Shanren Discovery Pro Preview

Paul Horta-Hopkins

A brief preview of the Shanren Discovery Pro GPS Cycling Computer.

The Shanren Discovery Pro is a new GPS Cycling Computer. Shanren has been around since 2012 and have their headquarters in Shenzhen, China. With a logistics branch in Hong Kong and design centre in Silicon Valley, this “group of geeks, designers, engineers and fitness enthusiasts” are building products such as GPS cycling computers, high precision ECG heart rate monitors and other accessories. So what is their new Discovery Pro unit offering?

The Shanren Discovery Pro

Well a first look at the specifications and the thing that first grabs my attention is the Discovery Pro’s claimed run time of 96 hours! If that’s correct, then worrying about losing data on long rides will be a thing of the past. Take a look at the rest of the specs below and see what you think.

What’s in the box?

Communication: Blue 4.0/ANT+
Model：SR-BL30
Light brightness: 260LM
Display: Speed/Distance/Riding time/Altitude/Slope/Clock
Optional: Cadence/Heart Rate/Power
Battery: 2800mAh Lithium Polymer
Trip Storage: 410,000KM
Computer working hours: 96 hours
Lighting mode: High/Mid
Light working hours: 3hrs/6hrs
Charging time: 2hrs (5V/1.5A)
Weight: 135g (with headlight)
Waterproof: IP65

The Discovery Pro has two lighting options

My unit came with speed and cadence sensors, but no HRM. Various mounting options are available, including a prototype, 3D printed, adaptor for Garmin brackets. Their own brackets can either clamp to one side of your stem, or they have a centre-mount that clamps to both sides of the stem. Various rubber shims are included, allowing you to get the right fit. A handy security leash is included, I’ve lost one unit to bumpy roads, so this is a useful accessory.

This is a 3D printed prototype adaptor for quarter turn mounts

Unusually the Shanren Disovery Pro has two lighting options. The first is a 260 Lumens detachable anti-glare light that sits under the display; that’s one less thing hanging off your bars. The second lighting option is an unusual Smart Warning Light. This is built-in to the Discovery Pro and can change colour according to how fast you are going. Not quite sure how useful that will be, but you can also customise the colour and light patterns.

There are optional speed and cadence sensors

There is a companion app that goes with the Discovery Pro. Once you’ve downloaded and set it up, it will allow you to record and share your rides. It will also sync with your phone and will allow Voice Broadcast, which I assumes means it will be able to call out you next turn and what your levels are. Of course it will link with Strava, so everyone will know what you’ve been up to.

Shanren look like they’re intending to add other features to the Discovery Pro. These include the option to control rear-lights and camera, as well as receiving noticiations from your phone. Navigation is another feature to come. I’ll be using the Discovery Pro over the coming weeks and will let you know how I get on.

Shanren