The iGPSPORT BSC300 GPS computer is iGPSPORT’s top cycling computer in their Bike Smart Computer or BSC lineup. This is a compact GPS computer that features navigation and a full color screen with vibrant designs. Despite being the top-of-the-line model in the BSC lineup, the BSC300 still has an affordable $159.99 retail price. The GPS computer features a 2.4” non-touch color screen with 320×240 resolution and a full map view. As far as data display, the BSC300 supports eight page display with up to eight items on each page. The BSC300 can also be paired with nearly any sensor (i.e. power meters, cadence, heart rate, etc) including bicycle radars. Inside the slim body of the GPS is a 600 mAh internal battery with a claimed 20 hour runtime and a USB Type-C charging port.
The iGPSPORT BSC300 combines an affordable price with a crisp 2.4” color screen and map navigation features.
| Retail Price | $159.99 |
| Rating | 8.8 / 10 |
| Measured Weight (in g) | 67 (head unit) |
| Likes | + Affordable price + Bright color screen and graphics + Intuitive to use interface and physical button layout |
| Dislikes | – Easy to confuse navigation with overlapping routes – Lacks the climb challenge view |
| Where to Buy (US) | Amazon |
UNBOXING
The iGPSPORT BSC300 comes in a slim black and orange box that matches the iGPSPORT branding. Inside the box you’ll find:
- BSC300 GPS computer
- Handlebar mount + o-rings
- Quick start guide
iGPSPORT does not include a USB-C charging cable which is reasonable as most people likely can re-use a cable from another device.
MOUNTING
The iGPSPORT BSC300 uses a standard quarter-turn style Garmin mount which uses two protruding tabs that lock into place on a corresponding mount. iGPSPORT includes a simple handlebar mount with two rubber straps to attach it to a stem or handlebar. It’s a simple but effective way to mount the BSC300 on a stem or handlebar. However, we’d highly recommend getting an out front mount for a sleeker setup like the Topeak UTF or iGPSPORT’s own M80 mount. The M80 is a simple left-sided plastic out front mount with a contoured design. It retails for only $16 so it’s quite affordable but requires a separate adapter for mounting cameras or lights underneath it.
FIT & FINISH
Marketed as the ultimate bike smart computer, the BSC300 is iGPSPORT’s top model in the BSC lineup. This computer takes the features of the other BSC computers and adds a colorful display. The BSC300 shares the same compact 82x53mm proportion and with a slim 14.5mm thickness with the other BSC models. To add some flair to the computer, iGPSPORT has added a faux carbon fiber finish on the bezel of the screen along with a 2.4” color display with 320×240 pixel display. The computer has a sleek appearance with beveled edges and a combination of matte and glossy finishes. There is no exposed hardware on the computer which gives it a premium appearance along with iGPSPORT branding on the top of the screen and the front edge.
On the underside of the BSC300 you’ll find the Garmin mount molded directly into the base of the body. A wide rubber gasket conceals a USB-C charging port directly underneath the mount which helps prevent water or dirt from getting into the port. While the BSC300 isn’t as large as the iGPSPORT iGS630, it shares the subtle details such as texturing between the right-side buttons and beveling. This gives the BSC300 a premium feel and great usability as it’s easy to find and press the button by feel. There are six buttons on the computer with each of them being raised and a satisfying click feel when you press it down.
USER INTERFACE
The BSC300 uses a non-touch screen design in which navigating through menus or switching screens is all done by the physical buttons. Given the relatively small 2.4” screen we think iGPSPORT made the right decision as it’s faster and easier to use the buttons while riding. With so many buttons, each action is well defined and has clear labels printed on the bezel of the screen. That means the user interface is quite intuitive as you don’t have to do long holds to access secondary features as you do with the Bontrager RIDEtime Elite. The power button is on the top left corner and has a red outline to help identify it. With the GPS computer on, you can do a short press to use the button to exit menus or return to the main status page. There are two buttons on bottom for accessing the lap feature or starting and pausing a recording.
On the right side there are three buttons, a menu button on the top right and then an up and down arrows on the bottom right. We’re happy to see dedicated scroll buttons as they are placed directly next to each other and allow you to quickly cycle through menu options or ride pages. iGPSPORT has designed the user interface to have four primary levels: a quick status page (this shows notifications / time / status), scrolling mode selection page (pick between ride modes or settings), riding pages (customizable ride data pages) and then sub-menu pages. Aside from the data page layouts requiring the app, you can connect sensors and adjust settings directly through the device.
IGPSPORT APP
As with most GPS cycling computers, iGPSPORT provides a free cell phone app that can be paired with the computer. The app allows you to download ride data, push routes to the device and customize the data page layouts. Despite being a relatively small company, iGPSPORT has done a good job of creating a clean and modern app. The app has a standard four page layout: home, activity, device and profile. Within the home page you can see an overview of your goals, activities and even recommended routes based on your location. The activity page shows a summary of all the uploaded routes and lets you see ride stats and overview of the route. Device page lets you connect to computers and adjust the device settings and notification settings. Finally the profile page contains your physical information, routes, training and your ranking compared to other rides.
The activity overviews show all the relevant sensor data and let you analyze the ride in detail. iGPSPORT also allows you to link third party apps like Strava or RideWithGPS to sync ride data or download saved routes. All in all, the app is easy to use and seems to be mostly bug free. We found it easy to upload routes, review them and send routes back down to the device. You can also create a route directly from the iGPSPORT app, but it’s a very clunky interface that is frustrating to use. Unlike other route building tools, it’s very challenging to re-arrange waypoints or make small adjustments with any precision. If you have other friends using the iGPSPORT app you can also utilize the social aspect to follow them or share routes with them directly through the app.
ON THE ROAD
We rode with the iGPSPORT BSC300 on our local weekday routes and longer weekend routes using both the navigation feature and the basic ad hoc recordings. With the auto-start feature, you can simply start riding and the BSC300 will start recording the ride as soon as the computer acquires a GPS signal and speed is registered. It’s a convenient feature that means you won’t accidently not record part of a ride. After customizing the data layouts and pairing sensors the BSC300 works seamlessly to display data and route information. However, at 2.4” it’s relatively small though which means it’s not as easy to read as the iGPSPORT iGS630 and lacks the crispness of the Bryton S800.
The six physical buttons were well laid out and intuitive to use even while riding. With the dedicated up/down arrows and start/stop buttons it’s easy to switch between screens and use the map navigation screen. Even wearing gloves, we didn’t have issues locating the buttons and differentiating between them as they are well spaced and have different shapes. The iGPSPORT app is also well designed which makes it easy to download routes to the device or review recordings and upload them to third-party sites like Strava for additional analysis. Whether you choose the day (black text with white background) or night mode (black background with white text) the display is easy to read with excellent viewing angles.
Unfortunately, the BSC300 navigation algorithm is quite easy to confuse if you have routes that overlap or ride on windy mountain roads. We encountered the same navigation issues as iGSPORT iGS630 where out-and-back routes would cause the navigation to get confused. This would lead the computer trying to send us back home rather than complete the route where the routes overlapped. If you are riding somewhere new, that means you could easily cut your ride short or end up doing multiple loops if the computer sends you back the other way. Additionally, the route processing also turns roads with switchbacks and hairpins into a series of turns. It’s an annoying issue that results in the BSC300 overlaying false turns and beeping at upcoming turns even on one-lane rural mountain roads. We also wish the navigation prompts would display street names or a illustration of the intersection instead of only a direction and distance as it can be easy to take a wrong turn at complicated intersections.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the iGPSPORT BSC300 to be an affordable and well designed GPS computer. As the top model in the BSC lineup, the BSC300 features a crisp color screen with full map view and navigation features. iGPSPORT has done an excellent job making the user interface and button layout intuitive and easy to use. That means it’s easy to hop on the bike and record a ride or change settings mid-ride without having to look up user manuals. With six physical buttons every button has a well defined actions and corresponding labels. The main downsides of the iGPSPORT BSC300 is that the navigation can get confused with overlapping routes and the lack of a climb challenge view. That said, if you’re looking for a budget friendly color GPS computer with an intuitive interface the BSC300 is a great choice.
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.
Good thorough review with in-ride display of features and use! Thanks.
Your ‘verdict’ says it has a touch screen while your intro says it doesnt.
Good catch – I’ve corrected the write up. All the BSC computers have non-touch screens while the BSC300 has a color screen. The button layout is easy to use though, so it’s easy to use without a touch screen.