We present you the best bike navis on our test and comparison portal.
Navigation devices have become indispensable in modern cars. They are just as much part of the usual equipment there as a cigarette lighter. After GPS navigation became established in the motorized sector, for a long time cyclists had to resort to hand-held or hiking navis, which only offer little information matching card material offers.
For some years now, however, there have also been good and reliable navigation devices for the wire donkey, which have been subjected to tests. However, why it doesn’t always have to be a separate navigation device and you you can also use your smartphone as such, tells you our buying guide. Read our comparison!
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buying advice for bike-navis-test resp. -comparison: we help you find your bike navigator test winner!
- A navigation device for your bike guides you to your destination even off the beaten track. you can decide whether to choose a device with or without map support.
- Even some bicycle computers already have a GPS tracking function. Alternatively, smartphones with appropriate apps can also be used as a navi.
- Entry-level devices are already available for under 100 euros. Large map packages and additional features such as backlighting cost extra.
Navigation devices are available for different purposes and types of vehicles. In addition to navigation systems for trucks and motorcycles, specific navigation systems for bicycles are also available. get to know the different types of bicycle navis in our guidebook. For an easier search for a suitable product we also give you the important criteria for bike navi tests to the hand. Answers to frequently asked questions on the subject you will find at the end of the article.
1. navigation also possible with smartphone and bike computer
GPS is always available everywhere.
Bicycle navigation devices not only offer more convenience on excursions than a classic bike map, but can also be helpful for certain professions. Bicycle couriers have already been benefiting for some time from the possibility to be guided through cities with the help of GPS signal. In everyday life, there can be various situations in which a bicycle navigation system becomes a practical companion.
But you don’t have to buy a navigation device in every case. Also free bike navis are available as online service available. These can be used as bike-navis for the smartphone. However you need here an internet connection is required to access relevant map material. However, since dead spots on rural bike routes are the rule rather than the exception, these services are more suitable for route planning at the living room table:
- bike navigation free of charge, requires no additional services
- Can be used for route planning
- access possible with any smartphone, tablet and computer
- positioning depends on internet connection
- Less suitable for spontaneous navigation
- No shortcuts or special routes
There are also fundamental differences in the design of bicycle navigation systems. The actual navigation devices with map display are only one option for the right bicycle navigator. Real alternatives are now bike navigation apps that can be used on any current smartphone or tablet. Also the classic bike computers have been upgraded in the age of GPS navigation. However, you only get a very rudimentary display of your own position here.
A separate navigation device always has the advantage that your product is tailored to this one purpose. If you are looking for the widest possible range of functions and want to have a lot of information about the routes you are following, then this type of device is the best choice. Apps, on the other hand, are often much cheaper and bike computers with GPS tracking are convincing due to their compact size.
The most important information about the three types is listed in the following overview table:
- Large touch display
- Digital maps with cycling routes and popular destinations
- Backlight for better visibility in sunshine
- Application for the smartphone or tablet
- Uses digital maps
- Easy synchronization with laptop or computer possible
- Bicycle speedometer with GPS display
- Simple route display without maps
- Small and compact design
2. Bicycle navigation systems with and without maps
As already mentioned in the first part of our guide, there is a fundamental difference in the type of navigation. Separate bike navigation devices use digital maps, whereas bike computers with additional GPS tracking only show a predefined route. routes can be entered through previously defined position points. These markings and however, you do not necessarily have to enter routes manually, because you can often find them for free on the internet.
With a navigation device with map function, however, you save yourself this preparatory work completely. Current models contain many hundreds of maps that include bike paths, rest stops and popular destinations in addition to normal road routes. However, it is important to note that map packages increase the price and updates are not always free of charge.
2.1. Functionality is a question of price
The smartphone can also be used for navigation.
However, simple bicycle navigation is by no means the only thing that contemporary models have up their sleeve. Navigation bike computers have the great advantage of being able to determine speed and cadence fairly accurately. A sensor is used for this purpose, just like in a classic bicycle speedometer. For pure navigation devices, the speed display is more of an estimate, resulting from the GPS location. It is also very practical that bicycle navigation systems have several connection options on board.
Bluetooth and WLAN complement the USB connection and allow more flexibility. Bicycle navigation systems with voice output also offer additional navigation assistance, which many people are already familiar with from car navigation systems. However, a bicycle navigator with voice output remains the preserve of apps and pure navigation devices. This function would not make much sense with a pure GPS tracking.
2.2. What to consider when buying a bike navigator
If you want to buy a bike sat nav, you can use comparisons of bike sat navs to research the advantages and disadvantages of individual products. Well-done tests can also be used to get a first overview of the current models on offer. Even if the different types of outdoor bike navigation have different levels of functionality, it is worth looking for general or specific purchase criteria. These can be:
- Display size in inches
- Map material
- Detailed map display (yes/no)
- Max. Battery life in h
- With touchscreen (yes/no)
- Splashproof (yes/no)
- Data transmission and memory types
- Incl. Mounting (yes/no)
3. Cycling navis in the test: the intended use is decisive
How long does the battery of a bike navi last??
The battery life of newer bicycle navigation devices is usually between 10 and 18 hours. depending on both battery and display size as well as additional features like a backlight.
tests of devices for bicycle navigation 2022 advise to consider well in advance in which situations you actually want to use a bicycle navi. The simple route display of bike computers tend not to be for weekend cyclists, but for athletes, which regularly ride certain routes.
On the other hand, a navigation device does not need to have map packages of all of europe if you use it exclusively for local bike tours. Bicycle navigation devices for smartphones are now a serious option for many people.
Tip: the memory of many bicycle navigation devices can be expanded with SD cards. Usually, bike navigation devices do not use .Gpx files, however, some models can also handle manufacturer-specific data.
4. Cheap bike navis cost under 100 euro
When looking for the best bike navigator, your wallet also has something to say about it. However, the well-known manufacturers have already noticed this, which is why there are some inexpensive entry-level models for under 100 euro gives. Teasi offers bicycle navigation devices starting at a price of around 65 euros. But even the somewhat more expensive bicycle navigation devices from teasi are still in a low to medium price range at 110 to 160 euros. bike-navis from garmin are already a bit more expensive. Here you will find what you are looking for, especially in the price range from 150 to 250 euros.
In contrast to other GPS-supported devices, the prices of garmin’s bicycle navigation systems are still within an acceptable range. If you don’t have a problem spending more money, you can also look around at the bike navis from blaupunkt or falk.
Notice: most important accessory is a holder for the bike navi. The most important criteria are quick and easy handling and a secure hold. many bike-navis are delivered with brackets. If you use your smartphone as a navi, however, you will need to purchase a corresponding mount for the handlebars.
5. questions and answers around the topic bike-navi
5.1. Which well-known manufacturers are there?
Many devices are small and handy. Ideal for on the road.
Popular brands include:
- Garmin
- Teasi
- Falk
- Blaupunkt
- Mio
- Twonav
- Xplova
- A-rival
5.2. What can a bike-navi?
Bicycle navigation devices were developed with the aim of making the advantages offered by a navigation system for car drivers available to cyclists as well. Therefore the range of functions is comparable. Differences exist nevertheless. Especially in terms of the type of maps a bike navigator accesses. After all, bicycle routes have not played a role in car navigation devices until now.
However there are also bike computers that do not need any maps at all. These show the route based on a predefined path. In both cases, the devices use GPS to determine the route. how many additional functions a model has depends not least on the price, you are willing to pay. Often, in addition to a suitable display, a practical backlight is also offered.
Notice: Bicycle navigation systems designed for travel contain not only a lot of map material, but also information about destinations, restaurants and popular places for bicycle tours.
5.3. How does a bike navi?
A navigation device always works in a similar way. It does not matter what vehicle this is designed for. Basic GPS technology. With this signals from a global satellite network are used, to determine the current position. the accuracy depends on the number of addressable satellites. the GPS for bicycles also uses this method. The exact technical implementation may vary.
For example, some bicycle navigators use stored map data. this way the position on a route can be displayed. This is also possible with bike-navi-apps without maps. However, only if the route has been previously entered or already driven. online bike navis also work this way or allow route planning in advance without including the current position. Strictly speaking, such online bike navis are not navigation devices, but route planners.
The accuracy of the position determination is rather unimportant for bike tours, because it is nevertheless accurate to at least ten meters. In city centers, however, the display should be as accurate as possible, as shortcuts along small paths can otherwise be quickly overlooked or missed.
5.4. Is there already a bike-navi-test from the stiftung warentest??
Even though many consumers would surely be happy about a bicycle navi test winner, they still have to wait for it. A current and separate neither the stiftung warentest nor a comparable portal like okotest has published any tests with bicycle navigation devices so far.
However, there is an older comparison from 2009. In this one navigation devices were presented and compared, which can be helpful for hikers as well as for cyclists. at this point ten devices were tested up to a price of 600 euro. All results can be found here. Due to its age, however, this comparison is no longer meaningful.
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price found: from 171,26 € " now to amazon " now to ebay |
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| ++ 12 h |
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| The CICLO NAVIC 400 navigation device has an internal memory of 8 GB. The memory can be expanded externally up to 128 GB. |
| bestseller: product rated most frequently by buyers on amazon in comparison | |
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price found: from 239,99 € " now to amazon " now to ebay |
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| ++ ca. 15 h |
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| The wahoo ELEMNT BOLT navigation device is 4.7 x 2.2 x 7.5 cm large. The navigation device is very compact and therefore ideally suited for a bike tour. | |
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price found: from 255,75 € " now to amazon " now to ebay |
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| +++ 20 h |
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| The battery of this GPS from twonav lasts for about 20 hours. In addition, the device convinces with high waterproofness, temperature resistance and impact resistance. |
What scores did the individual bicycle navigation devices receive in our comparison??
You can choose your personal bike navigator test winner from the following list:
- First place – very good: etrex 32x from garmin – example internet price: 198 euro
- Second place – very good: GPS cross from twonav – exemplary internet price: 256 euro
- third place – very good: ELEMNT BOLT from wahoo – exemplary internet price: 240 euro
- Fourth place – good: edge 130 plus from garmin – sample internet price: 197 euro
- fifth place – good: cyclo 505 HC from mio – exemplary internet price: 310 euro
- sixth place – good: cyclo 210 GPS from mio – exemplary internet price: 139 euro
- seventh place – good: cyclo 215 GPS from mio – sample internet price: 210 euro
- eighth place – good: bikepilot ²+ from cabt gmbh – example internet price: 129 euro
- Ninth place – good: CICLO NAVIC 400 from ciclosport – exemplary internet price: 171 euro
- Tenth place – good: etrex touch 25 from garmin – exemplary internet price: 175 euros
The list shows: of the total of 9 different manufacturers, the bike navis are divided into 3 "very good" ones bike navis and 11 "good" ones bike-navis on. The comparison winner etrex 32x from garmin received the best award in the ranking among all grades and at the same time costs only 197,54 euro .
the bike navis manufacturer garmin puts with 4 products the most bike navis in the comparison table for the bike navis comparison.
How many different manufacturers were compared and rated by the editors in the bicycle navi comparison?
our editors have examined and compared 14 different bike navis from 9 manufacturers to give you the best product choice. More information "
How much do the best bike sat navs cost in bike sat nav comparison?
the best product in the bike-navis-comparison, our comparison winner etrex 32x from garmin , you get for 197,54 euro . However, if you don’t want to spend so much money on a bike navigator, you can take a look at our price-performance winner edge 130 plus from garmin. More information "
Which of the bike navis is rated and described by a large number of customers??
The bike navi from wahoo is particularly well known, because over 3178 customers have given their first impressions after purchase and rated the ELEMNT BOLT from wahoo. More information "
Which bike navigation devices did the editors rate particularly highly??
The editors gave the rating "VERY GOOD awarded several times and in particular the following 3 bike-navis: etrex 32x from garmin , GPS cross from twonav and ELEMNT BOLT from wahoo . More information "
What other similar items have consumers who added a bike navigator to their shopping cart looked at?
Before buying a bike navigator, customers often have other bike navigation, bike navigation and bike navigator examined. More information "