I have replaced my Garmin Edge 200 with a XOSS G Cycling Computer. My trusty Garmin is over 7 years old and its battery1 no longer lasts more than a few hours. Time for a replacement. Here’s my review of the XOSS G GPS cycle computer.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Syncs direct with Strava via XOSS app
- Long-lasting battery
- Easy to use
Cons
- None for me
I spent a few days researching replacements and the choice for me came down to either a more expensive Garmin Edge 130 or a cheaper non-Garmin computer. I chose the cheaper option, partly to save money and also to try something different.
I didn’t know anything about the XOSS G before but it received positive comments and reviews along with its more fully featured G+ model, which will work with different sensors like HR straps. I didn’t want the sensor connection ability of the G+ and the G model was my choice.
Cycling with the XOSS G
I’ve used the XOSS G on several rides now and I’m very happy with it.
It’s easy to use with two multi-function buttons below the screen. At the start of a cycle ride, press one button to power up the unit, then press the other button to get a GPS signal. Wait for GPS satellite connection, which takes less than a minute normally, and then ride!
- The XOSS comes with a handlebar mount which is closely similar to a Garmin mount; I’ve used the XOSS with Garmin mount on all my rides.
Whilst cycling, I use the main screen (speed, ride time and distance) on the XOSS G but it’s also possible to switch between two other screens of data with a button press. The three screens are not customisable but, in practice, this isn’t an issue for me. Each screen has a different set of metrics, including e.g average speed, altitude, maximum speed, and current clock.
- I’ve set-up my XOSS G to auto pause and this means the unit stops when I stop and restarts when I do. That stopping and starting is signalled by a beep and it’s very quick.
My old Garmin Edge 200 has a more readable display, even though the screen size of the XOSS G is the same, but the difference is negligible. Certainly not worth another £100 or more.
The XOSS G connects very quickly with GPS satellites and, with one exception, is accurate on rides. The exception was an instance where GPS connection was lost on an early ride and my route wasn’t correct until the signal was picked up again. This hasn’t happened since.
XOSS App
My XOSS G connects with a XOSS smartphone app and this is essential if you want to upload or save cycle rides. Connecting the XOSS via USB to a laptop will charge the battery but it’s not possible to transfer rides this way. I downloaded the XOSS app and it was simple and quick to connect with my XOSS G.
After every ride, I connect the app to the XOSS G and synchronise the two. My most recent ride will upload to the app. That process is not especially quick but that’s not been a problem thus far.
The app can be connected with Strava or Training Peaks accounts so that each new ride is automatically uploaded to those platforms. When I first used the XOSS app, this wasn’t working2 and there were plenty of reviews about the Strava connection failure. That has now been fixed by the developers and my cycle rides now appear on Strava within a few minutes.
The app is relatively simple but it does what I need. And, after the initial Strava problem, it has been working nicely.
In Summary
The XOSS G is a great value, easy to use and fully featured GPS cycling computer. I’m happy with my purchase and I’ll be using it on all my rides.
Update: July 2022: I have been using the XOSS G for over a year now and it has been working brilliantly for me.
- It is possible to replace battery with a home repair and some people choose to do that. ↩︎
- It was still possible to send a gps file by email and upload that manually to Strava. ↩︎
Hello. I would like to know if it is possible to recover the gps tracks of the xoss directly by connecting the xoss to the pc via the usb cable. I use a free software mytourbook. I know that the igpsport IGS10 is then recognized as a storage unit on which there is a folder containing the tracks in .fit format. I would need this functionality. The IGPS10 has been replaced by the IGPS10S and they have removed this capability. I also don’t want to be dependent on a software suite from a small Chinese manufacturer that might disappear in 5-10 years. Like it was the case with Holux.
Thanks
Hi Pierre, I’m afraid that’s not possible. Connecting the XOSS via a USB cable will charge the unit but it’s not recognised as a storage device.
However, you can share the .fit files from the XOSS app on your smartphone. Would that work for you?
I have been using xoss g for a few years and very happy about it. The only way i know to transfer .fit files is to connect with it’s app, then recover the file using your phones file manager, then mail yourself or upload to Google drive. Or you can connect your phone as usb storage to your computer to recover files. One issue you may encounter is, not all .fit files are the same. Your software may not read it. İn a few weeks i will write some code to transfer those files into a map on my blog, if i can – which i can use Garmin .gpx without problems. İf you are interested in xoss internals, you may want to look here: https://loveforbikes.com/in-depth-look-to-cheap-chinese-cycling-computer-xoss-g/
I’m a new user and like it so far, except that the routebook on the app always displays in km. Have you been able to switch the routebook to miles?
Go to Profile – Settings and change Units of Measurement. That worked for me.
Is it possible to set the clock to 12 hour rather than 24 time? Not a big problem, just curious.
I don’t know but it might be in User Settings. Connect device to Xoss app and check there? Here’s the XOSS Manual for G+ device which is very similar.
Hello. I already have Ant+ speed sensor. Can I connect XOSS to my sensor and use it without GPS?
I believe that the XOSS G+ can do that but my review is for the cheaper XOSS G.
Thanks for the review. Will it accept a HR broadcast from a Fenix 5 ?
Sorry Ross, I don’t know that answer to that but I suspect you would need the XOSS G+ as a minimum. Mine is the G version.
Would you know whether it is possible to add a second bike please?
I can see default is Bike 1 which would imply that maybe there is a way bit I can’t see anything obvious…
I don’t know I’m afraid. I use it for tracking my rides on both my bikes but I haven’t added a new bike profile. I just use GPS to track the ride each time. Why would you need a new profile for each bike?
How do I get the GPS to work when both buttons are depressed together at the same time? Must the computer be intsalled on the bike to make it work?
Sorry but I don’t understand the question. Normally, I just turn the unit on and press a single button. GPS takes about 30 seconds to a minute to lock on. Then, I ride off. That’s all I do.
Hi Clive, any idea on how to reset the Odometer to zero, or to set it to a predetermined number?
For example, if I want to continue the Odo value from a non-gps device to the xoss g or g+), on the same bike. Thanks.
I’m not sure that’s possible. There is a long thread on XOSS Facebook page about this without a resolution.
I’ve just ordered the XOSS G+ and I’m wondering and cannot find how it will connect to my bike when it arrives. Is there a wheel connection or is it all done via satellite?
It uses GPS.