New VDO GPS bike computers

The new VDO devices are designed to offer functions for every purpose: From everyday rides and e-bike tours to ambitious training, all areas of application are covered.

New VDO R4 and R5 GPS devices with smart navigation and app connection

The VDO R4 GPS is the device of choice in the R series for beginners and for those who want the benefits of a GPS device without spending large sums of money. The manufacturer promises 17 functions, a large, easy-to-read display and simple operation. The VDO R5 GPS bike computer offers more functions, 34 to be precise. Coupled with sensors for heart rate, for example, this device is the right choice for ambitious training.

The prices of the GPS devices are competitive:

• VDO R4 GPS: 79,95 Euro
• VDO R5 GPS: 99,95 Euro
• VDO R5 GPS in a complete set with heart rate and cadence sensor: 199,95 Euro

The functions of the VDO R4 GPS at a glance:

• Display of speed, distance and training time
• Connectivity to e-bike systems such as Shimano
• Display of e-bike-specific data such as current assistance level, battery status, light and other data
• Smart navigation functions
• App connection

The functions of the VDO R5 at a glance

The following features are added to the functions of the previous GPS device in the R5:

• Integrated air pressure sensor with barometric altitude measurement provides information on altitude, calculated inclines and declines
• Graphic elevation profile
• Sensors such as speed, heart rate and cadence sensors can be paired with ANT+ and BLE
• 2.4-inch display
• Up to 25 hours of battery life

Smart navigation and app connection

Tracks from other portals can be imported via the Sigma Ride app, which can be used to connect both GPS devices. If you have not planned a route, you can also use the "Search & Go" function to enter an address or select a point on the map as the destination to receive the track, including turn-by-turn directions, on the bike computer. Both can be clearly shown on the display. The bike computer now guides you to your destination and the mobile phone can stay in your pocket. The GPS device does not need to be connected to the smartphone for navigation, as tracks can also be started directly on the device.

No more missed calls and see live training data

Missed messages are a thing of the past. Smart notifications inform you of incoming calls and messages during your bike tour.

The training views provide live information about the training data and the route travelled on the map at any time during the ride. Up to six such training pages can be customised via the Sigma Ride app. The setting of training pages via the app is a familiar feature from competitors such as Wahoo and was also recently introduced at Garmin, for example at the Edge 1040 and the Edge Explore 2.

Training analysis after the ride

After training, the training data appears immediately in the app and can be analysed further. The Sigma Ride app shows the personal successes of the last few weeks, months or even years in the statistics menu. This is intended to motivate cyclists to keep challenging themselves. The app also allows experiences and successes to be quickly shared on social networks such as Strava, Komoot and TrainingPeaks.

Other simple bike computers from the R series

VDO R1

The VDO R1 and R2 bike computers provide the most important bike tour data, GPS and navigation are not included.

The current speed, distance, total distance, journey time and time can be read off the R1. Large buttons allow you to switch between the data pages. In addition to the basic functions, the R2 measures the temperature, the average speed comparison and the maximum speed. Both devices are available as wireless and wired versions.

Prices for the wired (WR) and wireless (WL) versions of the R1 and R2 bike computers:

• VDO R1 WR: 19,95 Euro
• VDO R1 WL: 39.95 Euro
• VDO R2 WR: 29,95 Euro
• VDO R2 WL: 49.95 Euro

VDO R3

The R3 is only available wirelessly. It has more functions and an integrated altimeter, which provides data on the current altitude, current incline and decline, altitude metres uphill, total altitude metres uphill and the maximum altitude of the tour. The following features are also included:

• Backlight for twilight or darkness
• Can be used on up to two bikes
• Monthly summary in a kind of training diary
• can be coupled with a cadence sensor
• Battery life of more than two years

Price:

• VDO R3 WL: 84.95 Euro

What alternatives are there?

BIKE has 9 GPS devices for MTB compared.