When setting off on a bike trip, it's very important to have all the necessary equipment to make the experience simple and fun. Those who are more experienced already know the importance of a good bike computer, while those who have recently approached the world of cycling might not yet know how and which bike computer to choose, how much they cost, and why it's essential to have one. In this article, therefore, we explain everything you need to know and give you some useful tips for your next trip!

What is a cycle computer and what is it used for?

It's a portable electronic device, which can be attached to the bike, which records various information such as the distance traveled and the speed. In addition to this, however, many cycle computers also have a GPS that allows you to track the route, thus becoming full-fledged bike navigators. These devices have already existed for several years in their simplest form, those that record speed and distance, but in recent years the navigation function has also become increasingly indispensable, especially useful for those who do bike touring. Thanks to GPS navigation, you can follow cartographic maps that indicate the route, thus avoiding unpleasant surprises.

Some cycle computers also record the heart rate, the pedaling frequency, and the gradient of the path.

How to choose the perfect cycle computer for your trip

When you need to choose which bike computer to buy, it's crucial to properly assess a series of variables, including:

1. the use you make of the bike or better, how many times a week it is used and for what purpose. For example, athletes will need to choose a cycle computer that records heart rate, pedaling frequency, and other specific data. Those who travel by bike for pleasure will feel more the need to have an integrated navigator;
2. the use that is made of it also determines the type of technology to choose, for example, some models look like real smartphones with a color LCD screen, while others only have a shade of gray and the screen is not touch. The latter are particularly suitable for those who do sports and maybe even for those who decide to tackle dirt roads as they are more resistant and can be seen better even under the sun;
3. the ease of use of the cycle computer is a very important variable, in fact, if the bike is used infrequently it is advisable to make a reduced investment, thus buying easy-to-use computers. On the other hand, if the bike is used professionally, you can also consider higher investments and tools with a high degree of complexity;
4. the price you are willing to pay, in fact, the cost of cycle computers is very variable, ranging from 10 euros for the most basic to several hundred euros for tools like the Garmin Edge Touring Plus, Polar MH450 or Sigma Rox 10.0.

In all of this, however, there is a much cheaper and equally efficient alternative that allows you to have a cycle computer with a navigator and all the information you need on the trip. Our Cyclando app allows you to directly turn your smartphone into a virtual guide, letting you enjoy the trip in complete tranquillity. In this way, you no longer need external navigators or maps and you can also use it in offline mode, thus saving your phone's battery and data. But how does it work? It's simple, just choose one of the routes on the app, download it and start navigation! The app is available for both iOS and Android. In the end, all you have to do is get on your bike and enjoy the beauty of the journey!