Cycling computers are usually built to do one thing well. The new REACH computer from Motion Rivalry is designed to provide the functionality you’d expect from a bike computer but with the added versatility of a ‘modular’ design.
The REACH computer offers a range of swappable modules that you can attach to the device to add a wind speed meter, a radar, an action camera and a walkie-talkie. It’s a device that you can use for a whole range of other sports too, not just cycling.
Here are five things you need to know about the Motion Rivalry REACH GPS, which is launching soon on Kickstarter.
1. Swappable modules take you beyond standard bike computer functionality
The key design feature of Motion Rivalry’s new REACH computer is its modular design.
You can just clip on the blanking cap and use the REACH as a standard cycling computer, or choose between four different modules that attach to the top of the main unit via a proprietary connector. It supports USB standard power and data, plus extra GPIO pins to unlock expanded functionality.
Best of all, the system is open-source – Motion Rivalry says it will share full schematics with the community, so anyone can build their own modules and push the boundaries of what the REACH can do.
These give you the choice of additional functionality that’s unique to the REACH, Motion Rivalry says.
There’s also a wind speed meter module.
Swap it for the camera module and you have an action camera to record your ride and any incidents when you’re riding.
Finally, there’s a walkie-talkie module with a claimed range of up to 3km, so you can keep in contact with other riders.
It’s a unique feature that allows you to tailor the cycling computer to your needs and change its functionality between rides if these change.
2. Multi-sport use
The REACH computer’s usefulness extends beyond cycling, so it’s an option if you’re into other sports, too. Motion Rivalry highlights rowing, kayaking, canoeing and paragliding as compatible sports.
It’s available with a quarter-turn mount for bikes and a rail mount for rowing and kayaking, while there’s also a universal base, so you can attach the computer to a variety of other sports equipment.
There’s a wide range of metrics captured, with sport-specific screen layouts, such as stroke rate for water sports. These can all be customised to display the performance measures you prefer.
3. Premium functionality and value for money
The REACH computer has a 3.5-inch, high-resolution colour touchscreen with 640x960-pixel resolution in a device body that weighs only 156g. It has five buttons, including power, designed to enable reliable control in all conditions.
Positional data comes from GPS, Beidou and Glonass satellite constellations, and the 24GB onboard memory provides storage for ride data, routes and maps.
There are two outdoor maps included – a cycling map with GPS positioning, route display and track navigation; and a DEM terrain map optimised for paragliding and outdoor exploring.
The device has the typical range of in-built sensors you’d find in a premium cycling computer: an accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, magnetometer and ambient light sensor. These enable it to provide all the key cycling metrics: speed, distance, gradient and more, with route planning for road, gravel and mountain bike riders available through Motion Rivalry’s proprietary Insight Link app.
ANT+ and BLE connectivity enables you to hook up your existing peripheral devices such as a heart rate strap and, for rowers, a PaddleMate. Wi-Fi offers rapid data transfer for completed activities.
Motion Rivalry quotes a 26-hour battery life and the REACH computer is IPX7 waterproof.
All of those features are accompanied by impressive value for money, with the REACH retailing for £269 / $359.
4. Sensor-free data for power, cadence and more
Motion Rivalry says the REACH computer can estimate your power output and cadence using its sensor-free tech. These are, of course, estimates.
For rowing, kayaking and canoeing, the REACH combines GPS data with its in-built IMU and proprietary algorithms to calculate stroke rate in real time.
It has used this same tech to enable cyclists to view real-time cadence in RPM and estimated power output, without the need for a cadence sensor or power meter.
5. Sophisticated analytics
The REACH computer links up to all the leading ride-sharing and performance platforms, enabling users to engage with community platforms such as Strava.
Motion Rivalry offers its own back-end analytics, as well as providing real-time feedback on the device.
There’s also the company’s Insight Link app for iOS and Android devices, for further data analysis.
Launching soon on Kickstarter
You can order the new REACH cycling computer via Motion Rivalry’s Kickstarter campaign, with a $5 refundable deposit securing a discount on the early bird launch price of £269 / $359.
The Kickstarter campaign is expected to launch in September, with priority shipping estimated to begin in December. Free standard shipping is available in eligible countries and regions, and excludes customs duties, VAT and local import taxes.
