Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

Back to REVIEWS
review
GPS units
Lezyne Mini GPS Lezyne Mini GPS Lezyne Mini GPS Lezyne Mini GPS
Lezyne GPS 2015

Lezyne Mini GPS

7
by Mat Brett
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Sep 28, 2015

4
£109.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Small and lightweight GPS computer that's easy to use and offers uploadable ride information
Weight: 
29g
Contact: 
shop.upgradebikes.co.uk
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

What the road.cc scores mean

Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.

  • Exceptional
  • Excellent
  • Very Good
  • Good
  • Quite good
  • Average
  • Not so good
  • Poor
  • Bad
  • Appalling

The Lezyne Mini GPS computer is an easy-to-use option that gives you basic ride information on your handlebar along with the ability to upload, store and analyse your rides on Lezyne's GPS Root website.

If you're a bit of a technophobe or you just aren't interested in masses of ride measurements, the Lezyne Mini GPS might be a good choice for you because it's very simple to use.

You fix the computer mount to your handlebar or stem with a couple of O-rings, attach the computer on top (it's a very secure push-down-and-turn mount), switch it on and wait a few seconds for it to get a GPS fix, and you're good to go.

Find your nearest dealer here 

Buy this online here 

You control everything with just three buttons, and it's all pretty straightforward. You get the hang of it in no time, and once set up there's next to nothing to remember.

The single screen is semi-customisable in that the menu allows you to select whether you have two, three or four data fields shown on the screen.

So, for example, you can set it to show your speed, ride time, distance, and average speed all at the same time, or you can have it show speed, ride time and time of day. You can scroll through other information in the bottom field, or set the computer to scroll automatically through other selected information in that field. If you're not interested in your maximum speed, for example, or the calories you've burnt, you can turn those off.

The device itself is tiny, measuring 33.4mm wide, 50.8mm long, and 22.5mm front to back. The screen is just 20.9mm wide and 24.4mm long. That means that if you do go for four lines of data, you'd better be sure your eyes are up to it.

When you finish your ride you can save the information and upload it to Lezyne's free-to-use GPS Root website. This is simple too, even if you're not particularly computer savvy, and it takes seconds.

Once all the info is uploaded you can check out the routes that you've ridden (GPS Root uses Google Maps or Google Earth) and review everything: how far you've ridden, average and maximum speeds, amount you've climbed (measured using GPS chip technology rather than a barometer), and so on.

GPS Root also provides you with a profile of your route, along with charts of your speed, elevation and the temperature over time, and data on any laps that you've recorded (you can do this manually or you can set the computer to record laps automatically based on time or distance).

You can press a 'sync with Strava' button to share all your ride information on that network, or even have it automatically sync. You can also upload the Mini GPS's .fit files to other websites like Training Peaks.

>> Check out our buyer's guide to the best cheap GPS cycling computers here

A large part of the Mini GPS's appeal is down to its simplicity although, on the flip side, you could see that as a limitation. For example, you can't connect any other wireless devices to the computer, not even a heart rate monitor. If you want to train by heart rate or power, you have to go for the Bluetooth-compatible Lezyne Power GPS (£139.99) or the ANT+/Bluetooth Super GPS (£159.99).

Nor do you get any navigational features here (the Power GPS and the Super GPS don't offer navigation either). Maybe that's a factor for you, maybe it isn't.

The Mini GPS is micro USB rechargeable and you'll get up to 10 hours of use between charges. It'll store up to 100 hours of data, and you'll get an alert to tell you when it's full.

Verdict

Small and lightweight GPS computer that's easy to use and offers uploadable ride information

road.cc test report

Make and model: Lezyne Mini GPS

Size tested: 33.4mm x 50.8mm x 22.5mm; Screen: 20.9mm x 24.4mm

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Lezyne says, "The elegant Mini GPS is compact, powerful and ideal for the cycling minimalist. Simply turn it on, press start and go for a ride. Essential ride data is presented on a sharp, easy to read, semi-customizable display and logged for later analysis. The display also features auto-scrolling ride info, custom lap presets and an optional auto start/stop function. An optimized GPS recording system stores up to 100 hours of data and can be easily accessed via flash drive technology. Rides are saved as .fit files for cross-compatibility with third-party interfaces like Strava and TrainingPeaks. Housed in a stylish aluminum bezel, the computer features a simple three-button operation and is micro USB rechargeable for up to 10 hours of runtime."

That sums it up. It's an easy-to-use GPS computer for those who don't want masses of ride information.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Lezyne lists these features:

* Incredibly compact, lightweight GPS computer

* No sensors required

* Ultra sharp, easy to read and semi-customizable display with backlight

* Elegant, machined aluminum bevel

* Simple three button operation

* Optimized GPS recording stores up to 100 hours of data

* Scrolling data ticker and auto start/stop functions

* Custom alerts

* Up to 10 hours of runtime

* Micro USB rechargeable

* Weight: 29 Grams

* Includes X-Lock Standard Mount

The X-Lock Standard Mount is very secure. To attach and release the computer you have to push it down and twist it. This means that it's virtually impossible to knock out accidentally.

The Mini GPS has an IPX7 waterproof rating meaning that it can stand being immersed under 1m of water for half an hour. Rain really shouldn't be a problem.

Here's the data you can have displayed:

* Moving time, ride time, elapsed time

* Distance: Current, Trip Total, Trip 2, Odometer

* Speed: Current, Average, Max.

* Elevation: Ascent, Descent, Current

* Laps

* Temperature

* Time: ride time, clock

* GPS signal strength

* Battery life indicator

* Semi-customizable display: 2, 3 or 4 fields

* Manually choose bottom field, or set to auto scroll

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

It's a really small computer but it has a high-quality feel. It's solid rather than plasticky.

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

You get basic ride information – not masses of it; the scope isn't huge. That's a plus if you want to keep things simple, although you might want data that's not available here, such as heart rate. If that's the case, you need to go for one of the other models in Lezyne's GPS range.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Lezyne says that all its products are 1-metre drop and durability tested. The clever mount is so secure that you're very unlikely to knock the Mini GPS off during use.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

It's very small and light.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

The Lezyne Mini GPS is the same price as Garmin's Edge 20. In terms of scope they're fairly similar, although the Edge 20 uses GLONASS as well as GPS and it offers rudimentary navigation (you can follow a line on the screen but there is no mapping), but it has a shorter battery life (up to 8hrs, compared with up to 10hrs with the Lezyne).

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

The Mini GPS is pretty simple to set up and gives you the most basic ride information. Saving your ride info and uploading it to Lezyne's GPS Root website (or a third party website like Strava) is super-easy too. If that sounds like the scale of operation you're after, it does the job very well.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Simplicity of setup and use, small and lightweight, secure mount.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Personally, I'd want at least a heart rate function, so I'd be more interested in the Lezyne Power GPS or the Super GPS.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? I'd want something with heart rate, personally.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your score

I've given the Lezyne Mini GPS a mixture of 7s and 8s in the above categories. If you just want to record some of the most basic ride data and upload it online it's a good buy. I just find the lack of a heart rate function a limiting factor, and that's why I'd say it's a good rather than a very good product. If you're not interested in heart rate, fair enough.

Personally, I'd pay the extra £30 for a Lezyne Power GPS because you can link it up to other devices (like a heart rate monitor or power meter) via Bluetooth. Along with the facts that it's both GPS and Glosnass compatible, and that it has a larger memory, the Power GPS seems like a stronger proposition.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 43  Height: 190cm  Weight: 75kg

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding

 

Lezyne Mini GPS
Lezyne 2015
Lezyne
Mat Brett

Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.

Add new comment

4 comments

Avatar
PeteLaw | 7 years ago
0 likes

Does anyone know if it possible to use the Lezyne Mini GPS in the same way as a traditional cycle computer, without having to record and upload each and every ride? I'm looking to replace a Cateye Strada which I have used on a daily basis to monitor speed and also to collect odometer data so I can see how far I have cycled in a year, or on a set of tyres etc.

I like the look of the new 2017 Mini GPS with mapping but don't want to have to start/stop/record/upload every trip to work to the shops etc to get the same info the Cateye gives me. I do however cycle at weekends and evenings so the mapping (directions — via the phone app), phone connectivity, temp, altitude functions are all really appealing.

Also, is the odometer data of the Mini GPS limited to the 100 hours recording time or is it separate to that facility, and would it only save the miles I choose to record?

Avatar
Psychalist replied to PeteLaw | 7 years ago
0 likes
PeteLaw wrote:

Does anyone know if it possible to use the Lezyne Mini GPS in the same way as a traditional cycle computer, without having to record and upload each and every ride?...

...Also, is the odometer data of the Mini GPS limited to the 100 hours recording time or is it separate to that facility, and would it only save the miles I choose to record?

I was looking for similar to replace my unreliable wired and wireless odometers that I use on different bikes . I recently got the Mini GPS. Whilst I many reviews accurately cover the pros and cons i.e. small, easy but display not easy to read at a glance, neither they or the docs cover is how the unit works in comparison to a simple cycle computer. There are some important differences, one of which you touch on in your questions.

Firstly the Mini GPS isn't like a normal computer. It doesn't display long term stats until it is in record mode, so it isn't easy to review what's recorded after it is saved. Only when in record mode, which can be paused or stopped and before saving, can the figures be scrolled through. So, if your priority is just readily available basic stats, this unit might not be for you. However, if you want some way to track your rides without a cumbersome GPS unit and aren't interested other ANT+ performance metrics (HR/power/cadence etc.), this unit is excellent.

The odometer isn't limited. The unit records data in the open industry standard FIT format into a folder in a FAT file system available via the USB connection. The totals are recorded into a file separate from the FIT activity files so persist as long as you wish (can be reset through menu but cannot be preset to a value from your previous unit without rewriting the Totals.fit file, which being in a binary format, isn't straightforward).

Mini-GPS is geared up to short term analysis being uploaded to web sites. In comparison to a regular cycle computer, it lacks many of the functions of even simpler units (multiple bikes, trip up/down, stopwatch etc.) and also battery life (c.f. simple computer > 2yrs on a 2032 disc battery). Even if you're not interested in the social side of Strava or other upload destinations, it is an affordable proposition for recording rides. The FIT files are compatible with a lot of software so instead of uploading to a web site, the file can be run through an off-line program such as GPSBabel to convert to other formats like GPX or whatever your mapping software understands.

My experience of recorded GPS data (from an older Garmin unit) is it can often contain rogue points when the GPS signal is weak, which distorts the figures and sometimes needs cleaning up. This Mini-GPS gets a GPS lock much faster than my old unit and in the open is more accurate. However when I configured it for auto-pause, it stops at traffic lights etc. but when I finished the ride, I wanted to review the figures, so went inside to get my reading glasses and hadn't saved the ride. It added an extra 1/2 mile by the time I saved it, so it's important to understand the best way to use it.

Hope this helps. /P

Avatar
dastott | 9 years ago
0 likes

Just get a Garmin Edge 500 from Aldi for 80 quid.

Avatar
KiwiMike | 9 years ago
0 likes

Whilst I love Lezyne stuff, this does seem to be about twice the price it should be, for what is basically a wireless bike computer.

The track recording? Who doesn't use Strava if they really want to see where they have been?

Come to think of it, basic stats on distance/calories/altitude gain aside, who cares about your *actual* route?

I was thinking for £110 I'd buy it if I could upload a GPX and have it show me a breadcrumb or basic left/right/straight arrow.

Seems to be after the niche of route-recording & replaying folks who don't carry smartphones.

Latest Comments