The Bryton Rider S800 GPS cycling computer aims to redefine the cycling experience with its impressive feature set and sleek design. This comprehensive review delves into every aspect of the S800, from its unboxing experience and premium build quality to its intuitive interface and robust navigation capabilities. We'll explore its key features, including the innovative group ride and chat functionality, advanced power data analysis, and seamless integration with the Bryton Active app. We’ll also compare it to its predecessor, the S500, and other competitors in the market, examining its strengths and weaknesses to determine its overall value.This in-depth analysis will assess the S800’s performance in various conditions, examining screen visibility, responsiveness, and ease of use. We’ll cover the setup process, navigation features, and the functionality of the accompanying app. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a clear and unbiased assessment, helping cyclists decide if the Bryton Rider S800 is the right GPS cycling computer for their needs and budget. We'll conclude with a final verdict and rating, considering both the device's strengths and areas for potential improvement.
Pros And Cons
- Large 3.4-inch display
- Highly customizable data display setup
- Responsive touchscreen with easy-to-navigate layout
- Includes aluminum out-front mount
- White accent color cannot be changed
- Screen not as vivid as the smaller S500
- Brighton Active app has minor usability issues
Read more: Garmin Edge 530 Review: Best Value GPS Bike Computer?
Unboxing and Specifications
The Bryton Rider S800 arrives in a standard cardboard box, featuring a sleek design with a glossy graphic. The packaging showcases the device's slim profile and lists key specifications. The retail price is $399.95, with a bundle version available for $479.95. This bundle likely includes additional accessories, increasing overall value.
The S800 boasts a 3.4-inch color touchscreen, USB Type-C charging with USB C2C support. Notable features include the Climb Challenge, allowing pre-recorded ride analysis for improved performance on climbs. It also provides full cycling dynamic support, including left and right pedal analysis, and offers detailed power data analysis. The new group ride and chat functionality enables real-time communication and map view with fellow riders.
Contents and Accessories
The unbundled version includes instruction manuals, warranty information, and a USB Type-C charging cable with a convenient 90-degree angle. It also features the high-quality aluminum out-front mount, an upgrade from cheaper mounts often included with similar devices. A single-sided mount is provided, with the option to purchase a dual-sided puck for added versatility.
Additional accessories include a screen protector to safeguard against scratches and drops. A tether and tools are provided for secure mounting. The included silicone cover acts as a bumper, adding protection but increasing the device's bulk. While functionally protective, the silicone cover might not be preferred by users prioritizing a sleek aesthetic.
Design and Build Quality
The Bryton S800 boasts an impressive design with a long, thin profile and premium finish. Its large screen rivals the Garmin 1030 in size, but at a more affordable price point. The device features a subtle white accent around the display, reminiscent of Garmin's aesthetic. The design includes rounded corners, a departure from Bryton's usual beveled edges, making it visually similar to competitors' offerings.
The bottom of the device features a replaceable Bryton puck, compatible with both Bryton and Garmin mounts. This replaceable design provides extended lifespan and flexibility for users. The device's USB Type-C charging port and USB C2C cable support offer convenient charging options, including on-the-go charging.
Display and User Interface
The S800 features a full-color touchscreen with good visibility in various lighting conditions, thanks to an ambient light sensor similar to the S500. While not as vibrant as the S500, its legibility in direct sunlight is a significant advantage. The responsive touchscreen is complemented by four physical buttons, primarily for basic controls like start/stop and screen lock.
The touchscreen is essential for navigating menus. Buttons control starting, stopping, pausing rides, lap functions, and screen locking, but deeper menu navigation is exclusively touchscreen-based. While the large screen offers ample space for up to 10 data items, this may be excessive for some users. The customization options allow users to tailor the screen to their preferences.
Setup and Customization
Setting up the S800 is straightforward. Language selection and unit preferences are easily adjusted via the large touchscreen. The device connects seamlessly with the Bryton Active app via QR code. The app enables extensive customization, including multiple bike profiles (up to three).
Each bike profile allows customization of data pages, including cycling dynamics data, and workout options. The app facilitates the management of sensor connections and the organization of bike profiles. The intuitive interface simplifies adjusting settings, making the process efficient and user-friendly.
Features and Functionality
The S800 offers robust navigation capabilities, including voice search and points of interest. Route creation and uploading are supported, along with the unique Explorer feature, which suggests routes based on distance preferences. While this feature is promising, its accuracy depends on location and data availability, showing limitations in certain areas.
Workout plans can be uploaded and scheduled through the Bryton Active app. Integration with smart trainers is available, and the new group ride feature allows real-time tracking and communication with other S800 users. This is a significant feature, offering enhanced social and collaborative aspects of cycling. Live tracking functionality enables sharing real-time ride data with others, providing safety and connectivity.
Bryton Active App
The Bryton Active app, available on Android and iOS, enhances the device's functionality. While generally well-designed, it shows some inconsistencies in translation and UI elements, indicating a need for further refinement. The app allows for comprehensive activity viewing, calendar integration for tracking progress, and customized route creation.
The app facilitates the management of bike profiles, sensor settings, and training plans. While workout creation is possible within the app, integration with third-party platforms like Strava might offer a smoother experience for advanced training. Overall, the app demonstrates potential but could benefit from improved polish and consistency.
On-Road Performance and Comparison
The large display excels at presenting a wealth of data. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, with helpful visual cues. Graphical views, such as the ring display, offer at-a-glance information on current, average, and maximum speeds. The map view is clear and bright, representing a significant improvement from previous models.
While the screen is large and highly legible, the color vibrancy is slightly less intense compared to the S500. This is a minor trade-off considering its superior size and sunlight readability. Overall, the on-road experience is very positive due to the responsive touch screen and thoughtful design choices.
Bryton S800 vs. Competitors
Comparing the S800 with its predecessor, the S500, highlights significant differences. The S800's larger screen, slimmer profile, and group ride features distinguish it. The S500 offers a brighter, more vivid screen, but the S800 compensates with enhanced functionality and a sleeker design.
Compared to competitors like Hammerhead Karoo 2, or Wahoo ELEMNT, the S800's price is competitive. While other devices may offer similar features, the S800 stands out with its combination of size, sleekness, and integrated group ride functionality. These additional features add value and justify the cost.
Conclusion
The Bryton Rider S800 is a significant upgrade, offering a compelling balance of features and design. While minor UI issues in the app and slightly less vibrant screen colors are drawbacks, the large, highly customizable screen, responsive interface, and innovative group ride functionality make it a strong contender.
The overall package is excellent for cyclists seeking a feature-rich, user-friendly GPS computer. Its competitive pricing further solidifies its position as a top choice, especially for users valuing the unique group ride and chat feature. A 9.0 out of 10 rating reflects its strengths against minor shortcomings.