Mountain bike computers are much better than having to pull your mobile phone for tracking data with apps. Your battery dies or the app turns off in your pocket, meaning you have lost your hard earned data.
Deciding on the right mountain bike computer for you will come down to price. Distance/speed only bike computers can be bought for under $50. Once you start wanting GPS maps and heart monitors, you can pay up to $500.
We have split our reviews into GPS and non-GPS bike computers to make your decision a bit easier.
Mountain bike computers can have the following functionality:
- Track your total distance
- Measure your speed
- Time Splits
- Calories
- GPS Maps
- Heart monitoring
- Personal training
- Mountain bike trails used by other riders
Top Mountain Bike Computers (GPS Enabled) 2019
Contents
Garmin Edge 800 GPS-Enabled Cycling Computer
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Garmin has been making GPS tracking devices for automobiles and boats (SATNAVS) for years, so you know this will be decent quality. Garmin are the leading manufacturer in GPS tracking devices and have amazing map technology. But quality comes at a price…you could buy a decent mountain bike for this price of this device!
This mountain bike computer comes with all the standard distance/speed tracking functions, but it also has a heart monitor, a virtual racer and built in maps. Once you have tracked your ride, you simply upload the data to your PC to keep a log of your performance.
The Garmin Edge 800 comes with Garmin Basecamp, this is desktop software that allows you to create your own dedicated maps for mountain bike routes, then transfer them to the Edge 800. You can also use Garmin Connect, which allows you to for thousands of routes uploaded by other users.
For endurance mountain bike riders, the Edge 800 comes with ANT+ which allows you to sycn your health stats with your 3rd party monitoring software.
Garmin Edge 520 Bike GPS
- Offers in-ride challenges through Strava live segments ; Water rating is IPX7. Reports cycling-specific VO2 max and recovery time when used with power and heart rate
- Pairs with compatible ANT+ indoor trainers for data display and control.Battery life up to 15 hours
- Tracks Functional Threshold Power (FTP), watts/kg and cycling dynamics when used with Vector or Vector 2 power meters. On-device segment compatibility for dynamic and engaging in-ride competition
- Connected features: automatic uploads, live tracking, smart notifications, send/receive courses, social media sharing, weather
- Display resolution is 200 x 265 pixels. Android requirements is 4.4 os or later. Bluetooth 4.0 or later. Apple requirements is ios 10.0 or later, compatible with iphone, ipad and ipod touch
Garmin’s Edge 520 MTB computer is a much cheaper model than the edge 800 above. The edge 520 does not have the heart monitor and maps, which we don’t think you really need. The Edge 520 is also fully compatible with Strava, which gives you a load of live analytics – you also get a 2 month free trial of premium.
These MTB computers also sync with ANT+ trainers, read Garmin’s full spec here to find out more. The Edge 520 also has 15 hour battery life for those MTBRs looking for an all day adventure.
Magellan CY0315SGHNA MTB Computer
- Cyclo 315hc includes a heart rate monitor and speed/cadence sensor. Rugged and water resistant (IPX-7) to take on any terrain; all have a user-friendly interface in a 3" color swipe anywhere touchscreen with large control buttons for gloved hands.
- Works with over 130 ANT+ sensors and also records/reads shifting information from Di2 electronic shifting systems with a Di2 Wireless Unit and D-Fly. Info displayed by gear position, number or visually by a chart/graph. Battery status and alerts as well.
- Complete USA road network for audible and turn by turn navigation and Open Street Maps (OSM) crowd source trail data displaying cycle lanes, cycle tracks and bike shop POIs. Discover new cycle routes and bike trails or record and share your own.
- Custom cycling profiles (up to 6) can be created to show routes specifically designed for your riding equipment, style and sensors attached. For mountain biking profiles the routes suggested will even show what % of the route is on dirt vs. paved roads.
- Input distance or time and Cyclo will provide up to 3 routes for a rider to select. Each route shows elevation gain and difficulty. In a new city or just want to try something new Cyclo's Surprise Me is perfect for any rider looking for a graded loop.
A decent alternative to the Garmin bike computers and a lot cheaper, but still is GPS enabled. Like the Garmins they also work with 130+ ANT+ sensors and also runs Open Street Maps (OSM). The Magellan also includes a heart monitor and speed/cadence sensor.
We love the large buttons on the mountain bike computer which makes for easy control and viewing when you are wearing gloves. Rider reviews have stated that the battery can easily last 8 hours.
>>Read also our guide to the best glasses for mountain bike riders
NON-GPS mountain bike Computers (Cheaper Options)
Note: These mountain bike computers will not have GPS, cadence monitors or heart rate monitors.
CatEye – Strada Wireless Bike Computer
- ALL YOUR FAVORITE STATS: Displays current, max, and average speed, total distance, two trip distances, elapsed time, pace arrow, and clock.
- DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STOPS: Caught at a red light? Stopping for coffee? We've got you covered. Your CatEye computer knows when you've stopped and automatically stops counting time and averaging speed.
- FOCUS ON THE RIDE, NOT THE SCREEN: Don't let navigating menus or buttons get in the way of enjoying your ride. Simply press the base of the unit to toggle through functions.
- SECURE AND GO: With our FlexTight Bracket, you can easily mount, adjust, and move your computer by hand. Spend less time setting up your gear and more time on the road.
- SWITCH BETWEEN BIKES: Dual tire size lets you use one computer for two bikes.
The Cateye Strada is the best selling mountain bike computer on Amazon, with over 1000 positive reviews and under $50. The Strada has all the basic features like speed, distance and a clock – but also has a handy feature of stopping time recording when you take a break. The screen and navigation menus are very easy to use, even with mountain bike gloves on. This bike commuter is also water resistant and easy to mount on your handlebars (all brackets included). The computer is also compact with a total length of 2″ and 1.25″ wide.
Cateye CC-MC100W Micro Wireless 10-Function Bike Computer
- CatEye's most popular wireless computer boasts ten functions and 12 features, including LED backlight and programmable odometer
- Simple, easy-to-use bracket mounts on both stem and handlebar; universal sensor mount attaches easily to both road and mountain bike forks
- Current, average, and maximum speed to 65.9 MPH; total distance to 99,999 miles, two trip distances to 999 miles, and two elapsed times to 9:59:59
- 12- and 24-hour clock; pace arrow and auto power saving mode; tire sizes from 100 to 3,999 millimeters; 70-centimeter transmission distance
- Computer and sensor run on CR2032 batteries; measures 38 by 52 by 22 millimeters (W x H x D); 30-gram weight
This is one of the best selling mountain bike computers on Amazon as it has great functionality and half the price of top brands.
Main funtions include speed measurements (average, top); total distance; time elapsed
The computer will fit on any type of handle bars and runs on batteries. Total weight is only 30g.
Hatip to Limon over at http://www.mountainbikeslab.com/ for this one, he gave us one of his to test out.
CatEye – Velo 9 Bike Computer
- ALL YOUR FAVORITE STATS: Displays current, max, and average speed, total distance, trip distance, elapsed time, calories, carbon offset, pace arrow, and clock.
- DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STOPS: Caught at a red light? Stopping for coffee? We've got you covered. Your CatEye computer knows when you've stopped and automatically stops counting time and averaging speed.
- WIRED SENSOR: The Velo 9 comes with a wired speed sensor.
- BECAUSE YOU CARE: The Velo 9 also tracks calories and carbon offset.
- GO THE DISTANCE: With a battery that lasts up to three years, you can install it and forget about it.
Another top rated seller on Amazon by Cateye. Similar function to above and also counts calories burnt per ride.
Best for: People looking for a dirt cheap MTB computer
Schwinn 20-Function Bike Computer
- 20-function bike computer for improving workout efficiency
- Attaches easily and securely to your handlebar
- Tracks speed, distance, time, calories burned, and more
- Includes backlit screen for clear viewing
Another low-cost option with 20 different functions. Schwinn also has some of the top selling and rated mountain bikes on Amazon so this is worth checking out.