How to Choose the Best Bike Speedometer

A speedometer is a device used to display the current speed of the vehicle upon which it is installed. As a consequence, a bike speedometer will show you the current speed at which you’re cycling. However, modern bike speedometers do a lot more than that. Speedometers now act as odometers as well. A bicycle odometer will measure the distance traveled, giving the bike owner more information about their performance. Depending on the speedometer’s complexity chosen, some models will give out even more detailed information, such as the number of calories burnt, the average cycling speed, and will even scan all the stats to give an overview of how well the cyclist is performing.

The 5 Best Speedometers for Bicycles Comparisons

Brand

Details

SOON GO Bike Computer Speedometer

  • Dimensions: 1.8 x 1.8 x 0.8 inches
  • Weight: 2.88 ounces

CAT EYE Velo 7 Bike Speedometer

  • Dimensions: 3.9 x 2 x 2 inches
  • Weight: 3.2 ounces

SY Bicycle Speedometer

  • Dimensions: N/A
  • Weight: 3.2 ounces

SUAOKI Bike Speedometer

  • Dimensions: 6.3 x 4 x 2 cm
  • Weight: 4.3 ounces

007KK Bike Speedometer

  • Dimensions: 56 x 41 x 20 mm
  • Weight: 4 ounces (100 grams)

Bestselling Speedometers for Bicycle 2021

Are They for Everyone?

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Contrary to common belief, professional cyclists aren’t the only target market of speedometers. They are also used by people who prefer to ride their bikes on daily commutes, as well as those who ride on the weekends as a hobby. If that’s you, you should also consider other accessories such as bike locks and bike headlights.

How to Tell if You Need a Bike Speedometer

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In order to find the most suitable speedometer for you, you should make a quick analysis of your cycling habits. For instance, if you like to ride your bike during the evenings or at night, you need a speedometer that features a brightness-adjustable display. The best models have integrated sensors that will automatically light up the display in low light conditions. If you ride your bike on rainy days, it’s imperative that you purchase a unit that’s fully sealed and waterproof so you don’t turn it into a one-time use.

The 5 Best Speedometers for Bicycles

That being said, we’ve reviewed some of the best speedometers for bikes found online, so we can give you a clear overview of what you’ll be spending your money on.

SOON GO Bike Computer Speedometer

  • Dimensions: 1.8 x 1.8 x 0.8 inches
  • Weight: 2.88 ounces

SOON GO Bike Computer Speedometer Wireless Waterproof Bicycle Odometer Cycle Computer Multi-Function Large LCD Back-Light Display Cycling Safety Flashlight

The SOON GO speedometer comes with a wide array of functions that every rider is going to love. This wireless bike computer is capable of recording useful information, such as your current speed (the default setting is miles per hour), but also your average and maximum speed. It will also display information such as total traffic mileage or riding and elapsed time. The clock can be set to show the exact time either in a 12- or 24-hour setting. You can adjust the speedometer to show distance and speed in either kilometers or miles.

It features a motion sensor that automatically activates the device once you start cycling. In order to save battery, it can also shut down automatically in case it doesn’t detect motion for minutes. In case you’re riding during the night, there is also a backlight that’s bright enough for you to always be able to read the display. The device is compatible with almost any type of bike, from mountain bikes and even to foldable ones. As a bonus, you will also receive a tail light, which is extremely useful in low visibility traffic conditions.

The SOON GO speedometer is waterproof, which is a great thing to have when you’re cycling on rainy days. The body is fully sealed, to make sure no water can get in by any means. As you order your own speedometer, you will receive: 1 computer unit, a mount, a magnet and a sensor, 2 foam stickers, 1 O-ring, 7 zip ties, the instructions manual, 2 batteries, and the bonus tail light.

Please note that the communicating distance between the computer and the wireless sensor should not be higher than 60 cm.

To be honest, there are a couple of downsides to the SOON GO speedometer. The first one would be the rattling noise it makes when you’re cycling. It almost sounds like there’s a loose piece somewhere inside the computer. Sadly, this is a manufacturing defect, so there’s not much you can do about it. Another important thing to mention is that the wake-up feature has a small delay (generally about 5 seconds) between the moment you start pedaling and the computer’s actual response. It’s not that big of a deal unless you’re a professional cyclist and want to record every second of your activity.

Pros

  • Waterproof unit.
  • Stats available in both miles and kilometers.
  • Very easy to install.
  • Auto wake-up and sleep mode features.

Cons

  • Takes about 5 seconds of cycling for the computer to wake up from sleep mode.
  • Computer makes a rattling noise when in motion.

CAT EYE Velo 7 Bike Speedometer

  • Dimensions: 3.9 x 2 x 2 inches
  • Weight: 3.2 ounces

The CAT EYE Velo 7 is a unit that acts both as a speedometer and odometer. For those not familiar with the terminology, odometers are devices used to measure the distance traveled by the vehicle on which the odometer is installed. Just as with the SOON Go unit, the Velo 7 is also versatile, displaying all sorts of information that’s useful to the user: from speed information that ranges from current to maximum, the trip distance and time elapsed, and there is even a pace arrow and clock included. Even if the Velo 7 is advertised as being weatherproof, it probably won’t survive a harsh storm, but it should work just fine under mild rain.

The large button placed under the display allows you to select the mode, while the display itself will show the current mode selected. This makes the Velo 7 a very simple and intuitive unit. The battery life also seems very promising and, as long as you’re an average cyclist and only use your bike about 1 hour per day, the device’s battery life should last about 3 years. The built-in sensor of the Velo 7 will automatically detect motion stops and simultaneously cease counting. Even with this wide array of features, the Velo 7 is an entry-level unit, so it’s most suitable for those who’ve just begun cycling and want to track some of their stats.

Another cool feature of the Velo 7 is the auto shutdown function, which is great for saving battery. If the computer doesn’t detect motion for 90 continuous seconds, the display will automatically turn off, showing only the current time. Just as with the SOON GO, the main computer of the Velo 7 is also installed with zip ties. We would have liked a more modern approach to this, maybe a mounting bracket that could secure the unit to the bike.

Pros

  • Takes less than 30 minutes to set up (15 if you’ve installed a bike speedometer before).
  • Auto-shutdown feature turns off the computer after 90 seconds of inactivity.
  • Large display digits, great for people who have trouble seeing.

Cons

  • Main computer is installed with zip ties.
  • Suitable for entry-level cyclists, there are other more complex computers for pros.

SY Bicycle Speedometer

  • Dimensions: N/A
  • Weight: 3.2 ounces

Next in line for our series of best bike speedometer reviews is the SY model which, at first glance, is pretty similar in terms of design compared to the SOON GO. It comes with several functions that provide information about your cycling performance, such as speed, distance, and cycling time. The LCD display features a backlight that automatically activates in low light conditions to make it easier for you to view your figures no matter the hour when you’re riding. When the built-in sensors pick up vibrations coming from your bike, the main computer will automatically turn on and start recording the stats.

Installing the SY is easy and the process is similar to that of the SOON GO. You have a computer unit and a wireless sensor you need to install. The distance between the computer and the sensor shouldn’t exceed 68 cm. The first step required is to fasten the mount on the handlebar, followed by tying the sensor to the front fork. The magnet goes onto the stop, making sure it faces the sensor. The magnet’s surface should be near the sensor, at a distance of 3 mm or less. The last step is to place the computer onto the mount, and you’re good to go.

Another thing similar to the SOON GO is the rattling noise that comes out of the computer. The manufacturer explained that this sound is normal and doesn’t affect the functionality of the device. It’s caused by the wireless function. The SY bike speedometer and odometer are compatible with most types of bikes, no matter if they are regular, folding, or mountain bikes.

Pros

  • Straightforward installation instructions.
  • LCD brightness automatically adjusts to external light conditions.
  • Wake-up sensors activated the computer when picking up bike vibrations.

Cons

  • Proximity between the sensor and the magnet is crucial for accurate distance and speed measuring.

SUAOKI Bike Speedometer

  • Dimensions: 6.3 x 4 x 2 cm
  • Weight: 4.3 ounces

The SUAOKI seems to be quite a decent unit with a fairly reasonable price. We loved the fact that you can easily take the computer off its mount and carry it when you’re not using it. This is a great measure to prevent theft. The device features auto turn on and off functions, which help save battery life.

The built-in display provides important information. On the top of the screen, you can see your current cycling speed, while the bottom displays other important stats, such as the maximum and average speed. The cadence sensor will let you know your pedaling rate, which allows you to adjust your cycling. There are 2 convenient buttons that allow you to switch between the type of information shown on the display, while the other button gives you more information regarding that specific stat. The SUAOKI speedometer has some extra features, like showing how many calories you’re burning as you cycle or a complete scan that displays all the information you need to know without shuffling through the options. The temperature detection feature works like a thermometer, and there’s even a built-in stopwatch to measure your performance.

Installing the computer is fairly simple, especially thanks to the comprehensive diagram posted on the product’s Amazon page. It shows where everything is supposed to go, including other important information, such as the fact that you have to reset and pair the computer before first using it, for more accurate results. Inside the package, you will find the main computer and sensor, 1 mounting bracket, 1 speed magnet, 1 cadence magnet, 1 O-ring, 2 batteries, 4 rubber pads, and 10 zip ties.

Pros

  • Wide array of information available, such as cadence and thermometer.
  • Built-in timer.
  • Comes with both auto turn on and shut down features.
  • Calories counter available.

Cons

  • Many customer complaints about pairing the sensor and computer.
  • Not waterproof.

007KK Bike Speedometer

  • Dimensions: 56 x 41 x 20 mm
  • Weight: 4 ounces (100 grams)

The last product on our best bike speedometer list is the 007KK, a unit that acts both as a bicycle odometer and speedometer. Both the auto turn on and sleep mode will automatically activate, but please note that it takes 5 minutes of inactivity for the computer to enter sleep mode. The computer is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about rain damaging the unit as you’re cycling. By following the installation instructions, it shouldn’t take you more than 30 to 40 minutes. It’s important to know that the distance between the main computer and the sensor should not exceed 60 cm and that the magnet and the sensor should be less than 3 mm apart. The closer the sensor is to the magnet, the more accurate the information.

Here is how you can set up the parameters: press and hold both buttons for 5 seconds before inputting the wheel’s perimeter in the cycling computer. Use the right button to change the number and the left one to move onto the next setting. The tire’s perimeter should be input with no punctuation (for example, a perimeter of 1.615 m will be inputted as 1615). The next step requires choosing the measuring unit, which can be either miles or kilometers. The top right corner will display a flashing M. Pressing the right button transitions from M to KM. Press the left button to confirm your choice. Pressing the right button again will allow you to choose the reminder for the maintenance alert. Then, by pressing the left button for 5 seconds, you can choose the clock’s display, shuffling between 12 and 24 hours. Confirm your choice by pressing the right button. Now you just have to set the correct time, and you’re good to go.

As you order your own 007KK speedometer, you will receive: the bicycle computer itself, 1 seat, 1 magnet, 2 batteries (1 x 23A and 1 x CR2032), the wireless sensor, 2 stickers, 7 tie wraps, and the user manual.

Pros

  • Covers all the basic information needed from such a unit.

Cons

  • Screen backlight is not very bright.
  • Buttons are laggy & barely responsive.

The Bottom Line

At first, the SUAOKI was our winner. Its features seemed to be the most complete we’ve ever seen in a speedometer, and we were really tempted to consider it the best purchase. But as we dug deeper, we’ve found a huge number of complaints on how difficult it is to pair the sensor and the computer. A high number of customers were asking for a refund because they couldn’t get the bicycle computer to work as promised. That’s when we knew there was only one other obvious winner: the SOON GO.

This unit is a real beast when you compare the number of features to the low price tag. It can record useful information that ranges from your current and average speed and all the way up to your trip distance and total cycling time. It features a maintenance reminder, as well as sensors that turn the device on once it detects movement. The backlight is automatically activated as it gets dark outside, allowing you to fully view the displayed information even at night. Aside from its many features, the SOON GO bike speedometer compares your current speed with your average. As long as you follow the installation instructions by heart, you should be able to get complete and accurate bike riding info.

The fact that the device is waterproof is super important if you ride your bike regardless of the weather conditions. While riding your bike straight into the lake will most likely damage the cycling computer, mild rain is easily surpassed due to the fully sealed body of the speedometer. The bonus taillight is another additional thing that convinced us to opt for the SOON GO bike speedometer. The light is very useful in traffic, especially when harsh weather conditions make cyclists barely visible to passing cars. Aside from all these cool features, you also benefit from a 24-month warranty.

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