Updated September 2019. If you are looking for a bike computer that is cheap and easy-to-use, this post comparing 7 of the best cheap bike computers is for you! It starts with a chart that compares all the features you get for your money, followed by reviews and videos. These bike computers are very popular and highly rated. All of these budget bike computers are sold by trusted companies with a solid reputation for quality bike computers.
Chart comparing 7 of the Best Cheap Bike Computers
| Wired or Wireless? | Functions | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Wired | Current, average, and maximum speed, trip distance, trip time, odometer, calorie consumption, carbon offset, time of day Best Price on Amazon right now: $28.10 | Upgraded; large screen; simple one-button operation; comes with zip ties |
 | Wireless | Speed, trip distance, trip time, odometer, time of day Best Price on Amazon right now: $16.99 | Great range of features in a wireless, budget bike computer |
 | Wireless | Current, average, and maximum speed, trip distance, trip time, second-trip distance, odometer, time of day Best Price on Amazon right now: $64.95 | Touch screen operation; universal tool-free FlexTight bracket, that is easy to mount |
 | Wired | Speed, trip distance, trip time, odometer, time of day Best Price on Amazon right now: $16.99 | Simple one-button operation; hand tested and packaged in Chicago |
 | Wired | Current, average and maximum speed, trip distance, trip time, odometer, calorie consumption, carbon offset, time of day Best Price on Amazon right now: $26.95 | Simple one-button operation; rugged enough for mountain bikes |
 | Wireless | Speed, trip distance, trip time Best Price on Amazon right now: $22.99 | Very cheap and simple; minimal information and features; not for mountain bikes |
 | Wireless | Current, average and maximum speed, trip distance, trip time, odometer, time of day, calorie consumption Best Price on Amazon right now: $0.00 | First combined bike light AND bike computer! |
No. 1: The CatEye Velo 9
The CatEye Velo is a long-time favorite with cyclists who want to know how far and fast they cycled – and don’t want to spend a lot of money to get this information. You can see this bike computer at minute 2:33 of the video below. Note it is ranked at no. 5 out of the best of all bike computers, not specifically cheap bike computers. So it is competing with some very expensive bike computers.
The latest CatEye Velo 9 is even better – for less than $20! This upgraded but still cheap bike computer includes a larger screen; plus the setup has been simplified with pre-programmed tire sizes. Also, CatEye has added calorie consumption and a carbon offset measurement – two great motivational features. The calorie consumption lets you see how much of a difference you are making to your body, and the carbon offset lets you see how much of a difference you are making to our planet.
For less than twenty dollars you get all of the upgrades, plus the old standards: current, average, and maximum speed measurement, trip distance, elapsed time, odometer, and time of day. Add in simple one-button operation and a universal bracket that you can easily install on your stem or your handlebar – and you have a hands-down best bang for your buck bike computer on the market! CatEye has been around since 1946, and is the global leader in bike computers. They know what they’re doing. Here is a video of the CatEye Velo:
The Cateye Velo 9 is wired. If you want to have a wireless bike computer, you are going to have to spend a bit more money, or else sacrifice a few features – as in our no. 2 choice, which has less features, but is wireless.
Video Showing Some of these Bike Computers
Some of the products in this post are featured in this video about the best bike computers.
No. 2: Raniaco Wireless Bike Computer
The Raniaco Wireless Bike Computer offers a reasonable range of features in a wireless, budget bike computer. It offers current, average and maximum speed; trip distance; trip time; odometer; time of day; plus an auto scan feature (scrolling through the options). It is easy to see, even in bright light, and it is waterproof. The company has a reputation for great customer service.
This graphic sums up all the features available from the Raniaco Bike Computer.
If you are looking for a more high-end bike computer, with navigation, you might like our post on Garmin Edge 1030 vs. 820 vs. 520 Plus.
No. 3: The CatEye Strada Wireless
The CatEye Strada Wireless Bike Computer is small, light and cheap. It has a wireless sensor that you put on your fork, and it then calculates your speed, time and distance.
While you are cycling, the CatEye Strada will show a whole lot of data, including speed, maximum speed, average speed, trip distance, second-trip distance, total distance, elapsed time, and the time. In testing I found the CatEye Strada touchscreen easy to use.
The CatEye Strada is shipped with batteries and a universal tool-free FlexTight bracket, and is easy to mount.
No. 4: The Sigma Sport BC5.12 Wired Bike Computer
The Sigma Sport BC 5.12 is a classic but cheap bike computer that is super simple to use. You can quickly mount it to your bike, it is simple to program, and it offers straightforward, single-button operation. Three bike functions and two time functions are packed into an attractive, modern design that takes up a minimal amount of space on your handlebars, yet is easy to read. The single button on the front cycles through Clock, Trip Distance, and Trip Time. Clearly, this is perfect for the cyclist who wants information with a minimum of fuss.
Information available on this bike computer includes speed, distance, total distance, time, and ride time. Batteries are included, and it’s a cinch to install, with no tools required (although needle nose pliers will speed up tying down the cables).
All Sigma products are hand tested and packaged in the Chicago suburbs.
No. 5: The CatEye Enduro CC-ED400 Wired Bike Computer
This bike computer is a firm favorite with many cyclists, particularly mountain bikers, because it is rugged, with a thick cord (although it’s a little short) and a strong case. You install it with zip ties, which is nice and simple. And the large display is easy to read. It has a number of basic functions, which you can scroll through with the single button. Functions include current, average and maximum speed; trip distance; elapsed time; calorie consumption; odometer; carbon offset; and current time. It also has auto start and stop, and auto-pause for when you stop riding for a considerable period of time.
No. 6: The Zonore Wireless Bike Computer
The price on this unit is ridiculously low for a wireless bike computer. Of course, it does only the bare minimum:
- how fast are you riding?
- how far did you ride?
- how long were you riding for?
It is also waterproof, and ships with the required batteries for the transmitter and the unit. But it costs less than $10 … so, it is not entirely surprising that it gets mixed reviews. It seems that some people cannot manage to get it set up properly and/or get it to work. On the other hand, those who do manage to set it up properly and get it to work, rave about it being good value for money.
If you want a wireless bike computer, and you want only the most basic functions, and you are willing to risk ten bucks, then this is worth a shot. Of course, if it doesn’t work you can get your money back, but that it a hassle. Tip: don’t get it if you have chunky front shocks, as these make it harder to set up the Zonore bike computer.
No. 7: Shanren Raptor Wireless Bike Computer and Bike Light in One
The Shanren Raptor made the list because although it is more expensive than the others, it is the very first combination bike light and bike computer, and does both jobs well for a reasonable price. The 300 lumens LED light is bright, the unit has a nice LCD backlight for night-time riding, it is simple to use, and it will tell you your current, average, and maximum speed, trip distance, trip time, odometer, time of day, and your calorie consumption. All in all, it does a lot for a very reasonable price. If I was setting up a commuter bike from scratch, I would get one of these!
So there you have it – 7 of the best cheap bike computers, compared. Any one of these would be a great bike computer. Good luck with your choice!
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