First Look: Lezyne Super GPS Computer

GPS technology is well and truly the future for cycling computers.

Wil Barrett 13.01.2016

GPS technology is well and truly the future for cycling computers. Remember the good ‘ol days when you used to wrap the electric wire from your odometer down the brake cable to mount the sensor on your 63mm travel elastomer suspension fork? Yeah so those days are thankfully behind us. Now all you gotta do is clip a GPS monitor onto your bars, turn it on, and away you go. Rechargeable battery? Check. Highly accurate GPS positioning? Yup. Integration with cycling-specific software for post-ride analysis and inter-group gloating? You betcha!

As it stands though, Garmin have largely enjoyed the status quo in the GPS cycling computer world thanks to their excellent Edge series. They’re the default choice for both mountain bikers and road cyclists, despite other brands having come and gone along the way. One brand who is completely new to the cycling computer world is Lezyne. Better known for their schmick CNC machined pumps and trick multi-tools, Lezyne embarked on an enormous R&D project to develop 3 new cycle computers based around GPS tracking technology. While taking on Garmin ain’t no small feat, if there is one brand that can do it, and do it with a unique approach, it would be Lezyne. Here we take a look at the top-dog of the range; the Lezyne Super GPS.

DSC02978

“The Super GPS is truly a super computer. It simultaneously utilizes ANT+™ and Bluetooth® Smart, allowing for synchronization with iOS/Android devices, power meters, heart rate straps and speed/cadence sensors. Notification of incoming phone calls, texts and emails (with actual message text) are displayed on the computer’s large, sharp monitor, along with power, heart rate and all other important ride details. Advanced GPS information provides reliable and accurate ride data and is easily navigated with four buttons. The micro USB rechargeable unit is secured in a chic aluminum bezel and can record up to 400 hours of ride info. Rides are saved as .fit files (compatible with Strava™ and TrainingPeaks®) and easily transferable via flash drive technology or through the Lezyne Ally phone app.” – Lezyne

The Lezyne Super GPS features:

  • Large, easy to read display with backlight
  • Elegant, machined aluminum bezel
  • Advanced, low power chip combines GPS and Glonass which reads USA and Russian satellites for ultra reliable data collection
  • Simultaneous ANT+™ and Bluetooth® Smart (BLE) connectivity
  • Intuitive four button operation
  • Lithium polymer battery provides up to 22 hours of runtime
  • Micro USB rechargeable
  • Optimized GPS recording stores up to 400 hours of data
  • Auto Start/Stop
  • Custom alerts
  • Includes X-Lock Standard Mount
  • RRP: $269.95

DSC02981  DSC02979

The Lezyne Super GPS is certainly a compact little computer, weighing less than 80 grams and measuring just 27mm thick. It features an internal Lithium-ion battery that is USB rechargeable, which will get you up to 22 hours of runtime before it needs to be charged. The same USB cable can be plugged into your computer to upload your rides. Each ride is saved as a standard .fit file, meaning they’re compatible with 3rd party websites like Strava and TrainingPeaks.

DSC03003

A single mounting bracket is included in the box, though additional mounts and a separate ‘out front’ mount are also available. Two O-rings strap the bracket to your handlebar or stem, and several different O-rings are included in the box for different diameter tubes. The head unit attaches to the mount via a unique X-Lock system that Lezyne claim is superior to Garmin’s version. You simply align the head unit at a 45-degree angle, push down, then twist back 45-degrees to lock it in place. Once mounted, no amount of cartwheeling over the handlebars could possibly dislodge the computer. It is absolutely solid.

DSC03004  DSC03005

The Super GPS features 2 buttons on each side. For this simpleton, 4 buttons feels a little overwhelming to begin with. Admittedly it took a little while to get the hang of each function, but after a couple of go’s, it becomes very intuitive to use. There’s an on/off button, a button to start recording your ride, and a menu button to scroll through the different metrics. Once in the settings mode, you can adjust how many data points are available on the main screen, and you can also pair the computer to a whole host of Bluetooth LE and ANT+ devices, such as cadence and speed sensors, heart rate monitors, power meters, and even your mobile phone. What’s really clever about the Super GPS, is that it’ll talk to multiple devices simultaneously.

After a few weeks of riding, I’m already very impressed with its quality and usability on the trail. In the upcoming review, I’ll be going into greater depth about the true power behind the Lezyne Super GPS, because there’s a lot of punch in this little unit. To get an idea of its real potential, check out the video below. In the meantime, if you’re after less bells and whistles, make sure you check out the Lezyne Mini GPS computer. Otherwise, stay tuned to AMBMag.com.au for the longterm review!

Monza Imports

Website: www.monzaimports.com.au/cycling/