[New Product Review] The ultimate compact cycle computer? iGPSPORT's cycle computer "BSC300T"
■ Overall rating
This is a normal evolution of the iGPSPORT cycle computer "BSC300" released in April 2023. The price remains the same, but features such as a touch panel have been added.
- Compact and lightweight at 66g
- Equipped with a highly responsive full-color touch panel
- App-related functions such as editing page fields are equivalent to those of higher-end models
■ How it was acquired
This time, we received the BSC300T from iGPSPORT. Thank you very much.
I have used three models of the iGS series so far, but this is my first time using the BSC series. The iGPSPORT app only has 10 device registration slots, but I use about 13 products, and I'm worried that I won't have enough slots...
■Product overview
Specifications
Below is a list of basic specifications.
- Screen size: 2.4 inches (320 x 240)
- Equipped with a touch panel
- Body size: 82 x 53 x 14.5 mm
- Weight: 66g (actual measurement: 66g)
- Price: 21,560 yen
- Memory: 8GB
- Runtime: 20 hours
- Waterproof standard: IPX7
- Maximum number of display items: 8
- Interface: USB Type-C
The inclusion of a touch panel has made it a major step forward from the BSC300. It also has six physical buttons, just like the BSC300, so you can use either the touch panel or the buttons depending on the situation, just like the iGPSPORT iGS800 and Garmin Edge840. And yet, the price has remained the same, making it a great bargain.
Spec comparison with iGS630S and iGS630
This is a spec comparison between the BSC300T and the iGS630/iGS630S. The iGS630 series is positioned as a flagship model, so a simple comparison is not possible, but the price is also cheaper. By the way, the specs of the BSC300T and BSC300 are the same.
Unpacking ceremony (package and included items)
This is the opening ceremony.
When you open the box, the main unit is there.
The following items are included in the box. In addition to the main unit, there is a Garmin compatible mount and rubber band, a manual in various languages, and an inspection certificate. A charging cable is not included.
Actual weight
Actual weight is 66g, which is excellent compared to the nominal weight of 67g.
exterior
The dimensions of the main unit are 82 x 53 x 14.5, the same as the BSC300, but there are some differences in the logo position and other details due to the inclusion of a touch panel (BSC300 on the left, BSC300T on the right).
The focus is on the thinness. The BSC300T (left) is 14.5mm thick, while the iGS630/630S (right) is 16.5mm thick. It's only a 2mm difference, but it feels quite thin compared to recent models that have become thicker due to the increased battery capacity (this is also true for the BSC300).
The physical buttons are arranged as follows (the same as on the BSC300).
The mount is Garmin compatible. An out-front mount is not included, so if you need one, you should purchase it separately.
The screen is 2.4 inches and 320 x 240 pixels. Readability is very high.
■Review
Differences from BSC300
First, let me introduce the differences with BSC300.
Touch Panel
The biggest difference is the touch panel. It has six physical buttons but is equipped with a touch panel, so you can use it according to your preference and the situation, which is great.
When riding in the rain, you can disable the touch panel using the touchscreen lock function (described below) to prevent accidental operation, but you can still operate it normally thanks to the physical buttons.
It works well, and although the screen isn't particularly large these days (it's still 2.4 inches), it runs smoothly.
The charging port position has changed
The location of the charging port has changed. First of all, the BSC300T has it on the side, which is the front side. It is in the same position as the Edge series. The iGS800 also has this type.
The BSC300 is on the back. The iGS630S is the same.
New top screen theme added
The number of themes for the top screen has increased. The image theme was available in BSC300 and has been carried over to BSC300T.
The BSC300T also allows you to set the following two themes. The setting method is the same for both the app and the device itself, and can be selected by going to Settings ⇒ Themes ⇒ Desktop. The setting screen for the app is in Chinese, but it is clearly written in Japanese.
About runtime
The runtime is 20 hours. It can be used for up to 200km or 300km in brevets. In terms of specifications, it seems to be mainly intended for one-day rides.
What you can do with the app
This is the top page of the app. There are eight menus in total, but I will introduce the main ones here.
First, edit the page field. Go to Ride Mode ⇒ Page Field in the menu to see the following screen. Tap the pencil mark in the upper right corner to enter edit mode.
This is the edit mode. To add or delete items, tap "Add Data" at the bottom.
A list of items that can be added will be displayed. Currently set items are red. To delete an item, tap the check mark on the right. The maximum number of items that can be displayed on one screen is eight, so if you tap more than the limit, an error message like the one in the image will be displayed.
By default, several screens are provided. You can freely set the number of items on pages 1 to 4, and it is also possible to display only one item on each of the four pages.
If you want to change the page order, drag and drop the bar on the right side.
In the Alerts menu, you can set alerts to display for these items.
These are the items that support automatic recording. Automatic laps by location are also supported.
In the theme menu, in addition to the theme settings mentioned above, you can also set dark mode.
These settings are available in the Display and Brightness menu. The backlight can be set separately for daytime and nighttime. As usual, even 10% is too bright at night, so I wish it could be set to 5%.
About the map
The displayed map is similar to that of the iGS630. Major roads are color-coded for easy viewing. The advantage is that the scale can be changed using either the touch panel or physical buttons.
However, the screen is small, so it leaves something to be desired in terms of visibility.
The GPS is highly accurate and supports GPS, BEIDOU, GLONASS, GALIEO, and QZSS. The number of satellites to be acquired can be changed, so battery consumption can be reduced depending on the situation.
*Dual band is not supported, only single band.
Touch Screen Lock
It also has a touchscreen lock, which is essential on rainy days. When locked, the touch panel is disabled, but it also has physical buttons, so it's perfectly suited for rainy brevets.
Actual driving review
Well, I quickly set it up and went for a run.
The light I used was the VS500. After I started riding, I registered the sensors while waiting at a traffic light, and the registration was completed immediately, including the Di2. The touch panel is really fast.
*Not compatible with Di2 remote switches *Sensors are also compatible with rear radar and smart trainers
Up to eight items can be displayed on one screen, which is more than enough. I have 12 items displayed on the iGS800, but there are many items that I don't need to check in real time, such as calories burned and the current time.
You can set those items on the second screen, and the screen changes immediately with a "beep" on the touch panel. No stress even during hill climbing. The touch panel is really convenient.
Like previous iGPSPORT cycle computers, the BSC300T's performance as a cycle computer is impeccable.
The same goes for the navigation system, which, like the BSC300, gives you alerts for right and left turns and off-course, and also has an automatic zoom function at turning points. The logic cultivated in this area has been directly transplanted from the iGS630, and there is a sense of stability that the know-how has been firmly passed down to another model.
■ Summary
A touch panel has been added to the BSC300. The touch panel has good response and is very easy to use. And yet it is surprisingly priced the same as the BSC300.
It is approximately 30g lighter than the iGS630 series and approximately 40g lighter than the iGS800, making it ideal for hill climbing.
It seems like it would be a good idea to prioritize runtime and use the iGS630 for long rides like brevets, and the BSC300T for everyday rides. The battery will deteriorate if you use it every day.
The apps and operation methods are the same as other iGPSPORT models, so if you're already an iGPSPORT user, you'll be able to use it from the day you buy it.
Posted by: morou2