The Bosch Nyon display is the second generation of Bosch’s own navigation solution, which is integrated into the eMTBs onboard system. First introduced in 2014, it’s been completely overhauled for 2021. Will Bosch succeed with their second attempt in our navigation group test?

Click here for an overview of the best e-bike navigation device

Bosch Nyon | 3.2″ | 80 x 110 x 21 mm (without bracket) | 136 g | € 349
Manufacturer-website

The second generation of the Bosch Nyon makes both its predecessor and the competition look old. Integrating the navigation system and additional functions into the onboard computer takes it to the next level

During the redesign of the Nyon, Bosch gave the 2021 model a smaller display and a more elegant silhouette. To switch between different display screens, simply swipe over the bright and easy to read touchscreen or use the buttons on the remote control. Using the handlebar remote, you can also open a quick-access menu while riding, which is limited to simple functions such as controlling the display’s brightness or zooming in or out of the map – simple but entirely sufficient. All other functions have to be executed via the touch screen, though it is self-explanatory and intuitive to use. Another design-related advantage is that the Nyon is connected to the ebike’s main battery, so you’ll never have to think about charging separate batteries. As an aftermarket solution, it’ll cost you € 350, making it one of the more affordable devices on test. However, this doesn’t include the installation fees your Bosch dealer might charge.

The Nyon is a GPS cycling computer and onboard computer in one. It doesn’t have to compete with any other device on the handlebar, allowing it to take centre stage.
Bosch have done away with the buttons, reserving them for the remote control.
Besides the light switch and the power button, you won’t find any other buttons on the Nyon.

To be able to use the navigation function, you’ll first have to connect the Nyon to a WiFi network. That way the GPS device can download the latest maps and updates. Once the maps are on the Nyon, you’ll also need a Bosch eBike Connect account, after which you can start planning your route and managing your activities. To look for your destination, simply start by tapping the magnifying glass in the non-customisable navigation view. Besides saved locations such as your work address, you can type a destination into the search bar, select previous destinations from a list or call up a saved route. The destination can also be selected by pressing and holding a point on the map for 2 seconds. That’s it for the route planning options on the Nyon navigation device – simple and intuitive. The Bosch GPS computer offers the route options of ‘Fast’, ‘Scenic’ and ‘MTB’ to get to your desired destination. ‘Fast’ is the shortest route that the navigation system can find, ‘Scenic’ avoids main roads and ‘MTB’ will include mountain bike trails on your route if available. Unfortunately, you can’t adjust the route calculation to suit personal preferences or insert intermediate stops on the way to your destination.

The Nyon is powered by the ebike’s main battery while riding, so it doesn’t have to be stingy with its brightness. The display’s highest setting is very bright.

For a custom route, you first have to create it in the Bosch eBike Connect portal or import it from your Komoot account. Routes can be synchronised wirelessly, via your smartphone or WiFi. A unique selling point of the Nyon is the estimated topographical range calculator. Before you start a route, the Nyon provides an estimate of whether you’ll be able to complete your planned ride, based on the selected support mode, the distance, the elevation profile and the charge status of the battery. If that isn’t the case, it’ll display a warning sign. If the motor uses more or less power than anticipated, which can vary depending on your riding style, the remaining range gets recalculated and adapted dynamically as you go. While riding, arrows and beeps are used to indicate junctions. The Nyon has no speech function, neither via a loudspeaker nor Bluetooth headphones. Navigation with the Nyon is as easy as it gets: if you deviate from the suggested route, the Nyon reacts quickly and recalculates the route instead of annoying the rider with constant “Please turn around” prompts. Outside of built-up areas, the Nyon occasionally makes mistakes with roads that it deems passable, including challenging trails or narrow hiking paths in the route with the ‘Scenic’ option selected.

Once the Bosch Nyon has calculated a route, it checks that the remaining battery is sufficient for it. It even takes the elevation profile into account as it does this.
The 2021 Bosch Nyon also works independently of an ebike and can be used as a stand-alone GPS device. The integrated 1000 mAh battery lasts about 2 hours.

Keeping in mind the fitness aspect of riding, the Bosch Nyon GPS device can also be connected to a heart rate monitor to track and record your fitness levels during and after a ride. It supports Bluetooth connections but it isn’t ANT compatible. The Bosch Nyon has additional functions that other devices can’t provide. Thanks to its integration with the drive unit, the display can provide all motor-relevant data. You can even display your cadence, power output and speed on the device without having to buy any additional sensors as they’re in the motor already. If you decide to purchase the premium ‘Lock’ function for an additional € 10, the Nyon doubles as an anti-theft device. Once the display is removed, all motor functions of the ebike get deactivated and can only be reactivated by reattaching the uniquely linked device. This doesn’t prevent anyone from stealing your bike but it makes it less attractive to thieves because you can no longer ride the bike with assistance.

Conclusion

The 2021 Bosch Nyon sets the standard for the future. It is the next level onboard computer that combines all the functions you need on an eMTB in one device and gets you safely to your destination. If you’re bothered by the small weaknesses in Bosch’s routing, simply use Komoot to plan your routes instead. The simple and intuitive operation, range-based navigation and theft deterrent provide added value that other devices cannot. As a retrofit solution for € 350, the Nyon Bosch is the best solution for ebike riders on the lookout for a user-friendly GPS device at a fair price, making it our deserved Best in Test. Unfortunately, it’s reserved exclusively for bikes with Bosch motors.

Tops

  • intuitive operation
  • pioneering integration of functions in the onboard computer
  • excellent display
  • intelligent range calculation
  • value for money

Flops

  • not ANT+ compatible
  • limited customisation when planning routes on the device
  • exclusively compatible with Bosch

The Testfeld

Get a quick overview of this test here: The best e-bike navigation device

All navigation devices in the group test: Bosch COBI.Bike Sport (Click for review)| Bosch Nyon | Bosch SmartphoneHub (Click for review) | Garmin Edge 1030 Plus (Click for review) | SIGMA ROX 12.0 (Click for review)


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Words: Rudolf Fischer Photos: Jonas Müssig

About the author

Rudolf Fischer

In his previous life Rudolf was a dab hand at promoting innovation, putting his brain behind big-ticket patent assessments that easily ran into six-or-seven-plus figures. These days, the self-confessed data nerd’s role as editor at DOWNTOWN and E-MOUNTAINBIKE is no less exciting. Given his specialism in connectivity, Rudolf’s often placed on the front line of future mobility conversations, but he’s also big into testing new bikes–both on the daily as a committed commuter and intensively for our group tests. The business economist graduate is as versatile as a Swiss penknife, and that’s no hyperbole. Away from two wheels, his background in parkour means he’s a master of front, side and backflips, plus he speaks German, English, French, Russian and a touch of Esperanto. Japanese remains woefully unmastered, despite his best home-learning attempts. Good to know: Rudolf’s sharp tongue has made him a figure of fear in the office, where he’s got a reputation for flexing a dry wittiness à la Ricky Gervais... interestingly, he's usually the one laughing hardest.