Great Deals in Budget Bike Computers
This is an up-to-date listing of the best cheap bike computers under $50. We update this page regularly, always reflecting the current best selling but CHEAP bike computers. Not everyone wants to spend hundreds of dollars on a high-end, premium Garmin Edge bike computer. For many of us, budget, simple and easy-to-use is the way to go. All of these bike computers are very popular and are highly rated by cyclists. All of these products are sold by trusted companies with a solid reputation for high quality, budget bike computers.
No. 1: Most popular, best selling cheap bike computer – the CatEye Velo 9
The CatEye Velo is a long-time favorite with cyclists who simply want to know how far and fast they cycled – and don’t want to spend a lot of money for this information. Now, the new CatEye Velo 9 is even better – for less than $20! This upgrade 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 your planet!
For less than thirty dollars you get all of the upgrades above, plus the old standards:
- current speed
- average speed
- maximum speed
- trip distance
- elapsed time
- odometer.
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 9:
The Cateye Velo 9 is wired, but a lot of users find this to be more straight-forward than wireless bike computers. If you insist on wireless, you are going to have to spend a bit more money.
No. 2: Second most popular, best selling cheap bike computer – the CatEye Strada Wireless
The CatEye Strada Wireless Bike Computer is small, light and very affordable, and will do all you want as long as you don’t want to track your rides geographically (it does not have a GPS) or upload your data to analyze. Basically 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:
- current speed
- average speed
- maximum speed
- trip distance
- second-trip distance
- total distance
- elapsed time
- time of day.
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. 3: Third most popular, best selling cheap bike computer – the Sigma Sport BC5.12 Wired Bike Computer
Sigma Sport BC5.12 Wired Bicycle ComputerThe Sigma Sport BC 5.12 is a classic but cheap bike computer that is super simple to use. It’s quick to mount it to your bike, simple to program, easy to use, and 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. 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 of day
- 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. 4: Fourth most popular cheap bike computer – 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?
It is also waterproof, and it 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.
Bottom line: 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 giving a shot. Of course, if it doesn’t work you can get your money back, but that it a hassle. Tip: don’t do it if you have chunky front shocks, as these make it harder to set up the Zonore bike computer.
No. 5: Fifth most popular cheap bike computer – 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 it is easy to read the large display. It has a number of basic functions, which you can scroll through with the single button. Functions include:
- current speed
- average speed
- maximum speed
- trip distance
- elapsed time
- calorie consumption
- odometer
- carbon offset
- current time.
It also has auto start and stop, and auto-pause for when you stop riding for a considerable period of time.
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