Why I’m Talking About a $100 Bike Computer (Even Though I Ride a $350 One)

Last updated: February 2026

Quick Take: I personally ride a Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT and love it — but a lot of riders don’t want to spend $350 on a bike computer. This post explains why I keep getting asked about a $100 alternative, and why the COOSPO CS600 is the one that comes up most often.

I’ve been riding long enough to know two things can be true at the same time:

• Some gear is absolutely worth paying premium prices for.
• Not everyone wants — or needs — to spend that kind of money.

I fall firmly into the first camp.

I personally ride a Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT. It’s about $350, and for me, it’s worth every dollar. It’s simple, reliable, easy to read, and it has never let me down.

But here’s the reality.

Why I’m Writing About This at All

A lot of people contact me. Emails. Comments. Messages.

And the question usually sounds something like this:

“I want a real bike computer — with navigation — but I just can’t justify spending $350.”

That’s a fair concern.

Not everyone wants to put premium money into a bike computer. Especially:

• Newer riders
• Retirees on fixed incomes
• People who ride for fitness and enjoyment, not tech bragging rights

And when those conversations come up, one model keeps getting mentioned.

The COOSPO CS600.

The $100 Bike Computer People Keep Asking Me About

The COOSPO CS600 usually sells for around $100. Sometimes a little less.

That puts it in a completely different category than the Wahoo.

I want to be very clear about something:

I do not ride this unit myself. I’m not pretending I do, and I’m not recommending it as a replacement for the Wahoo.

What I am saying is this:

If someone wants a functional, affordable bike computer with navigation — this is the one they keep asking about.

Here’s why.

• Supports GPX route navigation
• Color touchscreen with customizable data fields
• ANT+ and Bluetooth sensor compatibility
• Works with speed, cadence, heart rate, Di2, and radar
• Real-world battery life that holds up on longer rides

No, it’s not as polished as a Wahoo.

But it’s also not trying to be.

Honest Comparison (Old Guy Version)

This is the simplest way I can put it.

Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT

• Cleaner interface
• More refined software
• Excellent reliability
• Premium price
• What I personally ride

COOSPO CS600

• Surprisingly capable for the price
• Navigation works from GPX files
• Readable screen once set up properly
• Costs about one-third as much
• A reasonable choice for budget-conscious riders

If money is not an issue, I still point people to Wahoo.

If money is an issue — and for many riders it is — the CS600 is a legitimate alternative, not a toy.

Why I’m Comfortable Showing This Here

I don’t recommend junk.

I also don’t believe cycling should require premium-priced gear to be enjoyable.

The COOSPO CS600 sits in that middle ground:

• Affordable
• Functional
• Good enough to ride confidently

That’s why I’m talking about it — not because I ride it, but because people keep asking me about it.

Where to See It

If you’re one of the riders who doesn’t want to spend $350 on a bike computer, you can see the current price and reviews here:

COOSPO CS600 GPS Bike Computer – Check Today’s Price

No pressure. No hype. Just information.

Ride what fits your budget. Ride what keeps you riding.

Want to visually see the cycling gear I personally rely on?

These are the core items I use and recommend — the ones I believe every cyclist should consider. You’ll see current product images and today’s prices as shown on Amazon.

View My Core Cycling Gear