Dedicated bike computers are continuing to improve by gathering more accurate data while maintaining a design that compliments the bike itself. The idea of simply using a smartphone can work as a general substitute, but our pocket companions often lack the battery life, weight, and features we find in modern bike computers.
In this computer bundle, we’ll be looking at the Bitmotion ONE that offers a large screen with turn by turn navigation, and the VDO M7 GPS that records altitude, grade, distance and more in a compact and self-sustained GPS unit. Plus, Xplova is connecting riders on the go with live tracking and data sharing coupled with a front-facing camera. Get details and specs past the break…
Bitmotion One Smart Computer
The Bitmotion One offers more than just speed, distance, gradient, altitude, pace and calorie burn information across its 3.5″ screen. It has turn-by-turn navigation and automatically determines the fastest route. Plus, its automatic lighting system offers 90-lumen (day) and 260-lumen (night) settings, call notifications and a 30-hour runtime. Further, an accident detection system notifies emergency contacts of an incident and the geographic location. It mounts via a clamp that’s compatible with 25.4 – 31.8 mm handlebars (adapter included) and is rechargeable through a micro USB port. Bluetooth 4.2 allows riders to study ride data on Android/IOS devices, edit settings and share ride results to Strava and/or Facebook. The Bitmotion One will be coming to Indiegogo near the end of the month for $100 rather than the later MSRP of $190.
VDO M7 GPS
The VDO M7 GPS also offers the basic riding information such as max/average speed, trip distance and ride time. In addition, it has a temperature, compass, barometer and – of course – GPS sensors. Using barometric and GPS data, the computer offers an altitude map, average climb %, average decent %, max down %, gradient %, max altitude, altitude down and up. Though it doesn’t have turn-by-turn navigation it does point towards the starting point to help riders find their way back. A smartphone dongle or PC connection via a USB port allows the €90 ($130 USD) device to update. Ride data can then be shared to Strava, Facebook or other social platforms through said USB port. VDO also offers an online demo of the computer. There is no speed or altitude readouts, but it is a nice way to experience what the computer has to offer before purchasing.
Xplova X5
photo c. Xplova
Setting the Xplova X5 apart from the previous computers is its camera and simplified social sharing abilities. Two methods of starting the HD (720p) camera include a physical record button and preset achievements such as heart rate, speed or geographical location. A 3G data connection allows the X5 to connect to Xplovas live tracking system which shows where riding partners are and their given data. Wi-Fi offers another means of uploading ride data to social sites or downloading preset routes from their website. A data connection isn’t required thanks to the onboard GPS sensor. Further, it supports ANT+ accessories which unlocks cadence, heart rate and power tracking. The $500 unit sports a three-inch LCD display, weighs 120g and is rechargeable through a micro USB port for a 12-hour runtime.
