Three Ways to Track Your Rides
You have three viable options for tracking cycling data: a dedicated bike computer, your phone with a mount, or a GPS watch. Each has genuine strengths and trade-offs that depend on how you ride, what data you want, and how much you're willing to spend.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Bike Computer | Phone + Mount | GPS Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPS Accuracy | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Battery Life | 15–40+ hours | 3–6 hours (GPS active) | 20–60 hours |
| Screen Visibility | ★★★★★ (sunlight) | ★★★☆☆ (glare) | ★★★☆☆ (small) |
| Sensor Compatibility | ANT+ and BLE | BLE only (usually) | ANT+ and BLE |
| Turn-by-Turn Navigation | Yes (mid/high end) | Yes (best maps) | Basic (breadcrumb) |
| Crash Risk | None (designed for it) | Phone can break in crash | None (on wrist) |
| Cost | $150–$600 | $10–$50 (mount only) | $200–$500 (multi-sport use) |
| Use Beyond Cycling | No | Yes (it's your phone) | Yes (running, hiking, etc.) |
Dedicated Bike Computers
Purpose-built for cycling. Sunlight-readable displays, long battery life, and native support for power meters, heart rate straps, cadence sensors, and electronic shifting. If cycling is your primary sport and you ride 3+ times per week, this is the best option.
Phone + Mount: The Budget Option
Most riders already have a capable GPS device — their phone. With a quality mount and apps like Strava, Ride with GPS, or Komoot, your phone handles tracking, navigation, and social features. But there are real downsides:
- Battery drain: GPS + screen active = 3–6 hours max. Long rides require a battery pack.
- Crash damage: Your $1,000 phone on handlebars is exposed. Many riders have learned this the hard way.
- Screen readability: Phone screens wash out in direct sunlight unless at max brightness (more battery drain).
- Vibration damage: Road vibrations can damage phone camera stabilization systems. Apple has published warnings about this.
GPS Watch: The Multi-Sport Option
If you run, hike, and cycle, a GPS watch gives you one device for everything. Watches from Garmin, COROS, and Polar handle cycling data well but have limitations: small screen (hard to read mid-ride), limited navigation, and no direct power meter display on cheaper models.
Our Recommendation by Rider Type
| Rider Type | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Casual / 1–2x per week | Phone + mount | Free (you have the phone already) |
| Regular road cyclist (3x+/week) | Bike computer | Purpose-built, best screen, best battery |
| Multi-sport athlete | GPS watch | One device for all sports |
| Serious cyclist + racer | Bike computer + watch | Computer on bike for real-time data, watch for 24/7 health tracking |
Sources & Further Reading
- DC Rainmaker. "Best Bike Computers 2025." dcrainmaker.com
- Garmin. "Edge Series Comparison." garmin.com
- Apple. "iPhone and Vibration Warnings for Motorcycle/Bike Mounts." support.apple.com
- Wahoo. "ELEMNT Comparison Guide." wahoofitness.com
- GPLama (YouTube). "Cycling Tech Reviews." youtube.com/@gplama
