It is important to own a budget bike computer if you love riding your mountain bike and have future goals regarding this sport. With the help of the best cycle computer for mountain biking, you can keep track of your activity and improvisation.
In this post, we will be reviewing some of the best odometers or speedometers for you that you can get on a budget.
Here is a list of our best Bike computers available under budget.
- Cat Eye Velo 7
- Soongo Bike Computer
- Lintelek Fitness Tracker
- Garmin Cadence Sensor 2
- West Biking Icocopro Bike Computer
CAT EYE VELO 7
After weeks of research and testing, we discovered that the best cheap cycle computer for mountain biking is the Cat Eye Velo 7.
Cat Eye Velo 7 is indisputably the best cheap cycle computer that comes with wired sensors. It is an ultra-cycle computer that has all the basics packed into it and is still really affordable to invest in.
Let’s look at what makes this product great?
Cat Eye Velo 7 is the best speedometer for mountain bikes and is considered one of the finest entry-level cycling computers too.
- Very affordable.
- Simple and easy to use.
- Easy to set up.
- Water Resistant.
- Larger Display.
- Comes with all the basics that the best odometer must-have.
Before we go into an in-depth review of Cat Eye Velo 7, we would like to share our 2nd choice with you!
We adore the Cat Eye Velo 7 a lot. It is definitely the best speedometer for mountain bikes and is without a doubt, the best budget bike computer too. For a low price tag, you get a lot of features, ease of use, and accuracy too.
Here is a list of features that Cat Eye Velo 7 promises to deliver:
- Water Resistant.
- Wired Speed Sensor.
- Total Time Riding.
- Maximum and Average Speed.
- Trip Distance.
- Elapsed Time.
- Clock.
Cat Eye has been on the market for a long time but the Velo 7 is certainly one of the neatest and best budget bike computers you can invest in. it is very affordable and has almost all the features that bikers and cyclers would look forward to. It is great for beginners, intermediates, and even for the pros as it helps you track and measure your performance in a very fine manner.
A lot of people would love a wireless bike computer but this one brings in great attachment and wired computers have been in the biker’s world for years, so that is not a big deal. Also, unlike the SoonGo Computer, this one actually is water-resistant. We had really slight moisture get into the watch and it didn’t get any issues, once the battery was taken out and dried. However, we do recommend that you dry out the battery compartment as soon as possible.
This beauty is certainly the best cycle computer for mountain bikes because it offers to track your speed, distance, time and also has an odometer. Also, the battery of this device lasts up for around 3 years and that seems to make it the best cheap cycle computer to possess.
Here is a quick breakdown of Cat Eye Velo 7’s pros and cons. It certainly has a lot of perks to offer which makes it the best speedometer for mountain bikes and also the best cheap cycle computer a cycler can purchase.
Pros. & Cons.
PROS:
- Long-lasting battery.
- Very easy to install.
- User-friendly.
- Suitable for all ages and levels.
- Great display for all the functions.
- Auto stop and start.
- Water Resistant.
CONS:
- Mounting could have been better.
- The wire is a bit short.
Let’s look at why SoonGo is our 2nd choice.
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SOONGO BIKE COMPUTER
The SoonGo is the second-best budget bike computer to invest in. This bike computer comes with various features that a good speedometer must possess.
It is certainly the best budget bike computer but it does lack some features that it otherwise promises. For instance, it is not water-resistant even though it says that it is.
Here is a list of features that you get along with this best cheap cycle computer.
- Maximum and average speed.
- Stop and Start Function.
- Distance tracking.
- Maintenance alert.
- Complete Riding Time.
- Odometer.
- Quick responding buttons.
- Back Light for night usage.
- Automatic sleep and wake-up feature.
What’s Inside the Package?
There is a lot that you get in the box of this best cycle computer for mountain bikes.
Here is a list of everything you will get inside the box of SoonGo Cycle Computer:
- A computer unit
- 2 Slice Stickers
- A Magnet
- A mount
- User Manual
- Safety warning light
- 2 batteries
- A sensor
Why is it not our 1st choice?
So despite so many features and specs, why is SoonGo the 2nd best budget bike computer to invest in? Here are some reasons why it falls back in the competition with Cat Eye Velo 7.
- The unit of SoonGo is a little hard to install because the instructions in the manual are not very comprehensive.
- The head unit rattles and this issue is by a defect in it so there is nothing that can be done to fix it.
- The biggest disappointment with this device is that it is not water-resistant although it claims to be. It can be damaged inside water so it is better to not try taking it in the water at all.
Why it’s still Awesome?
- There are some clear issues with it but if you want something for this cheap, this one is a really good choice to make.
- It does perform fine once you set it up, you are good to go.
- The distance tracking feature works smoothly.
Pros. & Cons.
PROS:
- Great value for money.
- Variety of functions.
- The best budget bike computer for all ages.
- Great distance tracking.
CONS:
- Hard to install.
- Not very user-friendly.
- Not water-resistant as promised.
- The backlight isn’t long-lasting.
- The plastic brackets can break very easily.
Garmin Cadence Sensor 2
Garmin Cadence Sensor 2 is a device that connects to your cycle to track your pedal strokes per minute. It is a significant and one of the best bike computers under budget. Cadence sensors are useful in situations where GPS is not available or cannot be utilised as when you’re indoor cycling.
It uses both, AMT+ and Bluetooth which offers a wider range of connectivity. Once the sensor is connected to any other device, it uploads all the collected data for your use.
Why Should You Buy Garmin Cadence Sensor 2?
Some important features of the sensor include:
- A feature that is not available in most cycling computers is Bluetooth connectivity. Most of them usually only offer AMT+ connectivity instead of a combination of both.
- Bluetooth connectivity supported in Cadence Sensor 2 allows user to connect the sensor to online cycling platforms such as Zwift using an Apple device. All you have to do is log on to the online platform and activate your sensors. It will then automatically appear in the available devices list and you can pair it with the application to transfer your live speed, distance and cadence to it.
- It is compatible with multiple Garmin devices.
The Garmin Cadence Sensor 2 is currently one of the best sensors in the market available at a price that is extremely low for all the functionalities it comes with. So if you are out looking for a good bike sensor to track your speed, distance and cadence, this is a great choice!
How Does it Work?
The sensor comes with standard safety instructions and a manual. Inside the box, there are 3 straps that are going to hold the cadence sensor on the crank arm of your bicycle. The cadence sensor can be brought separately or in a pack along with Garmin speed sensor 2.
The flat cadence sensor has a battery compartment with a removable battery at its back. Once it is in the holster, you can install it on the left-hand crank arm of your bicycle in such a way that it does not interfere with your chainstay.
To start it up, all you have to do is rotate the device on the crank arm of your bicycle. You can then connect it with your watch, any other head unit or your smartphone.
You can view your cadence levels, speed and altitude using the datasheet that is generated in any one of your paired devices or third-party apps.
Cons:
The connectivity was very troublesome.
this is not a common problem though but some users reported this. not all Garmin Sensors are alike, you only need to be careful with the platform you buy it from.
West Biking Icocopro Bike Computer
The Icocopro bike computer features a solar energy bicycle speedometer and a wireless odometer. With a simple, basic design that is easy to use and has a low price, it is a go-to bicycle computer for many cyclists.
How Does it Work?
The simple and easy to use Icocopro Bike Computer is fairly reasonable to work it. It can easily be installed on your bike. All you have to do is affix the sensor on to the fork of the cycle opposite the brakes. The sensor wire should then be taken upwards toward the shock absorber.
Now all you have to do is mount your cycle computer to the handlebar and you are good to go!
Why Should you Buy West Biking Icocopro Bike Computer?
West Biking Icocopro Bike Computer has many features that made us put the product on our list in the first place.
Some of the features that users seem to enjoy include:
- Simplicity
- Easy to install
- Solar-powered
- Good backlight so you can ride in the dark
- Waterproof
- Automatic Wake-up
To sum it up, this cycling computer is made for someone who prefers old-school cycling devices to track speed and distance. If you are someone who is not a fan high-tech devices and you just can not seem to figure them out, this product is perfect for you.
Cons:
Unlike the cycle computers mentioned above, this one is fairly simple and straightforward.
It is not equipped with the advanced features of modern technology, so if you are looking for a high-tech cycle computer that comes with a lot of the latest specifications, this product is not for you.
Conclusion
In the end, we consider Cat Eye Velo 7 the best cheap cycle computer that one must invest in. if you are a new cycler, you will get a manual handy which is very easy to understand.
However, if you are low on budget then you can opt for SoonGo too. It is a little hard to install and understand but once you do get it installed and setup, you can use it really well too.
SOONGO is also a good budget pick.
but incase if you plan to get some extra features like monitoring your fitness activity then lintelek fitness tracker is certainly your thing.
To conclude it all off, we would highly recommend that you keep a proper note of whatever features you would appreciate in your bike computers only than can you come to a pick that is good enough and suits your interests.