Test: The US manufacturer Lezyne has had a whole range of bike computers in its range for some time. With the Lezyne Super GPS, we have taken on the all-rounder of GPS computers, which has been given a lot of smart features in its latest version.
Lezyne Super GPS: Scope of delivery and technical data
The Lezyne Super GPS comes in a visually appealing plastic box, which you can later use as a storage box on the workbench or for similar things - practical! Inside, in addition to the bike computer itself, we find a very minimalist handlebar mount (which we will say a few words about in a moment), several O-rings, a micro-USB cable for charging and data transmission and a heart rate monitor. In addition, Lezyne also offers a variant with a combined speed/cadence sensor and an aerodynamic forward mount.
The price for the version tested here with a heart rate belt but without a speed sensor is €189,95 – if you can do without the heart rate monitor, you get a price of €30 less, the “full equipment” including all sensors goes over the counter for €229,95. This is definitely in the inexpensive range of smart bike computers, especially if you consider the connectivity of the little jack of all trades from Lezyne: Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ support the most important protocols for communication with a wide variety of sensors and GPS is of course also on board . As one of the few bike computers currently available, the Lezyne Super GPS also has the Russian GPS counterpart GLONASS on board, which is intended to further improve accuracy. A barometer, a thermometer and even an accelerometer complete the package. Unfortunately, you have to do without WiFi. There is plenty of storage space: The little black one should be able to store up to 400 hours of data.
With 4,2 x 6,8 cm and a monochrome display that measures 3,1 by 4 cm, the Lezyne Super GPS is more reminiscent of less 'smart' and simple bike computers than of direct competition, for example from Garmin. This has a positive effect on the weight: the slim training companion weighs just 77g (after weighing). Speaking of small and slim: these two attributes also apply to the X-Lock handlebar mount. This is attached to the handlebars or stem with two crossed O-rings and the Super GPS is simply clicked into place. Works wonderfully, is very flexible and, if the worst comes to the worst, you can quickly switch between different bikes.
Lezyne Super GPS: Connectivity
To get straight to the point: perhaps the greatest strength of the Lezyne Super GPS is its connectivity. But before we get to the 'smart' features of the bike computer, a few words about the connectable sensors. Here, Lezyne relies on the two protocols Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ and thus covers almost the entire range of available sensors. So if you already have a speed sensor that uses one of the two transmission types, you will most likely be able to use it with the Lezyne Super GPS. However, a little caution is required: Although both Bluetooth and ANT+ are open protocols, one or the other manufacturer cooks their own soup here and the sensors can only communicate with devices from the same manufacturer. For this reason, there is a list of tested and compatible sensors on the Lezyne website.
For bike computers like the Lezyne, linking them to power meters and electronic groupsets such as Shimano's Di2 or the wireless SRAM eTap is almost de rigueur. Not surprisingly, then, that the Lezyne Super GPS has both functions; the coupling with the eTap circuit works thanks to the ANT+ interface integrated in the rear derailleur, with Shimano's Di2 you also need the Dfly Wireless Adapter. Then the current gear is shown on the display in addition to the current battery charge level.
Even the most common power meters can be coupled without any problems - the wide compatibility with smart training rollers such as the Wahoo KickR is also interesting for winter training. In this way, journeys in the living room at home can also be logged as usual.
Pairing with the smartphone: Bluetooth and app
However, the Lezyne bike computer only unfolds its full range of functions when it is paired with a smartphone. This is done via Bluetooth and via the free app, which is available for both Android and iOS. The coupling itself is very quick and only needs to be done during the initial setup on the bike computer. Then it is sufficient to start the app on the smartphone and scan for the switched-on bike computer.
After successful pairing, the user can access the tracks stored on the bike computer in the visually somewhat outdated but intuitively designed app and load them either directly onto the smartphone's memory or into the in-house cloud. The latter requires registration in the Lezyne GPS Root Community, which is also the basis for the remaining 'smart features' of the Super GPS. If you synchronize your ride with the Lezyne Cloud, the recorded data can be evaluated in GPS Root: the visual design and range of functions correspond roughly to well-known market sizes such as Runtastic or Strava. However, the latter can also be coupled directly to the Lezyne computer.
If desired, you can also give the app access to notifications, contacts and messages on your smartphone. If you are now wondering why: the bike computer displays incoming calls (including the name of the contact) or incoming text messages while riding. Depending on the smartphone model, notifications from other apps (e.g. WhatsApp, e-mail) can also be displayed on the Super GPS represent. This is particularly practical when the smartphone is just stowed in the jersey pocket or backpack.
Strava integration including live segments
The extensive integration of Strava also makes the Lezyne Super GPS interesting for fans of the sports social network. First you have to allow the Lezyne GPS Root service access to your Strava account - this happens more or less automatically and you just have to click on okay - then you're good to go. On the one hand, if desired, rides are automatically shared on Strava when they are uploaded to the Lezyne Cloud. Including all recorded data. This has the great advantage that you do not have to have the Strava app activated for the entire duration of the journey and saves a lot of battery.
A brand new feature in the 2017 model of Lezyne computers is support for Strava live segments. You can load up to 100 segments onto the Super GPS via the Lezyne app - if you are on the road and you are approaching one of the saved sections, this will be shown on the display. While you are traveling in the limited segment, not only your own driven time but also a self-defined target time and the remaining distance can be read on the display. You can define the target time individually for each segment even with Strava: It doesn’t matter whether it’s a KOM, a personal best time or a time you set yourself.
Navigation with on board
Another smart highlight is the integrated, or rather, semi-integrated navigation. If you want to use them, it is imperative that the device is paired with the smartphone and that the Lezyne app is running on it. The functional principle is as follows: You enter the desired destination on your smartphone in the Lezyne app, the cell phone calculates the route and then sends the corresponding instructions to the Super GPS, which in turn shows them on the display.
A short beep draws attention to an imminent change of direction and an arrow with short route instructions (including street name) helps with the right turn. By the way: The routing can be done either via Google Maps or via Open Cycle Map. The open source project has significant advantages over the internet giants from the USA, especially in the off-road sector.
Lezyne Super GPS: Operation
Opinions are still divided on the operation of modern bike computers, packed with countless features. While some manufacturers rely on an extremely minimalist operating concept with as few buttons as possible, Lezyne continues on the established and proven path. There are four buttons on the Super GPS, two on each side. Depending on the menu, these are also assigned a double function by pressing and holding them.
Now, the operation of a bike computer like the Lezyne Super GPS is only partially intuitive: Somehow the many functions have to be able to be selected and selected, submenus and double assignments of the buttons are absolutely necessary for this. That's why we don't want to blame the Lezyne negatively for the fact that you should definitely take a look at the - extensive and well-structured - instructions at the beginning. The video tutorials that the manufacturer offers for the setup and the most common functions are also particularly helpful (unfortunately only in English). But once you get the hang of it, it's easy to use.
In our opinion, navigating through the menus in particular works better than the competition, which uses a more minimalist operating concept, thanks to the four buttons. The two buttons on the right side scroll through the various items, the buttons on the left take the user back and forth within the menu structure.
Lezyne Super GPS: Practical use
Enough of the gray theory and straight into practice. We have tested the Lezyne Super GPS extensively over a period of several weeks and are – to put it bluntly – extremely impressed with the latest bike computer addition to the Lezyne family. The initial setup requires some patience and some time. This is not only due to the large range of functions, but also because you have a lot of freedom to adapt the display and presentation to your own preferences. Five freely configurable screens are made available - more than enough to really display all the data you would like to have. Once you have taken this one-time hurdle, you are ready to go and have also internalized the operating concept. The rubberized buttons have a well-defined pressure point, but are sometimes a bit stiff for our taste - some emphasis is required here, especially while driving.
We really liked the X-Lock attachment to the handlebars: the holder is clamped to the handlebars (or stem) with two O-rings and the bike computer can be attached and detached with a short push and turn. Even on rough trails, drops and jumps on the mountain bike, the Lezyne stayed in place and didn't twist even under heavy impacts. However, the mount is not so rigid and unyielding that one would have to fear damage in the event of a fall: in this case, the mount simply twists - this protects the mount itself and the computer.
The coupling with various sensors as well as with the smartphone works perfectly and is completed in a few seconds. The active coupling process only has to take place the first time, after which the bike computer recognizes the active sensors by itself. Our bundle also included a chest strap that does its job unobtrusively and reliably.
We haven't even mentioned the display illumination of the Super GPS yet. This can be activated either permanently or by pressing one of the buttons. Especially in the twilight of the forest, we appreciated the pleasant, not too bright lighting. The display is easy to read anyway: Even if one or the other would have liked to see a color display here, we welcome the decision in favor of a high-contrast monochrome variant. Symbols and characters are sufficiently large and easy to read in almost every situation, even if we would have wished for a slightly larger display from time to time.
Of course, we also put the many features of the Super GPS to the test. The connection with the smartphone works excellently, notifications about incoming SMS and calls are reliable. We were also impressed by the Strava integration: Live segments are always announced well in advance, making the hunt for the next KOM title even more fun.
The only thing we found less successful was the navigation function: In some cases, the directions were only displayed for a very short time or even too late on the device's display (both with Android and iPhone). Also, if you deviate from the suggested route, it takes a long time to recalculate and get updated instructions accordingly. It remains to be seen whether the problem lies in the long "chain of commands" from the smartphone to the bike computer, or whether software optimization could help here.
The running time of the integrated battery depends heavily on how you use the Lezyne Super GPS: With many connected sensors and permanently activated display lighting, our tests ended after 8-10 hours. If you are more energy-efficient, runtimes of 15-20 hours are not a problem. It's always enough for a long ride and charging via micro-USB is quick and possible at any USB port.
Phillip says
Hello!
Very interesting and detailed report! Unfortunately, I'm missing information about how to establish the GPS connection when you turn it on. How long does the Lezyne need for this on average? Glonass/GPS chips are said to be significantly faster than pure GPS chips...
Michael Faiss says
Thank you for the praise!
I've been using the Lezyne almost every day for the last few weeks and it takes anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute for a GPS fix. Sometimes it's a little faster, sometimes it takes a little longer.
Gili says
Hello!
does the smartphone have to remain paired when traveling to see the Strava live segments?
Or is it enough to transfer the segments beforehand and then drive off without a smartphone?
Thank you!
Michael Faiss says
Hello Gili,
it is enough if you transfer the segments to the GPS. You don't have to leave your smartphone paired while driving!
Regards
Gili says
great, thanks for the quick reply Michael!! 🙂
lg
Christian says
Hello Michael,
a very informative report. Thanks very much! I have a question regarding use with external sensors: Does the computer need a GPS fix to display speed and route even when using an ANT+ speed sensor? Or does it work like a "conventional" speedometer until it is fixed, just without recording the position? I would also use the Lezyne for everyday routes, but under certain circumstances you have already driven almost 400 m within a minute, which is then missing from the total distance...
Best regards, Christian
Michael Faiss says
Hello Christian,
no, the Lezyne does not need a GPS signal to start recording. He then complains, but you can still start the recording 'manually' and the data from the sensors will be recorded. The GPS signal then only after the fix.
Hope that helps!
Regards
Roberto says
Hello Michael,
can the Lezyne only be used as a speedometer (without GPS) to save battery? I'm thinking of several day tours where you camp and often don't have electricity with you...
Best regards,
Roberto
Michael Faiss says
Hi Roberto,
sorry for the late reply, I missed your comment. The GPS can't be turned off, but the Lezyne lasts amazingly long without lights. And you can easily recharge it with a power bank.
Regards
Roman says
Hello Michael,
great report, thank you. Does the computer also recognize 2 different bikes with 2 sensors by itself or is there a 2 bike function for recording road bikes and MTBs?
Thank you very much
Michael Faiss says
Hi novel,
unfortunately neither. When you change bikes, you have to adjust the wheel size and type of sport every time. It's pretty quick after a few times, but it's a bit cumbersome.
Roman says
Many thanks for the answer! It's really a shame, as it would be easy to assign the wheel circumference to a single sensor when you first pair it. Separate statistics are not that important, but setting the wheel circumference for each ride is almost a knockout criterion for me.
Patrick says
Well, you don't have to use the sensors, do you? I would also like to buy the Lezyne Super GPS and will use the speed/cadence sensor on the cross bike and the computer without an external sensor on the mountain bike. It still shows speed and everything...
Gili says
Hello!
Now that I also own the Super GPS, a few questions have arisen:
What does the GPS "cold start" or "warm start" setting mean?
How to turn on the backlight permanently? My light goes out after a few seconds.
Is the GPS recording rather imprecise for you too? For me it happens again and again that the track is next to the road or curves are cut off. My cell phone (Sony Z1 compact) was much more accurate. Is it possible to adjust it somehow so that it gets better, or did I get a Monday device?
Thank you!
Thank you gili
Gillian says
Hello Gili,
Even if I was able to help you here by email, here are the answers for other readers:
– “cold start” means the Lezyne computer searches for satellites via GPS/Glonass in a place where it has never had a signal before
– “warm start” means: if I start from home every day or often from a known location, it makes sense to activate this option, because then the device will search the list of known satellites
– the backlight can be switched on permanently by clicking once on the button at the bottom left, assigned “enter” and “light”.
- as far as the GPS recording is concerned, I assume a Monday device, as already discussed
Gili says
Thanks again for your help Gillian!
Unfortunately, the backlight on my device could not be switched on with this button if I had set the auto setting to "Light - on". With "light - off" it worked. That can't possibly be what Lezyne intended.
IF I get the device back or a replacement device that will hopefully work better, my firmware wishes would be the following:
-) more details in the Strava live segments. The information here is extremely poor.
-) Be sure to add wheel profiles.
-) to be able to assign speed/TF sensors to a bike. Pairing again and again is a no-go! it just has to work automatically.
-) 8 data fields on one page would be easily possible - 4 are simply (much) too few. 2 columns and the problem would be solved
-) "Auto-Scroll" through the data fields - cannot be configured. The home screen is also scrolled through. Completely pointless.
-) Whether following a GPX track (Bread-Crumb, NOT TBT routing) is possible without a cell phone, I unfortunately could not find out in the short time. In any case, the transmission of a longer route via BT only worked very tentatively and the route did not remain permanently on the Super GPS. After turning it off, it was gone again.
I would have hoped for more - especially since it would almost only be about software improvements, which are certainly quite easy to implement. The hardware should be quite good.
If this is not improved, I will have to move to Wahoo (Bolt) willy-nilly. It is of course very bitter if you have already bought and installed 4 aero mounts for the Super GPS 🙁
Alex says
Hi Michael. I came across your report more than 1000 detours and now I hope that you can help me. ( The last straw... ). I bought the Super GPS complete package 2 weeks ago. But somehow the worm is permanently inside. Either the speed isn't working or the cadence isn't working. A few days ago the BT sensor for the rear wheel strut was replaced free of charge, but it doesn't work either. The cadence is recognized but he doesn't find any speed. I have connected the options to the sensors individually or tried both together. Doesn't work. Do I have to mount the whole range of sensors (chest strap etc.) and ride my bike? It seems to me that the stuff should also work "dry" with the racing bike suspended in the repair stand!? So what am I doing wrong? Love Alex
Philip says
I also have a question about navigation. Is it enough, as with the live segments, if I put together the route I want to be navigated on on the PC or mobile phone and then transfer it, or do I have to have my mobile phone with me the whole time and leave it connected to use this navigation function.