Review: the SIGMA ROX 12.0 SPORT GPS cycling computer
A GPS cycling computer that offers everything is usually extremely expensive and still leaves something to wish for. No t with the ROX 12.0!
SIGMA is known for their cycling computers, but a proper map equipped version has been missing from their line-up. The ROX 12.0 SPORT is the perfect addition promising innovative map navigation, professional training analysis and an intuitive menu structure. The last two months, I had the chance to put SIGMA's newest cycling computer to the test and can confirm that it delivers on its promises.
From the front.
The power button.
The home buttons.
Lookin good!
Woo it's fine!
The SD & USB ports.
Ready to roll
As soon as ROX 12.0 arrived, I was eager to open it up. I immediately noticed the high-quality feel and the top notch accessories like the cadence and heart rate sensor as well as the handlebar mount. I was very impressed by how fast I was able to start using it. Following the on-screen instructions for setup took less than 10 min. and soon after it was mounted to my bike.
Fully connected
To get the most out of the ROX 12.0, I would recommend installing the free SIGMA Cloud, SIGMA Data Center and SIGMA Link app on your smartphone during setup. While the Cloud and Link app ensure that all your training data is available and up to date / planned routes are on all devices, the Data Center analyses the training data as well as offers route planning. My experience with all three was great and the Data Center was especially helpful. It is very intuitive and also allows the ROX 12.0 to be connected to other apps like Strava, Komoot, GPSies or TrainingPeaks.
The touchscreen is super easy to use.
Navigation
The navigation function is easily the best feature of the ROX 12.0. It comes with 20 European country maps preinstalled and additional maps can be downloaded for free. There are also various ways to navigate including following a pre-planned route or entering an address, coordinates, POIs or a user defined point on the map and navigating from there. I was very impressed with the speed that the ROX 12.0 was able to load, zoom and find routes. Many other GPS cycling computers need more time to load maps. Even during navigation on fast courses with tight corners either on the road or in the forest, the ROX did a great job of navigating.
The Draw my Route function works extremly well!
The ‘Draw my Route’ function
A unique feature, Draw my Route allows you to literally draw a circle on the map and in seconds the ROX 12.0 will give you three different routes to ride. The three routes included the easiest, the recommended and the shortest. All of them are based on rider’s profile (Road, MTB, other) and the route preferences (cycle ways, roads, unpaved paths). I used the feature while on vacation and at home and was surprised at how well it works. Of course, it doesn’t give you the same route that a local would suggest, but overall it puts together a really good track.
Adjusting routes while underway is easy.
It integrates with the bike very well.
It always stayed put and never shook around.
Rinding with the ROX 12.0 was always a pleasure.
Train like a pro
Besides top level navigation, the ROX 12.0 also offers a professional training system. I found this feature to be helpful because I train with a power meter and need that data on hand for every ride. The ROX does a great job of giving suggestions to how the training screen should look, but personalizing them via the rider profile is also extremely easy. Connecting to various devices is no problem via ANT+ or Bluetooth and the display can show various values from the devices. Via the SIGMA Cloud the Data Center analyses the data and all of the values can be seen right after the tour. The ROX 12.0 has a special feature for riders using Rotor 2INpower power meters. It shows numerically or graphically the OCA (Optimum Chainring Angle) and OCP (Optimum Chainring Position) to help achieve the optimal pedal stroke.
Only smiles when using the ROX 12.0.
The test
After riding with the SIGMA ROX 12.0 for two months, I am very impressed. It is overall very intuitive and easy to use, similar to today’s smartphones. The touchscreen works extremely well and can even be read in direct sunlight. Something other cycling computer manufacturers cannot promise. The ROX can also be controlled using the well-placed buttons, which is something I imagine will be helpful in winter. SIGMA claims that the ROX 12.0 has a battery life of up to 16 hours. During my test period, with navigation on, it reached a critical point at around 12. Either way perfect for the majority of riders out there. However, if you happen to need to torture yourself longer, it can be charged via power bank via the USB port.
At the top of its class
The new SIMGA ROX 12.0 SPORT GPS cycling computer is impressive. Its function, design, navigation, routing options and battery life all bring it to the forefront on the competition. And when you look at the price, the ROX starts to look better and better. For those needing a new cycling computer, this is definitely one of the best options!
