3T Eye Cycle Computer

Cycle computers can be an expensive element of cycling but they have become increasingly necessary for those looking to improve or even just upload their rides to Strava. 3T, better known for its pro-level stems and bars, has released the Eye to try to create an affordable option with much of the power of far more expensive units. It succeeds in some ways, but falls short on others.

It does this through connecting to your smartphone to use the powerful elements that it possesses. It's similar to the Wahoo Rflkt+ which we reviewed in 2014, now discontinued. 

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Installing the computer on the bike is relatively simple and there are a couple of options. Firstly it comes with a 3T stem mount, although this is only available for use with the 3T ARX II stem. It also connects to standard Garmin mounts, which is how I was using it. This is a little confusing as it doesn't come with a mount for this, so unless you have an ARX II, you will need to go out and buy a separate mount.

There are three ways the the computer can work. First it can operate as a basic computer by itself. It allows you to connect ANT+ devices to it, so you can see your speed, power, cadence and so on, if you have the necessary sensors. This mode does not record the data, though, instead just displaying it in real-time.

Secondly it can be connected to the phone and can work through a number of apps, according to 3T. However, I found it difficult to find how to use it without the official 3T app, although this can be set up to transfer the data directly to a number of third party apps including Strava, MapMyRide and Training peaks. Here it can use the phone's GPS to work out things like speed and courses and it also tracks your ride on maps.

Finally it can be used as a smart-bridge, allowing the data created through ANT+ devices to be transferred to your smartphone, making the data you can collect on the phone much more powerful. For instance, it allows you to track your power and cadence through apps, rather than predicting them or simply ignoring them altogether.

All three modes seem to work well, and despite the unit having a relatively small 25x33mm screen it is still big enough to see the necessary data clearly. It also comes in at 27g on the road.cc scales of truth, which is only slightly more than the 25g weight given by the company, but still very lightweight.

The 3T app works well and provides some very useful performance information. This includes power outputs, timings, training zones and a number of different elements. This data is clear to view and transfer to other apps, meaning you can see if you've got decent Strava segment times or track it against previous performances.

There are a few things that unfortunately let the computer down, though.

The device is used through three buttons on the front: left, right and centre. Left and right scroll through the regular stats, including time, heart rate, speed and so on. The centre button performs actions like turning it on and lap when connected to the smartphone. This is a very limited use, especially when you compare it to the Rflkt+, which allowed you to do almost anything with the four buttons on the unit. You can't change what does what on the computer, meaning that its use as anything except a display is limited.

In terms of using it, I like to acquaint myself with how computers work before I start any kind of testing. The documentation you receive with the computer is limited to discussing basic elements and there appear to be no clear instructions online or within the 3T app, which makes it difficult to use and would be very simple to remedy. Simple things like trying to work out how to get navigation on the device is almost impossible to find because the documentation either doesn't exist or is very difficult to find.

> Check out our guide to the best cheap GPS cycling computers here

It would also not work as a substitute for a regular computer for long rides simply because it drains the battery significantly when using GPS on the phone – one of the most important elements. It meant that my phone ran out of power after three hours of use, so I had no data saved for the last 20km and no way of contacting somebody if I got into trouble.

The RRP of the device is £94.99, cheaper than the Wahoo Rflkt+ but lacking many of the Wahoo's capabilities. Basic elements like the backlit display, mappable keys and displays and providing mounts with the computer are missing. 

Overall, the computer has some good elements, especially the app, but is let down by some elements, the most pressing being the lack of documentation, which makes using it a struggle even for somebody who has reviewed bike computers for years. It is small and easy to pair with the 3T app and the ability to use it as a basic data display is a nice touch, but bearing in mind it came out over a year after the Rflkt+ it has significantly fewer features.

Verdict

Has some good points, but let down by some of the fundamentals