Best ATV GPS 2020 | Review & Guide
GPS technology has made its way into many everyday items – and recently it complete a small gadget that has long existed: bike computers. What is expected of the best GPS ATV? It continues to provide sports data; cardio away … With a big twist, that of navigation.
And when it comes to choosing a GPS mountain bike, many factors come into play very technical, which explain the large disparity in prices – up to fivefold. The field of navigation is much more complex than it appears, and can mobilize very different technologies have advantages and disadvantages very specific.
In this area more than others, so do not have to blindly throw on the first model and carefully study the competition. The market in France is dominated by a handful of brand, which Garmin is the most famous. But we also found other GPS ATV less known and equally interesting.
To help you understand, go into the shopping guide at the end of this comparison.
The best GPS ATV in 2020
1. Bryton Aero 60 – A small GPS ATV cheap and full
Bryton is among the brands of choice in the field of GPS ATV, and is located just below Garmin in terms of quality. Despite some underperforming models, their reputation is solid. And the Aero 60 is no stranger to success: it is an excellent compromise input range that has been very successful in its niche. A compromise because that is what we are looking for a budget. In the case of the Aero, they sacrifice some peripheral options to focus on the essential, hence the relatively low price.
Bryton The Aero 60 is a GPS ATV ergonomic and well designed. Although it has some weaknesses when compared to its direct competitor in this price – Garmin Edge 530 – it makes up for very good performance.
It is in the name: the design is aerodynamic, and it is more important than it seems. This model has the potential to address competitive cyclists who will be put off by the lack of care taken in this regard by other GPS ATV. It comes with an original mounting system, which differs from what we can see in the competition, but removes most easily from its base without the risk of losing it.
The great strength of this GPS ATV is in its metric sensors. In this category, it is even just one of the best. Apart from the readability of the screen, although thought to be searchable with a single glance, there are several interesting innovations. For example, the ability to customize the different data fields displayed at any time.
The reliability of these metrics sensors is also a great asset. The comparative results are bluffing in again for this price range, with a very good estimate data cardio and distances.
If there is one point that surprises, and positively, the navigation software included. For a recent model is very rare: it is explained. For lower prices, some manufacturers – including Garmin – had the idea to rely on smartphones. With Bluetooth connectivity, GPS ATV becomes a simple terminal, but it is the smartphone that does all the work. It raises many questions: autonomy already. In all honesty, can we put back to back including navigation models and others that ultimately are mere display terminals?
The good extra point of the Aero 60 is that even taking this into account, autonomy is entirely correct: 32h on average.
His small screen of 2.3 “is sufficiently well designed to display all the necessary information. By navigating the device with the – many – physical buttons, you have access to five data pages.
And for those who want to recover data, do not panic. If navigation is included, it does not prevent the Aero 60 to be compatible with the app Bryton companion to compile, store, compare and share. It may include extracting the route taken to .gpx.
Integrated Navigation is relatively straightforward: it uses Open Street Maps, which is an excellent choice. OSM is an open and collaborative GPS system, as its name suggests, and it has proven. It’s a bit Wikipedia mapping, and as for this last experience has proven: the data are numerous, accurate and very reliable. This is also the same system that uses Garmin.
This GPS ATV uses a total of five different satellite systems: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS and BDS. It is the certainty of always having a reliable data stream wherever you are.
It is also compatible with ANT + sensors cardio, speed, cadence, power and displays other data devices. Only drawback? We can blame the GPS sometimes miss minimalist interface clarity, especially if one has to make decisions fast route.
The Aero 60 is stronger than the side sensors of navigation. But it is also a very rare GPS ATV to offer as many options without any particular weaknesses. Compatibility with networks and sensors allow great flexibility. And yet, this is the best value in the category of less than 150 €!
2. Polar M460 – GPS ATV input range with the best software
Polar is one of the leading brands in the field of hi-tech fitness. It follows Garmin close in terms of quality and construction seriously, despite some weaknesses in certain ranges. The GPS M460 mountain bike, however, is one of the best value for money in its class. As Aero 60, it offers more features than its competitors.
Polar uses software that has already been proven on many other brand models: FLOW. It is also the name of the companion app that synchronizes data between the smartphone and GPS ATV. One can also point that there is a software for PC and Mac SYNC FLOW, to export its data on computer also.
The FLOW interface on the GPS ATV itself is a little different from what we see on other brands. But the UX Polar, if it does not unanimously, is generally intuitive.
The M460 is based quite heavily on the companion app to configure the interface. This is an advantage as a disadvantage, it will depend on usage. The interface depends partly on the activity profile. There are 8, each with up to 4 metric data displayed, which is defined from the app – and so in line. It presupposes a 4G or WiFi connection on the phone, and it’s not very easy to do while we’re on the way. The advantage is that there is less physical buttons on the Aero 60, a more open interface, more direct and that relies more on the touch.
It would be preferred in contrast to access more than 4 metric data at once – including one thinks of the Aero 60 which manages to display up to 6 on the screen with very good clarity.
The responsiveness of the touch screen is also quite comfortable, even with gloves: it is sometimes a major flaw GPS ATV entry. With a screen size similar to a Garmin Edge 520, readability is optimal.
The compatibility between the GPS and various sensors is provided entirely by Bluetooth. It is up a Bluetooth SMART network – so you have to make sure your accessories are compatible with this technology. This will almost always be the case on the relatively new models: if you have none, you can begin to complete your kit based on the Bluetooth SMART without asking yourself too many questions. The app recognizes almost everything on the market in this area, cardio sensors from simple to more advanced.
The chip GPS is a uBlox – this is common on entry level models, and if these are not the best in terms of accuracy, the results are very satisfactory for the price. It does not use GLONASS in addition to GPS, such as Garmin or Bryton: this is what explains the difference in performance.
Bell GPS compatible, Strava is one of the most popular systems in the field of sports GPS. A 60-day free trial is included with the purchase, the monthly subscription is then the standard price compared to other services in the market.
The autonomy of this GPS ATV is quite correct. But despite the strong support of the device on connectivity with smartphones, it reaches a maximum 16h of use. That should be enough for most uses, although one might have hoped for better performance.
The great strength of Polar M460, so this is its software and mobile computer, making this GPS tracker ATV excellent sports. The GPS function is also correct, even if Strava is a less open system OSM – and owner. The advantage, however, is that benefits from software updates for both services, with new features and patches regularly.
3. Bryton Rider 410T – The Best GPS ATV input range
If the Aero 60 is a GPS ATV Cheapest Bryton Rider 410T to discover another qualitative range of the brand. And in the category of Riders, the 410T – one of the latest models – is an excellent compromise between GPS that range, all of which have enjoyed a very good reputation for high quality design. The arrival of the 410T suggests that Bryton will occupy more and more space in the sports world.
Firsthand, the Bryton Rider 410 is slightly larger than the 310, its predecessor already conspicuous by its durability and comfort. Where this last proposed only three physical buttons, the 410 utilizes 6. One can already deduce the advantage and disadvantage of such a design choice as Aero, it relies on manual operation and less on the companion app to navigate the menus. It also means we lose a little maneuverability while being driven.
The mounting system is universal, since it uses the same type of elastic that Btwin accessories eg it can be mounted almost anywhere, regardless of the diameter of the handlebar.
Let’s talk about the software. The interface is highly readable and clear, with 5 to 8 data displayed in real time. Finally, is navigated via relatively few buttons if you have configured interface. GPS is very reactive, especially for this price range, and relatively reliable. It uses a combination GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, QZSS and BDS. You can select the different systems that you want to use. There is even a battery saving mode, which will rely on the less demanding – at the expense of some performance.
This is also because the 410 T relies heavily on the new app Bryton. The integration of the app has been improved tremendously since the launch of the 310, and the setting data is a real breeze. The altimeter setting – which can be a real fuss over other models – the profiles, configuration pages, notifications can be managed directly via the smartphone, with a clear and intuitive interface.
It can display up to 72 functions: for once it is a little too much. We already know that much of these options will be obsolete. However, data export allows even when lean on: the potential for analysis is huge, and we know that it can quickly become addictive. Climb its graphs, compare its performance …
Autonomy is another highlight of this GPS ATV. With an average battery 35h, we know that recharging is never a particular headaches.
Compatibility with sensors is generally good: you can mount its network with Garmin or TomTom accessories easily. But if you do not already, we advise ANT + Bryton for data cardio, these sensors have one of the best value for money and fidelity surprising data.
We understand better what Bryton may represent a real danger for Garmin. Certainly this GPS ATV does not present as many features as its main competitor, but in terms of ease of use, flexibility and design seriously, it is a safe bet for a price well below the average. A brand to watch closely!
4. Lezyne Mega C – GPS ATV with better navigation and autonomy
The Mega XL series Lezyne is among the most reliable ranges and the most popular GPS mountain bike, even with the pros. Mega C, the smallest model – and cheapest – Australian brand has many advantages which are not far from the return side by side with size competitors such as Garmin and Wahoo.
The design is not as elegant or end Garmin, but the aesthetic is rarely the most important criterion. It is thanks to its thickness somewhat surprisingly – almost twice that of its competitors – be it GPS ATV offers an impressive battery life of 32 hours.
Especially since it offers display in term benefits. The screen is very decent, comparable to the Edge 520, but here we have the possibility of the backlight. It can display up to 8 data per page, and the division is well thought out: the numbers are legible, even at first glance. The interface is not as crowded as the Edge 520 or Bolt elemnt. The backlight is powerful, and colors help much to improve visibility. It’s a gamble, but managed to Lezyne: to offer a backlit display and colorful with a yet greater autonomy to many other brands. You will include the advantages it presents in full sun, where the LCD backlight off may be unclear.
Coupling with the smartphone is rather simple, with the companion app Lezyne GPS Ally V2, an improvement from the previous version, which is comprehensive and intuitive. You can set most of the settings from a handful of menus, add different profiles according to ATV use, pair the sensors and configure data collection. This is also where we will be able to activate and configure the GPS.
It allows Lezyne to have only 4 buttons on the GPS mountain bike, where as complete models can expect 5 to 8, with more or less obscure combinations.
The device is compatible with Bluetooth or ANT + sensors. You can collect data cardio, cadence, speed, distance, time, etc …
The GPS system is also rather clever. The site Lezyne, GPS Root, is a good option to make life easier: selecting and very simply we export of map sections on OSM database – Open Street Map. The only limit? A square kilometer! There is something fun.
Once activated, the device shows the routes and paths of the selected area. Navigation is really correct, especially for a screen too small. The color coding, again, to better follow the path than LCD models. The navigation system is by far the most effective and clearer.
The Lezyne Mega C is, in fact, the most versatile in this roundup. For a model of mid-range, the range of tools and sensors compatibility is impressive. This is a GPS mountain bike the few that lends itself to a sport that a delivery bike, thanks to its reliability and autonomy. Its only flaw? Its slightly larger a size that makes it less aerodynamic – but it is important that at a very competitive level.
5. Garmin Edge 520 – GPS mountain bike with the best companion app
For GPS ATV also Garmin is one of the best brands of sport-tech. And while its competitors are catching up quickly, it has dominated the market for twenty years. The brand has imposed especially in sports connected watches: and relevant, in another form, GPS ATV generally use the same technology and similar functionality.
Looking at the specifications of this GPS ATV, the most surprising is the long list of features … and the small size of the device. With only 60 grams, with a color screen 2.3 inches, it is rather lightweight side. This is partly because Garmin relies heavily on the flexibility of its companion app.
The app Garmin Connect is not always unanimity – particularly because it is not always the most intuitive – but we must admit that this is one of the most comprehensive. The evolution of this app has punctuated the success of Garmin products, GPS and mountain bike, newest, benefits from all the innovations.
For example, you can use the Virtual Partner function, which allows to play against a virtual opponent that you configure yourself on distance criteria, time, speed … Another interesting feature of the app, the Live -Tracking allows your selected contacts to track your live performance. Practice for group rides, for example!
This GPS ATV is compatible with ANT + technology and ANT + FE-C sensor for cardio, speed and cadence but also via Bluetooth Smart. The Bluetooth standard, it is found in watches connected eg to display notifications, or to synchronize data. \
Note that it is well equipped with a GPS compatible with many standards, the screen does not offer the live navigation option. The GPS function is therefore used to trace its path – not to move during the trip. From this price, we will consider that this is a limitation; in fact, everybody does not seek above all navigation in GPS ATV. This is a factor to consider when choosing the model.
Autonomy is correct on paper – 15h, a necessary compromise to achieve such compactness. However, we must point that this figure assumes that adjusts screen brightness to a minimum: Golden backlit LED screens can lose readability in direct sunlight. In real conditions, it will push the brightness, which brings the real autonomy between 10 and 12.
Garmin is by far one of the best brands of GPS ATV, and the Edge 520 offers the best value in its class. It would even have been the best if, as Lezyne, he had proposed a complete navigation. If this is an important criterion and that you hold the superb features of the app Garmin, you can refer to the Edge 820, which also offers WiFi connectivity, a touch screen and a few other interesting features. Conversely, the Garmin Edge 20 is a much cheaper and minimalist design, compatible with many of the features of the app.
6. Wahoo elemnt – The Best GPS Mountain Bike premium
Wahoo is another brand that has caught on Garmin GPS ATV market. With innovative features and great handling, it has serious benefits. It has been very difficult to separate the elemnt Garmin E820; it is the value that tipped the balance. And given the price of the devices in this range, this is not a detail!
GPS ATVs have evolved in recent years, thanks to the popularization of connectivity standards. Indeed, there is the ability to connect to WiFi, ANT + and Bluetooth on all models above recent range. But the Wahoo elemnt not it in the belly.
In terms of design, this GPS ATV is perfect aerodynamics, and ergonomically well designed. The screen is not color – and you may regret for that price – but that does not stop a pleasant and intuitive. We also know how the backlight affects battery life, and the many features already draining the-last. This is the compromise needed to continue to benefit from a good battery life and a lightweight.
Because the features are numerous. Unlike Garmin, Wahoo does not take the gamble to rely only on the smartphone processor and Bluetooth connectivity. And good surprise, the connection of different sensors is via the ANT + standard. Something new can be configured his cardio objectives so that the LEDs on the side of the device indicate if you have achieved them or not. This is an excellent legibility option, since it allows for not reading the data permanently.
In addition to the companion app Wahoo, GPS ATV is also compatible with TrainingPeaks and Today’s up, two apps for planning and sports performance, to establish a cardio routine, objectives, and compare its performance from one day to the other.
But apart from a few nice options, elemnt is an autonomous bicycle computer. It is what earned him the first high-end Place: otherwise useless to speak of autonomy if the GPS is a simple screen relay, because that is the app that does all the work … The elemnt be configured via smartphone, but from there, it also works well alone.
Suddenly, the elemnt relies heavily on the handling of menus and the touch screen. One option in particular changes everything: the zoom, which starts with his fingers and allows to focus on one part of the screen temporarily. It’s stupid, and it changes life.
If you want more use of GPS ATV as a terminal connected to a smartphone, Bluetooth Smart standard also displays notifications. Coupled with a good engine navigation is probably the most serious option for a delivery bicycle, which can briefly check his messages on the road, for example.
Navigation is based on OSM, and it is a safe bet. However, it is not as clear and effective as Garmin: the guide is not enough monitoring, and does not benefit either alerts in real time. Navigation is simply a way highlighted on the map.
It’s a shame, especially that apart from navigation, usability of the screen is one of the most successful. You can display between 2 and 10 from the same time – this is much more than its competitors – and their layout is fully configurable.
Wahoo elemnt has some shortcomings: lack of color, backlighting, and navigation a bit too basic for that price. Outside of that, thanks to the app but most seriously of this GPS ATV itself, it deserves the prize. Indeed, it is commendable from Wahoo not rely entirely on the use of a smartphone. If you have a smaller budget, the models Wahoo interest you and that smartphone addiction does not make you afraid, you can also take a look at Wahoo elemnt Bolt, his little brother, cheaper and very interesting.
Buying Guide: everything you need to know about GPS ATV before buying a
Uses GPS ATV
The GPS ATV is an improvement of a product little older, bike computer, the primary purpose is to collect data in real time sports. The advent of smartphones and miniaturization advances have complete these options.
Today, GPS ATVs are various devices more versatile but also more ambiguous. Some lean on the side of data collection, with connectivity to smartphones and increasingly competitive app companion to this view. In this case, the GPS data are used primarily to access and share their route after the race. Others focus on navigation and act as a car GPS.
Therefore, we can identify three main uses of GPS ATV: sports, mixed, and utility. Sports, to check its performance. Utility, if delivery is by bicycle, for example, to replace a smartphone as a navigation interface. Mixed if, as in many cases, we want to have a camera that makes do both.
Built-in navigation
When talking about GPS ATV, one can imagine that navigation – ie tracking the journey live, as on a car GPS – is systematic. The reality is more complex. A GPS mountain bike is just a bike computer that contains a GPS technology.
It can be used to export and share your itinerary, or its position, but not necessarily define journeys in advance and to be guided in real time.
OSM maps
The Open Street Map cards are essential, by far the most reliable. They were developed collaboratively, they are free and they are frighteningly detailed – far more than Google Maps, especially when it comes to roads.
Some GPS ATV manufacturers continue to offer paid map packs. It is entirely unnecessary and, nowadays, it borders on fraud. The OSM Standard is also much lighter to download large areas on their smartphone or GPS.
Bluetooth
GPS ATV recent Garmin or Wahoo Lezyne use Bluetooth connectivity standard to communicate with your smartphone. In some cases, the Bluetooth Smart is also present, and displays notifications and real-time text. This is what we find on the SmartWatches, for example.
If your GPS ATV has enough features in itself, Bluetooth is not necessary. But some brands have taken very different paths. Garmin, for example, relies heavily on Bluetooth connectivity to offer more options. Others, such as Wahoo, prefer to offer a more autonomous model.
In general, the presence of Bluetooth connectivity allows you to enjoy many additional features, or via the manufacturer’s companion app, or via other sports apps like Strava.
GPS standards
GPS means communicating with some type of satellite. If you hear any GPS satellite communication is a shift in meaning: in this case we speak of GNSS, which includes GPS standard. There are others, such as GLONASS – the most widespread in Russia standard – Galileo – Europe – BeiDou – in China and Southeast Asia.
The preferred area is not the only factor that determines the type of standard you need. In fact, for better reliability, devices such as GPS ATV rely today on several standards at once. The models compatible with all standards cited above are generally more reliable in terms of location.
FAQ: it answers the questions that you ask about GPS ATV
It depends on the use you intend to do. The touch screen is an expensive feature that, to enjoy good quality on other areas of the unit, will force you to go upmarket.
It is especially useful for devices that have a lot of features, if you want to switch quickly menu or change the view on the way.
If you do not intend lot manipulate your GPS ATV while driving, it’s not really necessary: even if it-a lot of buttons, you can take the time to do the manipulations necessary for the stop.
If you deliveryman bike, however, a touch screen is highly recommended for safety. Note, however, that even today, a GPS mountain bike with a touch screen will be less tight than a conventional model.
sometimes seen walkers fix their smartphone to the handlebars, and directly use the applications dedicated to benefit – in theory – all that offers GPS ATV. The only advantage is financial: you do not have to purchase additional equipment.
In reality, a smartphone is very limited in this kind of context. First, you’ll need to invest in a solid attachment system compatible, to be as reliable as possible; and it will already be a significant expense.
Second, even if your smartphone has a function that equates with navigation, it’s not a GPS. This is called an A-GPS – for Assisted GPS. This technology uses triangulation antennas Telecom to perform the location. It is less reliable, less accurate, and above all it does not work everywhere – especially away from civilization, where it will usually go mountain biking. Moreover, with few exceptions, the cards are not stored on the smartphone and require a lot of mobile data.
And that’s not counting all the other features – that are specific to a bike computer as a GPS ATV – beside which you will spend: cardio data, connectivity with the speed sensors, etc … Most of these sensors use ANT + standard and not Bluetooth, too energy intensive. Your smartphone will then not much.
The last point is the battery life. Navigation is one of the most demanding on a smartphone features, while a GPS ATV is designed to hold an average 20aine hours. It is better to keep the battery from its smartphone to call for help if something goes wrong …
⚙ What are compatible sensors with GPS ATV?
Most GPS ATV communicate with sensors following the ANT + standard. They collect data and transmit them to the smartphone via Bluetooth. You have to check the type of connection between the sensors and the GPS before making his choice.
The Bluetooth standard requires more energy, and it is still relatively rare on the sensors, even if it begins to appear with Bluetooth 5.2 standard, less greedy.
If a GPS ATV is ANT + compatible, it should support all these devices. It is possible that the interface is not configured so as to display the data: you can still find them on your smartphone export, but not on the screen.
To select your GPS ATV, list the sensors you want to receive – cardio, speed, altitude … – and look for a model that includes in the list of features.
The devices of the same brand tend to work better together. Garmin sensors is known for example that are not fully compatible with GPS ATV Wahoo.
This is to find the balance that suits you between two criteria: compact / aerodynamics vs readability. A larger unit will generate more wind resistance and occupy more space on your handlebar. But it will show more information simultaneously without swiper or go through menus.
A smaller unit will normally be limited in terms of readability, but those that are found in the most competitive environments, including through their aerodynamics.
The determining factor, so the amount of information you will want to consult both. The larger models appear ten, smaller 2 to 4. Always select a screen size for this factor because some poorly designed templates let you collect too much information on the screen – and that’s the final unreadable. So it is not a quality factor in itself, and certainly not influence the price!
If you simply want to revisit your performance later, not much. This is an expensive option, especially if it is of good quality.
However, navigation is paramount in both cases. The first is for difficult slopes or in limited visibility conditions. You will be able to rely on the navigation interface to avoid losing you. The second is for urban use.
We see more and more deliverymen bike ATV use GPS to optimize their shopping without draining the battery of your smartphone – and risk a fine when in use.
Where to buy a good GPS ATV?
As you could see, each model is very different and adapted to the needs and very specific situations. You rarely find more than a few models in specialty stores, difficult in these conditions to be satisfied to find one that suits you.
Especially since this is a technology that is changing fast, and you’ll usually want to refer you to a recent GPS ATV. Under these conditions, the online offering is much more advantageous, provided you inquire beforehand.