The differences between a bike computer and a bike GPS system
In short
| Which product do you choose for your bike? | Cyclocomputer | Bike GPS |
|---|---|---|
| Do you want to see the most important ride data such as distance, speed and ride time? | Yes | Yes |
| Do you want a device that's as compact as possible? | Yes | No |
| Do you want to navigate without using a phone? | No | Yes |
| Do you think it's important to be able to connect sensors, such as for your heart rate? | No | Yes |
| Do you want to analyze your cycling data in an app? | No | Yes |
Type of cyclist
Bike computer: for the nice weather cyclist
As soon as the weather is nice, you go to the shed to take out your bike. You're not concerned with improving your performance, but you would like to have insights into your bike tour. This way, you can also brag about the number of kilometers you have traveled. You don't need too much fuss: you are mainly looking for a compact bike computer that has good value for money. There are devices with basic data, but also variants with integrated GPS or the possibility to connect a sensor. This way, you can exactly adapt your bike computer to your own wishes.
Bike GPS: the avid cyclist
Every week, you step on the bike to ride a nice route. The faster the better. You think it's important to keep track of your performance, so every ride will be a little bit better. Because what would your weekly round be without a challenge? What you need is bike GPS. Thanks to the GPS, your data is extra accurate and you receive information about the height profile. Many bike GPS systems can be connected to apps such as Strava, so you can see exactly where you have cycled and on which part of the route you've had more difficulty. Next time, you'll be fully prepared at the start.
GPS
Bike computer: GPS is less important
Bike GPS isn't that important to you. You mainly cycle in places that you know or drive along with a group. Do you think about navigation every now and then, but don't want to purchase a bike GPS system? Some bike computers can be connected to your smartphone. You can put your phone away, and your bike computer will function as a second screen. Thanks to this, you won't get lost in that new environment. Keep in mind that the battery is drained quickly by this function.
Bike GPS: GPS is absolutely essential
Getting lost? We don't do that. That's why you're looking for a device with bike GPS. This way, you have turn-by-turn GPS, which calculates its own route and brings you home safely. Are you cycling in the wrong direction? The bike GPS calculates how you can still reach your destination. There are also bike GPS systems with a mapped route. If you take a wrong turn, you have to make your way back to a point along the route to be able to resume your journey. Do you think all those models are too expensive? More affordable models often don't have any maps. You navigate by following a line via an arrow. Extra adventurous!
Sensors
Bike computer: often no sensors possible
You've made up your mind, you want a bike computer without bike GPS. But you do want to be able to connect extra sensors. Do you still have to purchase a more expensive model? Not necessarily. Many bike computers indeed don't have the possibility to connect an external sensor. But there are models that can connect to a cadence or speed sensor via a digital signal or wiring. Do you think it's important to see information about your heart rate? Bike computers are often not linked with a chest strap. One solution is to wear a sports watch or activity tracker - or choose bike GPS after all.
Bike GPS: external sensors are often possible
Ride time, distance, and speed. All very nice, but you want to know more. Many bike GPS systems have ANT+ and/or Bluetooth. You can easily connect the device with an external sensor. All information from a heart rate, cadence, or speed sensor can be seen directly on the screen. Great, because now you see whether you're working out in the good heart rate zone or can take a step further right away. This way, you're a little faster every time, and you have a good excuse to reward yourself with a piece of apple pie afterwards. Because hard work makes you hungry, right?
Conclusion
Bike GPS is actually a bike computer with just a little extra. But do you also need those extras? A bike computer is enough for people who go out every now and then and want to have insight in their rides. No fuss, but useful information instead. Do you often use your bike and easily reach 80km? A device with bike GPS helps you find new routes and also measures your data more accurately thanks to the GPS. And after your bike ride, you can load all ride data to an app like Strava, so you can learn right away how you can go faster the next time. But whether you're a nice weather cyclist or an active cyclist, carefully consider what your wishes are exactly. Next time, you'll be cycling with a useful gadget on your steering wheel!
