The Lezyne Mega XL GPS is the company's biggest cycle computer and with the most features, making it the best bike computer from Lezyne so far, if you want it all. Despite that, the price is decent too making it a real competitor to the big name competition out there – yes Garmin and Wahoo, we're looking at you.
Lezyne Mega XL GPS: What you need to know
The Lezyne Mega XL GPS has a monochrome display. Sure it's big but it is color free, so if you're after bright and punchy visuals this might not be for you. Also, if you want compact then this is definitely not your choice. But since that name says a lot about size, you're probably after big.
The Mega XL GPS works in both portrait and landscape modes - something other brands have ditched citing lack of use. So if you still love a landscape ride then this could be the brand to keep you happy.
You get mapping with turn-by-turn navigation which is backlit and offers zoom options so even in black and white it's still clear. For your money you get a host of sensors with the loaded unit including heart rate strap and speed/cadence sensor.
So is the Lezyne Mega XL GPS the bike computer for you? Read on to find out more.
Lezyne Mega XL GPS: Design and build
- 48-hour battery
- 2.9oz weight
- 2.7-inch monochrome screen
The Lezyne Mega XL GPS manages to cram a 2.7-inch monochrome screen with 240 x 400 resolution into its form – we say cram, it's not particularly tough in this big beast of a unit. But despite the size it won't add a lot of weight to your setup coming it at just 2.9oz, making it lighter than a lot of the competition.
Somehow, despite that weight, the Mega XL GPS crams in enough battery to keep going for – get this – 48 hours. Yup, that's above and beyond anything any other bike computer in this category offers, without add-on batteries, by a good measure. Granted, you do have to miss out on a color screen to save battery but if that's what you're after this is a real winner.
The unit comes with a handlebar mount and an out-front mount both of which allow you to move the screen into landscape or portrait modes.
There's no touchscreen control here, instead you get two buttons on the left and two on the right sides. These are pretty solid which could also be called stiff but since this whole system is water resistant that's a fair trade off.
Lezyne Mega XL GPS: Features and connectivity
- ANT+ and Bluetooth
- Strava uploads
- Navigation
- Landscape mode
The Lezyne Mega XL GPS comes with all the usual connectivity you'd expect from a high-end bike computer meaning ANT+ as well as Bluetooth Smart. The included sensors can be easily hooked up for immediate use meaning you have a fully fledged cycle system right out of the box.
Mapping and navigation are great features to have to really take advantage of all that screen space. You can plan routes or upload ones for you to ride with turn-by-turn guidance. Crucially this is all offline so the maps will be there even if you go to an area where you have no data connection on your phone.
The screen space is also useful for data with up to 10 fields displayed at a time and the ability to edit these on the device or using the GPS Ally V2 app. The app can also be used to instantly upload and sync your ride data via the phone's internet connection. While riding the app can offer phone notifications on the Megal XL display for texts, emails, calls and messaging.
Should you want to share your rides to somewhere like Strava, that's an option too. Data is auto synced for you allowing quick updates to Strava, TrainingPeaks and Today's Plan. You can also use Strava Live Segments for training or structured workouts uploaded to the device.
You should be able to connect most devices to this unit thanks to FE-C Trainer and Smart Connect compatibility. It will also connect with compatible electric drivetrains, should you need that.
Lezyne Mega XL GPS: Performance
- Decent offline navigation
- Superb battery life
- Strava integration
The Lezyne Mega XL GPS is the best in class for battery life with that 48 hour beast. However, it will still struggle to hit that claim – as is the same with the competition – once you have it connected to sensors and your phone. Nevertheless it's the best battery on any navigation bike computer this feature rich out there.
Lezyne has crammed this device full of offline maps making it great for exploring. You can load up routes created manually in the app or GPS Root website as well as by uploading GPX/TPX files with a drag and drop from a computer. Like most route creation software there are parts that could work better but overall this does the job.
Navigation is then excellent using chevrons on the display to show your route as well as information on distance to next turn as well as the type of manoeuvre coming up, a nice touch. Should you go off course you'll get a warning and routing to get back on track too.
Strava integration is decent with Live Segments available to ride. Also you can upload data via the app to the Strava service directly. This can take a while though as the Bluetooth data transfer rate does appear to be a choke point.
Should I buy the Lezyne Mega XL GPS?
If you want superb battery life, mapping and navigation and a large screen that can be used in landscape mode, then the Lezyne Mega XL GPS is for you. It's also great if you're looking for all that and don't want to spend as much as the competition charge.
However, if you want a color screen, touch controls and a sleek design, you may want to look at the Garmin Edge 830 or Wahoo Elemnt Roam.
Lezyne Mega XL GPS: Verdict
The Lezyne Mega XL GPS gives you a lot for your money. You get a huge and clear display, good connectivity, amazing battery life, great mapping and navigation, decent app support and integration for third party apps like Strava. Somehow it does all that while undercutting the competition on price too.
This might not be the best looking cycle computer but with money in your pocket and all you need out on a ride it's tough to look elsewhere.
As well as bike computer reviews, we also look at whether you need a dedicated bike computer, while we also review and rate the best bike trainers.
