Bike GPS devices have gotten complicated with all the metrics and mapping features flying around. As someone who’s used dedicated cycling computers for years after abandoning phone-based navigation, I learned everything there is to know about what actually matters in a GPS unit. Today, I will share it all with you.
That’s what makes GPS selection endearing to us data-obsessed riders — finding the device that shows exactly what you need without overwhelming you.
Why Dedicated GPS Over Phone
Probably should have led with this section, honestly — the case for dedicated units is strong.
Phones drain battery fast, overheat in summer, and die in rain. Dedicated GPS units last 20+ hours, work in any weather, and mount securely. The screen visibility in bright sunlight is genuinely better on purpose-built devices.
Frustrated by my phone dying mid-ride multiple times, I finally bought a dedicated unit. Never looked back.
What I Actually Recommend
Garmin Edge 530: The workhorse. Tracks speed, distance, elevation, and has solid navigation. GroupTrack lets you see where your riding partners are. Performance metrics help identify fitness trends over time.
Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt: Aerodynamic design, dead-simple setup through the companion app. Customizable data screens show exactly what you want. Turn-by-turn navigation works reliably.
Lezyne Mega XL: The battery champion — 48 hours on a charge. Mounts vertically or horizontally. Ideal for multi-day touring or riders who forget to charge things.
Making the Call
I’m apparently in the camp that values battery life and simplicity over feature overload. All three units above deliver the core functionality well.
Pick based on your priorities: Garmin for ecosystem integration, Wahoo for simplicity, Lezyne for battery life. Any of them beats using your phone.
