Preparing for outdoor cycling with a bike computer.
I have had a look around and here are two of the best value bike computers.
The Garmin 530 and Wahoo Bolt V2 are both GPS cycling computers that provide navigation and performance tracking. Here are a few key differences between the two:
- Mapping: The Garmin 530 has more advanced mapping capabilities, including 3D mapping and turn-by-turn navigation. The Wahoo Bolt V2 does not have these features.
- Display: The Garmin 530 has a larger display, with a 5-inch diagonal color screen, compared to the 2.2-inch diagonal color screen on the Wahoo Bolt V2.
- Connectivity: The Wahoo Bolt V2 has integrated ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity, which allows it to connect to a wider range of sensors and accessories. The Garmin 530 also has Bluetooth connectivity, but not ANT+.
- Battery life: The Wahoo Bolt V2 has a longer battery life, with up to 15 hours of GPS use compared to the Garmin 530’s battery life of up to 20 hours.
Ultimately, the choice between the two devices will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for more advanced mapping capabilities and a larger display, the Garmin 530 might be a better choice. If you want longer battery life and wider connectivity, the Wahoo Bolt V2 might be the way to go.
Is there any other bike computers you’d recommend?
Yes, there are many other bike computers on the market that are worth considering, depending on your needs and budget. Some other options include:
- Lezyne Mega XL: This is a full-featured GPS cycling computer with a large, high-resolution display, long battery life, and robust mapping capabilities.
- Bryton Rider 450: This is a budget-friendly GPS cycling computer that still provides a lot of features, including turn-by-turn navigation, performance tracking, and compatibility with a wide range of sensors.
- Polar V650: This is a high-end GPS cycling computer that provides advanced performance tracking, including power meter compatibility and training analysis.
- Edge 1030 Plus: This is a top-of-the-line GPS cycling computer from Garmin that provides an even larger display and more advanced mapping and navigation capabilities.
- CatEye Padrone Smart: This is a budget-friendly GPS cycling computer that uses your smartphone’s GPS to track your ride and provide performance data.
These are just a few of the many options available, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
This is a good review. I was looking into a GPS bike computer, in particularly the Wahoo Bolt. I was wondering about screen visiblity in bright sun. Do you think one is better than the other?
I use the Garmin Edge 530 since some years without any probs. The 830 is the similar model but with touchscreen. I prefer the 530, it works in bad weather and with gloves. Screen is large enough for navigation an works perfect togehter with the strava tourplanning. My choice, cheers Tom, Muckers Worldwide swiss chapter.
cheers for the comment Thomas. I’ve recently put the 530 on my road bike and hope it works as I want it to when I finally get out in the real world…..
A little clarification here: the 530 also has ANT+ connectivity, I think even the cheapest garmin gadgets have that.
I myself have a 830 a few years ago, no problem in bad weather, even in rain I can use the touchscreen. (garmin is doing great here, it is much better than smartphones)
But be sure to be in great control of the bike, while messing around on the screen, looking for a streets, etc on the garmins map… 😉
An also – to be honest-, the garmin’s mapping feature is not a very sharp one. To find a street, find anything there, is a pain in the ass, it’s easier to take your phone and get the googlemaps. But, eg. if you have a planned route in your garmin’s online site, or even in strava, then it is easy to get those to your edge, and then it navigates nicely.