I swapped my phone for a cycle computer after a crash — but a tiny, underrated device was the real safety upgrade

It's like gaining a sixth sense for trucks and cars

18 Apr 2026 by https://www.techradar.com/uk/author/nico-arboleda · TechRadar

Features By Nico Arboleda published 18 April 2026

(Image credit: Future | Nico Arboleda)

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I’ve been a regular cyclist since 2015, and I’ve had my fair share of bike crashes — all minor, thankfully, where I got away with a few gashes at worst — and the common denominator was that I was distracted by my phone.

A smartphone mounted on bike handlebars is a distraction magnet. The big, bright screen is great for navigating with Google Maps, but notifications and other pop-ups can also take your focus off the road. This setup can also drain the phone battery quite quickly, especially if you’re also recording your ride on an app like Strava, making it less than ideal for longer rides.

Bike computers aim to address these issues. They might resemble small smartphones, but without the distractions, recording metrics like speed, distance, heart rate, time and more. They can range from basic models that cost no more than AU$20, to high-end computers that have built-in GPS and maps, and even a digital ‘bell’ via an on-board speaker (for about the same price as a mid-range smartphone).

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Eyes on the road, not on a screen

I tested Garmin’s newest bike computer, the Edge 850, to see how much the ride experience improves compared to using my phone while mounted on my handlebars.

The smaller black-and-white screen only displays numbers, which minimized distractions and kept my eyes on the road more often compared to using my phone. It also has real-time alerts of any upcoming hazards like potholes and road debris, which are usually user-reported (similar to how Waze works).

(Image credit: Future | Nico Arboleda)

The on-board GPS is accurate, and the maps are just as intuitive to navigate as Google Maps, and the Edge 850 would also re-calculate your route if you miss a turn.

While the features above are great, what truly makes a Garmin bike computer an essential safety upgrade for anyone who rides bikes is a separate add-on accessory: the Garmin Varia RearVue 820.

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