Choosing a bike computer is a big decision. Many cyclists automatically go for Wahoo or Garmin. But I didn’t. I skipped Wahoo and Garmin and here’s exactly why.
From price and features to usability and long-term value, this post shares my honest thoughts. If you’re on the fence, read this before buying.
Premium Brands, Premium Prices
Wahoo and Garmin dominate the cycling tech scene. They’re powerful, popular, and packed with features. But they also come at a steep cost.
As someone on a tighter budget, I had to ask: Do I really need all that? The top-end models easily go above RM2,000. Even mid-range ones stretch my budget. So, I paused. I wanted value, not just branding.
Skipped Wahoo and Garmin: What I Needed vs What They Offer
My main needs were simple:
- Accurate GPS tracking
- Reliable data sync
- Long battery life
- Easy screen visibility
- Indoor and outdoor compatibility
I didn’t need live Strava segments. I didn’t need a touchscreen. And I didn’t care about WiFi uploads.
That’s when I realized, I was paying for things I wouldn’t even use. So why not look elsewhere?
Skipped Wahoo and Garmin : The Moment I Discovered iGS630S
During my research, I stumbled upon the iGS630S by iGPSPORT. At first, I hesitated. It’s not a mainstream name like Garmin or Wahoo. But I kept reading reviews, watching YouTube unboxings, and checking specs.
Turns out, this model checked all my boxes and more.
Skipped Wahoo and Garmin: What Made Me Choose iGS630S
Let’s go through the key reasons I skipped Wahoo and Garmin in favor of the iGS630S.
✅ 1. Price-to-Performance Ratio
The iGS630S costs a fraction of a Garmin Edge 530 or Wahoo Bolt V2. Yet, it offers full-color display, long battery life, and navigation.
You’re getting 90% of the features for 40% of the price.
✅ 2. Amazing Battery Life
One of the first things I noticed was the 35+ hours battery life. That’s more than enough for a few rides without recharging.
Garmin and Wahoo offer great battery too but at a price.
✅ 3. Detailed Mapping and Navigation
The iGS630S has built-in maps. It doesn’t match Garmin’s full routing experience, but it’s good enough for most riders. Especially in Malaysia, where many cyclists ride familiar routes.
✅ 4. Customizable Data Fields
This was important. I want to see my cadence, heart rate, speed, and average power clearly. With iGS630S, I could customize the screen to show exactly what I wanted.
✅ 5. ANT+ and Bluetooth Support
It synced perfectly with my HR monitor, speed sensor, and cadence sensor. No issues at all. Wahoo and Garmin support this too, but it’s great that a cheaper option also does it seamlessly.
Where It Falls Short
Of course, nothing’s perfect. Here’s what I miss:
- No live tracking feature (Garmin has this)
- Less polished app experience
- Fewer integrations with third-party platforms
But none of those are deal-breakers for me. I ride alone, and I upload to Strava manually. So it works.
Who Should Also Skip Wahoo and Garmin?
You should consider skipping Wahoo and Garmin too if:
- You ride solo and don’t need live tracking
- You’re budget-conscious
- You want great battery life
- You care more about riding than tech
If you’re someone who tracks every KOM and relies heavily on Strava Live Segments, then stick with the big brands.
But if you’re like me, and you just want a reliable companion on the road, there’s no need to overspend.
Real-World Usage So Far
I’ve been using the iGS630S for a few months. It tracks my indoor and outdoor rides with accuracy. Syncing to Strava is fast via the app. I’ve customized screens for warm-up, intervals, and recovery.
In short: it works, it lasts, and it gets the job done.
Final Thoughts: Skipped Wahoo and Garmin
Skipping Wahoo and Garmin wasn’t easy. There’s a comfort in choosing well-known brands. But I’m glad I did my homework.
The iGS630S saved me money and gave me all the features I need. If you’re willing to explore outside the mainstream, you might just find something that fits better for less.
About the Author
1 thought on “Why I Skipped Wahoo and Garmin – for Now”