Bryton vs Garmin - GPS Cycling Computer fight

Bryton cycling computers have been around for almost a decade with a team of highly experienced developers from other GPS companies like Magellan, NavMan and Mio, bringing with them enough brain-power and know-how to rattle the Garmin dominated industry of GPS cycling computers.
 

For 2019, Bryton is carrying on their partnership with the Deceuninck Quickstep Team, a UCI Pro Team racing all the major cycling races, including de Tour de France, the Vuelta a Espana and the Giro de Italia. We’re not saying the Deceuninck Quickstep’s wins recently have all been due to using a Bryton, but it is certainly helping lead the way.

Bryton’s target is to create products that redefine sports electronics with GPS applications, improving usability and rich features to keep users interested and motivated.
 

 

 

Bryton Vs. Garmin

We now take a look at the Bryton Rider 10, the Bryton Rider 15, the Bryton Rider 330, the Bryton Rider 410, the Bryton Rider 450, the Bryton Rider 530 and the Bryton Aero 60, and see they compare with the Garmin Edge 25, the Garmin Edge 130, the Garmin Edge 530 and the Garmin Edge 520 Plus. We’ll also have a look at the Bryton app and see what features it offers you.

Bryton Rider 10

The Bryton Rider 10 is aimed at the beginner to intermediate riders who wants to start recording their bike rides so they can, later on, share with a larger audience, Strava for instance, or analyse the ride data and implement some training regime to improve speed/endurance. With all the functions from an old-school cycling computer, the Bryton adds GPS and Bluetooth connectivity at an unbeatable price giving you all the tools to bring your cycling experience to the next level.

The Bryton Rider 10 will also connect to the Bryton app through your smartphone. You can use the app to customise your data feeds and to help set training goals.

The Bryton Rider 10 presents its data on a larger screen with 4 data fields per page versus Garmin’s 3 data fields and offer double the battery life. The biggest difference between the 2 computers is that the Bryton is priced incredibly close to a non-GPS computer, sitting around $80, while the Garmin Edge 25 sells for $210.

	BRYTONRider 10	GarminEdge 20	GarminEdge 25
Dimensions (mm)	46.2 x 71 x 16.5	40 x 42 x 17	40 x 42 x 17
Display size	2" (5.1cm)	1.3" (3.2cm)	1.3" (3.2cm)
Display resolution, WxH	Segment type HTN LCD	128 x 160 pixels	128 x 160 pixels
Weight (g)	52	25	25
Waterproof	IPX7	IPX7	IPX7
GPS-enabled
Barometric altimeter
Battery life	Up to 16 hours	Up to 8 hours	Up to 8 hours
History	Up to 120 hours	Up to 10 rides	Up to 10 rides
No. of customizable grids	4	3	3
Follow track
Compass		GPS	GPS
Live tracking
Speed/cadence sensor
HR sensor
Auto pause
Auto lap
Auto scroll
Advanced Workouts
Time/distance alert
HR-based calorie computation
Power Meter Compatibility
Temperature
Bluetooth wireless technology
WLAN wireless technology
App Support

Bryton Rider 15

If you want to get serious about your cycling, then The Bryton Rider 15 is for you. With an ability to show anywhere between 1 and 5 pages of data, you’ll find that you’ll have all the data you need when out on the road. To set up your data fields, you will need to set up the Bryton app on your phone, which is pretty easily done.

Again, the Bryton Rider 15s price point it seems unfair to compare it to Garmin Edge computers. The Rider 15 costs about half of the Garmin Edge 25 and the Edge 130. If you enjoy climbing hills and want to see a true representation, you’ll love the Barometric Altimeter on the Bryton Rider 15 and the Garmin Edge 130.

	BRYTONRider 15	GarminEdge 25	GarminEdge 130
Dimensions (mm)	66.2 x 71 x 16.5	40 x 42 x 17	40 x 60 x 17
Display size	2" (5.1cm)	1.3" (3.2cm)	1.8" (4.7cm)
Display resolution, WxH	2" Segment type HTN LCD	LCD	LCD
Weight (g)	52	25	33
Waterproof	IPX7	IPX7	IPX7
GPS-enabled	GNSS	GPS	GPS / Glonass / Galileo
Barometric altimeter
Battery life	16 hours	Up to 8 hours	15 hours
Functions	30	n/a	n/a
Lap History (laps)
Log History (hrs)	Up to 120	Up to 10 rides	100
1s Recording
Customizable Data Field	Via Bryton App	On device	On device
Speed / Cadence / HRM sensors	BLE	ANT+	ANT+ / BLE
Power meter			ANT+ / BLE
ASD Auto Sensor Display	BLE
Max data fields / page	1/5	3/2	8/5
Time/distance alert
Auto pause/ Lap / Scroll
Follow track /Guidance
On device summary
Supported bike profile	2	1	1
Smart notifications
Data transfer	BLE	BLE	BLE
Download plan trips
Update firmware / GPS	Bryton update tool	Garmin ConnectTM	Garmin ExpressTM
3rd party auto sync	STRAVA / TrainingPeaks / Selfloops	STRAVA / TrainingPeaks / Sports Tracks
Phone App	Bryton mobile app	Garmin ConnectTM	Garmin ConnectTM

Bryton Rider 330 & Bryton Rider 530

Next is the Bryton Rider 330 and Bryton Rider 530 units compared to the Garmin Edge 520+. The Bryton Rider 330 & 530 GPS cycling computers targets intermediate to experienced cyclists who need quality information to be easily accessible at all times. With support for 2 bikes, the Bryton connects to GPS signal much faster than Garmin units and has clever data page layouts that show/hide according to what sensors are connected to the computer.

 

Versus the Garmin Edge 520+, the Rider 330 and 530 offer double the battery life and allow you to create a routable map on the Bryton mobile app which you can then follow turn-by-turn style on the computer, something that Garmin lacks. Lastly, the price comparison between the 2 brands highlights the incredible value for money you get from Bryton. With the Garmin Edge 520+ head unit being sold in Australia for $290, while the Bryton Rider 330e (the head unit) sells for $160 and the Bryton Rider 530e (the head unit) selling for $190. If you decide to get the Bryton Rider 530t (the head unit plus speed, cadence and heart monitor sensors), you’ll be able to pick one up for $290, a real bargain when compared to the Garmin Edge 520+ bundle going for $380.

	BRYTONRider 330	BRYTONRider 530	GarminEdge 520
Dimensions (mm)	45.1 x 69.5 x 17.3	54.9 x 92.2 x 17.6	49 x 73 x 21
Display size	1.8" (4.7cm)	2.6" (6.5cm)	2.4" (6.0cm)
Display resolution, WxH	128 x 160 pixels	160 x 240 pixels	200 x 256 pixels
Weight (g)	56	79	60
Waterproof	IPX7	IPX7	IPX7
GPS-enabled
Barometric altimeter
Battery life	Up to 36 hours	Up to 33 hours	Up to 15 hours
History	130 laps / 300 hours	130 laps / 300 hours	Up to 180 hours
No. of customizable grids	8	12	10
Navigation	Plan trip	Plan trip	Base map (not routable)
Follow track
Compass			GPS
Live tracking
Speed/cadence sensor
HR sensor
Auto pause
Auto lap
Auto scroll
Advanced workouts
Time/distance alert
Shimano Di2 "D-Fly" electrical shifting support
Interval training
On device summary
HR-based calorie computation
Power meter compatibility
Temperature
Bluetooth wireless technology
WLAN wireless technology
App Support

Bryton Rider 410

The Bryton Rider 410 compares well to the Garmin Edge 130. Both the Bryton and the Garmin are aimed at the serious intermediate to experienced cyclist. With 35 hours of battery life, the Bryton Rider 410 has over double the battery life of the Garmin Edge 130. You should be able to get a week’s worth of data saved on the Bryton before you’ll need to charge it.

If you want to boost your top speed, you can use the Bryton Rider 410 to help your interval training and set zone based workouts. These are 2 features that are missing from the Garmin Edge 130. If you are aiming for a race in your future, they are simple but useful features to have.

The Bryton Rider 410 is significantly cheaper than the Garmin Edge 130, and the Garmin only offers the extra feature where you can plan trips on your computer and download the route onto your unit for guidance.

	BRYTONRider 410	GarminEdge 130
Dimensions (mm)	53.7 x 83.9 x 18.2	40 x 60 x 17
Display size	2.3" (5.9cm)	1.8" (4.7cm)
Display	LCD	LCD
Weight (g)	71	33
Waterproof	IPX7	IPX7
Satellite enabled	GNASS	GNASS
Barometric altimeter
Battery hours	35	15
Functions	72+	n/a
Lap History (laps)	130	n/a
Log History (hrs)	300	100
1s Recording
Test/Workout
Interval training
Customizable Data Field	Via Bryton App	On device
Electronic shifting support
Speed / Cadence / HRM sensors	ANT+ / BLE	ANT+ / BLE
Power meter	ANT+	ANT+ / BLE
ASD Auto Sensor Display	ANT+ / BLE
Max data fields / page	8/7	8/5
Time/distance alert
Auto pause/ Lap / Scroll
Follow track / Guidance
Built-in Open Street Map
3rd party trail		Trailforks (via connect IQ app)
On device summary
Supported bike profile	2	1
Smart notifications
Data transfer	BLE	BLE
Download plan trips
Update firmware / GPS	Bryton update tool	Garmin ExpressTM
3rd party auto sync	STRAVA / Sports Tracks
Phone App	Bryton mobile app	Garmin ConnectTM

Bryton Rider 450

The Bryton Rider 450 is a great choice for the intermediate to experienced mountain biker. We are comparing to the Garmin Edge 520+, the reason for this is that both units have access to offroad trails in their maps. If you decide to stay off the beaten path for a while, the Bryton Rider 450 comes with 32 hours of battery life, more than double the 15 hours of life that the Garmin Edge 520+ has.

The extra battery life of the Bryton Rider 450 doesn’t even cost you more. The Bryton comes in at $260, and the Garmin Edge 520+ will cost you $380. The extra price of the Garmin having to account for the fact that you’ve moved from an LCD screen on the Bryton to a colour screen on the Gramin.

	BRYTONRider 450	GarminEdge 520+
Dimensions (mm)	53.7 x 83.9 x 18.2	49 x 73 x 21
Display size	2.3" (5.9cm)	2.3" (5.9cm)
Display	LCD	Color screen
Weight (g)	71	62.5
Waterproof	IPX7	IPX7
Satellite enabled	GNASS	GPS / Glonass
Barometric altimeter
Battery hours	32	15
Functions	78+	n/a
Lap History (laps)	130	n/a
Log History (hrs)	300	200
1s Recording
Test/Workout
Interval training
Customizable Data Field	Via Bryton App	On device
Electronic shifting support	Shimano's Di2, SRAM's eTap, CAMPAGNOLO's EPS
Speed / Cadence / HRM sensors	ANT+ / BLE	ANT+
Power meter	ANT+	ANT+
ASD Auto Sensor Display	ANT+ / BLE
Max data fields / page	10/9	10/7
Time/distance alert
Auto pause/ Lap / Scroll
Follow track / Guidance	Plan trip	Navigation
Built-in Open Street Map		Garmin regional map
3rd party trail		Trailforks (via connect IQ app)
On device summary
Supported bike profile	2	Activity profiles
Smart notifications
Data transfer	BLE/WLAN	BLE
Download plan trips	WLAN
Update firmware / GPS	WLAN Bryton update tool	Garmin ConnectTM, Garmin ExpressTM
3rd party auto sync	STRAVA / Sports Tracks
Training Peaks Workout Support
Phone App	Bryton mobile app	Garmin ConnectTM

 

Bryton Aero 60

The Bryton Aero 60 has a clue in its name to one of its main features. The head unit has been aerodynamically shaped. The mount it sits on has also been designed to help flow the wind around your bike. Racing is all about marginal gains after all.
 

 

The Good news is that aero shaping has not affected the ability of the Bryton Aero 60 to have a great battery fitted. The Aero 60 can bring you 32 hours of battery life, again this is more than double the battery life of the Garmin Edge 520+. You’ll also find that the Bryton can have 2 bike profiles stored on its memory, as opposed to the activity profiles of the Garmin.

	BRYTONAero 60	GarminEdge 520+
Dimensions (mm)	53.7 x 83.9 x 18.2	49 x 73 x 21
Display size	2.3" (5.9cm)	2.3" (5.9cm)
Display	LCD	Color Screen
Weight (g)	71	62.5
Waterproof	IPX7	IPX7
Satellite enabled	GNASS	GPS / Glonass
Barometric altimeter
Battery hours	32	15
Functions	78+	n/a
Lap History (laps)	130	n/a
Log History (hrs)	300	200
1s Recording
Test/Workout
Interval training
Customizable Data Field	Via Bryton App / On device	On device
Electronic shifting support	Shimano's Di2, SRAM's eTap, CAMPAGNOLO's EPS
Speed / Cadence / HRM sensors	ANT+ / BLE	ANT+
Power meter	ANT+	ANT+
ASD Auto Sensor Display	ANT+ / BLE	ANT+ / BLE
Max data fields / page	10/9	10/7
Time/distance alert
Auto pause/ Lap / Scroll
Follow track / Guidance	Plan trip	Navigation
Built-in Open Street Map		Garmin regional map
3rd party trail		Trailforks (via connect IQ app)
On device summary
Supported bike profile	2	Activity profiles
Smart notifications
Data transfer	BLE/WLAN	BLE
Download plan trips	WLAN
Update firmware / GPS	WLAN Bryton update tool	Garmin ConnectTM, Garmin ExpressTM
3rd party auto sync	STRAVA / Training Peaks / Sports Tracks
Training Peaks Workout Support
Phone App	Bryton mobile app	Garmin ConnectTM

The Bryton Aero 60 will set you back $270, and the Garmin Edge 520+ will cost you $370. For the extra money, you’ll find that The Garmin will save you a few grams over the Bryton. Those few grams though are the reason for the length of the Bryton battery.

 

Online Reviews

Click below to read magazine reviews on the Bryton Rider 10, Bryton Rider 330, Bryton Rider 530 and the new Bryton Rider 410, Bryton Rider 450 and Bryton Aero 60.

Summary

Not to be viewed as a Garmin alternative, Bryton is making great strides into securing a solid standing in the GPS cycling computer industry. Feature packed, huge battery life, easy to operate, reliable and incredible value for money, Bryton’s popularity amongst cyclists is growing quickly not only in Australia but everywhere in the world.