Remember the days when people used to ride bikes without computers? How about the big leap in technology when the computers that first arrived had a whopping three functions? Well, luckily, those days are behind us. Thanks to the latest in software technology, modern offerings provide riders with data as diverse as speed, temperature, power output, and even navigation—data that past greats like Jacques Anquetil and Eddy Merckx couldn’t have imagined during their illustrious careers. RBA takes a look at two of the latest cycling computers to hit the roads, albeit with very different features...

Designed to bridge the gap between an entry-level computer and a fully-equipped electronic training companion, the CatEye Adventure packs all of the basic cycling computer functions, as well as some more advanced offerings, into a minimalist design. The unit itself measures 1.5” x 2.25” and weighs 30 grams. Warning: You will need the instruction manual. The Adventure is simple to use once calibrated and installed, but the instructions must be followed step-by-step. This procedure involves syncing the computer with the speed sensor, calibrating your bike’s wheel size, stating your preference for kilometers or miles, and other such personalizations.

After the unit is calibrated, the instructions recommend installing the supplied magnet onto a front wheel spoke, and the speed/distance sensor onto the trailing edge of the right fork blade, set to within 5-millimeters of the rotating magnet’s path. According to CatEye, this is to “maximize both form and function,” protecting the sensor from road hazards while also being “aesthetically pleasing.” However, some testers pointed out that, in this configuration, should the sensor shift while the bike is in motion, the magnet will hit the sensor as the wheel rotates forward and the sensor will become lodged between the spokes and the fork. To avoid such mishaps, we recommend installing the sensor on the leading edge of the fork (pointing forward in the direction you’re traveling), because if the magnet should hit the sensor in this configuration, the sensor will be pushed out of the way by the rotating wheel rather than becoming lodged between spokes. The computer functions equally well in both configurations.

The unit’s mounting bracket features a thick plastic band that wraps around most bars or stems and is easily secured using a plastic nut. The unit then simply slides onto the bracket with a hearty snap. Once the unit is installed on the mounting bracket, the device is activated and ready for a ride with a press of a button. By pressing one of the corners of the device beneath the screen, the back of the unit makes contact with the mounting bracket via a spring-like mechanism. A back-mounted button is pressed, and onscreen data is shuffled and replaced with new information. Data fields are located in three zones on the screen: 1. The top zone is dedicated to current speed, 2. The middle zone shuffles between altitude and slope information, and 3. The bottom zone switches between time and distance measurements.

All of the various data points were accurate in our tests, and the computer itself was glitch free. Racers will be discouraged by the lack of a cadence sensor and heart rate monitor, but the Adventure is designed for enthusiasts interested in a variety of ride data that includes gradient, total elevation gained, and temperature.

The only major drawback we found with the CatEye Adventure is its legibility. The unit is small, and so are the display’s characters. There’s also no sort of illumination, thus making the screen difficult to read in low light, as well as in the bright daytime when a backlight would help counter the sun’s glare. Polarized sunglasses also have an adverse effect on viewing the Adventure’s screen—it’s still visible, but the characters don’t quite “pop” as much as they would if you wore non-polarized sunglasses or no sunglasses at all.

• Easy to operate while on the bike

• No backlight hurts “Adventure” moniker

• Lack of cadence hurts training capabilities

• Wide range of the features for the price

GARMIN EDGE 800

The Edge 800 is the latest offering from Garmin’s line of cycling computers and is the first to feature a touchscreen interface. The unit has a 1.5” x 2.25” touchscreen, in addition to three analog buttons: power, lap/reset and start/stop. A slot for a microSD card and mini-USB port are protected with rubber caps, and the unit is easily mounted to a bracket that can be placed on a stem or handlebar using a supplied set of rubber O-rings.

The Edge 800 can be fully charged in about an hour via a wall outlet or USB cable, and our tests resulted in an average battery life of slightly less than Garmin’s claimed 15 hours. While an optional speed/cadence sensor is available, the Edge 800 does not require an external sensor to measure speed or distance – this is done through GPS tracking. The available sensor is necessary for measuring cadence; however, it allows more timely displays of speed  and distance information. The Edge 800 is compatible with ANT+ sensors and most other power meters. There is no calibration required, which makes the Edge 800 ideal for use on multiple bikes.

Out of the box, the Edge 800 features three screens dedicated to displaying ride data. Each screen can be customized to display 1 to 10 data fields (from a selection of 75), thus allowing a total of 30 over the three screens. These options include basic information such as speed, distance and power; navigational information such as distance and elevation; and unique offerings such as a compass, gradient data and the time until sunset— ideal for late afternoon rides.

To switch between screens, users either “swipe” the screen sideways in the now compulsory smartphone manner, or use left/right arrow buttons on the bottom of the touchscreen, which is responsive to even sweaty hands and most full-fingered gloves. The display has a bright backlight and is easy to read most of the time—only when direct sunlight hits the screen does this become difficult. Keep swiping the display to the left, past the three data screens, and the Edge 800 reveals its GPS navigation screen.

A blue triangle points the way along a 3D map of your local area, and the unit is even capable of providing turn-by-turn directions, much like Garmin’s automotive GPS models. There’s a search feature that lets you type in an address to find a route to that location, and the unit is also pre-programmed to locate dozens of unique points of interest, such as restaurants, coffee shops and gas stations. Directions are easily understandable and accurate along city streets to within a few yards.

“Swipe” to the left a final time and you’ll be at the Training Partner screen, which shows two horizontal landscapes stacked atop one another, each with an animated cyclist slumped over his handlebars. The avatar on top represents the user, and the one on the bottom is your “Training Partner,” which can be set to pedal at any speed indefinitely, thus allowing the user to race or pace their virtual counterpart. The screen also displays how far in front, or behind, your training partner is in distance or time, and the Edge 800 acts as a decent substitute for those who tend to ride solo.

The basic unit retails for $449.99, but for $200 more you get the Performance and Navigation bundle, which includes a heart rate monitor, speed/cadence sensor, and a microSD card preloaded with additional North American map details that is inserted into the Edge and automatically installed. You should opt for this bundle—the additional map data is essential for any short, localized rides within the U.S. or Canada. The heart rate monitor is effective and of standard fare, and the proprietary speed/cadence sensor provides quicker, more accurate data transmissions than without.

• The most comprehensive device for cycling, but not for everyone

• Plenty of features for ultimate customization

• Touchscreen interface can be difficult to operate

At $140.00, the CatEye Adventure is a good value—it’s an attractive, efficient computer that is easy to use and features all of the ride data that cyclists have come to expect from a computer in its price range. While we’d like to see an updated version with a cadence sensor and a backlight for the screen, the Adventure’s bonus features like altitude, slope and temperature round out a solid computer for the enthusiast cyclist.

The Edge 800 is a fantastic gadget, but it’s still bulkier than most other cycling computers at 100 grams, and the touchscreen interface isn’t always easy to interact with when traveling at high speeds. The feel of an analog button with a tangible “click” (such as the CatEye’s) is still the best unionn between a cyclists’ wandering fingers and a bar- or stem-mounted computer. The Edge 800’s biggest strength is the fact that it’s a Garmin, the most recognized name in the navigation business. If your rides cover epic distances in unfamiliar territory, or even if you live in a busy urban environment with endless streets in which to get lost, we think the Edge 800 is the best navigational product for your bike.