Product Test: Bontrager Ridetime Elite

Monitoring your ride made simple

Believe it or not, not everyone makes it a point to upload their rides to Strava. In fact, there are even plenty of cyclists who don’t even use computers. Mind-blowing, right? For those that have the inkling to start tracking their rides with some of the modern tech, Bontrager has updated their entry-level Ridetime computer to keep up with the trends all the while keeping things simple. 

THE TECH

Sleek and minimal, the Ridetime computer weighs 27 grams, and with only one front and one rear button to operate, it keeps setup and navigation of the 2-inch screen intuitive. The Ridetime is only able to log ride time alone, but it is ANT+ compatible with speed sensors, cadence sensors, heart-rate monitors and power meters. With the additional sensors, the Ridetime can track total miles as an odometer as well. Bontrager sells a bundle with the Trek frame-proprietary DuoTrap S speed and cadence sensor, along with the computer for $130.

An out-front 21-gram mount is included with the unit. It is compatible with 22.2mm to 35mm handlebars and places the computer about 2 inches out and an inch above the bar for easy reading.

Additionally, the mount can only be used on round bars; for those with aero bars, Bontrager designed it to be compatible with their Blendr stem mounting system. 

One data field can be chosen as the top display, with two more in the bottom third of the screen with the ability to toggle to the additional fields.

THE RIDE

As we’ve now grown accustomed to the 15–20-minute sign-up process through an app that goes along with the new Garmin and Wahoo GPS computers, we have to say that right off the bat we liked the sub-10-minute setup it took to get the Ridetime ready to ride and connected to our sensors. The setup process asked for rider age, weight and gender to estimate calories used during a ride, as well as bike type to generate service reminders, a quick scan of our sensors and the necessary mount installation. We then selected the power reading for the top display with speed and ride time on the first page.

Our power numbers were constantly changing and hard to keep track of due to the 1-second power display being the only option for live power tracking, unlike other computer units with the 3-second option we prefer. However, our speed and cadence numbers were quick to display accurately and easy to track. 

Toggling between data fields is simple with the single button up front, the display is easy to read and navigate during the day and in low-light conditions. However, to enter the settings mode during a ride, the computer must be removed from the mount to access the rear button. 

THE VERDICT

Priced at $70, Bontrager’s updated Ridetime computer is priced fairly high for what it provides, but the sleek design helps it dress up an empty handlebar. Its wireless design aids in its quick setup and is a worthy upgrade from its wired predecessors. A few additional ANT+ sensors can provide the data to keep ride numbers coming in, but don’t expect to be uploading rides to Stava or any other third-party ride tracking apps, as there is no GPS, minimal on-board storage and no way to connect to a computer through USB or Bluetooth.

PUNCH LINES

• Sleek look and lightweight

• Requires additional sensors at an added expense

• Can’t upload rides

STATS

Price: $70

Weight: 27 grams; 48 grams with mount

www.trekbikes.com 

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