Garmin’s stranglehold on the bike computer market looks shakier by the month.
Whilst the likes of MIO, Cateye and Lezyne have largely not dented the Garmin steamroller too much, we could argue that Polar have made a half decent attempt at keeping Garmin honest with their M450 and other products.
WAHOO’s ELEMNT will definitely keep Garmin’s hardware developers awake at night.
Perhaps now the nightmares start. With companies like ACER, with LOTS of financial clout, realising that the cycling market is ripe for competition. They go and announce a product like the XPLOVA X5.
To me it looks pretty snazzy. Seems to hit all the important ANT+ buttons with regards to sensor support..
BUT it actually looks like a “computer” display. It certainly has the WOW factor. Whilst all the colours and dials look great some may argue that they detract from getting the right piece of info at the right time. Others might argue that such display methods could enhance and focus the rider’s ‘data experience’.
I’m not sure which way I lean yet. But I certainly want one to play with. That looks unlikely as they may only be sold in the USA. I think ACER are wondering if the UK/European cycling market is big enough (?!?)
