German-made head unit offers Bluetooth connectivity, Crash Detection and more route options than ROX 12.O Sport

By Jack Evans

Published: Monday, 12 June 2023 at 12:00 am

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Sigma has released the ROX 12.1 Evo bike computer, which gains Bluetooth connectivity and a Crash Detection feature while offering more routing options than its predecessor.

The new computer succeeds the Sigma ROX 12.0 Sport launched in 2018. The Sigma ROX 12.1 Evo keeps a three-inch display, a touchscreen and five side buttons.

The first Sigma bike computer to be made in Germany, according to the brand, is available now for £379.95/$379.95/€379.95 in white and grey. In a bundle with a heart rate monitor and speed sensor, the Sigma ROX 12.1 Evo costs £479.95/$479.95/€479.95.

A choice of routes

The Sigma ROX 12.1 Evo gives turn-by-turn directions with visual and audible prompts, instead of showing a more basic breadcrumb trail and direction arrows like the ROX 11.1 Evo. Sigma says this device remains available for riders who prefer a smaller, simpler bike computer.

The Sigma ROX 12.1 Evo uses the OpenStreetMap database and multi-band GPS. This should help the ROX 12.1 Evo find a GPS signal faster than single-band GPS-equipped devices.

The German-made bike computer reroutes on the fly if you take a turn for the worst while navigating.

Sigma

You can send GPX files from route-planning apps, such as Komoot, or from the Sigma Ride app to the head unit.

You can also search for destinations on the Sigma ROX 12.1 Evo itself. The computer will then offer a choice of three routes, up from two on the ROX 12.0 Sport.

Sigma says the suggested route is the way best suited to the type of bike you’re riding; the easiest route involves the least elevation and the shortest the least distance.

The Sigma ROX 12.1 Evo displays the gradient profile of the road ahead. But it does not automatically detect climbs like Wahoo’s Summit Freeride, Garmin’s ClimbPro or Hammerhead’s Climber features.

Highly customisable

Sigma

The Sigma ROX 12.1 Evo comes with six pre-defined activity profiles, including for use on gravel bikes and smart trainers.

You can configure a further 20 profiles and the ROX 12.1 Evo’s six colour-coded data screens to meet your needs, according to the brand.

These can be adjusted in either the Sigma Ride app or on the device.

Sigma says key workouts are pre-installed on the ROX 12.1 Evo. If you’re following a training plan, you can load workouts from third-party cycling apps, such as TrainingPeaks.

Greater connectivity

Sigma

The Sigma ROX 12.0 Sport only had ANT+ connectivity, but the ROX 12.1 Evo is Bluetooth-enabled as well. As a result, you can sync the computer with your phone, for example to upload a route or activity, without a Wifi connection.

Sigma says the ROX 12.1 Evo connects to electric bike systems, power meters and electronic groupset shifting.

Claimed battery life is 14 hours while using sensors and navigating.

Like the ROX 12.0, the new model connects to ride-sharing apps such as Strava.

The Sigma ROX 12.1 Evo is integrated with Strava Live Segments, enabling you to race against yourself or the fastest person on a stretch of road or trail.

Smart notifications and Crash Detection

Sigma

The ROX 12.1 Evo can display incoming calls, text messages and emails from your paired smartphone.

The new crash detection system prompts you to confirm your safety within 30 seconds of detecting an impact.

Without confirmation, the device sends an emergency alert including your GPS coordinates to pre-selected contacts in the Sigma Ride app.