iGPSPORT’s BSC100 model of computers has been the brand’s entry level GPS cycling computer and one of the most affordable options. The new BSC100 Max replaces the current BSC100S and offers a larger screen and more streamlined body. With a retail price of $39.90, the new BSC100 Max retains an affordable price point while offering a larger 3” black and white display. The larger display size results in a thinner more premium appearance along with a standard Garmin mount and USB-C charging. Despite the simplified display, the BSC100 Max supports data field customization using the iGPSPORT app as well as standard speed, cadence, heart rate and power meter connectivity.
The iGPSPORT BSC100 Max retains the affordable price point of the BSC100 computer but adds a larger and more premium appearance.
| Retail Price | $39.90 |
| Rating | 8.9 / 10 |
| Measured Weight (in g) | 67 |
| Likes | + Premium look and feel thanks to the slim body and larger screen size + Easy-to-read font size and seven data fields on each page + Customization options for each field using the iGPSPORT app |
| Dislikes | – Backlight is manually operating instead of automatic like higher-end computers – Display fields on bottom row are too close to each other – Speed bar display maxes out at 20 mph with levels that can not be changed |
| Where to Buy (US) | iGPSPORT |
UNBOXING
The iGPSPORT BSC100 Max comes in a compact white cardboard box with a glossy graphic of the GPS on the front. Inside the box you’ll find:
- BSC100 Max computer
- Plastic handlebar mount + rubber straps
- Safety tether
- User manual
As with many newer products, the BSC100 Max does not include a USB-C charging cable so you’ll need to re-use an existing cable or purchase one separately.
MOUNTING
The iGPSPORT BSC100 Max has a Garmin mount molded directly into the plastic body. It’s a standard quarter-turn design with two tabs that lock into place for a secure non-rattle mounting. iGPSPORT includes a basic plastic and rubber strap handlebar mount with the computer but we’d recommend using an out-front mount for a much sleeker installation. The included mount works well enough though, and can even be positioned on the stem by simply wrapping the rubber straps around the hooks. There is a safety tether that is also included but we don’t think it is really necessary given how light this computer is.
FIT & FINISH
Visually, the BSC100 Max looks much more expensive than the retail price would suggest. iGPSPORT has increased the screen size to 3.0” which matches the size of most higher-end GPS computers and results in a much thinner body. It’s a big improvement over the smaller BSC100S it replaces and has average sized bezels above and below the screen. The screen is glossy, like most computers on the market, so it will reflect the sky or overhead trees while you are riding.
In terms of construction, the body of the computer is a semi-gloss black plastic with nice details like beveled edges on the top and curved edges on the base. Branding is limited to iGPSPORT on the front of the computer and above the screen. There are two physical buttons on the bottom edge of the computer which have slightly confusing play/pause and what looks like another play icon label below the screen. Between the buttons is an almost hidden rubber cover that protects the USB-C port from water or debris.
USER INTERFACE
The user interface for the computer is driven through two physical buttons at the bottom of the computer. Each button has three actions which can be activated using a short, long or double press. There are labels above each button and printed on the button themselves but it’s fairly vague. Holding the left button turns the computer on and off, while a short press starts or pauses a recording. Out of the box, the computer has an auto-start feature which will start a recording as soon as motion is detected. Double pressing the button also lets you increment the lap count for an active recording which displays a summary of the metrics. A short press on the right button switches between the data pages while a long press activates the configuration option outside an active ride.
The BSC100 Max also has a manual backlight that can be toggled by double pressing the right button. Doing a long press on the right button during an active ride lets you save and end the current recording. It’s a straightforward but not intuitive design as each button is overloaded with functionality. The configuration menu is very simple on the computer itself with E1-E6 that allow you to: initiate blue tooth pairing (E1), time setting (E2), sensor pairing (E3), wheel diameter (E4), speed unit (E5) and odometer (E6). However, we’d highly recommend using the iGPSPORT App though as the config menu is confusing
iGPSPORT APP
The iGPSPORT app has a simple four tab design that lets you choose between home, activity, device and profile. On the home page you’ll find a summary of your latest activity, goal progress and recommended routes based on your location. The activity page has a more detailed summary of your loaded routes along with a calendar view and monthly totals. You can also view a summary of each recorded route to view the GPS data as well as lap metrics, speed zones and graph views of different data. Although it is not as detailed as Strava or other platforms, the user interface is easy to use with simple controls.
The device page is the most relevant feature of the app and lets you connect to the BSC100 Max to update software, customize data layouts and adjust settings. All of the on-device settings are repeated here such as display units and sensor connectivity but they are a lot more intuitive than the basic config menu on the computer. Using the app you can customize what is displayed on each page and the order of the pages. Due to the predefined grid design, the layouts cannot be changed but you can select from several options for each field. Compared to other budget computers, there is a nice amount of customization options with an intuitive app design. The app also lets you adjust additional features such as auto-lap, auto-start, auto-pause options that can not be accessed on the device itself.
RIDING IMPRESSIONS
We’ve actually reviewed the iGPSPORT BSC100S that this BSC100 Max replaces along with the more expensive BSC200 and BSC300T in the BSC series. Putting the computers side-by-side the BSC100 Max feels and looks more premium with the larger screen and slimmer body. The additional screen estate allows more data to be displayed on each page and larger font sizes which is easier to read. We found the new screen to be a big upgrade from the previous version and even thought the manual back light was bright and uniform. While the BSC100 Max lacks the color touch screen and navigation features of higher end computers, the simple interface and display let you focus on real-time metrics and sensor data.
For our normal weekday rides, the BSC100 Max was simple and reliable with the auto-start and auto-pause features allowing us to just power it on and saving the ride at the end. The bigger screen looked better, but we did find the iGPSPORT didn’t allow enough space between the bottom fields which makes it hard to read at a quick glance. The stylized angular bar indicator is also a nice touch, but maxes out quickly at 20 mph while most radial displays we’ve used tend to max out at a much higher value. Otherwise, the BSC100 Max is a solid option as a simple budget friendly computer. While other entry-level computers like the Bryton Rider 17 feel a bit more polished, the BSC100 Max makes better use of the 3” display and is hard to beat at this price.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the iGPSPORT BSC100 Max to be an easy to use and premium feeling cycling computer. iGPSPORT has taken their budget BSC100 and upgraded it with a 3″ screen and slimmer body that gives the computer a more modern appearance. The larger size of the display provides means you can display seven fields on a single page and eliminate the need to switch between pages. We found the computer to be easy to use with convenient auto start and auto pause features enabled out of the box. Despite the budget price, the BSC100 Max is compatible with a variety of sensors and has data field customization using the app. The main negatives with the computer is that the bottom two fields are too close to each other and that it has a manual back light instead of automatic sensor based light. That said, the iGPSPORT BSC100 Max is a competitively priced budget GPS computer with a premium look.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by iGPSPORT. 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.