Best bike computers for triathletes | 220 Triathlon

Bike computers will help you chart your progress and even help you get home again. But which computer is worth your biking dollar? We test 12 of the best bike computers from £54

Bike computers are a staple of the triathlete’s gear armoury; in fact, they’re still omnipresent even when armed with a multisport watch.

That’s because by sitting on either your stem or bars, they’re easily seen no matter what speed you’re riding at. Or they should be…

In general, the larger the screen size, the easier the info is to read, though pixelated digits or a small font often mean that’s not the case. This is key if you’re relying on your computer for navigation so, when appropriate, check its resolution.

For the most marginal of gainers, obviously the larger the screen, the less aerodynamic a computer is, though that’s a minor sacrifice worth making if it’s easy to navigate via a touchscreen. This is especially important when wearing gloves. But large usually means more features and that means extra cost.

If you choose a GPS model, you’ll have to decide between a ‘backward-looking’ or ‘forward-looking’ model. Backward-looking are favoured by riders who tap into portals like Strava as they offer live data, plus detailed post-ride analysis.

‘Forward-looking’ features built-in maps to tick that navigational box, meaning additional storage and a larger screen. Of course, this all comes at an extra cost.

The best bike computers for triathletes should also feature Bluetooth as standard, making it easy to sync your data to your smartphone for ride analysis. Look out for ANT+ connectivity as well, which will enable the computer to pair with all your sensors (heart rate monitor, power meter, multisport watch etc) simulataneously.

More affordable models strip features right down but don’t let that put you off – for many, speed and distance is enough.

Read on for our complete list of the best bike computers for triathlon.

The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt provides all you want in a bike computer at lower cost to the Roam Score: 90%

Pros

Cons

If there’s one thing that any piece of fitness tech needs to be, it’s easy to use. Fortunately, Wahoo’s new 16GB Elemnt Bolt ticks that box with aplomb.

From the app, you can easily import GPX files, review previous rides, upload rides to compatible apps like Strava, and customise the data fields that your device displays.

Updates to navigation are where you’d expect the Bolt to really show its value, and it’s fair to say it does the job really well. It’s easy to send routes to your device via Bluetooth and the GPS picks up signal in no time at all.

When following a route, turn-by-turn directions appear on screen, while piercing beeps let you know when you’re coming up to a turn (thankfully, these can be turned off). Roundabouts are shown by a circular symbol, with a number in the middle denoting which exit you should take.

Meanwhile, the new options to retrace your ride to the start or to take you to the start of a route are really handy and well thought-through additions.

The ‘take me to’ navigation function, which allows you to pinpoint a location on the map for the Bolt to then direct you to. This can be done in the app, or on the Bolt itself, so there’s no need to create and send over a route on an extra device via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Like the original Bolt, battery life is impressive, with a six-hour ride only draining 35% of the claimed 15-hour reserve. If you like the look of the Wahoo Roam but fancy a smaller, more aerodynamic option, the new Bolt has it all and is £50 less, too.

Find out more in our full Wahoo Elemnt Bolt review

If you want the best bike computer no matter the cost, the Garmin Edge 1050 fits the bill Score: 88%

Pros

Cons

The Garmin Edge 1050 trades the Edge 1040’s huge battery life for a brighter and clearer screen which is visible even in murky light. It will still run for a respectable 20 hours though.

The brand also seems to have improved usability and made the touchscreen more responsive relative to the Edge 1040 while adding beneficial features.

You can now alert other cyclists to road hazards, make contactless payments and invite your mates to group rides.

A-to-B navigation, where you enter a destination on the computer, is excellent, and the Edge 1050 will notify you when you’re about to hit a different surface.

Our tester found the GPS signal was accurate and sustained. Potentially this explains why the Edge 1050’s sensitivity to gradient changes seems more acute.

The Edge 1050 will connect to all the sensors and provide all the data you could wish for.

Costing £20 more than the Edge 1040, the only real fault of this outstanding bike computer is the price.

A fantastic cycling computer that’s also one of the priciest around Score: 87%

Pros

Cons

Given its price, you’d hope the Garmin Edge 1040 Solar has a lot going for it and, luckily, it does. Set up and connectivity with the Garmin Connect app and any sensors is painless, usability is impressive and the great touchscreen and buttons come together to form a winning combo.

It’s easy to load up routes via Garmin Connect and navigation is as good as you’d expect, too, with the accurate multi-band GPS doing its job well. The turn-by-turn directions and off-course rerouting both hold up to scrutiny, too.

There’s also a host of performance data, including recommended power targets, remaining stamina and training status, while you can even sync training plans. Battery life is up to 45 hours in heavy use, but you can get more out if it if you’re using less features.

Read our full Garmin Edge 1040 Solar review here

A decent bike computer but slightly rough around the edges Score: 77%

Pros

Cons

The Rider S800 T tops Bryton’s cycling computer range and looks the part with its 3.4-inch touchscreen and sleek profile.

The touchscreen is simple to use but the closely spaced side buttons are trickier to press.

Bryton sells the bike computer in a bundle made up of a heart rate monitor and cadence and speed sensors. It’ll connect to all these and more sophisticated devices, such as power meters, electronic groupsets and rear-view radars.

Navigation generally works well and Bryton has its own climber feature, which alerts you to and previews upcoming climbs.

To make the touchscreen easier to read, you have to turn the brightness up high, which drains the battery quicker than you’d hope.

The Rider S800 T will pair to your phone via Bluetooth, but not Wi-Fi, unlike many of the best bike computers.

Read our full Bryton Rider S800 T review

Does the job, but is more expensive than decent alternatives Score: 82%

Pros

Cons

Bryton’s second-tier bike computer is full of real-time performance data and practical navigation features. A good pick for fans of big screens, the 3.4in colour touchscreen with ambient light sensor is crisp and clear, while the simple map graphics do the job in terms of navigation.

Routes can be created on compatible apps like Strava and uploaded via Bluetooth, with no reliance on a phone to record. The Bryton warns the rider of turns ahead with a distance countdown, though doesn’t differentiate between junctions and bends, while it’ll reroute you if you go off course.

Syncing additional sensors via ANT+ is straightforward, offering additional insight into heart rate, cadence and power, alongside built-in metrics of elevation, speed and temperature.

A handy climb-segment feature, which indicates the start of a climb (on pre-loaded routes), lets you know the duration and elevation remaining. Battery life is up to 36 hours.

A promising first bike computer with room for improvement Score: 77%

Pros

Cons

The solar-charging-equipped Coros Dura is claimed to last for a massive 120 hours in GPS mode while costing far less than the Garmin’s solar model.

Training features are another of the Dura’s strong suits. Suggested workouts, preloaded sessions and training plans are available to sync on to the computer via the intuitive Coros app.

If you already own a Coros watch, the Dura will automatically pair with it once detected, potentially making it one of the best bike computers for triathletes.

Coros appears to have rectified most of the initial issues with navigation. We still found routing worked less well off-road than on tarmac.

Since the touchscreen is so simple to ease, the inclusion of a side dial seems unwarranted.

Still one of the best bike computers but requires a refresh Score: 78%

Pros

Cons

Released in 2022, the second generation Wahoo Elemnt Roam is showing its age, but still functions as well as the best bike computers for triathletes.

As we’ve come to expect from Wahoo, the Roam is intuitive to use and promptly syncs with your phone once you’ve made the initial connection.

Compared to Garmin screens, the Roam’s 2.7-inch, 240 x 400 pixel display could be sharper, and it’s not touchscreen.

The Roam is good at finding and retaining a GPS signal. But if you ride off course, it doesn’t always lead you back to the route in the quickest way possible.

We really like the Summit feature, which colour-codes the gradients of climbs as you ascend them and calculates the time remaining to the top.

Bright screen and decent navigation, but not as slick as others Score: 78%

Pros

Cons

The Dash L200 does a lot well. The 2.7in screen is bright, GPS pick-up is accurate and pairing with a phone is easy. The button controls are also user-friendly, even with gloves, while adding sensors is straightforward and can be done via ANT+ or Bluetooth.

Navigation is also decent. You can create a route in the Stages app, import one from third-party apps like Strava or transfer a GPX via USB, but only the former will include turn-by-turn instructions. There’s plenty of data at your disposal while riding, including power and heart rate if sensors are connected. We’re a fan of the optional drink/eat reminders, too.

Unfortunately, the only web-based software available is the subscription-only Stages Link website, which we felt was in need of an update, as syncing it with our app and device was less than seamless. Battery life is up to 10hrs in standard mode and 18hrs in reduced power mode.

A competent but unspectacular bike computer Score: 78%

Pros

Cons

The first thing that strikes is the large size of the M460, especially compared to the Garmin Edge 130 Plus. Despite this, it’s not as clear to see on the fly. That mild lack of clarity sums up a solid computer.

GPS pick-up proves swift and there’s the Strava Live feature, which tells you when a segment is approaching and then, in real time, gives you your results (it includes a 60-day trial of Strava Summit). There’s a wealth of training features, yet you’ll need the HR package that’s £199.50.

It’s worth the extra spend to tap into common Polar hits such as a 5-min fitness test, training-load feedback and session planning, all analysed further via Polar’s usable Flow app. Power metrics are available, but you’ll need a power meter. Battery life is 15-16hrs.

A superb and innovative training tool at a good price Score: 88%

Pros

Cons

The standout feature of the Garmin Edge 130 Plus is the training plans section, where you can wirelessly send workouts from Garmin Connect and third-party apps (i.e. Training Peaks). It’s a smart tool for making every session count.

That training detail stretches to the ClimbPro feature where you can see the remaining ascent and gradient when following a pre-loaded route. Beyond gauging your effort, it’s a useful addition to plan fuel intake.

The Edge 130 Plus also comes with Incident Detection, and there’s MTB Dynamics for those of you who boost fitness via mountain biking. As for the basics, satellite pick-up is adequate and the interface is crisp. Battery life’s up to 12hrs and the price rises to £219.99 with a HR strap.

Costing under £200 / $200, the Edge 130 Plus proves you don’t have to spend a shed load on the best bike computers for triathletes.

Good sensor connectivity but struggles with navigation Score: 68%

Pros

Cons

At sub-£150 / $150, Lezyne’s Super Pro GPS is one of the cheapest bike computers we’ve tested.

In terms of navigation, routes can be made via the Lezyne Root website and GPS Ally app. There’s also the function to navigate to any destination, the route created can then be sent to the device via Bluetooth to follow.

Sensor connectivity’s lightning quick and accurate. We liked the addition of side buttons rather than delicate touchscreen navigation on the go, but the buttons proved stiff and temperamental to use.

We know bike gadgets can be a bit of an information minefield, so we liked the helpful resources provided through Lezyne’s YouTube channel. Saying that, navigation was a bit of a struggle, the unit often freezing when we tried to switch between data fields and the map when in motion.

But the simple, black and white 1.6in screen was easy to read in all conditions, with a backlight useful when riding in low light conditions.

A solid, pared-back option but it would be nice to have a sensor Score: 74%

Pros

Cons

If you’re a fan of Strava and can’t pedal without generating a wad of data, this affordable model from Trek’s component arm isn’t for you. It lacks GPS, so no routes or navigation. USB is also absent; instead, it runs on a slimline battery.

It features ANT+, however, so you can connect with respective sensors to measure standards such as cadence, speed and power. Yet its most basic package comes with no sensors at all, meaning an extra £30-plus outlay required for, at the very least, Bonty’s DuoTrap digital speed-and-cadence sensor.

That’s when things turned around. It’s easily paired via the sole front button. That info is then presented vividly – the clear display really easy to view on the fly.

Former 220 Triathlon magazine editor James is a cycling and sports writer and editor who's been riding bikes impressively slowly since his first iridescent-blue Peugeot road bike back in the 80s. He's a regular contributor to a number of cycling and endurance-sports publications, plus he's authored four books: The Science of the Tour de France: Training secrets of the world’s best cyclists, Bike Book: Complete Bicycle Maintenance, Training Secrets of the World's Greatest Footballers: How Science is Transforming the Modern Game, and Riding With The Rocketmen: One Man's Journey on the Shoulders of Cycling Giants