TimeX Group B.V. is one of the best-known watch companies in America. They have produced a comparable bike computer to the Garmin Edge 500 with their Timex T5K615 GPS Bike Computer. It is a high-end alternative to the Garmin models because of its sleek design, accuracy, and included features. It also helps that it’s lightweight at around 2 pounds, with the dimensions 5.5 x 6.5 x 2.8 inches.
The Timex bike computer comes with a heart rate monitor to track bodily changes as your ride. In the display screen, you get to view five “screens” at once, each one displaying relevant information to your ride. The convenience of this feature is that there’s no need to hit a button and switch screen while riding.
Timex T5K615 GPS Bike Computer Review
Timex T5K615 GPS Bike Computer have five screens are customizable, too. You can monitor so many aspects of your ride at once, such as your current speed, distance, altitude, heart rate, etc., all with just a single glance.
Something that is very rare to find in bike computers is a magnetic compass, and this product includes it in theirs. What’s good about this? It’s old-fashion, but it’s reliable.
So if your GPS connection happens to fail, you will still be able to navigate yourself because of the compass. It is a helpful back up features for riders who like to take their training sessions into heavily wooded areas or just places where they are unfamiliar with the landscape.
The Timex T5K615 device also contains SIRFstarIII GPS technologies, so that you can monitor your speed and agility, all within real-time. With the USB charger, you can connect your device to your computer and upload all tracked data for later review. You can monitor your progress online, or compare and contrast your ride with your past rides or with other riders.
What Can be Improved
Current users do not like the older style mounting provided for this product. Some had to resort to using their own wire-tires or hot glue to secure their device in place on their bike. A lot of similar devices on the market have upgraded mounting systems that work more efficiently.
Some buyers experience GPS failure while riding with the device or said the GPS chip inside the device with bad within a month of use.
Product Overview and Features of Timex T5K615 GPS Bike Computer
- Quick and easy recording of speed, distance, and map data
- Magnetic compass included
- Barometric altimeter
- Backlit display
- Limited power meter support
- Poor mounting system
- GPS failure
- Battery life is up to 18 hours
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Size: 5.5 x 6.5 x 2.8 inches
- Online upload capabilities
- Customizable display
- 5 screens/data readings
The Verdict
The Timex T5K615 GPS bike computer is a handy little device. It didn’t make our top three, but it is still a comparable option to have. It offers some smart and helpful features, like its five screen display that allows you to track five different aspects of your ride with one glance.
It may not have an organized Internet network like Garmin does, but it does have Internet uploading capabilities. For the low price, you are still getting a product that is lightweight, small, and easy to use with advanced features.
