to turn round at the obstacle, check the map to see whether it makes more sense to turn left or right and then follow the next junction. The active routing function will then change and suggest a new route.
Smartphone mounts that we can recommend
If you prefer to use your smartphone instead of your own bike sat nav as a navigation companion, you don't have to rely on a wobbly structure on the handlebars. These highly functional and safe products are just some of the options available.
Feschd mobile phone holder bundle
The variable mount from the start-up from Giessen consists of the super-thin carrier plate and the mortised holder; in addition to the strong neodymium magnet, the stainless steel bracket (also a stand) can be used for additional security. The magnet also holds on to the fridge or fitness equipment. The base plate is securely glued or integrated into a case (iPhone, Pixel, Samsung). The bike holder and mobile phone are indestructible and the mobile phone can be attached in a second. Set including case: 68 euros.
Topeak Ridecase Mount
The centrepiece of the tried-and-tested system from Koblenz is the holder, which is replaced with the front cover. It sits tighter than any clamp and is very inconspicuous without a mobile phone. iPhone users can attach their mobile phone with the Ridecase, all others must rely on the elastic rubber loops of the "Omni Ridecase" or the Drybag. The holder cushions the phone over hill and dale, either horizontally or vertically, although the Apple version is more reliable. Case included: 54.95 euros >> e.g. available here at a reduced price.
