Best Bike Speedometer: Reviews and Complete Buying Guide

Embarking on a cycling adventure is more than just a way to get from point A to point B. But to truly optimize your ride, you need the right gear and tools.

Enter the bike speedometer – a device that can take your cycling experience to the next level. With advanced features like cadence and distance tracking, these high-tech gadgets can be invaluable in achieving your riding goals.

But with so many options, how do you choose the best speedometer?

Fear not, as we’ve researched and tested to bring you the top-performing models that meet all the essential criteria for an enjoyable and efficient ride.

So, let’s dive into our findings and help you find the perfect speedometer to suit your biking needs!

In A Rush? Here Are Our Top Picks…

5 Of The Best Bike Speedometer On The Market

Bike Speedometer	Connectivity Type	Battery Life	Screen Size (inches)	Weight (oz)
Wahoo Fitness ELEMNT Bolt v2	Bluetooth	15 Hours	2.2	2.4
Bryton Rider 420T Bike Computer	Bluetooth	35 Hours	2.3	2.4
LEZYNE Mega XL	Bluetooth	48 Hours	2.7	2.8
Cateye Velo 9	Wired Speed Sensor	3 years	2.2	1.1
Garmin Edge 130 Plus	Bluetooth	12 Hours	1.8	0.8

We recently used the Wahoo ELEMNT. We were impressed by its aerodynamic design and ease of use. The setup process was quick and straightforward. The minimal hassle of tracking our ride is a big win.

The on-device turn-by-turn navigation is a handy feature. It helped us stay on track during our rides and saved us from getting lost.

We also found that the battery life lived up to the product’s claims, lasting up to 15 hours on a full charge. The USB-C charging capability is convenient, allowing for charging mid-ride if needed.

It’s a good size screen, and we didn’t have any issues during our rides. The 64-color screen and ambient light sensor made it easy to see the most relevant metrics at a glance.

While the ELEMNT Bolt V2 offers an impressive range of features, it requires a smartphone for its full functionality. Smartphone-less riders might find this limiting.

Lastly, the ELEMNT Bolt V2 is one of the more expensive models in this roundup. Still, we believe that the additional features and reliable performance justify the price.

Overall, if you’re a cyclist looking for a sleek, feature-rich, and easy-to-use GPS bike computer, the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt V2 is an excellent option.

The first thing we noticed was the crisp 2.3″ black and white display, which remained easy to read whether we were riding in bright sunlight or during nighttime.

One of our favorite features of this device is its remarkable 35-hour battery life. Easily tackle those lengthy rides without worrying about the speedometer running out of juice! 

Additionally, by supporting five satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BDS), the Bryton Rider 420T delivers a fast and strong signal. This provides accurate speed and distance information throughout a ride.

While we found the device’s overall performance satisfactory, there were a few minor drawbacks.

Firstly, the button placement took a bit of getting used to. The instructions for setting up some features could be clearer as well. To fully unlock the device’s potential, we had to download the Bryton Active app, which may not be ideal for some riders.
Nonetheless, the Bryton Rider 420T remains reliable and affordable for those seeking a feature-rich bike speedometer. The clear display, lengthy battery life, and satellite support make it an excellent investment for casual and avid cyclists.

The LEZYNE MEGA XL is an accurate and advanced data recording system to keep track of all your rides. Its GPS + Glonass satellite tracking offers an advanced and precise data recording system that every serious cyclist would appreciate.

One of the standout features of this device is the battery life. It can go up to 48 hours without needing a recharge. Perfect for long-distance cycling adventures. The large 2.7-inch display makes it easy to read essential stats at a glance, whether you’re hitting the road or tackling off-road trails.

Installation was a bit fiddly, and we’re not particularly tech-savvy! Follow the directions carefully, or consider seeking help if you’re unsure.

To get the most out of the Mega XL GPS Cycling Computer, it must also be paired with the Lezyne Ally app for real-time features. This may confuse less tech-savvy users, but it’s well worth the effort once you get the hang of it.

We recently got our hands on the CAT EYE Velo 9 Wired Bike Computer and were pleasantly surprised with its performance. The larger screen makes it easy to read the key stats, including current, max, average speed, total distance, etc.

The Velo 9 has a wired sensor, ensuring consistent and accurate readings. Additionally, the battery life lasts up to three years, so you can practically forget about it once you install it.

This speedometer also tracks the calories you burn and the carbon offset, which is a nice touch for eco-conscious cyclists.

On the other hand, the CAT EYE Velo 9 does have a few limitations. It does not have wireless connectivity. This might deter those who prefer a seamless setup and smartphone integration. Also, this model does not have advanced features like GPS and heart rate monitoring.

We encountered minor issues when trying to mount the speedometer on certain bikes, but we made it work with some adjustments.

Despite these shortcomings, the Velo 9 is an excellent choice for those looking for a basic and reliable bike speedometer at an affordable price. So, if you’re in the market for a no-frills, easy-to-use speedometer, try the CAT EYE Velo 9.

The Garmin Edge 130 Plus offers a perfect blend of functionalities that cater to the needs of avid cyclists.

Its simplified and rugged design features a crisp and sunlight-readable 1.8” display. This makes it easy to see your ride stats in any lighting situation.

Syncing structured indoor cycling and outdoor rides from apps like TrainingPeaks and TrainerRoad makes tracking your progress a breeze.

As we spent more time with this cycling computer, we found its dynamic performance insights, including VO2 max and heart rate, useful during our rides. Additionally, the ClimbPro feature helped us gauge our efforts during hilly rides.

With built-in GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo navigation, we never had to worry about losing our way. The turn prompts and breadcrumb maps ensured we always knew where we were and how to get back.

Though the Garmin Edge 130 Plus is slightly more expensive than other options, its comprehensive features and reliable performance make it a good choice for those looking to invest in a quality cycling computer.

The battery life of up to 12 hours allows for extended rides, though it may not be enough for longer trips. We also found the button input instead of a touchscreen a minor drawback.

 The Garmin Edge 130 Plus is a reliable, feature-packed GPS cycling computer worth considering for any biking enthusiast.

What Should You Consider In A Bike Speedometer?

If you feel overwhelmed looking for the best bike speedometer, don’t worry; we have you covered.

With bike tech so complicated, you need a list of the most important features you want in your chosen device. Here are some factors every bike owner needs to consider before buying a bike speedometer.

Wireless vs. Wired

One of the first decisions to make is whether you prefer a wireless or wired bike speedometer.

Wireless models offer a clean, clutter-free look on your handlebars and are typically easier to install. However, they may have a shorter battery life and can be slightly less reliable in signal strength compared to wired models.

Display

The display on the speedometer should be easy to read, even when riding in bright sunlight or low-light conditions. Some bike speedometers offer backlit displays, which can be helpful if you frequently ride in the evenings or early mornings.

Additionally, consider the size of the display and the font used, as larger text may be easier to read at a glance.

Data Geeks!

The main function of a bike speedometer is to collect different kinds of data. These include current speed, distance, and cadence. This may be enough for casual cyclists. Fitness and cyclist enthusiasts will require more data like trip distance, maximum speed, calories burnt, and total odometer.

The data collected is stored in the speedometer, depending on available storage. Some models can store only a few hours of data, while others, like the LEZYNE Mega XL, can store up to 800 hours for you to review later.

More expensive models can measure your heart rate and gradient, all in real-time.

Durability 

Your bike takes a lot of hits, especially if you are riding in rough terrain. A quality bike speedometer will withstand harsh impacts and all kinds of weather.

For off-road cyclists, having a durable speedometer will ensure it holds up during storms, harsh winds, and heat. If you regularly forget to take care of your devices, choose a model with a maintenance alert to ensure it works right until the next time you need to use it.

Battery Life

If you plan on cycling for hours on off-road trails or bikepacking, you will need a speedometer with a long-lasting battery. Longer battery life means you can rely on the bike speedometer no matter how far you ride.

Depending on the manufacturer, they can last anywhere from 25 hours to months. Some batteries are USB-rechargeable, so you can use your USB cable to power up when the battery runs low. There are also solar-powered speedometers that charge using light or sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions