Canyon has unveiled an all-new bike computer that has been developed in collaboration with Sony. Expected to be available in spring 2016, the Canyon Smart Computer integrates neatly into a handlebar stem and runs on Google's Android Wear operating system – a versatile platform most commonly found on smartwatches.
The Smart Computer pairs with smartphones or external sensors via Bluetooth but an integrated GPS module and 4GB of internal storage mean that the device can also be used on its own.
Because the Smart Computer isn't restricted by one program it can switch between downloadable apps. That means the dinky 1.6in touchscreen LCD display at the end of the stem is now optimised for use with a whole array of apps, offering functions outside of those found on regular cycle computers. Dedicated apps from Strava, Google Maps and Komoot were already on display.
No buttons here, just a 1.6in LED touchscreen
The claimed battery life stands at 8-10 hours of run time, with charging made possible through a micro USB interface. To get to that interface you'll have to remove the device – a case of simply sliding it from its flush fitting interface.
Three versions of the computer were on display at the Eurobike trade show – one with a short mountain bike stem, the second was fully integrated into an aero road cockpit and the last was a stem intended for an urban bike.
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Canyon says it'll offer versions for its own bikes as well as an aftermarket option and we can expect pricing for the device to be around the €200 mark.
