It has been 31 years since Sigma and German electronics pioneer Klaus-Peter Schendel introduced Cycle Coach, one of the very first cycling computers, though Sigma’s first product was a brake light switch for bicycles that was never developed. Offering their first heart rate monitors in 1998, the market wasn’t quite ready and less than 5k were sold. Today, computers are fortunately smaller, easier to use, and boast a ton of features illustrated by the new Sigma Rox 5.0, 6.0, and 10.o. Expanding the Rox line up, the new computers offer just about everything you could want from displayed on your bars including GPS, speed, distance, cadence, heart rate, training data, and power depending on the model.
Does Sigma have a GPS competitor in the Rox? Find out, next.
At the top of the range, the Rox 10.0 is likely the most interesting. Entering into the world of ANT+, Sigma’s highest end computer is now compatible with powermeters and other ANT+ devices. Of course the GPS feature is big for Sigma as well, with the 10.0 able to navigate along a preloaded route that will be displayed as a simple pathway with alarms telling you if you have gotten off track or are going the wrong way. Sigma has created a new Data Center 3 which is your control room for all the data pre and post ride.
With the Rox 10.0, you can design your route and upload it to the head unit allowing you to follow the course on your ride. Other Rox computers can utilize the Data Center for analyzing rides, heart rate, and other data points.
The GPS track planner is actually pretty well done with map displays in shading, contour lines, or bikeways which are user or official marked bike paths helping you to take the safest route. The system also lets you import GPS tracks directly from GPSies.com, meaning even though the 10.0 doesn’t have the full color maps capacity of say a Garmin 810, it still is fairly easy to program to take you where you want to go. The Rox 10.0 will retail for $199 for the head only, or $299 for the complete bike mount kit, and should be available in July.
Rox 10.0 Feature Overview:
- GPS route navigation
- Speed
- Cadence
- Heart rate
- Digital three axis compass
- Altitude IAC+
- Elevation profile in graph format
- Gradient and rate of ascent
- Temperature
- ANT+ transmission technology
- Power compatible (ANT+) or calculates power without power meter
- Lap counter
- 249-hour log capacity
- MICRO USB connection
- Includes DATA CENTER 3 with mapping functions
Built with speed, cadence and heart rate capability, the new entry point to the Rox line is the all new 5.0. The 5.0 really focuses on being a heart rate specialist with 4 HR intensity zones that are either pre-programmed or customizable. The shape of the 5.0 is more triangular to work nicely when installed out front of the stem with Sigma’s own Butler mount. ROX 5.0 will retail for $129.99, with the docking station with Data Center 3 for an additional $24.99, available this Summer.
Features:
- Speed
- Cadence
- Heart Rate
- Temperature
- PC compatibility
- 25-hour log capacity
- Lap counter (99 laps)
- 10-second recording interval
- Running mode
- Backlight
Finally, the all new Rox 6.0 is essentially the same as the 5.0 with the addition of altitude. Designed more for mountain biking, or someone that wants altitude without the extra functions associated with higher end computers, the 6.0 is built with intelligent altitude calibration known as IAC. If you start riding at the same altitude as your last ride, there is no need to recalibrate the computer. There is also a hiking mode and wrist strap mount so you can track your elevation while on two feet instead of two wheels. The 6.0 will retail for $149.99 with the docking station and Data Center 3 again adding another $24.99 to the price.
Features:
- Speed
- Cadence
- Heart rate
- Altitude (IAC)
- Temperature
- PC compatibility
- 19-hour log capacity
- Lap counter (99 laps)
- 10-second recording interval
- Hiking mode
