Would you buy a Bryton again?

[PURE]

I am still riding with my rider 35 still works great after 3 years, the HR belt is thou falling apart.

 

But I wouldn't get another 1.

 

Main reason is they use a propitiatory file format and  their TCX file export tool

information is limited, doesn't contain the barometer, temp etc so if you 3rd party sites like Strava you don't get the full benefit of the data that is actually been collected by the unit.

Their website hasn't been updated in the last 3 year and they don't seem to invest improving their user experience.

 

I noticed that they don't have a distributor any more in SA

[HdB]

I am still riding with my rider 35 still works great after 3 years, the HR belt is thou falling apart.

 

But I wouldn't get another 1.

 

Main reason is they use a propitiatory file format and  their TCX file export tool

information is limited, doesn't contain the barometer, temp etc so if you 3rd party sites like Strava you don't get the full benefit of the data that is actually been collected by the unit.

Their website hasn't been updated in the last 3 year and they don't seem to invest improving their user experience.

 

I noticed that they don't have a distributor any more in SA

 

The newest ones use FIT files, which should then hopefully export all the information?

[Christian van Zyl]

Strava integration is a must in head units nowadays... How it affects your purchase and product options is the question. 

[T-Bob]

Strava integration is a must in head units nowadays... How it affects your purchase and product options is the question.

You just use the bryton bridge to download any of the many data file formats locally they have and just upload to strava.

[Lexx]

And don't forget about the Live Tracking and Live Strava Segment Garmin has. Especially if you are like me, living in a small town and have to do your long rides all by your lonesome self, then you wife can track you where you are if something happens.

[HdB]

I think the device software and supporting apps will probably be the big decider for most - Garmin has added heaps of features recently; it looks like the Bryton Android app hasn't been updated since Nov 2014.

[EmptyB]

I voted no.

 

Started with a Bryton a few years back as it was cheaper...only reason.

 

Wont buy another, Garmin is far better in my view

[EmptyB]

And don't forget about the Live Tracking and Live Strava Segment Garmin has. Especially if you are like me, living in a small town and have to do your long rides all by your lonesome self, then you wife can track you where you are if something happens.

 

I took my live Strava segments off....it made me work too hard

[Christian van Zyl]

I think the device software and supporting apps will probably be the big decider for most - Garmin has added heaps of features recently; it looks like the Bryton Android app hasn't been updated since Nov 2014.

 

Yeah, 2014 is a while back. 

[lerouc]

You just use the bryton bridge to download any of the many data file formats locally they have and just upload to strava.

its still a two step process where as a garmin is a one step.

 

Had the conversation with a few of the older cycling crowd and who maybe isn't that computer literate and they said they want something that just works, dont have to download files then upload again.

[Lexx]

I took my live Strava segments off....it made me work too hard

Ah noooo. The harder you work, the better the Beer/Coke Taste, ha ha ha

[Mongoose!]

Just saying, but have my Garmin Edge 500 now for almost 5 years. No issue ever.

Saw some rider still used it in last year Tour.

 

If I must upgrade, I will go with an Edge 520 for now.

 

Will never buy a Bryton.

 

As they say : quality is remembered long after price... lol

[Mike Bike]

its still a two step process where as a garmin is a one step.

 

Had the conversation with a few of the older cycling crowd and who maybe isn't that computer literate and they said they want something that just works, dont have to download files then upload again.

this is the biggest advantage of a garmin. on my 810 i finish my ride, press save, and 30 secs later the ride is in strava and fittrack and any other number of platforms automatically

[Rudi Pollard]

I had a Bryton before I bought a Garmin.

 

There was nothing wrong with the unit itself on a ride(except that it misted up in the rain), but the issues started once I was done with a ride. I had massive headaches to get the files to upload to their site, and to then get it on to Strava was another hassle all by itself. 

 

Garmin just works as advertised. The bluetooth upload and linking between sites makes it an effortless experience.

 

The Garmin after sales service is also way above Bryton. I had issues with my HR strap on the Bryton and was advised to buy a new one after using it for about 6 months.

I had similar issues with my Garmin strap, and navworld simple exchanged it and sent me on my way.

 

Once you go Garmin, nothing else is good enough anymore...

[HeyYou]

I must say they replaced my strap a few times, however you can use Garmin or Wahoo Kiker straps as they are all ANT+

 

I was a bit vague, not the chest strap, the wrist strap. 

 

It's moulded onto the 'watch' unit and if it breaks, there's no way of replacing it.

 

Edit: mine didn't break, it fell apart!

[Stretch]

I have a rider 35 for about 4 or 5 years now - and it still works 100% and the battery is still great. I run with a garmin watch and it is also great, but because i choose a more entry level it only has 7 to 8 hour battery life...so ran comrades this year with the bryton in my back pocket and it only dropped one bar of battery for the entire run.

 

cons:

1. the bike bracket is rubbish and mine is now completely broken. before it broke i used to wrap to black bands around the top and bottom as a precaution

2. When i first got it i was riding through some moist overgrown vegetation and it started misting up inside..back in the sun it cleared up but since that day I have ridden with it inside a small ziploc bag that i dispose of after about 10 rides (buy them for like R15 for 500). the advantage is that it keeps the unit almost brand new..so mine is in impeccable condition

3. The software is ***

 

so yes..its not as robust as the garmin but for value for money its great. Would I buy another unit? no..I would upgrade my watch to a multisport garmin with better life (fenix in my dreams)

 

I use the HR strap with my garmin sometimes..it is more comfortable