GARMIN EDGE 520 PLUS

If you’ve been cycling with a multi-sport GPS watch, or with one of those speedos that uses a magnet on the spokes of the front wheel, upgrading to a proper cycle computer is significant. You’ll get more accurate heart-rate analysis from a chest strap than from a wrist-based device, and more accurate elevation thanks to the barometric altimeter (some cheaper watches use GPS elevation). This kind of data is important: It helps you track your fitness progress, and it allows you to see real improvements ride-to-ride. The Edge 520 Plus is a mid-range offering from Garmin, but it has way more features than most of us will ever need. Besides the basics like heart rate, elevation, distance and speed, there’s also navigation functionality to help you stay on course, and it connects seamlessly to other Garmin devices like their Varia Radar (a bike light that warns you about cars approaching from the rear), ANT+ lights and their VIRB range of action cameras. It connects to a power meter if you have one, or a cadence sensor… it will even talk to your electronic drivetrain. It has buttons instead of a touchscreen, which makes it easy to use with gloves, and the interface is relatively intuitive – you’ll get the hang of it after a few rides. The battery lasts a claimed 15 hours without navigation enabled (nine hours with navigation), and it charges quickly. Get a mount that positions your new Garmin out in front of your bars, and you’ll be ready to join the pro peloton.