Bike Computer Vs Smartphone Vs Smartwatch

In some ways, there’s never been a better time for GPS Bike Computers - they provide more functionality than ever before, they present information better than ever before, are tougher than ever and have a better battery life than ever before - they are however, under increasing pressures with many cyclists preferring just to use a smartwatch or a smartphone.

In this post, we look through some of the advantages and disadvantages of each method of tracking your ride.

Screen Size

If you are looking for the largest possible screen, you will be typically looking at a smartphone - not always the ideal choice, especially on handlebars with limited size. For navigation purposes, a larger cycle computer is best for navigation, although even smaller bike computers manage to display GPS navigation clearly. This is an area in which the screen size of a smartwatch is a clear disadvantage, making navigation tricky on the move due to being worn on the wrist, and the smaller screen size.

Power & Battery life

The amount of battery life and power you need will be dictated by the type of riding you do. Whilst those on short rides may do fine with a phone battery for tracking their ride - using GPS on your mobile phone will rapidly deplete the battery life - unless you carry a spare battery pack. It’s also a good idea not to deplete your phone battery too much on a ride, in case you need to contact somebody for assistance. Smart watches are designed to last a lot longer on the trails, with battery life lasting upwards of a couple of days of use.

The battery life of cycling specific computers is much improved over smartphones, and they have been programmed to deliver long term use for long rides - providing all of the functionality you need, without running out of battery.

Toughness & Robustness

Riding conditions vary - and at some point you will be caught out in the rain - although phones are waterproof to a certain degree these days, bike computers are designed to tackle all of the dust & rain that may attack them during a ride. Bike computers are also designed to withstand impacts to a certain degree, so can survive a bit of rough and tumble.

Maps

Smartphones and smartwatches can help you navigate the trails, with the download of a dedicated app - such as Strava. GPS bike computers though, come with in depth preloaded maps - which make finding the right trails and tracks easier than ever.

Compatibility

Smartphones and smartwatches have great compatibility with a range of apps - meaning that you not only have access to cycling apps - but also a range of other apps which make your cycling trip easier - such as payment gateways and spotify for music. Most GPS cycle computers can connect with a range of things, including your phone, and smart trainers - bike computers also connect to heart rate sensors too. Some brands also let you control your phone through your bike computer, allowing your computer to take calls.

Bike Computer Pros & Cons

There arent really any cons to using a bike computer - but often the budget for a bike computer is best invested into a better bike/bike components if you are new to the world of cycling. If you already have a decent bike & components - then a bike computer is the best way to record your performance, whilst providing all of the navigation needed to keep each bike ride on track. Bike computers also allow you to stow your phone away in your backpack, keeping it safe (as possible) and as dry as possible.