Bike Computer - GoKawiil

Smartphones can substitute for dedicated bike computers, with caveats

Cyclists can use smartphones with mounts and apps like Google Maps, Komoot, or Ride with GPS for navigation and GPS ride tracking instead of buying a dedicated bike computer. An older phone can be repurposed as a bike computer by loading routes over Wi-Fi, since offline navigation and GPS recording don't require a SIM card, while a smartwatch can supplement the setup by tracking heart rate and fitness data.

engadget.com · 2026-09-27

Open-Source eInk Bike Computer Runs Standalone, No App or Subscription Required

A developer released an open-source bike computer that uses an eInk display and can record rides and navigate preloaded routes entirely on its own, without needing a paired phone. The companion app is used only to prepare routes or transfer data before a ride, not for ongoing operation.

opentrailpaper.com · 2026-09-04