The Mio Cyclo Discover Pal GPS Computer is a functional navigational companion for those looking for a more laid back recreational riding experience.
It routes point-to-point, towards pre-installed points of interest, or along selected routes, but can be frustrating to use and is less sophisticated than some of its competitors Is not.
Those looking for a more data-driven ride should look elsewhere for power meters and other sensor-compatible units.
Mio Cyclo Discover Pal Design and Feel
The Mio Cycle Discover Pal has a large, bright, easy-to-read screen, and the charging port cover is more of a stiff, cheap-feeling plastic than a soft one, which only detracts from the quality of its construction. A rubbery option that most other brands prefer.
For those doing longer tours who may want to connect the unit to a power pack while on the go, the charging port on the side of the unit makes this less tidy compared to when it’s stowed underneath.
The Mio Cyclo Discover Pal uses a combination of three buttons and a touch screen.
The on/off button doubles as a screen lock/unlock, but it doesn’t really matter if you accidentally switch screens, so this seems like an unnecessary irritation rather than a useful feature.
The Mio is aimed at more recreational cyclists, but it would still have been nice to see the out-front mount included in the box.
The included zip-tie fitting mounts feel very basic and are more difficult to change from bike to bike than the O-ring mounts that other brands prefer.
Mio Cyclo Discover Pal display and data fields
The Mio Cycle Discover Pal has a large 2.8-inch touchscreen display that is bright and easy to read in all conditions.
The display can be customized with up to 7 data fields on each page within the MioShare app.
Given that there’s no option to pair with a power meter, heart rate, or other sensors, seven fields are enough to show the usual metrics riders are looking for, and the map display is large and clear. .
Mio Cyclo Discover Pal Mapping and Navigation
The Mio Cyclo Discover Pal offers clear, easy-to-read mappings, but it feels like it’s designed for people who don’t create and track their own routes, syncing Mio to track Strava routes isn’t so much It wasn’t. Just like any Wahoo or Garmin device, it’s a quick and easy process.
The best way to import routes into your Mio Cyclo Discover Pal is through the branded Mioshare program. The program lets you create a route from scratch, or if you’re like me and want to use the heat map feature, you can create a route in Strava and download the GPX. , upload it to Mioshare.
Mio’s “Surprise Me” feature generates a route given a desired time, distance or destination.
This works well, and when I tested it, none of the routes offered were on heavily trafficked roads that I would normally avoid or have problems with.
I wonder how many regular riders use this feature when riding their local roads, but it might come in handy for those who travel frequently and don’t want to spend time planning routes.
The Mioshare app also shows recommended activities, but it kept suggesting rides in the Netherlands even though my location was set to the UK.
The Mio A to B feature works well and generally provides good routes with less traffic to your destination.
Unfortunately, off-course rerouting is very slow to recalculate, and as you’d expect from Garmin, instead of quickly recalculating a route that avoids U-turns, it tells you to turn around to get back on course. There is a tendency to
Mio Cyclo Discover Pal battery life
Mio claims the Cyclo Discover Pal has 17 hours of battery life, which my testing confirmed to be accurate.
The Wahoo Elemnt Roam is comparable, and the Garmin Edge 830 boasts 20 hours, 3x better than the Mio (although battery life depends on exactly how you use your device, so your results may vary).
Mio Cyclo Discover Pal Training Aid
With no connection to a heart rate monitor or power meter, this is a unit for more casual users rather than for sporty riders or those following a training regimen. If you want a lot of data this is for you It is not of
That said, some might say recreational riders don’t want to use training aids at some point in the life of the head unit, so this is included just to allow the rider the option. I would argue that it is good to see
Mio Cyclo Discover Pal Post-Ride Analysis
Once you’ve completed your ride, Discover Pal will direct you to view your ride details in the Mioshare app.
This is also automatically shared with Strava or Komoot, so you can see your ride details there.
There is no option to review completed rides in detail in the unit itself.
Alternative to Mio Cyclo Discover Pal
Photo: Joseph Branston
Comparing the Mio Cyclo Discover Pal to its closest competitors, the Garmin Edge 830 and Wahoo Elemnt Roam, it falls short in several ways.
Wahoo and Garmin’s software is easier and more intuitive to use, and their units offer a wider range of features and compatibility with other devices.
When the Mio is available at a discounted price, it’s a reasonable choice for recreational riders looking to use it as their cycling navigator, but what sets the Mio apart from the competition is the Almost never. .
Myo Cyclo Discover Pal Verdict
The Mio Cyclo Discover Pal is a solid and seemingly reliable kit, but falls short when compared to its closest competitors. I’m wondering why I choose Mio over Garmin, Wahoo and other competitors.
Photographed by Rob Borek unless otherwise noted
Products reviewed by Cyclist are independently selected and tested by our editorial team. Cyclists earn affiliate commissions when they purchase through a retailer’s link. Please read our review policy.
