Are you looking for the best mountain bike GPS out there?
If you want to increase your performance then a GPS bike computer can give you the data fields and stats to be able to do that.
The best MTB GPS units will track more than just speed, distance, and location. We're talking calories burnt, watts, a heart rate monitor to give you your average heart rate, plus many more!
However, what features make for the best off-road mountain bike GPS? There are hundreds of different models out there.
What's the difference between the Edge 830 and Garmin Edge 520?
Is the Wahoo Elemnt GPS better than the Garmin Edge 830?
Let's find out!
Why Should You Use a GPS For Mountain Biking?
Yes, you can use your smartphone as your GPS unit. Yes, it will work just fine. But it won't be ideal.
Smartphones are big, a lot bigger than cycling computers. Now think about how you're going to mount your smartphone to your bike. This big, heavy, expensive device.
If your smartphone breaks, will you be able to call for help?
There's also the fact that smartphone screens don't work brilliantly in direct sunlight so will you even be able to see it?
GPS devices are designed to be mounted on your mountain bike. They're lightweight, weatherproof, and have an aerodynamic design. Even the best GPS for mountain bikes come at a fraction of the price of the latest smartphones.
The screen on a mountain bike computer is easy to read, even in the sunlight.
Things like usability have been thought about so when you're wearing gloves you'll still be able to use your computer.
Another reason why a GPS unit is a good option is battery life.
Powering the screen of your smartphone will use a lot of power. That's before you start running the GPS - which will drain it further.
You're most likely only going to be able to manage a few hours of riding before your smartphone's battery starts to die and that can be incredibly disappointing.
Of course, you can bring along a power bank to extend the battery life of your smartphone but that's going to add extra weight so isn't an ideal solution.
Having a GPS computer for when you're mountain biking will give you the battery life you need. It will also mean that your phone is there when you need it.
Buyers' Guide: How To Choose The Right MTB GPS - What To Consider
1. Connectivity
Even at entry-level, most bike computers will support ANT+ or Bluetooth connection. This will allow you to connect to a heart-rate monitor, cadence sensor, and speed sensor.
You may find that some of the more inexpensive devices will not support power meters.
Increasingly GPS units are able to connect to WiFi networks. This means that your ride can be uploaded to Strava before you've even jumped in the shower.
Speaking from personal experience, having WiFi connectivity is helpful, it's one less thing to think about, knowing that your ride is going to be updated without you having to do anything.
2. GPS and Mapping
The vast majority of bike computers will come fitted with a GPS chip. They tend to have access to other satellites too.
You're likely to get a base map that comes with the GPS bike computer and this will provide turn-by-turn directions and give the option to create routes.
On entry-level units, you may find that you don't get a base map included, however, 'breadcrumb' navigation will feature. Basically, the bike computer will give you a line which you are to follow. It does work well, I have to say!
3. Screen
As you start paying more, you get more features. These can be things like color screens and touch screens. Whilst they aren't something you need, they can be nice to have.
With a touchscreen, you are able to swipe through the display quickly, however, if it's raining then you may find that the screen doesn't work so smoothly.
Again, color screens are nice but sometimes in the sun, they can be difficult to read. Saying that they do come into their own when using a map!
4. Battery Life
A lot of mountain bike GPS devices will come with a built-in battery that can be recharged.
It's quite common to see these GPS units last for around 20 hours. For most people, this will be more than enough.
When looking for a mountain biking unit, ideally choose one that has a battery life with a minimum of 14 hours.
5. Mounting
Before purchasing a GPS unit, you will need to consider how it will be mounted to your bike.
Most units attach to the stem or handlebars and usually come with a mount included. If you intend to mount yours differently, you may have to purchase a separate mount.
If you choose to pick up a GPS watch then obviously mounting options are fairly clear!
6. Size & Weight
Mounting anything to your bike is naturally going to add weight and for most cyclists, this isn't an attractive thought.
Helpfully, manufacturers realize this and the best MTB computers will weigh very little.
You will find that most mountain biking computers won't add a great deal of weight anymore. Usually the bigger the unit, the heavier it is so do remember to factor that in.
Size can impact how aero the unit is and that can be important. You may have noticed that as the numbers go up on the Garmin Edge models, the size does too.
So the Garmin Edge 830 is bigger than the Garmin Edge 520. It can be a trade-off. Do you want a bigger screen and maybe a touch screen? Or maybe a smaller unit with a black and white display is more your thing?
Whichever you choose is going to influence the size of the unit.
7. Water Resistance
Most cycling super GPS computers are designed to be used in heavy rain and manage just fine. Just quite how waterproof they are, does vary on the model.
One important thing to note is if your GPS unit has altitude functions, it should not be submerged in water. This is due to the fact that there is a vent built-in and water can get into it.
Water-resistance will be indicted based on the IP code. This will show you how well the unit copes with water and dust.
8. Third-Party Apps
Third-party apps are an important factor when it comes to having the best bike computer these days.
Having the ability to connect to Strava Live Segments or view on-screen workouts while you're riding can be a huge motivating factor.
Getting such features doesn't come at a huge price either. You will find access to third-party apps available on the entry to mid-range computers too.
Our Top 6 MTB GPS Recommendations
1. Wahoo Elemnt Bolt
Feature-packed and impressive battery life.
Specification
Connectivity: WiFi, ANT+ and Bluetooth Connection
Companion App: Yes
Navigation: Uses OpenStreet Map
Screen size: 2.2 inches
Battery life: 15 hours
The Wahoo Elemnt GPS is a smaller version of the Wahoo Roam. It may be small but it packs a mighty punch!
You get all the features of its bigger brother, apart from a single set of LEDs on the side of the screen.
Set up is done through the app and I have to say, it's very simple and walks you through the process.
There is no color screen on the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt, but the screen is brilliant and can be seen in all weathers.
Mapping is a little difficult but zooming in and out is a doddle - even when you're on the move, it's easy to see where you should be going.
You get a handy strip of LEDs, which can be programmed (for example, I use mine to monitor my heart rate - if I look down and see that it's red I know I'm working hard!).
The Wahoo Elemnt GPS comes with a healthy amount of training metrics and support for ANT+ & Bluetooth.
Uploading your ride to Strava can be done before you've even had a chance to take your helmet off - no input required by you!
Pros
Cons
One of Garmin's best mountain bike GPS computers to date, the Garmin Edge 530.
Specification
Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+ and WiFi
Companion App: Yes
Navigation: Trail Forks Map and Garmin Cycle Maps
Screen size: 2.6 inches
Battery life: 20 hours
The Garmin Edge 530 follows on from the Edge 520, which was incredibly successful so how does this compare?
Well for starters, there's a new processor and this has increased the useability for the mapping. Before things were a bit slow on the 520 - with the Edge 530!
In terms of battery life, the Garmin Edge 530 is a contender for the best mountain bike GPS as it has a mighty 20 hours! Pop it into battery saver mode and you're potentially looking at 40 hours. What's more, you can add an extra battery pack to extend the battery life even further.
A new Garmin feature you get with this bike computer is the 'flow' and 'grit' metrics.
Flow uses accelerometers to assess how smoothly you are going through the trails. Using this data and bike GPS data and elevation data, you will receive a difficulty score.
Third-party apps are done through the Connect store. Komoot, Accuweather, Strava, and many more can easily be downloaded.
Pros
Cons
A great competitor to the Garmin Edge 520.
Specification
Connectivity: Bluetooth Connection and ANT+
Companion App: Yes
Navigation: Uses OpenStreet Map
Screen size: 2.3 inches
Battery life: 32 hours
Designed to be nice and Aero, the Bryton doesn't disappoint.
This GPS cycling computer may take a bit of getting used to they aren't as initially as user-friendly as others. Having said that, you're getting serious value for money here so it could be worth the time.
If you're in any doubt any the quality of these units, they're actually used by the Trek Selle San Marco team so they're considered to be one of the best GPS for mountain biking. Hey, if it's used by a professional mountain biking team, it's got to be good, right?
This head unit does rely on the companion app but I find this easier than setting everything up on the unit itself so I see this as a positive.
There is plenty of third-party app access and the ability to set up data fields with ease.
Pros
Cons
Do you want a color screen and plenty of features but don't want to pay a huge amount? Keep on reading!
Specification
Connectivity: ANT+ and Bluetooth
Companion App: Yes
Navigation: Breadcrumb, Basemap through the app
Screen size: 2.2 inches
Battery life: 32 hours
Lezyne is well known in the cycling world, mainly for its fantastic tools. However, they have been dipping their toes into the GPS cycling computer world since 2016 and they've got things pretty spot on with the Mega C!
With an impressive 32-hour battery life, the Mega C can keep you going for hours on end.
For riders after a color screen, look no further. It isn't a touch-screen but that's no bad thing as touch-screens don't always work when you want them to so don't let that put you off.
Do you want your head unit to be able to store data? The Lezyne Mega C is capable of saving up to 800 hours worth of your ride data - pretty staggering for this mighty little piece of kit!
It will connect to power meters through ANT+ sensors and the companion app means it can push the data to third-party apps, such as Strava, Training Peaks, and others.
Strava Live segments also feature so you get the opportunity to chase those KOMs in real-time.
Pros
Cons
The feature-rich mountain bike GPS bike computer. Incredibly easy to use and not short of navigational features.
Specification
Connectivity: Bluetooth Connection and ANT+
Companion App: Yes
Navigation: Garmin Cycle Map
Screen size: 3.5 inches
Battery life: 20 hours
The big brother in Garmin's collection - the Garmin Edge 1030. The screen is a whopping 3 1/2 inches so you will be able to see your metrics and data fields with a quick glance.
The big screen on the Edge 1030 also means that turn by turn navigations is brilliant, the best GPS unit for mountain biking as far as navigation is concerned.
Routes can be created directly on the Garmin Edge 1030. Whilst this isn't as easy as it can be on your phone or computer, it's certainly easier than on any other mountain bike GPS out there.
The Garmin Edge 1030 has everything you could need. It's Garmin's flagship model so they haven't cut anything out.
If you're after the top-of-the-range MTB GPS unit - you've found it.
Pros
Cons
The ideal bike computer for riders who aren't wanting a large range of metrics or a bike GPS system.
Specification
Connectivity: Bluetooth Connection and ANT+
Companion App: Yes
Navigation: Breadcrumb
Screen size: 1.8 inches
Battery life: 12 hours
Time to get a bit more simple - let's welcome the Edge 130 Plus.
The GPS cycling unit is the most densely packed unit on the market, with a usable screen size of 1.8 inches - you won't be adding much weight to your bike with this one!
There is still plenty of opportunity for performance monitoring as you can see up to 10 fields of data at once.
As this is the entry-level unit, understandably it doesn't have all the features you may otherwise get. It does have the important ones though and sometimes it's nice to just keep things simple.
I know I have been guilty of getting too obsessed with the data at times and this can be a perfect way to prevent that.
Your rides will be automatically uploaded to Garmin Connect and the battery life is a solid 12 hours.
The Garmin Edge 130 is one of few cycling computers from Garmin that doesn't come with full mapping software. You do get breadcrumb navigation so it still has the ability to see you through your route.
Pros
Cons
Common Questions & Answers
1. Which is best the Garmin Edge 830 or Garmin Edge 520?
The Edge 830 comes with a touch screen and a larger screen so that may appeal to a lot of riders. That said, it is heavier than the Edge 520 but it's not that heavy that it's off-putting.
The 520 Plus is a good option for those looking for something simple but if that has caught your eye, then you may wish to consider the Edge 530 as it's a serious upgrade on the 520 Plus.
2. Is Incident detection worth having?
Many new GPS units are coming out with an incident detection feature. What this will do is a sense if you have been in an incident, crashed, or has an accident.
Being in an accident can leave you unable to call for help or alert your loved ones - this is what incident detection can do for you.
If your bike computer is linked up to your smartphone, it can alert contacts that you've been in an incident and some models will even show your location so people are able to come and help.
The best thing is, the rider has the ability to cancel the message being sent so no false alarms are likely to happen!
Overall it's a superb safety feature to have, one which can provide a lot of comfort to you and your loved ones.
3. What is the best bike computer for mountain biking?
Looking for the best mountain bike GPS tracker?
It very much depends on what type of data you want. What is the best for one rider that may not appeal to another?
Some riders find that a fitness watch such as the Garmin Fenix 6 is perfect for them. Whist some riders are after a super GPS unit with a large screen because mapping is important they want to be able to see their location in real-time.
Think about what features are important to you. What type of riding you do.
Looking for a good starting point? Read our buyers' guide, we provide a good base of what you should be looking for. We also take a look at the best GPS units to save you time!
Final Verdict
Which is the best mountain biking computer? Taking all of the features into account, the Wahoo Elemnt steals it.
Having turn-by-turn directions, Strava live segments, and plenty of options to set your display up exactly how you like it, it's a winner.
There are options to buy the Wahoo Elemnt as a bundle, with a heart rate monitor included. It's a worthwhile addition as I've found monitoring your heart rate to be a really useful metric to have. Especially as you start to get fitter, it's quite satisfying seeing that your heart isn't working as hard as it once used to!
It may not have a touch screen but it's so easy to use that it's not missed, in fact, it's possibly better without one.
The battery life is fantastic, enough to get you through most mountain biking adventures.
Wahoo has thought about the design a lot, it's super aero. It actually has over 50% less drag than its leading competitor (I can't say who that is but I'm sure you can guess!).
That's why the best mountain bike GPS title has to go to the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt. Ride on!