PowerTap Joule GPS+ Computer

If you're looking to utilise power to take your training to the next level, you're going to need a suitable cycle computer (and a power meter obviously). If you've got an ANT+ power meter, the latest PowerTap Joule GPS+ is a very comprehensive choice, with stacks of data and Bluetooth connectivity that makes it easy to share that data via the company's own (iOS only) smartphone app.

You're most likely to be looking at a Joule GPS+ computer if you're also considering one of Powertap's power meters, like the new P1 pedals I reviewed and tested with the Joule. That's not to say the Joule can't be used with other power meters, as long as they're using ANT+ then this computer is compatible. There's a lot going for this computer, but it has a few niggles, and there's some stiff competition at this price level.

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The Joule GPS+ is reasonably small and light: 48 x 69 x 22mm and 70g. Those dimensions see it sitting roughly between the Garmin Edge 500 and 800 in terms of size. The Joule uses a familiar quarter-turn stem/handlebar mount but it's not compatible with any similar Garmin mounts, in case you're hoping. The regular stem mount works well, and PowerTap also provides an optional out-front mount if you like your computer floating in front of the bar.

You have four buttons on the unit to operate the various functions and move around the menus, of which there are many. As a sign of how performance orientated this device is, the main button triggers a new interval or lap. Navigating around the Joule GPS+ takes a bit of getting used to, but no more than using any new computer system for the first time. Saying that, despite using it for a prolonged period, it never felt as intuitive as it really ought to be. I appreciate there's a lot of data and settings available, but I feel the interface could be simplified.

You get a lot of data at your fingertips. The screen, a 30 x 37mm combo dot matrix display, is clear and easy to read on the move, and is used to display stacks of data but it's pretty well spaced out. It's ideal for data-hungry cyclists who like to keep tabs on every aspect of their cycling performance at all times.

It displays all the basic data including speed, distance, altitude and power output, up to more advanced stuff such as your 'training stress score', watt/kg, peak power and much more, shared across five screens, or dashboards. There are over 50 individual metrics to choose from, so many that people should have their every whim catered for.

You can customise the displayed data. Above the main configurable zones is a small bar that displays the time of day and the remaining battery, while the lower section displays data that is dependent on which metric you've selected from the main dashboard. For example, select Watts and Average Watts and Maximum Watts will be displayed. If using the PowerTap P1 pedals, you can display left/right power pedal balance.

There are no start/stop buttons on the Joule GPS+, and this was the biggest annoyance of the computer for me, although it might suit you. It automatically starts and stops a ride, and it works well, but I'd rather have the manual control. Most cycle computers have start/stop buttons, and not having them seems a bit odd. When you do finish a ride, you have to dive into the menu to end, and thus, save the ride. Once you do that and start riding, it'll start recording a new activity. Some people might like the auto record, but I found it annoying.

Setting up

Setting up the Joule GPS+ is very straightforward, and pairing it to a power meter and any other sensors you have takes only a few minutes. You can have several bikes programmed into the Joule, which is handy if swapping from the race bike to the time trial bike, say. The device finds a GPS signal quickly before the start of a ride, with a small compass blinking in the top of the screen as it does so. It can be used indoors as well if doing some turbo training.

The Joule provides GPS routing, but it's a simple breadcrumb trail like the Garmin Edge 500. Unlike the Garmin, though, it'll display your position and ridden route at all times, which can be useful. Another useful feature is 'Route Pacing', which is like a virtual training partner. A previous ride can be turned into a route and the Joule provides pacing information of that previous ride, so you can try to go faster in certain locations. It's a good way of making hill repeats more controlled and effective.

The lack of a full-colour screen and full navigation benefits the battery life, which is a claimed 17 hours, which is pretty much what I got in testing.

> Check out our guide to cheap GPS computers, from £49.95

Getting data off the device is easy. I used the PowerTap app on my iPhone and, via Bluetooth, exported the data quickly to it. The app is easy to use, with basic and advanced data metrics all displayed. The share menu lets you sync with any of the most popular training websites like TrainingPeaks and Strava. Set them up and they'll be saved for the next time. This is a good aspect of the device, as you only need go near a computer when it needs charging.

Conclusion

If you train with power and want a lot of data at your disposal, the Joule GPS+ is a very good computer. And because it uses ANT+, it's compatible with most power meters so you don't only have to use it with the PowerTap's own power meter. If you have a power meter and need a high specification computer to analyse and record the data, the Joule is more than capable.

For me, though, it does have some niggles – I found that lack of a start/stop button very annoying – and it's got stiff competition from the equally good Garmin Edge 500, which can still be bought and is slightly cheaper.

Verdict

A comprehensive computer for training with power, with lots of data