"El cheepo" Backup cycling computer.

[Jaco Steyn]

I am looking at getting an inexpensive backup cycling computer to have on hand for just in case my Garmin Edge 130 Plus gives up on me unexpectedly. I see there are a few options in the classifieds section available. Below are examples of some listings.

IGPSport BSC100S Cycling Computer  - R500

Xoss G+ Smart GPS Cycling Computer - R850

Blackbird Cycling GPS - R600

Which one would be the better option? There are a few Garmins (which I am very familiar with) also available, but not at a price I am willing to spend for an emergency backup.

Edited December 22, 2025 by Jaco Steyn

[Thomo]

Probably not the most helpful comment but perhaps consider what of Garmin functions are "critical" and see which backup unit covers most of those bases.?

[dave303e]

Also probably not helpful. But a nice garmin watch is also a win. If bike computer fails/gives issues you just use your watch.

You will find day to day you use it more than expected 

[Rowl]

10 minutes ago, dave303e said:

Also probably not helpful. But a nice garmin watch is also a win. If bike computer fails/gives issues you just use your watch.

You will find day to day you use it more than expected 

+ 1

 

Keeps you on the same platform and can also act as a HR sensor if you forget your HR strap as example. 

[David Marshall]

I'm in the same position. For me the main purchase necessity is radar light support. As far as I can assertain only the iGPsport has this feature but you would need to check with the sellers.

The newer iGPsport BSC100max has a 3" screen (up from 2.5") which is probably the way I'll go.

[guidodg]

None of those...rather get the Geoid CC600 from Aliexpress...works really well, with radars too and is a breeze to set up...colour too

Like a Garmin 130 on steroids

[Zebra]

Do you wear a belt, AND braces (suspenders) to keep your pants up…?

…you are likely over-thinking it; I-F the Garmin 130 fails, THEN replace it with XYZ…

1. It might only fail in 18 months - a LOT of development, and, price-cutting - can occur in 18 months…

2. So you lose O-N-E RIDE’s metrics’ on a ride, then instantly replace failed unit, no problem, surely…?

3. stay with the Garmin platform, if it works for you. Regualrity of DA TA, if thatmis important to you…

You’re welcome!
Chris
 

 

Edited December 23, 2025 by Zebra
Spelling

[David Marshall]

1 hour ago, Zebra said:

Do you wear a belt, AND braces (suspendes) to keep your pants up…?

…you are likely over-thinking it; I-F the Garmin 130 fails, THEN replace it with XYZ…

1. It might only fail in 18 months - a LOT of development, and, price-cutting - can occur in 18 months…

2. So you lose O-N-E RIDE’s metrics’ on a ride, then instantly replace failed unit, no problem, surely…?

3. stay with the Garmin platform, if it works for you. Regualrity of DA TA, if thatmis important to you…

You’re welcome!
Chris
 

 

If life was that simple.  My named brand unit packed up last week.  Sent it in but "can't be looked at until next year".  Also just out of warranty.  The LBS suggested that if it can't be repaired I would most likely be offered a discount on a new unit.  --- Great - except the new unit is almost double what I paid for mine.

I have vestibular problems and rely heavily on my rear radar.  So yes, I will buy an el cheepo now, which will become my no 1 unit if my current one can't be repaired, or will go onto my wife's bike and still be my back up in future.

[guidodg]

trust me on this, the Geoid CC600 has a way better interface with the Varia than most other gps units I have tried

[guidodg]

[David Marshall]

3 hours ago, guidodg said:

trust me on this, the Geoid CC600 has a way better interface with the Varia than most other gps units I have tried

Thanks, I'll look into it.

[Jaco Steyn]

20 hours ago, guidodg said:

None of those...rather get the Geoid CC600 from Aliexpress...works really well, with radars too and is a breeze to set up...colour too

Like a Garmin 130 on steroids

Thanks for the guidance, I will look into this one.

[Jaco Steyn]

Thanks for all the guidance and pointers.

It's actually amazing how this sorted itself out. I bumped into an ex-colleague and chatted with him a bit. He also is a keen cyclist, but he mostly does MTB whilst I do road cycling. I asked his opinion on an emergency backup cycling GPS, and he told me that he recently upgraded to a Garmin Edge 540. He then gifted me his old Edge 500 which he told me still works perfectly. Obviously, I gladly accepted it.

As you can see, it still looks good considering its age. He said he used it for more than 10 years.

[Mongoose!]

18 hours ago, guidodg said:

This looks awesome for the price!

Does it interface with Di2 on screen as well? 

[Jaco Steyn]

20 hours ago, Zebra said:

Do you wear a belt, AND braces (suspendes) to keep your pants up…?

…you are likely over-thinking it; I-F the Garmin 130 fails, THEN replace it with XYZ…

1. It might only fail in 18 months - a LOT of development, and, price-cutting - can occur in 18 months…

2. So you lose O-N-E RIDE’s metrics’ on a ride, then instantly replace failed unit, no problem,

I admit I tend to sometimes overcomplicate things, but at least not to the extent of waring a belt and "kruisbande"...😁

The thing is, money isn't in abundance, so a replacement will have to be planed for should that time come. That's why I wanted to get an emergency replacement in place for such an event.

[Thomo]

19 minutes ago, Jaco Steyn said:

Thanks for all the guidance and pointers.

It's actually amazing how this sorted itself out. I bumped into an ex-colleague and chatted with him a bit. He also is a keen cyclist, but he mostly does MTB whilst I do road cycling. I asked his opinion on an emergency backup cycling GPS, and he told me that he recently upgraded to a Garmin Edge 540. He then gifted me his old Edge 500 which he told me still works perfectly. Obviously, I gladly accepted it.

As you can see, it still looks good considering its age. He said he used it for more than 10 years.

This and the Edge 705 were the OGs.

Only issue may be battery life if it's still the original battery.