The 8 advantages of GPS bike computers

What are the main advantages of odometers

Odometers, also known as GPS meters or GPS for bicycles, are small all-in-one on-board computers for cyclists. They first appeared in the early 90's, when they were much more rudimentary and a complicated accessory for the pros. But with the development of technology and the great advances in miniaturization, they are now widespread among amateur athletes. If you hesitate to fall for one of them, we have connected an article to the 8 main advantages of GPS bike computers.

What is a GPS computer

As mentioned above, a GPS computer is a trip computer for cyclists. Able to display relevant data and help you navigate, it has a screen more or less large depending on the model. Some are more rudimentary and use liquid crystal technology while others, more expensive, are equipped with color LED screens of surprising quality. 

The main thing, however, is the measurement of distance, speed and time. For a considerable period of time, these computers were limited to these few metrics. But with time, many advances have been made. One thinks in particular of the GPS which was quickly added to refine the measurements, but also of the altimeter barometer, perfect to obtain precise altitude measurements.

The functions are also subject to constant improvement: the latest models now offer real-time position tracking on a color topographic map. Obviously, this has allowed manufacturers to increase prices and some may still prefer to choose a less powerful but much more affordable model.

How a GPS meter works

To ensure accurate and relevant measurements, meters use a variety of measuring instruments, the main one being the accelerometer. It is a sensor easy to miniaturize that can be found everywhere: smartphone, connected watch, activity tracker, etc... 

Its operation is rather simple, a pendulum starts to move when it is accelerated, it is then enough to detect this movement and we get data on the acceleration. Once they are passed through an algorithm, the sensor only has to analyze them.

GPS also plays an important role, by measuring the position of the sensor, it allows to refine the speed measurements and offers a much more satisfactory distance tracking. Unfortunately, despite all efforts, it remains limited in terms of calculating the difference in altitude.

This is where the barometer comes in. To get accurate figures on vertical distances, it is indispensable. By measuring small pressure differences, it detects elevations and transmits them to the sensor. Obviously, it is a more expensive sensor, and is only found on high-end models.

Advantages of bike computers

1. Lightness

GPS computers are certainly very powerful in terms of functionality and analysis, but they are also very light. With no cables, external sensors or moving parts, they add no weight to your bike. A definite advantage when you're paying thousands of dollars to have the lightest bike possible.

2. The ease of use

Installation is a dream. Unlike power sensors, GPS meters are very rudimentary. All you have to do is screw on the base and attach it. Once up and running, things are simple. 

The optimized display lets you track your health metrics at a glance and navigation is very intuitive. To set up a route, just go to the app and select a location, just like a regular GPS.

3. Connectivity

Meters are often, if not always, Bluetooth smart or ANT+ compatible. These two connection channels, both widely used by other sports sensors, will allow you to link your computer with a watch, a heart rate belt or a power sensor. 

A very interesting feature since these accessories are often used together. If your devices are all compatible, it is even possible to record them all on the same application and make a complete follow-up including the different data collected.

4. Reliability

Often solid and able to resist most shocks, odometers are very reliable over the long term. The absence of external sensors like antennas or cables makes them much less vulnerable. Their position also allows them to be safe, which is not necessarily the case for power sensors, which are much closer to voltage centers. However, make sure that the support you use is solid enough and well installed. This is a common mistake that can be costly.

5. Optimized display

In the past, speed and distance were measured only on liquid crystal displays, but this is no longer the case today. Almost all sensors are equipped with LED displays, some of them even in color. The display, in addition to being customizable, is very well arranged. You can choose between several screens. Most of the time, it is a screen displaying only the data, a split screen where you find the data on one hand and the navigation on the other and finally, a GPS type screen where you can follow your position on a map.

6. GPS guidance

Previously reserved for car drivers, GPS guidance is now just as developed for cyclists. To discover new routes without getting lost, nothing could be better. The tracking application can also suggest new paths and help you to ride them safely.

7. Analysis

This is one of the most important elements to progress. If you are a sportsman and you are looking for performance, you know that there is no progress without a training plan. In order to set it up and determine its effectiveness, you must be able to make a complete training report. The application will do this for you and can summarize all the necessary data in a few graphs.

8. The price

Finally, how can we talk about GPS computers without mentioning their price, which is very advantageous compared to a connected watch for bicycles. In terms of the analysis/price ratio, it is absolutely unbeatable. Of course, there are different product ranges and some meters can have dizzying prices. But to do a good basic follow-up and track your progress, it is not necessary to spend a lot of money.