We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Short answer: Of the best bike computers for gravel and mountain biking, most riders should start with the Garmin Edge 850 ($599.99): a compact touchscreen with buttons, Trailforks trail data and a speaker. For long gravel races and bikepacking, the Edge 1060 ($799.99) has a bigger screen and a longer battery claim, while the Edge 540 ($349.99) is the best value. These are editorial picks from published specs, not measured winners.
The best bike computer for gravel and mountain biking is the one that shows a readable map on your terrain, lasts longer than your longest ride, and works with the sensors you already own. Garmin and Wahoo still cover most of the market. Garmin refreshed its line on October 20 with the Edge 1060 and Edge Explore 3, and Coros followed on October 22 with the DURA 2 SOLAR, a 3.5-inch solar unit with a 120-hour battery claim. This guide sorts the current models by the kind of riding you do, flags which older units have been replaced, and keeps maker claims labeled as claims.
Best bike computers: quick picks
- Best overall for gravel and MTB: Garmin Edge 850 ($599.99). Compact 2.7-inch touchscreen plus buttons, Trailforks trail data, multi-band GNSS and a speaker.[5][6]
- Best for gravel racing and ultra navigation: Garmin Edge 1060 ($799.99). 3.5-inch touchscreen, voice control, and Garmin’s longest battery claim in this guide: up to 20 hours in demanding use and up to 60 in battery saver mode.[1][2]
- Best value: Garmin Edge 540 ($349.99). The previous-generation button model is still sold by Garmin, with mapping, Trailforks data and a 26-hour claim.[7]
- Best budget: Garmin Edge 130 Plus ($199.99). Small and simple, with breadcrumb navigation.[9]
- Best for mountain biking: Garmin Edge MTB ($399.99). A small, button-operated unit built around Trailforks maps, with enduro and downhill ride profiles.[10]
- Longest battery claim: Coros DURA 2 SOLAR ($499, mount not included). 3.5-inch touchscreen, voice control and Coros’s claim of up to 120 hours of GPS on a charge, plus solar top-up. It goes on sale November 3.[17][18]
- Best Wahoo: ELEMNT ROAM 3 ($464.99). 2.8-inch touchscreen, speaker and a 25-hour claim, if you prefer Wahoo’s app-first setup.[12]
These are editorial picks based on published specifications and how each unit fits a type of riding. They are not measured winners.
Best for…
- Bikepackers and ultra riders: Garmin Edge 1060. Garmin’s longest battery claim in this guide, up to 60 hours in battery saver mode.
- Trail and enduro riders: Garmin Edge MTB. Buttons, Trailforks maps and enduro and downhill ride profiles.
- A value pick: Garmin Edge 540. Mapping, Trailforks data and a 26-hour claim for $349.99.
- e-bike riders and commuters: Garmin Edge Explore 3. Simple, navigation-first, with a 3-inch touchscreen.
- Wahoo app fans: Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM 3. A 2.8-inch touchscreen, speaker and 25-hour claim with Wahoo’s app-first setup.
New for fall 2026: Edge 1060, Edge Explore 3 and Coros DURA 2 SOLAR
Garmin announced three cycling computers on October 20, 2026, and Coros announced the DURA 2 SOLAR two days later.[1][3][18]
- Edge 1060, $799.99: Garmin’s new premium model, sold alongside the $699.99 Edge 1050. It adds a built-in microphone for “Okay, Garmin” voice commands, route options and route previews, road-closure alerts and reverse charging for a light or phone.[1]
- Edge Explore 3, $399.99: a navigation-first model with a 3-inch touchscreen and a claimed 16 hours in demanding use.[3][4]
- Edge Explore 3 Plus, $499.99: the same screen plus a speaker, microphone and Wi-Fi, with a claimed 14 hours in demanding use.[3][4]
- Coros DURA 2 SOLAR, $499 ($549 with Coros’s aluminum mount): a 3.5-inch touchscreen, voice control and a carbon-and-aluminum body at a claimed 99 g. It replaces the $249 original DURA’s 2.7-inch screen and keeps the same 120-hour battery claim.[17][18]
Best bike computers compared
| Model | US list price | Screen and controls | Maker battery claim | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Edge 1060 | $799.99 | 3.5 in touchscreen + buttons; mic and speaker | Up to 20 h demanding / 60 h saver | Long gravel, ultra and bikepacking navigation |
| Garmin Edge 1050 | $699.99 | 3.5 in touchscreen + buttons; speaker | Up to 20 h demanding / 60 h saver | Big screen without voice control |
| Garmin Edge 850 | $599.99 | 2.7 in touchscreen + buttons; speaker | Up to 12 h demanding / 36 h saver | All-round gravel, MTB and training |
| Garmin Edge 550 | $499.99 | 2.7 in, buttons only | Up to 12 h demanding / 36 h saver | Riders who want buttons, current generation |
| Garmin Edge Explore 3 Plus | $499.99 | 3 in touchscreen; mic and speaker | Up to 14 h demanding / 48 h saver | Simple navigation with voice |
| Garmin Edge Explore 3 | $399.99 | 3 in touchscreen | Up to 16 h demanding / 48 h saver | Simple navigation, commuting, e-bikes |
| Garmin Edge MTB | $399.99 | 2.13 in, buttons | Up to 14 h demanding / 26 h saver | Trail riding |
| Garmin Edge 840 | $449.99 (Solar $499.99) | 2.6 in touchscreen + buttons | Up to 26 h (Solar: 32 h) | Previous-gen value with touch |
| Garmin Edge 540 | $349.99 | 2.6 in, buttons only | Up to 26 h | Best value |
| Garmin Edge 130 Plus | $199.99 | 1.8 in, buttons only | Up to 12 h (best case) | Budget, simple rides |
| Wahoo ELEMNT ACE | $499.99 | 3.8 in touchscreen; speaker | Up to 30 h | Big screen, Wahoo app |
| Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM 3 | $464.99 | 2.8 in touchscreen; speaker | Up to 25 h | Wahoo navigation |
| Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3 | $349.99 | 2.3 in, buttons only | Up to 20 h | Compact Wahoo for racing |
| Coros DURA 2 SOLAR | $499 (no mount; $549 with mount) | 3.5 in touchscreen + buttons; mic and speaker | Up to 120 h all-systems GPS / 70 h dual-frequency, plus solar | Ultra-distance and bikepacking with minimal charging |
Prices and specs come from each maker’s US product page or press release.[1]–[18] Garmin’s “demanding use” and “battery saver” figures for newer models are not measured the same way as the single “up to” figures on the Edge 540/840 or on Wahoo’s pages, so treat the table as a rough guide rather than a ranking. Coros’s 120-hour figure is for All Systems GPS mode before any solar gain, which isn’t the same test as Garmin’s demanding-use number.[17]
The best bike computers, model by model
Garmin Edge 850: best overall for gravel and MTB
Who it’s for: riders who split time between gravel, trail and training rides and want one compact unit. The Edge 850 is the newer generation of Garmin’s compact line, launched in September 2025; Garmin still sells the older Edge 840.[5][7]
Key specs (Garmin): 2.7-inch touchscreen with buttons, 420 x 600 pixels, 113 g, 64 GB storage, built-in speaker, Wi-Fi, multi-band GNSS, integrated Trailforks trail data, and Garmin Pay. Garmin claims up to 12 hours in demanding use and up to 36 hours in battery saver mode.[5][6] The 2025 launch also added enduro and downhill ride profiles that record GPS at 5 Hz while descending, plus timing gates.[5]
Drawbacks: Garmin’s 12-hour demanding-use claim is well short of what a long gravel race can take, so plan on battery saver mode or a top-up for all-day events. At $599.99 it costs more than the older Edge 840.
See the Edge 850 on Garmin.com. Prefer buttons only? The Edge 550 is the same generation without the touchscreen: check the Edge 550 at Jenson USA.
Garmin Edge 1060: best for gravel racing and ultra navigation
Who it’s for: long-distance gravel racers and bikepackers who want the biggest map and the longest battery claim, and riders who like the idea of hands-free control.
Key specs (Garmin): 3.5-inch touchscreen with buttons, 480 x 800 pixels, 142 g, 64 GB, Wi-Fi, multi-band GNSS and Trailforks data. Garmin claims up to 20 hours in demanding use and up to 60 hours in battery saver mode. It adds a microphone for voice commands and messages, route options and previews, and reverse charging over USB-C. Garmin notes reverse charging isn’t intended for use while riding.[1][2]
Drawbacks: $799.99 is $100 more than the Edge 1050’s $699.99 list price. Garmin itself says voice performance “may vary based on riding conditions,” and voice messaging needs a connected phone.[1] It’s also big for a short-travel MTB cockpit.
See the Edge 1060 on Garmin.com.
Garmin Edge 540: best value
Who it’s for: riders who want full mapping and training features without paying current-generation prices. The newer Edge 550 launched in September 2025, but Garmin still sells the 540 at $349.99.[5][7]
Key specs (Garmin): 2.6-inch button-only display, 246 x 322 pixels, 80.3 g, 16 GB, multi-band GNSS, Trailforks data and Wi-Fi, with a claim of up to 26 hours.[7]
Drawbacks: it’s an older generation with a lower-resolution screen than the 550/850 and no touchscreen.
See the Edge 540 and 840 on Garmin.com or check the Edge 540 price at Jenson USA.
Garmin Edge 840: previous-generation touchscreen
The Edge 840 is the touchscreen-plus-buttons version of the 540. Garmin lists it at $449.99, or $499.99 for the Solar edition, with claims of up to 26 hours (32 hours for Solar). It weighs 84.8 g, or 88.9 g for Solar, and has 32 GB of storage.[7] If you want touch controls and long single-figure battery claims for less than the 850, it’s still worth a look.
Check the Edge 840 price at Jenson USA (standard model; the Solar edition isn’t linked).
Garmin Edge 130 Plus: best budget
Who it’s for: riders who want ride data, a breadcrumb trail and turn prompts on a tiny unit.
Key specs (Garmin): 1.8-inch display, 33 g, buttons, Bluetooth and ANT+. Garmin’s 12-hour figure is a best case: no connected phone, no paired ANT sensors and no course being followed. Other setups reduce it.[9][16]
Drawbacks: navigation is a breadcrumb trail with turn prompts, not the full maps of the larger units. Garmin lists it at $199.99.[9]
Garmin Edge MTB: best for mountain biking
Who it’s for: trail and enduro riders who want a small unit with trail maps rather than a road-style computer.
Key specs (Garmin): 2.13-inch display, 58 g, button controls, multi-band GNSS, Trailforks data with ForkSight mode, Grit and Flow metrics, and enduro and downhill ride profiles. Garmin claims up to 14 hours in demanding use and up to 26 hours in battery saver mode.[10]
Drawbacks: the smaller screen is less suited to following long gravel routes, and there’s no touchscreen.
See the Edge MTB on Garmin.com.
Garmin Edge Explore 3 and Explore 3 Plus: simplest navigation
Who they’re for: riders who mostly want turn-by-turn directions, commuters and e-bike riders. Both connect to compatible Bosch smart and SHIMANO e-bike systems.[3]
Key specs (Garmin): 3-inch touchscreen, 360 x 640 pixels, 32 GB. The Explore 3 weighs 118.8 g and claims up to 16 hours in demanding use. The Plus weighs 121.5 g, adds a speaker, microphone and Wi-Fi, and claims up to 14 hours. Both claim up to 48 hours in battery saver mode.[3][4] New pin-drop navigation sends a location from Google Maps or Apple Maps to the unit.[3]
Explore 3 vs Explore 3 Plus: pay the extra $100 for the Plus only if you want voice control, spoken prompts, voice messages or Wi-Fi map updates. Otherwise the base model has the longer battery claim.
Drawbacks: Garmin’s Explore 3 spec list doesn’t include the Trailforks data or multi-band GNSS listed for the Edge 550/850, MTB and 1060, so mountain bikers should look at those first.[4]
Check the Edge Explore 3 at Competitive Cyclist · Check the Edge Explore 3 Plus at Competitive Cyclist.
Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM 3, BOLT 3 and ACE
Who they’re for: riders who prefer setting up pages, routes and sensors in a phone app. All three use dual-band GPS and connect over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and ANT+.[11][12][13]
- ELEMNT ROAM 3, $464.99: 2.8-inch glove-friendly touchscreen, audio speaker for turn prompts, 3.8 oz, up to 25 hours claimed.[12]
- ELEMNT BOLT 3, $349.99: 2.3-inch button-operated color display, 3.0 oz, a shape Wahoo describes as aerodynamic, up to 20 hours claimed on the spec list.[11]
- ELEMNT ACE, $499.99: 3.8-inch touchscreen, built-in wind sensor, 64 GB, IPX7, 208 g, up to 30 hours claimed.[13]
Older Wahoo models: the ELEMNT BOLT V2 (rated up to 15 hours, 2.2-inch screen) and ROAM V2 (up to 17 hours, 2.7-inch screen) have been replaced by the BOLT 3 and ROAM 3.[14] If you buy a V2 used, don’t borrow the newer models’ specs, and compare the price against a current unit.
Drawbacks: Wahoo’s own comparison chart has shown different US prices from its product pages, so confirm the price at checkout.
Coros DURA 2 SOLAR: longest battery claim
Who it’s for: ultra-distance gravel riders and bikepackers who hate charging, and riders who already train with a Coros watch. Slowtwitch reports that rides from the DURA 2 and a Coros watch feed the same training load in the Coros app.[18]
Key specs (Coros): 3.5-inch memory-in-pixel touchscreen, 99 g, woven carbon backplate and aluminum bezel, physical buttons plus haptic buttons built into the solar panel, and a microphone and speaker for voice control. Coros claims up to 120 hours in All Systems GPS mode and 70 hours in dual-frequency mode on a charge, and says the solar panel adds up to 2 hours of ride time for every hour of direct sun. It pairs up to 15 Bluetooth and ANT+ sensors and imports routes from Strava and Komoot.[17] Slowtwitch reports a 336 x 620 screen resolution and free downloadable Mapbox maps with street and trail names.[18]
Drawbacks: the $499 price doesn’t include a mount. It uses the standard quarter-turn interface, so your Garmin-style mount should fit, or you can pay $549 for the bundle with Coros’s aluminum mount.[17][18] Rerouting is still calculated in the Coros phone app. You don’t need a cell signal if you’ve downloaded the map region, but your phone has to stay connected over Bluetooth.[18] Slowtwitch also lists features that won’t be ready on November 3, including multiple bike profiles and tire-pressure sensor support, and there’s no third-party app store.[18] Cyclingnews’ first ride found the screen less bright and vivid than a Karoo or premium Garmin out of the box, though acceptable outdoors at full brightness.[19]
See the DURA 2 SOLAR on Coros.com.
Hammerhead Karoo: the SRAM option
Hammerhead’s Karoo is listed at $525 on SRAM’s US store, with a touchscreen plus hardware buttons, 64 GB of memory and 4 GB of RAM. It pairs with SRAM components and e-bike data fields.[15] SRAM’s store page doesn’t list a battery-hour figure, so we haven’t ranked it. Check the Karoo at Jenson USA.
How to choose a GPS bike computer
Navigation
For gravel routes and bikepacking, a full color map with turn-by-turn prompts and rerouting matters more than anything else. Bigger screens (Edge 1060/1050, ELEMNT ACE, DURA 2 SOLAR) show more of the map at once. For trail riding, look for built-in trail data: Garmin lists integrated Trailforks data on the Edge 1060, 1050, 850, 550, 840, 540 and Edge MTB.[2][6][7][8][10]
Battery
Pick a unit whose demanding-use claim covers your longest ride with margin, then test it with your own settings. Screen brightness, maps, sensors, phone connection and cold all reduce runtime. For multi-day events, check whether the unit supports battery saver mode or charging from a power bank. Solar units like the Coros DURA 2 SOLAR claim extra runtime in direct sun, so don’t count on it in shade, clouds or short winter days.
Screen and controls
Touchscreens make map panning easier. Buttons are more predictable with full-finger gloves, rain or mud. The Edge 1060, 1050, 850 and 840 and the Coros DURA 2 SOLAR offer both. The Edge 540, 550, MTB, 130 Plus and BOLT 3 are button-only.
Sensors and radar
Every Garmin, Wahoo and Coros model here lists both Bluetooth and ANT+, so it will pair with common power meters, heart-rate straps and radar. If you ride roads to reach the dirt, a rear radar such as the Garmin Varia RTL515 shows approaching cars on a compatible computer. See our bike lights and rear radar guide. Training indoors this winter? Our smart trainer guide compares direct-drive, wheel-on and smart-bike options by price.
Ecosystem
If you already wear a Garmin watch, Garmin lists features that pull it in: Garmin Link shows wrist heart rate on the Explore 3, and the Edge 1060 shows off-the-bike recovery data from a compatible watch.[1][3] Garmin also lists route syncing from Strava, Komoot and Ride with GPS.[2] Wahoo does route and page setup in its own app and supports sending locations from Google Maps or Apple Maps.[11]
Mounting for MTB
On a mountain bike, we’d favor a small unit on a stem mount, which sits lower and closer to the bar than an out-front mount. Smaller units such as the Edge MTB and Edge 540/550 suit short cockpits better than a 3.5-inch Edge 1060 or ACE. Always use the tether if your mount includes one.
Training for a gravel race? Find your race and registration dates on our sister site, The Gravel Stash →
Edge 1060 vs Edge 1050
Both have a 3.5-inch, 480 x 800 touchscreen and the same battery claims: up to 20 hours in demanding use and 60 in battery saver mode.[2][8] The 1060 adds a microphone for voice control and messages, route options and previews, and reverse charging. Garmin also lists it as lighter, at 142 g vs 161 g. The 1060 is $799.99 and the 1050 is $699.99. If you don’t want voice features, the 1050 saves $100 while Garmin still sells it.
Edge 1060 vs Coros DURA 2 SOLAR
Both are new 3.5-inch units with touch, buttons and voice control. The Coros costs $499 without a mount against $799.99 for the Garmin, which includes mounts. It’s also lighter (a claimed 99 g vs 142 g) and has a much bigger battery claim: 120 hours in All Systems GPS mode plus solar, against the Edge 1060’s 20 hours demanding use and 60 in battery saver.[2][17] The Garmin’s screen has more pixels (480 x 800 vs the 336 x 620 Slowtwitch reports for the Coros). Garmin also lists Trailforks trail data, Garmin Pay and route options on the unit, while Coros reroutes through its phone app.[2][18] Pick the Coros if battery and price matter most, and the Garmin if you want the deeper navigation and the Garmin ecosystem.
Garmin vs Wahoo
Garmin offers more models and screen sizes, lists built-in Trailforks trail data on most of its mapping units, and connects to its watches. Wahoo keeps its line to three units and does most setup in the Wahoo app. Wahoo’s battery claims are single “up to” figures, while Garmin’s newer models list both demanding-use and battery saver numbers, so compare carefully. Neither brand is the better choice for everyone. Pick the screen, controls and app you prefer.
FAQ
What is the best bike computer in 2026?
For most gravel and mountain bike riders, we’d start with the Garmin Edge 850 ($599.99). It combines a compact touchscreen with buttons, trail data and a speaker. For long gravel races and bikepacking, the Edge 1060 ($799.99) has a bigger screen and longer battery claim.
What is the best bike computer for gravel racing?
Pick the one whose battery claim covers your race with margin and whose map you can read at speed. The Edge 1060 claims up to 20 hours in demanding use, Wahoo’s ELEMNT ACE claims up to 30 hours and the ROAM 3 up to 25. Coros claims up to 120 hours for the DURA 2 SOLAR in All Systems GPS mode. Test your settings on a long training ride first.
Is the Edge 1060 worth it over the Edge 1050?
Only if you want voice control, route previews or reverse charging. Screen size, resolution and battery claims are the same, and the 1050 is $100 cheaper at $699.99.
What is the difference between the Edge Explore 3 and Explore 3 Plus?
The Plus adds a speaker, microphone and Wi-Fi for $100 more ($499.99 vs $399.99). The base Explore 3 has the longer battery claim: 16 hours vs 14 in demanding use.
What is the best budget bike computer?
The Garmin Edge 130 Plus ($199.99) is the cheapest model here. For maps on a budget, the previous-generation Edge 540 ($349.99) is the better value.
Do I need a bike computer if I have a phone?
No, but a dedicated unit is easier to mount, read in sunlight and run for many hours without draining your phone. Keep your phone as a backup for navigation and emergency contact on remote rides.
Before you buy
- Confirm the exact model and generation. Product pages for older names can now describe a newer unit.
- Check the current price on the maker’s page.
- Treat battery numbers as ceilings and test with your own settings.
- Carry a backup way to navigate and call for help on remote rides. A bike computer can fail.
Related guides: best gravel bike tires, gravel bikes under $3,000, hydration packs and e-MTB tires. Our research and review methodology explains how we pick products.
We compare listed specs and live prices; we haven’t tested these computers. Prices subject to change. How we research.
Sources
[1] Garmin Edge 1060 press release, Oct 20, 2026
[2] Garmin Edge 1060 US product page
[3] Garmin Edge Explore 3 press release, Oct 20, 2026
[4] Garmin Edge Explore 3 / 3 Plus US product page
[5] Garmin Edge 550 and 850 press release, Sept 9, 2025
[6] Garmin Edge 850 / 550 US product page
[7] Garmin Edge 540 / 840 US product page
[8] Garmin Edge 1050 US product page
[9] Garmin Edge 130 Plus US product page
[10] Garmin Edge MTB US product page
[11] Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3 product page
[12] Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM 3 product page
[13] Wahoo ELEMNT ACE product page
[14] Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT and ROAM generation FAQ
[15] Hammerhead Karoo on SRAM’s US store
[16] Garmin Edge 130 Plus battery-life conditions
[17] Coros DURA 2 SOLAR US product and buy pages
