iGPSPORT BSC300 Review: A Smart and Affordable Bike Computer
Are you looking for a new bike computer that can measure your speed, cadence, heart rate, and more? Do you want a device that is easy to use, reliable, and compatible with your favorite apps like Strava and Garmin Connect? If so, you might be interested in the new iGPSPORT BSC300, a wireless bike computer that offers a lot of features for a reasonable price.
Looking for the touchscreen upgrade? Check out our BSC300T review or see our BSC300 vs BSC300T comparison to decide which one suits you better.
In this blog post, I will review the iGPSPORT BSC300 and tell you why I think it is a great option for cyclists who want to improve their performance and enjoy their rides. I will also compare it to some of the other popular bike computers on the market, such as the iGPSPORT 630, the Garmin Edge 530, and the Garmin Edge 540. If you’re considering a premium upgrade, you might also want to read about the Garmin Edge 1040’s advanced features. By the end of this post, you will have a better idea of which bike computer suits your needs and budget.
What is the iGPSPORT BSC300?
The iGPSPORT BSC300 is a wireless bike computer that can connect to various sensors via Bluetooth or ANT+. It can measure your speed, cadence, heart rate, power, altitude, temperature, and more. It has a 2.2-inch color screen that is easy to read in any light condition. It has a built-in GPS that can track your route and distance. It has a long battery life of up to 22 hours. It has a waterproof rating of IPX7, which means it can withstand rain and splashes.
The iGPSPORT BSC300 can also sync with your smartphone via the iGPSPORT app. You can customize your data fields, upload your rides to online platforms like Strava and Garmin Connect, and receive notifications for calls, messages, and social media. You can also download maps and routes from the app and follow them on the device.
The iGPSPORT BSC300 comes with a mount that can be attached to your handlebar or stem. It also comes with a speed sensor and a cadence sensor that can be easily installed on your bike. You can pair it with other sensors that support Bluetooth or ANT+, such as heart rate monitors, power meters, or smart trainers. For cyclists interested in tracking comprehensive training data, understanding how different sensors work together is crucial - our Strava vs Garmin Connect comparison explains how to make the most of your data across platforms.
The iGPSPORT BSC300 costs around $150, which is much cheaper than some of the other bike computers with similar features. It is also available in black or white colors.
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Real-World Experience: A Year of Testing
After using the BSC300 for over a year, I can share some honest insights about its daily performance. Overall, I’ve been quite satisfied with this device, and it does everything you’d expect from a bike computer in this price range. However, there are some limitations worth noting.
The Good:
- Reliable GPS tracking and data accuracy
- Excellent battery life for long rides
- Simple setup and sensor pairing process
- Good value for money compared to premium alternatives
Areas for Improvement: One noticeable limitation is the lack of a status bar, which makes it frustrating to check the current time during long rides. This might seem minor, but when you’re on a century ride or multi-hour adventure, having quick access to the time becomes more important than you’d think.
Navigation Considerations: The navigation features work well for most scenarios, but I’ve experienced issues with out-and-back routes on the same road. The device can get confused and sometimes turns off the green marked road display, making it appear as though you’re off course when you’re actually following the correct path. This seems to be a software limitation that affects various iGPSPORT models. For routes without overlapping sections, the navigation works perfectly fine.
GPS Accuracy Tips: For optimal performance, especially in mountainous areas, make sure to keep the GPS settings at their most accurate configuration. I’ve noticed that changing the GPS precision settings can lead to inaccurate slope data and unreliable climb features during mountain rides. This is particularly important if you’re considering upgrading to more advanced units like the Garmin Edge 540 with its ClimbPro feature, where accurate elevation data becomes crucial for climb analysis.
Setup and Initial Use: When first setting up the device, be patient with the initial GPS lock - it can take several minutes to acquire satellite signal, especially if you’re indoors. Make sure to be outside for the first few uses to establish a good GPS connection.
For navigation features, you’ll need to download maps from the iGPSPORT website and transfer them to the device. If you encounter issues with map loading, try deleting the specific map file and copying it again to the device folder - this usually resolves any transfer problems.
Button Design Considerations: One design aspect that might take some getting used to is the button placement on the sides of the device. While this follows the same approach as Garmin’s 500 series, some users might find it less intuitive than having buttons on the top surface, especially when riding at higher speeds. However, you do adapt to this layout fairly quickly with regular use.
How does the iGPSPORT BSC300 compare to other bike computers?
There are many bike computers on the market, but I will focus on three of the most popular ones: the iGPSPORT 630, the Garmin Edge 530, and the Garmin Edge 540. These are all wireless bike computers that can measure similar data and connect to various sensors. They also have color screens, GPS, long battery life, waterproof rating, smartphone sync, and navigation features. However, they also have some differences that might make you prefer one over another. If you want a detailed comparison between premium options, check out our Garmin Edge 530 vs iGPSPORT 630 comparison which breaks down the key differences between budget and premium models.
The iGPSPORT 630
The iGPSPORT 630 is another wireless bike computer from iGPSPORT that costs around $199.99 check for offers at Amazon. It’s the big brother of the BCS300, it has a larger screen than the BSC300 (3 inches) and more data fields (up to 15). It also has more navigation features, such as turn-by-turn directions, voice prompts, and offline maps. It has a slightly shorter battery life than the BSC300 (20 hours) and a lower waterproof rating (IPX6).
The iGPSPORT 630 is a good choice for cyclists who want a bigger screen and more navigation options. However, it is also more expensive and less durable than the BSC300. You can read my full review of the iGPSPORT 630 or see how it compares to premium alternatives in our Edge 530 vs iGS630 comparison.
The Garmin Edge 530
The Garmin Edge 530 is a wireless bike computer from Garmin that costs around $299.99 check for offers at Amazon. It has a similar screen size as the BSC300 (2.6 inches) but more data fields (up to 20). It also has more advanced features, such as performance metrics, training plans, safety alerts, incident detection, group tracking, ClimbPro, MTB dynamics, Trailforks integration, and more. It has a longer battery life than the BSC300 (up to 40 hours) and a higher waterproof rating (IPX7).
The Garmin Edge 530 is a great choice for cyclists who want the most comprehensive and sophisticated bike computer. However, it is also much more expensive and complex than the BSC300. You can read my full review of the Garmin Edge 530 or check our detailed comparison.
The Garmin Edge 540
The Garmin Edge 540 is a wireless bike computer from Garmin that costs around $399.99 check for offers at Amazon. It has a larger screen than the BSC300 (3.5 inches) and more data fields (up to 24). It also has all the features of the Edge 530, plus a touchscreen, a barometric altimeter, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, and a light sensor. It has a similar battery life as the BSC300 (up to 24 hours) and a higher waterproof rating (IPX7).
The Garmin Edge 540 is the ultimate choice for cyclists who want the best of the best bike computer. However, it is also the most expensive and power-hungry than the BSC300. You can read my full review of the Garmin Edge 540 or see our Edge 530 vs 540 comparison.
Which bike computer should you buy?
As you can see, there are many factors to consider when choosing a bike computer. It depends on your personal preferences, needs, and budget. However, if you ask me, I would recommend the iGPSPORT BSC300 for most cyclists who want a reliable, easy-to-use, and affordable bike computer that can measure all the essential data and sync with your smartphone and online platforms.
The iGPSPORT BSC300 has everything you need to enjoy your rides and improve your performance. It is compatible with various sensors and apps, has a clear color screen, has a long battery life, and has a reasonable price. It might not have all the bells and whistles of some of the other bike computers, but it does its job well and does not disappoint.
Current Availability: While some retailers have replaced the BSC300 with the newer BSC300T (which features a touchscreen), the original BSC300 remains an excellent option, especially considering its longer battery life. You can still find great deals on AliExpress at competitive prices, making it an even more attractive budget choice. For cyclists planning to make the most of their purchase during sales seasons, don’t miss our Prime Day bike gadgets guide for the best deals on cycling technology.
If you are interested in buying the iGPSPORT BSC300 or any of the other bike computers mentioned in this post, you can check them out on Amazon, a trusted online store that sells quality bike accessories at competitive prices. You can also find more reviews, tips, and guides on my blog Geeknite, where I share my passion for cycling and technology. Speaking of cycling safety and equipment, if you’re upgrading your bike computer, you might also want to consider updating your safety gear with our Bluegrass Rogue helmet review or learn about maintaining your bike with our Shimano brake bleeding kit guide.
Related Reviews & Comparisons:
- iGPSPORT BSC300 vs BSC300T: Which One to Choose?
- iGPSPORT BSC300T Review: The Touchscreen Upgrade
- iGPSPORT IGS800 vs BSC300T Comparison
I hope you found this post helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below or contact me via email or social media. I would love to hear from you and help you out.
Happy cycling! 🚴♂️