There was a time when a bike computer was just a tiny, unassuming box with two buttons and a monochrome display. Speed, odometer, and maybe the time – that’s it. We didn’t need more. Or did we?
These days, you can turn your cockpit into a miniature data centre, tracking, analysing, and sharing virtually every aspect of your ride – if you want to. The latest models from Garmin, Wahoo and Hammerhead look more like smartphones than traditional bike computers. Big, high-resolution touchscreens, turn-by-turn navigation, weather alerts, Strava live segments, training analysis – and yes, even built-in wind sensors. The feature list is as long as an Alpine climb and just as steep.
But with all that tech comes one simple question: what actually adds value? What genuinely helps with your daily training – and what’s merely a superficial feature created more for marketing buzz than real rider benefit? How long do the batteries really last? And how do these high-tech gadgets cope when conditions are far from ideal – under the blazing sun, with frozen fingers, or in a downpour on day three of a long ride?
To find out, we hit the road – or more accurately, climbed it. For weeks, we rode through wind and weather with up to a pound of tech strapped to the bars, testing in training, commuting and out on big rides. Our mission: to figure out what each of the three GPS bike computers can actually do – and who they’re really made for.
What Makes a Good GPS Bike Computer?
Usability
It’s not just about the number of features – it’s about how easy they are to use in your GPS bike computer. Clear menus, responsive operation, intuitive controls and a display you can read in any light or weather – that’s what counts. Whether you’re using a touchscreen or physical buttons, the system needs to work reliably. And when someone sends over a GPX file just before the ride, you should be able to transfer it from your phone to your device quickly and without hassle. It’s often the little things that make the biggest difference: a well-placed back button, a well-organised home screen or customisable quick actions can be a real time-saver – and a stress reliever – when things get hectic out on the road.
Navigation
Good navigation is the beating heart of any GPS bike computer – and it can be the difference between a smooth ride and a frustrating detour. Ideally, the device should follow your planned route reliably, give timely turn alerts, and offer sensible reroutes if you stray off course. Clearly legible maps, bold directional prompts and audio cues all help you stay on track, especially in cities or out on the trails. If you like to ride spontaneously, you should be able to drop a pin or set a new destination directly on the device – without pulling out your phone. Navigation doesn’t have to be flashy, it just has to get you from A to B without drama.
Display
Big, sharp, bright – that’s the holy trinity for a bike computer screen. Whether you’re riding under blazing sun, in pouring rain or at dusk, your display needs to be easy to read. The best devices we tested are starting to feel more like smartphones: high-resolution screens, rich colours and deep contrast that stay legible in any light. Touchscreen? Yes please – but only if it works flawlessly with gloves and in the wet. A screen should never be a distraction; it needs to show you exactly what matters at a glance. No fiddling, no frustration.
Ecosystem and connectivity
A modern GPS bike computer without reliable connectivity? That’s pretty much unthinkable. Bluetooth, WiFi, ANT+, multi-band GPS – these devices speak more languages than your average world traveller. And they need to. Rides and training sessions sync automatically with Strava, Komoot or TrainingPeaks. Sensors for heart rate, power and electronic shifting all need to pair up seamlessly. And firmware updates are practically a weekly event.
But here’s the thing: the more connections, the more potential for bugs. A dropped power meter? A lost WiFi connection while uploading a GPX file? That sort of thing can be frustrating and even ruin a ride. A good bike computer makes all of this feel effortless. Sensors pair instantly, syncs happen quietly in the background, and the head unit only speaks up when there’s something important. Smart connectivity isn’t just about more features, it’s also about less hassle.
Battery life
All three devices on test come equipped with generously sized batteries – and they need them. Big screens, constant backlighting and a ton of features don’t come cheap when it comes to power. On longer rides, the last thing you want is your tech giving up before your legs do. Some models offer clever battery-saving modes that reduce performance, dim the screen or disable certain functions, squeezing out a surprising number of extra hours. What matters is how well that works in practice, without cutting back on what you actually need.
Sensor technology
What used to be a simple speedo is now more like a mobile lab. Today’s top-tier units don’t just support external sensors like power meters and chest straps – they come with a host of built-in tech. Barometric altimeters deliver precise elevation data, multi-band GPS ensures pinpoint accuracy, and gyroscopes can detect a crash when things go sideways. There’s also a light sensor for automatic screen brightness, a thermometer to track cockpit temperature and even wind sensors that analyse headwinds and your riding dynamics. It’s a concentrated package of high tech – perfect for the data-obsessed rider.
GPS Bike Computers: The Test Field at a Glance
A good GPS bike computer these days isn’t just a navigation tool – it’s a training partner, data analyst and adventure companion all in one. But which model suits your needs best? We put three of the most exciting devices of the year side by side: the Hammerhead Karoo, Garmin Edge 1050 and Wahoo ELEMNT ACE.
| Device | Display size (resolution) | Storage | Dimensions (L/W/H) | Price | Battery | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammerhead Karoo | 3.2″ (480 × 800 pixels) | 64 GB | 102.8 × 61.7 × 21.1 mm | € 499.99 | 2,600 mAh | 117 g |
| Garmin Edge 1050 | 3.5″ (480 × 800 pixels) | 64 GB | 85 × 58 × 20 mm | € 749.99 | 3,000 mAh | 160 g |
| Wahoo ELEMNT ACE | 3.8″ (480 × 720 pixels) | 64 GB | 125 × 70 × 20 mm | € 599.99 | 4,350 mAh | 209 g |
The three top models differ quite a bit when it comes to size, weight, battery capacity and price. The smallest and lightest of the bunch is the Hammerhead Karoo, which still looks and feels most like a traditional bike computer. The Garmin Edge 1050 steps things up noticeably and stands out more clearly in the cockpit. But it’s the Wahoo ELEMNT ACE that takes it to the extreme. With its smartphone-like dimensions, it’s so large and heavy that some out-front mounts either don’t fit or can’t hold it securely. At 209 grams, it’s definitely not one for the weight weenies – but in return, you get a massive display and by far the biggest battery in this comparison.
Hammerhead Karoo
The Hammerhead Karoo is the lightest, most compact and most affordable bike computer in our test field of high-end heavyweights – and it also boasts the sharpest display. With a sleek, modern interface, a highly responsive touchscreen, five weather-sealed buttons and deep integration into the SRAM AXS ecosystem, the Karoo is aimed at riders who value customisation, intuitive control and an open approach to technology. It’s the only unit on test running Android, which even allows sideloading of third-party apps – something no other device here offers. Despite the smaller form factor, the Karoo promises no compromises in display quality, usability or feature set. In fact, it aims to set a new benchmark for user interface design.
Intriguing stuff – so of course, we had to put it to the test.
Garmin Edge 1050
Garmin stick to their guns with the Edge 1050, sending a bold message in the high-end GPS bike computer segment. Their latest flagship model doesn’t just feature a refreshed display – it also packs in an impressive range of functions, customisation options and smart community features. At € 749, the Edge 1050 is far from cheap, but it’s arguably the most versatile device in this group test. From navigation and training tools to app integration and intelligent hazard warnings, the Edge 1050 is a data lover’s dream – perfect for riders who want to fine-tune every last detail of their setup.
Read the review.
Wahoo ELEMNT ACE
With the ELEMNT ACE, Wahoo are shaking up the high-end GPS bike computer market. Bigger, heavier, smarter – and packed with features we haven’t seen before. This is a real heavyweight that can push some delicate carbon mounts to their limits. The standout 3.8-inch display, built-in wind sensor and newly developed operating system all point to a new era in Wahoo’s head unit lineup. Despite the fresh hardware, Wahoo promise the same intuitive user experience and what they claim is the best display for bright sunlight.
But does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out.
Tops & Flops
Tops:
Flops:
Conclusions and Buying Advice
The Wahoo ELEMNT ACE, Garmin Edge 1050 and Hammerhead Karoo represent three distinct philosophies competing at the top tier of the GPS bike computer market.Each device has its own strengths, targets different rider types and brings its own philosophy to tech, usability and design.
If you’re after maximum functionality, sensor integration and personalisation, it’s hard to look past the Garmin Edge 1050. No other device in this test offers such a comprehensive set of features– from its own app store and smart community tools to fine-tuned navigation and in-depth battery management. The hardware is excellent, the display is brilliant, and Garmin’s ecosystem integration is second to none. That said, the Edge does require some patience: the layered menu structure feels a bit old-school, and the touch-only controls can be fiddly while riding. Still, for tech-savvy riders who enjoy deep configuration and total control, the Edge 1050 is the most capable device in our GPS bike computer test – though it comes at a premium price.
The ACE stays true to Wahoo’s core values: exceptionally intuitive operation, a streamlined interface, and logically organised pages. The new model takes some bold steps – with a massive display, built-in wind sensor and completely redesigned software, the ACE kicks off a new generation of Wahoo head units. But it’s not without teething issues – the new OS still feels a little unfinished. That said, the physical buttons work flawlessly in any condition, the battery is the strongest in this test, and the screen shines in bright sunlight. If you’re after a robust, intuitive device with a big display and don’t mind the hefty weight, the ACE is a great pick – just don’t expect deep-level customisation.
The Hammerhead Karoo impresses as a modern, stylish and highly adaptable bike computer. With excellent usability via both touchscreen and five side buttons, a clean and highly customisable interface, and the ability to tweak everything directly on the device – no smartphone needed – it’s especially user-friendly. Thanks to Android sideloading, you can expand the Karoo’s capabilities significantly, from Di2 hacks to music control. In real-world scenarios, it also delivers the most legible display in the test. With the lowest price in the group and seamless SRAM AXS integration, the Karoo is the ideal choice for riders who want flexibility, modern design and top-tier usability.
Three devices, three different philosophies – and no clear winner. Each GPS bike computer in this test follows its own path, with unique strengths and a few quirks. That’s exactly why it’s worth looking closely: the differences are bigger than they first appear, and if you know what matters most to you, you’ll find the perfect cockpit companion right here.
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Words & Photos: Jan Richter