The new CatEye AirGPS is an affordable and easy to use cycling computer with GPS that eliminates the need for any sensors or wires. The AirGPS is targeted toward recreational riders or cyclists looking for performance data metrics with a simple user interface and large screen. CatEye offers the computer in two primary options: the $79.95 head unit or a $119.95 bundle that includes a cadence sensor. While the GPS sensor allows the AirGPS to automatically determine speed, distance and altitude the computer can also be paired with heart rate monitors or cadence sensors. The 1.9” screen utilizes a simple grid display that features a 12 function display to show speed, cadence, heart rate, distance, time and temperature metrics. An integrated lithium-ion battery offers 10 hour runtime with a micro USB charging port.
The CatEye AirGPS combines an intuitive three row display with GPS for tracking and analysis cycling data.
| Retail Price | $79.95 / $119.95 (bundle) |
| Rating | 9.2 / 10 |
| Measured Weight (in g) | 37 (computer) / 10 (cadence sensor) / 7 (handlebar mount) |
| Likes | + Clever ClickTec design lets you press anywhere on bottom half of computer + Simple and intuitive user interface + Three row data layout is easy to read and has high contrast |
| Dislikes | – Dated Micro USB charging port instead of USB-C – Lacks gradient and altitude data display |
| Where to Buy (US) | CatEye |
UNBOXING
The CatEye AirGPS computer comes in a compact white cardboard box with a large plastic window that shows off the computer. Note, we have the bundle which includes the cadence sensor. Inside the box you’ll find:
- CatEye AirGPS Computer
- CatEye CDC-30 Cadence sensor + mount
- Micro USB cable
- Handlebar bracket w/ rubber pad and dial
- Getting started guide
- Distributor list
We highly recommend riding with cadence data which is why we’d recommend the bundle variation unless you already have a cadence sensor you can use with the AirGPS.
MOUNTING
The CatEye AirGPS uses CatEye’s standard tab style mount that simply slides into place. While it isn’t as versatile as Garmin quarter turn style mounts, like those found on the iGPSPORT computers, CatEye has been around for so long that you shouldn’t have trouble finding adapters to use it with third-party mounts. The computer comes with a simple plastic handlebar bracket that uses a zip tie like construction with a dial to adjust the tension. You can rotate the bracket around to accommodate mounting the computer on a handlebar or stem which is a nice feature. Note, CatEye sells affordable out-front mounts like the $14.95 OF-100 bracket and $54.95 OF-200 dual sided mount for a cleaner installation. We’d also recommend pushing the computer down firmly to ensure it’s fully seated which produces a nice click sound.
FIT & FINISH
CatEye has developed the AirGPS cycling computer to be compact and simple to use. The computer uses a built-in GPS sensor that lets you use it without the need for any additional sensors as the GPS lets it determine speed and distance automatically. You can only connect the AirGPS to heart rate, cadence or speed sensors as it does not support rear radars or power meters. Visually, the computer has a thin black rectangular design with standard sized bezels around a 1.9” display. Branding is limited to a ghosted on CatEye on the front and a CatEye AirGPS printed above the screen. The computer uses a combination of glossy plastic for the upper portion and a matte finish on the bottom half which gives the computer a thinner appearance.
The AirGPS has a simple black on white display that is approximately 1.9” in size. It’s fairly small but makes the most of the real estate with a three row data display and simple icons. The center row has a blue background which helps split up the otherwise black and white screen to identify elements more quickly. Speed is used for the top row, time in the center and other data values are shown on the bottom. The most obvious indicator that the AirGPS is a budget computer is the fact that the display uses a predefined grid design. This means icons and text can only occupy predefined zones which limits the user interface and flexibility.
To keep things simple, the computer is operated with only two buttons. There is a power button on the top right rear and a button placed in the center of the mount. The second button uses CatEye’s ClickTec design which allows you to access the button by simply clicking anywhere on the bottom half of the computer when it is installed on a mount. It is a clever design that causes the entire computer to tilt which causes the center rear button to depress. A long press on the rear button powers the computer on and off with recordings automatically saved when you turn it off. A long press on the front button pauses or resumes an active recording while a single press cycles through the default seven display fields on the bottom row.
CATEYE APP
To connect sensors or even do basic configuration such as display units you have to use the associated CatEye app. This design choice means that CatEye can avoid adding confusing configuration screens, such as the “CX” screens on the CYCPLUS computers, or having to add multiple level menus to the AirGPS. The CatEye app is available on both iOS and Android systems and thankfully is both free and doesn’t require signing up for yet another account to use it. The app itself has a simple functional design with a grid layout and side menu. Unlike the Bryton Active or iGPSPORT apps which incorporate social media like elements such as profiles or sharing, the CatEye app is surprisingly simple.
The app allows you to view and do basic analysis of your previous rides. As someone with a user interface background, we were a bit let down by the basic gray grid design of the app given the long history of CatEye. While it’s not exciting to look at, the app has all the functions you need to upload routes, sync to Strava and configure the computer. Configuration options are limited to: connecting sensors, setting units, overriding odometer value and basic data customization. The center display field can be switched between clock, distance and moving time. Additionally, you turn off some of the fields shown on the bottom field (i.e. trip, temperature, average, maximum, odometer and clock time) to reduce the amount of button presses to cycle. Compared to high-end computers the customization and number of data display options is quite limited.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the CatEye AirGPS to be a compact and easy to use cycling computer. With its GPS design, you don’t have to worry about connecting sensors and can upload full ride data including location to analyze or share. The computer’s budget price means you are limited to a basic predefined grid layout with three rows that’s easy to read. Display data fields are limited to time, speed and distance metrics as well as cadence or heart rate if you have a sensor connected. We found the ClickTec button design to be really intuitive to use as you can press anywhere on the bottom half of the computer to cycle through options. The main downside of the AirGPS is the dated micro USB charging port and the fact that you cannot display altitude or gradient. That said, if you’re looking for a simple GPS cycling computer with an easy to use interface then the CatEye AirGPS is a great option.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by CatEye. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.