Cycling computers are becoming increasingly popular these days. With this generation's natural inclination to technology, it's no wonder people are finding ways to make their rides more convenient through technology. However, getting your first cycling computer could be as tricky as getting your first cycling gear. Having one not compatible with your riding habits can cause more harm than good to your ride.

This blog will discuss the features you need to look for when getting your first cycling computer.

1. Compact Size

A compact size is the first thing you must look for when finding a cycling computer. Some computers tend to be bulky, which adds to the weight of your overall cycling gears, decreasing your speed. Know that there's almost no reason for cycling computers to say a hefty computer is better–all the technologies you need for your cycling computer, such as your GPS tracker, are already manufactured in tinier sizes these days.

Aside from this, getting a cycling computer that works when not attached to your gears is best. This way, you can easily strap it into your arms or place it in your top post bag while still enjoying its benefits. 

2. Anti-theft Alerts

Over 2 million bicycles were stolen in 2022–almost $350 million worth of property lost. Bicycle theft is a lot more prevalent than how most people think. And it's not surprising since bicycles lack other automobiles' built-in security features.

Because of this, it's best to get a bicycle computer with anti-theft alerts. Make sure you get a computer that can be connected to your smartphone. You can leave your bicycle without worrying when taking a break at your favorite coffee shop. It's also best to find one with advanced GPS tracking technology and a movement sensor so that the slightest unexpected touch will send alerts to your smartphone. 

3. Weather Data

Weather can be erratic these days. And it can significantly affect your riding techniques and safety, especially when you've come to the road unprepared. 

This is why it's best to get a cycling computer with a weather training feature. Not only does it analyzes the weather throughout the day, but it also gives insights into how you should ride or train depending on your surrounding. It will provide you with hydration alerts if you're riding through a hot day, and it will provide you with elevation alerts if you're riding on a rainy day that can cause the roads to become wet and slippery.

4. Climbing Details & Ascent

If you plan to do long-distance rides or join tours this year, get a cycling computer with climbing details and ascent. This feature provides elevation grade and distance analysis of your course. This is especially important when riding through terrain with both uphill and downhill areas, as it helps you manage your energy output and plan your riding techniques to complete your course.

Note that climbing is one of the toughest challenges cyclists face when riding, so remember how this feature can assist you. It's better to accurately prepare yourself for your long ride than be dumbfounded on the road, which may lead to extreme exhaustion and injuries.

5. Route Sharing

Cycling-related road accidents are common on almost all kinds of roads–in the city or the countryside. Aside from protecting yourself with necessary cycling accessories such as a helmet, bike lights, and cycling protective gear, it's best to take extra precautionary measures such as getting a cycling computer with route sharing. This way, your friends would know your exact location should you get into an accident.

Aside from this, route sharing also becomes very convenient for cycling groups, allowing you to keep track of each other. If you'd be riding with friends, you can also get a bicycle light with a group synchronization feature that allows you to pair your light setup and flashing patterns. This light feature will significantly increase your road visibility, thus, increasing your road safety.

6. Hydration Alert

Dehydration is also one of the most common problems among cyclists. As a cardio exercise, cyclists are prone to fatigue and hyperventilation when not rested and appropriately dehydrated. To avoid this, getting a cycling computer with a hydration alert is best.

Depending on your course, this feature will notify you when you should hydrate yourself. If the computer has detected a challenging terrain with high elevation, you'll get more hydration alerts than when riding on a straight road. This kind of data analysis will allow you to stay hydrated without being bloated, which can lead to cycling difficulty. 

7. Smartphone Connectivity

There are already cycling smartphone apps available today. Experts and casual cyclists alike prefer these over cycling computers.

Carrying a cycling computer apart from your smartphone gives you additional weight to carry, affecting your riding speed and comfort. Aside from this, cycling apps get firmware updates easier and faster, giving you better access to new cycling technologies today. 

Lastly, a cycling smartphone app is just the same as other smartphone apps, which means it will only take you a couple of minutes to fully master the app, compared to other cycling computers that have complicated configurations. It requires little to no learning curve, allowing you to enjoy its features immediately.

Smartphone cycling apps are the best cycling computers this 2023.

There's no denying that everyone does pretty much everything through their smartphone, so why not do cycling with it, too? All these features you should be looking for in a cycling computer are present in SmartGrid, the most innovative cycling app today. It comes free with any SBL Worldwide bike lights and has loads of other features that can significantly make your riding experience safer, more enjoyable, and more convenient.