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Sigma Rox 12.0 Sport Set GPS computer

9
£349.00

VERDICT:

9
10
A brilliant GPS unit that provides all of the data you need without faff
Weight: 
127g

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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The Sigma Rox 12.0 Sport Set GPS is an impressive bundle, including an easy to use head unit with fast mapping plus the addition of cadence, speed and heart rate monitors. Maps are included and you get all the possible connectivity you could need.

  • Pros: Simple to use, loads of data options
  • Cons: Small screen considering the size of the head unit

For many years Garmin had the lion's share of the GPS market, but recently we've seen other brands such as Wahoo, Lezyne, Hammerhead and others nibbling away at its dominance. Sigma needs to be added to list now too.

> Buy this online here

I've only got one little niggle with the Rox 12.0 and I'm going to get that out of the way first.

The head unit is pretty big – 114 x 59mm – a similar size to the Garmin Edge 1030, but the screen doesn't use all of that real estate, being just 65 x 40mm.

Sigma Rox 12.0 Sport Set GPS computer - screen.jpg

It's a touchscreen-based system so I don't see why Sigma has needed to go for the buttons at the bottom for stop/home/start/lap – just incorporate them into the screen. It would make the whole thing much more user-friendly, especially when reading the map.

Right, let's crack on with the good bits.

Set up

The Rox 12.0 is simple to use and set up. You get a little quick start booklet in the box if you need it, and there are full instructions on the website. With a bit of screen tapping, I had it pretty much all sussed without needing to consult either.

Sigma Rox 12.0 Sport Set GPS computer - menu 5.jpg

Turning it on for the first time, you need to add the usual metrics about yourself plus there are a selection of sport profiles that you can use, including road bike, mountain bike, e-bike, and indoor cycling.

Sigma Rox 12.0 Sport Set GPS computer - menu 2.jpg

You can add to these and customise them for various bike setups, to include wheel and tyre sizes plus weights. I had them set up for different test bikes, especially as I wanted to see different info for road and gravel.

In the box you'll find a joint speed and cadence sensor with a couple of magnets to get everything talking to each other. It's a bit old school, but fitting the sensor to the chainstay with the supplied cable ties only takes a few minutes.

Sigma Rox 12.0 Sport Set GPS computer - sensor.jpg

There is also a heart rate monitor with chest strap.

Sigma Rox 12.0 Sport Set GPS computer - HRM.jpg

The Rox supports Bluetooth, ANT+ and wi-fi so you can now go through the pretty painless exercise of pairing all of your other devices and accessories. It was all done in a matter of minutes, and allows you to link directly to Strava, Komoot, Dropbox, GPSies and Training Peaks.

Sigma Rox 12.0 Sport Set GPS computer - menu 3.jpg

For mounting the unit to your bike you get a few options. There are a couple of basics mounts that just cable tie to your stem, or there is an out-front bar mount and it's a pretty solid affair. Ideal considering the size and 127g weight of the head unit.

Sigma Rox 12.0 Sport Set GPS computer - mount.jpg

The mount is Garmin-compatible and the cool thing is that in the package you also get a GoPro mount to fit under the head unit; these are normally optional extras.

Sigma Rox 12.0 Sport Set GPS computer - mounted.jpg

Ride time

You get six screens to show the data required for your ride, ranging from speed to time, altitude, cadence, heart rate, power, temperature and so on. You can see a full list in the test report section below, but pretty much every field you think you might need is covered.

Depending on what data you select, the screen adapts to the size 'cube' it thinks it needs. For mapping and elevation graphs, for instance, it will give a larger proportion of the screen.

To get the best out of the mapping, I gave that a complete page out of the six all to itself.

For navigation, the Rox 12.0 uses OpenStreetMap and it is quick. Turn by turn instructions are highlighted well in advance, and the Sigma has some neat little touches like Draw my Route where you can actually sketch a rough guide over the map with your finger and the device creates the route on the closest rides.

Alongside Address and POI there is also a Point on Map option, where it kind of does what it says: you pick a point and it gets you there. You can choose the quickest route, off-road, the most scenic, whatever you want really.

Sigma Rox 12.0 Sport Set GPS computer - nav menu.jpg

As you'd expect, you can upload routes too that you've created elsewhere. You'll get estimated finish times and remaining distance and the like. It really is a clever little device.

One thing I was very impressed with is how quickly the Sigma locks on to a GPS signal. You are literally looking at 30 seconds or so, and that is from inside the house before you even set foot outside.

Scroll and control

While riding, you can scroll through the pages via the touchscreen or use the up and down buttons on either side of the unit.

Sigma Rox 12.0 Sport Set GPS computer - side.jpg

Turning the device on and off is controlled by a single power button, which you can also use to lock the screen.

You've also got the choice of controlling backlit times and whether you want it in day or night mode – a black or white background, basically. In all conditions I found the screen easy to read.

Other features include having alerts to make sure you eat and drink, plus you can tap into Strava's Live Segments if that's your thing.

Riding an e-bike? No worries, you're covered there too. The Rox 12.0 is compatible with Shimano's STEPS E5000, E6100, E7000 and E8000 (with appropriate wireless unit) and can show you battery life in relation to your riding style and what sort of range you can expect.

Stability and durability

I never had a single issue with the performance of the Sigma throughout testing, which is more than I can say for my Garmin 810 that it replaced.

The Garmin crashed regularly, especially in the heat – anything above 25°C would see it switching itself off, and following routes over about 50 miles would often see it go a bit squiffy.

No such issues here with the Rox 12.0. I've followed 100-mile routes with turn by turn instructions without a problem, and the heat hasn't been a concern either.

Neither has the rain. This unit has seen some pretty horrendous conditions culminating in a four-hour ride in torrential downpours which it just shrugged off. Sigma says that it can detect rain and blocks the display from being impacted from the drops – clever, eh?

The micro-USB charging port is hidden behind a very secure rubber cover to keep the elements out and it does the job brilliantly.

Sigma Rox 12.0 Sport Set GPS computer - base.jpg

Next door you'll find an SD card slot for boosting the memory capacity, although you do get a pretty impressive 8GB to start with.

Battery life is good too. Sigma claims around 16 hours but as with all electrical devices that's best case scenario – warm temperatures and nothing turned on basically.

With everything switched on, wi-fi, Bluetooth, the lot, I was easily getting around 12 hours when having the backlight set at two minutes after each touch of the screen.

Post-ride

Apart from being able to upload everything to Strava et al, Sigma also has its own data platform via the Sigma Link App and the Data Centre.

It's pretty basic in the grand scheme of things but it does give you all of the data recorded from your rides. In all honesty I didn't really bother with it much, but it is there if you want it.

Value

Looking at the overall package, I'd say the Rox 12.0 offers pretty good value for its £349 price tag.

Reading through Mat's review of the Garmin 1030 that I linked to further up the page, it looks as though the Sigma covers the majority of the same bases but without the faffing.

> Buyer's Guide: 14 of the best cycling GPS units

I haven't had a single issue with this unit. It's done everything I've asked from it, and if I'm completely honest I probably won't use half of its capability in everyday riding.

Dave recently tested the £388 Hammerhead Karoo and really liked it. I think the Sigma has quite a few similarities, and on the whole I'm really impressed.

If you want a bit of colour coding you can also buy different cases to complete the look.

Overall

The Sigma Rox 12.0 does everything I want from a computer and more. The more I've used it, the simpler it has become to operate, and the fact that I know it is going to be so reliable really takes the pressure off on long and unfamiliar roads. If the screen was just a touch larger then I couldn't fault it.

Verdict

A brilliant GPS unit that provides all of the data you need without faff

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

road.cc test report

Make and model: Sigma Rox 12.0 Sport Set GPS computer

Size tested: 3in display

Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Sigma says, "The ROX 12.0 brings navigation and training to a whole new level. The GPS bike computer is loaded with new map functions, numerous training features and packed into powerful hardware. Explore the possibilities and discover the ROXstar in you!"

I reckon it is a cracking little unit that covers pretty much every base you are likely to need.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Sigma lists:

Wifi connectivity

Direct link to apps of third-party providers via WiFi - Strava, komoot, GPSies, TrainingPeaks

Direct link to the SIGMA CLOUD via WiFi - SIGMA LINK App, DATA CENTER

Heart rate functions

Intensity zones (graph)

% HR max.

Maximum heart rate

Minimum heart rate

Zone bars (heart rate / CAD / SPD) (graph)

Current heart rate

Heart rate graph

Average heart rate

Average % of HR max

Lap functions

Maximum altitude in lap - / Automatic Lap

Maximum heart rate in lap - / Automatic Lap

List of laps - / Automatic Lap

Elevation gain in lap - / Automatic Lap

Calories in lap - / Automatic Lap

Distance in lap - / Automatic Lap

Maximum power in lap - / Automatic Lap

Maximum speed in lap - / Automatic Lap

Pedaling index in lap (%) - / Automatic Lap

Pedaling time in lap - / Automatic Lap

Time in lap - / Automatic Lap

Number of laps - / Automatic Lap

NP®* in last lap / automatic lap

Normalized Power®* in current lap - / Automatic Lap

Average speed in lap - / Automatic Lap

Elevation loss in lap - / Automatic Lap

Average heart rate in lap - / Automatic Lap

Average rate of descent in lap - / Automatic Lap

Average downward slope in lap / automatic lap

Average cadence in lap - / Automatic Lap

Average altitude in lap - / Automatic Lap

Average balance in lap - / Automatic Lap

Average power in lap - / Automatic Lap

Average rate of ascent in lap - / Automatic Lap

Average power in last lap - / Automatic Lap

General

Backlight

Connectivity - WiFi, ANT+, Bluetooth Smart (Rotor Power)

Transflective display

Weight - 125 g

Battery life - Up to 16 hours (in energy saving mode Up to 40 hours)

Dimensions incl. holder - 59 x 115 x 17 mm

Display size - 3 inches (240 x 400 pixels)

Supports power sensors

Compatible with Shimano Di2 / SRAM eTap / Campagnolo EPS V3 Interface

Battery - Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery

Water resistance - IP67

Color display - with Touchscreen

Status functions - GPS Accuracy, Battery capacity (in %), Sunrise and sunset

Altitude functions

Maximum slope downhill

Maximum rate of descent

Rate of ascent in m/min

Current altitude

Maximum rate of ascent

Distance downhill

Distance uphill

Maximum altitude

Incline in %

Training time uphill

Training time downhill

Maximum incline uphill

Average speed uphill

Altitude uphill

Altitude profile graph

Altitude downhill

Average rate of ascent

Average incline uphill

Average speed downhill

Average slope downhill

Average rate of descent

Navigation functions

Distance to destination

Turn-off notifications (visual and acoustic)

Time to destination

Map

Drive direction

Estimated time of arrival

Bike functions

Temperature

Time

Maximum cadence

Maximum speed

Maximum temperature

Date

Training time

Pedaling index (%)

Duration

Distance

Pedaling time

Actual Speed

Calories*

Minimum temperature

Average cadence

Cadence

Average speed

Power functions

Power in % FTP

Pedal smoothness

Normalized Power® (NP®)*

Maximum power

Power in KJ

Rotor Power (OCA, OCP, average OCA, average OCP, graphic)

Training Stress Score® (TSS®)*

Torque effectiveness (--% / --%)

10 sec - Average balance

Intensity Factor® (IF®)*

30 sec - Average balance

3 sec - Average power

3 sec - Average balance

10 sec - Average power

7 Power target zones

30 sec - Average power

Balance

Current Power

Average balance

Average power

Current power in watt/kg

Maps and memory

Tracks - Unlimited

OSM map preinstalled - Europe

Further countries available free of charge - Globally

Accepts memory cards - max. 128 GB microSD

Routing

Transfer of tracks (.GPX) - Micro-USB

Transfer of tracks from DATA CENTER - SIGMA CLOUD (WiFi), Micro-USB

Preferences for types of road / pathways can be defined - Major Roads, Unpaved Roads, Cycle Roads

Direct access to tracks of third-party providers - Strava, komoot, GPSies

9 routing options - Address, Draw my Route, Point of Interest, Point on Map, Recent, Favourites, Tracks, Activities, Coordinates

3 suggested route types per routing - Suggested, Easiest, Shortest

Training

Templates for training views - 30

Training values - 150

Strava Live Segments (with premium account)

Preinstalled sport profiles - Road Bike, Mountain Bike, Cycling, Indoor Cycling

Individually configurable training views - Up to 6 pages

Interval training (workouts)

Individually adjustable sport profiles - Unlimited

Graphic data evaluation

SIGMA LINK App - Smartphone (iOS / Android)

Memory - ROX 12.0

DATA CENTER - PC / MAC

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10
Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Covers everything I would want from a GPS unit.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

It's simple to operate and it works without issue.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

I'd like a bigger screen size.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

I reckon it's priced very well indeed considering the package it delivers, especially against something like the Garmin 1030 which is £499.99.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

I came into this review admittedly with quite relaxed expectations of the Sigma, but it has really proved me wrong. It delivers everything I need and plenty more. If the unit could use more of the body for a bigger screen then it would become pretty much hard to fault.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 40  Height: 180cm  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: This month's test bike  My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed

As part of the tech team here at F-At Digital, senior product reviewer Stu spends the majority of his time writing in-depth reviews for road.cc, off-road.cc and ebiketips using the knowledge gained from testing over 1,500 pieces of kit (plus 100's of bikes) since starting out as a freelancer back in 2009. After first throwing his leg over a race bike back in 2000, Stu's ridden more than 170,000 miles on road, time-trial, track, and gravel bikes, and while he's put his racing days behind him, he still likes to smash the pedals rather than take things easy. With a background in design and engineering, he has an obsession with how things are developed and manufactured, has a borderline fetish for handbuilt metal frames and finds a rim braked road bike very aesthetically pleasing!

Add new comment

9 comments

Avatar
Jak54 | 4 years ago
1 like

Following up on my initial issues with the auto puase corrupting my rides. Firstly, Mantel the suppliers were great and replaced my unit. Sadly, the replacement has now the same issue. I have at last contacted Sigma and they have discussed the issues but don't accept that it is down to firmware. Now awaiting tests in their factory to detrmine what issue is causing fault. I love the unit when it is working and await to hear their resolution, shall keep you posted especially as price is decreasing and represents good value, and all i want is a working reliable unit 

Avatar
sammutd88 | 4 years ago
0 likes

Unless it’s been improved with firmware updates to include the ability to Bluetooth to a mobile phone and show notifications/calls, I could not bring myself to buy a device that can’t do this in this day and age. I believe when DC Rainmaker reviewed it initially, this was not an option.  

Avatar
BehindTheBikesheds | 4 years ago
1 like

Sigma have been quietly going about their business in this sector for decades, their computers have always been very accurate and solidly made. They were the only ones to actually measure above 100mph - not that you would hit that speed but shows you the attention to detail. Their BC series in the late 80s has continued to this day with some excellent well priced units.

Not surprised the ROX continues to show the competition that a well engineered and stable package will trump one that fails often but might have more bells and whistles. 

Avatar
Jak54 | 4 years ago
0 likes

I have been using ny Sigma Rox 12 Sport for under 6 months and would echo the review for all the great things it does do, especially drawing your route and the speed of in route alterations. I have grown to love it, but last week the auto pause started kicking in as soon as started off riding. I tried contacting Sigma Germany via their contact form to no reply. I then returned the unit to Mantel; excellent service via DPD but advised the time away will be about 20 days! Add on the time shipping thats nearly a month at the height of riding season. So, Sigma you need to improve your customer service to match the quality of your product although it has failed me in under 6 months

Avatar
crazy-legs | 4 years ago
0 likes

No mention of the accompanying Sigma Data Centre software and route upload via RWGPS or Strava?

 

Avatar
Yorky-M | 4 years ago
1 like

I think this is for me. Needs maps and my Garmin 1030 is in its third return.

Avatar
handlebarcam | 4 years ago
0 likes

Looks like a mobile phone from fifteen years ago.

Avatar
slappop replied to handlebarcam | 4 years ago
1 like
handlebarcam wrote:

Looks like a mobile phone from fifteen years ago.

It was separated at birth from the Nokia N95.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nokia_N95

Avatar
Drpepper99uk | 4 years ago
1 like

I've just taken part in their 10 day trial which they send you a nearly new unit which you can either opt to buy after the 10 day trial for a reduced price(199EUR) or send it back to them and owe nothing or purchase a brand new, boxed unit direct from them. Sadly they don't have any U.K distributors at the moment, so it's either a case of buy from a shop based in the E.U somewhere or direct for now.

 

 

 

 

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