Bryton Rider 40

by Paul Horta-Hopkins · 13/01/2014

The Bryton Rider 40 is aimed at the rider who wants to take their training seriously, with some simple navigation thrown in. This smart little unit can record a ton of data, which can be uploaded to Bryton’s own website, where once you have registered you can view all your data and routes, export the files to Strava, Endomondo or similar third party websites, and then brag to your friends about how hard you are training.

The Bryton Rider 40, a lot of tech in a small package

Opening the box and as well as the head unit and heart rate monitor, you’ll find a collection of zip ties and chunky rubber bands to help you mount the head unit, speed and cadence sensors, which we had received with our sample. Holding the Bryton Rider 40 in my hand I’m still amazed at how so much data can be collected and stored in such a small unit, it measures 70mm x 45mm x 17mm and weighs in at 54g.

Being a GPS unit means that you don’t need to bother with wheel magnets or finding out your exact wheel circumference. The Rider 40 uses the Global Positioning Satellite system to orientate itself and to record speed and direction. You do still need a speed sensor for when it can’t find any satellites; for example, when you’re turbo training in your underground bunker.

The Bryton Rider 40 comes with plenty of mounting options

Mounting the head unit is a doddle and makes swapping between bikes easy, the curved rubber bottom piece holds on tightly once the rubber bands are attached and there is no wobbling or slipping. The rubber comes in two thicknesses, which I found handy as using the thinner one on a short stemmed bike meant the button was fouling the top of the stem; popping on the thicker one and the button was lifted above the top cap.

The mount for the Rider 40 is simple and effective

The Bryton Rider 40’s HRM strap has plenty of adjustment and uses a simple hook to attach. The HRM unit itself attaches via two poppers, which makes cleaning easy.