The bike computer market is arguably sewn up, with Wahoo and Garmin ruling the roost and only Hammerhead and Bryton making serious inroads.
But Swiss startup Jespr is the latest in a string of brands to release bike computers packed with slick data visualisation, stylish designs, high-quality mapping and features that even Garmin’s Edge bike computer range lacks.
Jespr says its bike computer, available from today, is the first to provide an ‘always on’ internet connection via an internal SIM card to make “tethering to your phone a thing of the past”.
The brand says this tech will provide “ongoing navigation” and wind data information while you ride, but it’s also part of Jespr’s aim to make its bike computer as easy to use as possible.
Clarity and simplicity
Jespr says its bike computer features a large, high-resolution display and a “clear-eyed” interface to help you quickly read metrics without taking your eyes off the road.
This is similar to the Absolute One bike computer we spotted at Eurobike 2024, which features a Gorilla Glass screen and is said to have a similar resolution to the screens used on top-spec smartphones.
Like the Absolute One, Jespr emphasises its computer’s advanced mapping and navigation capabilities.
The Jespr computer will automatically re-route you, send you course notifications, detect climbs and provide a topographical view, alongside telling you wind information.
Jespr says its computer “blends a next-generation navigation experience with a whole new way of contextualising the ride”.
Ride modes
You can select different bikes and types of riding to the Jespr computer, which will then tailor what information it shows. The startup says you can use the computer for road and trail riding, triathlons and more.
Jespr says it has developed specific ride modes in partnership with professional athletes and coaches.
While it hasn’t gone into lots of detail just yet, Jespr has specified four ride modes:
- Free Ride Mode
- Direction Mode
- Training Mode
- Race Mode
It says Free Ride Mode offers spontaneity, while Direction Mode has “pleasing” animations.
Training Mode offers “power-focused metrics” and Race Mode has “pared-down screens”.
Connectivity and estimated power
Jespr says its computer connects “seamlessly” with ride sensors, including heart rate monitors and power meters.
Many will expect this functionality from a bike computer, but Jespr says its computer can also derive and estimate live power output values from other ride data.
The computer can also connect with bicycle radars to show approaching traffic on the display.
Over-the-air synchronisation
This new device is supported by the my.Jespr.io platform, which facilitates over-the-air route and training plan synchronisation.
Jespr says its platform and computer are compatible with “all of the major players” including Strava, TrainingPeaks and Komoot.
Your custom settings are synced to the Jespr platform, too. This means if you get a new Jespr device it can be set up just like your last one.
Jespr says this synchronisation tech means software updates “beam to the device automatically, without the hassles typical of other devices.”
Free data for the first users
Jespr says its bike computer is available from today and it will cost €570 / CHF540.
To welcome you to the Jespr platform, Jespr says its first customers will receive a free data plan for the ‘always on’ internet until the end of 2025.
After that, a subscription model starts, estimated to cost €5 per month.
While you can add a SIM to the Hammerhead Karoo 2 for a data internet connection, the Jespr is the first bike computer to have one built in.
The year of challenger brands?
Jespr’s bike computer is one of three from small brands to launch this September.
Absolute Cycling’s Phil Lucas told us the Absolute One would be released this month, after it launched its crowdfunding campaign for the computer back in 2019.
The Trimm Two is another bike computer expected to be released this month.
While the Absolute One and Jespr have colour displays, the Trimm Two has a monochrome display, similar to older Wahoo bike computers. But like these other challenger brands it promises a sharp, high-quality display for easy viewing.
One aspect of its new computer that Trimm stresses is its looks. With its slim design, aluminium case and interchangeable colour cases, it’s said to help you “break out of mediocrity” and have a “distinctive experience”.
The Absolute One is intended to make an aesthetic impact. From the design house behind Bang & Olufsen, the computer has a unique design that stands out compared to other bike computers.
This could be a strategy to cut through the market and appeal to riders who want something different.
When we spoke to Lucas at Eurobike he said: “You have one chance to make a first impression.”
Whether Jespr, Absolute One and Trimm can make a successful first impression and take a bite out of Wahoo and Garmin’s dominance remains to be seen.
