Sigma ROX bike computers

I’m a big fan of Sigma ROX computers, I’ve used them for racing and guiding for seven years. But I think it’s time to take a look at their new evolutions

I first used a Sigma ROX back in 2016, it was a ROX 10.0 and was my first GPS bike computer. It was a revelation to me after years of carefully wrapping sensor cable around fork legs. Wirelessly connecting to sensors, recording where you’d been and following routes created on the PC seemed magical. The Sigma Rox 10.0 and me had a very happy time together, until it was ousted by the ROX 11.0.

The Sigma Rox 11.0 had a bigger, sharper screen and a load more features. While it still ‘only’ used breadcrumb-trail for navigation, it worked for me. I used it guiding groups in the UK, France and Spain, as well as just riding at home. And although using this kind of navigation can be difficult in urban areas -where densely packed streets can be confusing when you’re just following a line – I got used to it.

In fact I perversely came to like the lack of detail compared to newer units. I found when riding quickly I could quickly see where I needed to go. With more detailed maps I was getting bogged down looking at what was coming rather than concentrating on the road ahead. But when getting lost in the middle of Paris, or looking for alternative routes I must admit a detailed map was always appreciated.

While I’m still using the Sigma ROX 11.0 I thought it was time to see how Sigma have updated the ROX series. The range currently consists of the ROX 2.0, ROX 4.0, ROX 11.1 EVO and ROX 12.1 EVO: these are a GPS enabled computers. The 2.0 and 4.0 are simpler B&W units with breadcrumb style navigation. Such simple units are perfect for racing where you only need minimal information and they’re small and light.

Sigma ROX 11.1 EVO

The ROX 11.1 EVO is as the name suggests the evolution of my Sigma and they’ve added colour! You can now set parts of the screen to display in colour. This is a feature of the ROX 11.0 I always liked. Having a choice of six screens which I could choose how they looked was a big bonus. While racing I would have just two or three lines displayed, while on a sportive I might have more.

While it still uses breadcrumb trails, Sigma have added simple turn-by-turn navigation. You don’t get a full map, instead you see a representation of the junction and which turn to take as you approach it. This could be useful in those busier environments, where a breadcrumb trail suffers.

The ROX 11.1 EVO is stuffed full of features that allow you to connect to a multiplicity of sensors and apps. It is as happy recording and displaying info indoors on your turbo as it is outdoors. You can also display battery status and range on your E-bike. There’s even a bright red crash-alert screen that will alert your chosen contacts should the worst happen.

Sigma ROX 12.1 EVO

Topping the range is the ROX 12.1 EVO, this brings in full map navigation with a colour display. So now you can see exactly where you are and where you’re going. You can create maps off-line on Sigma’s own RIDE app, or other 3rd party apps. The clever Draw My Route features allows you to draw a couple of lines on the screen and the ROX will create a route. Handy when in a new area, you can set the criteria for the type of route and let ROX create a route. And if you should leave the suggested route Smart Re-Routing will quickly get you back on course.

The other big difference is that you get a bigger 3″ touch screen . Great for touring, you can see the route in detail and it makes it a lot easier to see all that data. You can set up profiles for whatever type of cycling and bike you are using. Handy for keeping a track of mileage on each of your machines, alerting you to when to service your bike. You can even set up alerts to remind you to eat and drink when riding: handy for races.

With ANT+, Bluetooth and wireless connectivity the ROX can connect to all the sensors you can think of. These include Radar units allowing you to see vehicles approaching from behind. It will also connect with Shimano’s D-Fly buttons, allowing you to switch screens while keeping your hands on the hoods. And it will even control your smart-trainer during indoor training sessions.

Choose Sigma!

These are just some of the features you will find on the new Sigma ROX GPS computers, there are too many to list here. Sigma have a reputation for producing quality equipment, but they don’t feature as much on people’s wish lists as the other big brands. Which is a shame as I’ve found them to be incredibly reliable and robust. And it’s not just GPS computers, Sigma have a large range of wireless and wired units as well as sports-watches. We’ll try and get our hands on these new units and let you see how well they perform: watch this space.