Ten to fifteen years ago having a digital cyclocomputer on your handlebars to tell you how fast you were going and how far you had ridden was the thing to have. If you were keeping track of your riding you probably had a notebook full of rides you did with the date, how far you rode, how fast, and maybe your max and average heart rate if you had it. Those days may not be long gone for some but a GPS cyclocomputer has vastly changed the way we record, save, and share our rides. A GPS cyclocomputer uses satellites to sense where you are and your speed and records it second by second along with any other data you may want it to capture such as heart rate or power output. There are a number of GPS units in general for athletes out there along with ones that are more specific to cyclists. Garmin, you may have heard of them, seemingly dominates the market but there are other quality products out there of smaller companies that are just as good if not better in some regards. Bryton Sports is one of those companies you may not yet have heard of. They’ve been around for a few years and have had time to develop an array of products ranging from simple GPS watches for running to touchscreen head-units for cycling all while using their innovative maps and dashboard platform. The GPS Cyclocomputer from Bryton Sports that we tested was the Rider 100 GPS Cycling Computer.
What is the Bryton Sports Rider 100 GPS Cycling Computer?
The Rider 100 GPS Cycling Computer is a cycling specific, handlebar mounted computer that automatically detects movement and displays your speed, the distance you have traveled, the total time you’ve been riding, and many other customizable things such as heart rate and cadence. It also tracks your ride for easy upload and viewing afterwards whether it is on Bryton Sports dashboard or your preferred ride sharing site such as Strava, MapMyRide, Training Peaks, Fit Track, or others. It offers great value for it’s price with 36 automatic and customizable data points at just $70Usd for the basic model, the Rider 100E.
Features
- High-sensitivity GPS receiver for fast positioning.
- No speed sensor installation needed. Just power on and go.
- Slim and lightweight design.
- IPX7 waterproof
- Large and easy-to-read display
- 7 customizable data screen with maximum of 5 data per page
- Compatible with ANT+ HR monitor, speed and cadence sensors.
- Anti-glare display for daytime and clear backlight for night rides.
- FIT file format for viewing stats on Bryton’s Dashboard or uploading to Strava, Training Peaks, or Fit Track.
- 25 hour battery life. USB recharge.
- 300 hour log history. 130 laps maximum.
- A variety of ways to mount on your handlebars/stem.
Facts and Opinion
The computer was very easy to set up, mount, and quickly found satellite reception. The computer tells you that it sensed motion and asks if you want it to start recording. You can change the specifications to record while in motion or to record the entire time. Interval or lap times are easy to start with the push of the large orange button in the middle. It’s easy to access the main menu (press the back and page button at the same time) to view history or to change the settings. You can download software on your computer to manage updates and GPS data but you can create a free Bryton account on their website to upload your data and have it stored and managed on their online platform which includes detailed maps. With the maps, you can also create customizable routes which can be uploaded to some of Bryton’s devices although the Rider 100 is not one of them. From the platform you can then easily view your ride and upload it to Strava, MapMyRide, Training Peaks, Fit Track, or another site.
Pros
- Very accurate location and speed sensing.
- Easy to mount with a variety of sized rubber straps.
- Secure mount, even over the roughest of terrain.
- Automatic backlight display in low light conditions.
- Screen automatically adjusts to the number of inputs: speed, distance, heart rate, etc.
- Easy uploads to Strava, TrainingPeaks, other platforms, or downloadable .gpx, .kml, .kmz, .bdx, .tcx files.
- Automatically picks up your heart rate monitor if you are riding with one.
- Is waterproof. (rode in a considerable downpour for a few hours without issue.)
Cons
- The rubber mounting straps seem like they can break due to their slenderness. (They have not however after a few weeks of testing and everyday riding.)
- The Rider 100 does not pair with a power meter which is unfortunate if you have one as you then have to ride with two computers on your handlebars/stem.
- The computer does not turn off right away after you come to a stop even after a few minutes which drains the battery.
- No other negatives to it. This computer does what you expect and does it well.
Price & Where to Buy
The Bryton Sports Rider 100 Cycling Computer is at a very good price for what you get and how it compares to Garmin. It retails for $70Usd and you can purchase it here.
