You don't need an expensive bike computer or wheel sensor to know how fast and far you're riding. A phone with GPS does the job for free — live speed, top speed, average and distance, all in your browser.
How to use it on a ride
- Open the Cycling Speedometer on your phone.
- Tap Start and allow location access.
- Mount the phone on your handlebars (or keep it where it has a clear view of the sky).
- Ride — your speed, distance and top speed update live.
Nothing is uploaded; your location stays on your device.
What you can track
- Live speed in km/h or mph
- Maximum speed on the ride
- Average speed
- Total distance covered
That's everything most riders want from a basic bike computer, without buying one.
How accurate is it?
Very accurate outdoors. GPS reads your speed directly from satellite signals, and on an open road or trail it's typically within about 1 km/h. It only struggles under dense tree cover or between tall buildings, where the signal weakens briefly.
Getting the best results
- Mount it where the sky is visible — a handlebar mount is ideal.
- Charge before a long ride, or carry a small power bank; GPS and the screen use battery.
- Give it a few seconds to lock on at the start.
- Lower your screen brightness to save power on all-day rides.
Why GPS beats a wheel sensor for simplicity
Wheel-magnet computers need calibration to your exact tyre size and can drift if that changes. GPS measures your actual movement over the ground, so there's nothing to calibrate — it just works, on any bike.
Head out and try it free: open the cycling speedometer and tap Start.