We tested the first COROS bike computer to see if its solar-powered battery and smart features can rival Garmin and Wahoo.
COROS Dura: At a Glance
Price: $249
Battery: Up to 120 hrs per charge (plus solar assist)
Display: 2.7″ color touchscreen
Navigation: Basic mapping, no live tracking
Connectivity: Strava, Ride with GPS, Komoot
Quirks: Sensitive scroll wheel, loud alerts
COROS Dura bike computer promises unmatched battery life. But does it really lead the pack in endurance? We rode with it for months to find out.
When you think of COROS, high-tech smartwatches and heart rate monitors might come to mind. Now, you can add bike computers to the list with Dura, the first COROS bike computer.
Breaking into a competitive space dominated by big names like Garmin and Wahoo isn’t easy. Especially when high-tech features like advanced navigation, quick syncing, and seamless app integration are expected.
But here’s where even the best fall short: battery life. It’s also where the COROS Dura might have an edge.
Many tech-heavy computers drain quickly. Some need to recharge after just a few rides. Dura claims the Solar GPS gets up to 120 hours per charge with all features enabled. Solar charging can add even more juice.
Early quirks aside, the COROS Dura bike computer feels polished now thanks to firmware updates. Its smart connectivity, third-party integration, and intuitive interface are surprisingly smooth for a first-gen bike computer.
Now that it feels ready for prime time, how does the Dura Solar GPS fare against its competitors? COROS provided us with a Dura bike computer for this review.
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COROS Dura Bike Computer: First Thoughts
You might wonder how big Dura is, whether it will fit your bike’s handlebars, and how it performs on the roads. These are all great questions. Here’s a closer look.
Unboxing
Dura looks giant next to our Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT, thanks to a larger 2.7″ touchscreen. However, it makes swiping and scrolling easier on the go. The screen is bright and easy to see, with adaptive backlighting for better visibility in any setting.
Installation
Installation took us less than 10 minutes. All the necessary components are included:
- 1 x 3mm multitool (for installation)
- 1 x 1.5mm multitool (for anti-theft screw)
- 2 screws
- 2 protective rubber pads
If you have compact handlebars, front lights, or both, space might feel tight. An innovative 1/4-turn design adds flexibility to maximize space. Despite its size, Dura comfortably fits our narrower handlebars.
Setting Up
The COROS app is relatively quick and easy to navigate. Like the COROS Pace Pro GPS watch, pairing the Dura is fast and simple. Once it’s set up, you can customize the data pages and split them according to your preferences. You can choose up to nine split frames based on categories such as time, speed, distance, elevation, and more.
Fine Tuning
A unique feature is that you can set up custom profiles based on your bike. There are options for road, gravel, mountain, hybrid, and electric bikes. You’ll also find an indoor training mode. You can customize your profile data to match your favorite activity.
Off We Go!
A true first test of a new bike computer? 60 miles of back roads, parks, and urban stretches with climbs, flats, and a mix of shade and sun. This gave us time to test basic and more advanced features, including mapping.
Nearly 40 miles in, our Google Maps-powered route led us into a construction zone. Rerouting is available, but it fell short here (more on that below).
While navigation is frustrating, the display is a bright spot for data-driven cyclists. Your selected data shows up on a single screen, so you don’t have to waste time searching as you pedal.
A large digital crown (scroll wheel) makes it easy to navigate on the fly. However, it’s very sensitive and can jump between pages and screens as you ride. Watch the screen when you’re wearing gloves or on rough surfaces.
1,000 Miles Later: Is COROS Dura Bike Computer Still Worth It?
During months of testing, we’ve put the Dura Solar through the paces. We’ve tested its durability, water and weather resistance, battery life, and reliability in various real-world conditions. Here’s our honest COROS Dura review after extensive testing.
Battery King or Still in Beta?
COROS Dura boasts an industry-leading claim of up to 120 hours per charge. That’s using all systems and without solar. Based on the real-world numbers our Wahoo and Garmin computers delivered, we were intrigued (yet skeptical) by this big number.
A significant firmware update in our early testing days seemed to improve the battery. Despite riding 100+ mile weeks, we only had to recharge once a month. That beats our previous bike computers.
Being surrounded by trees kept us cool, but made solar charging less reliable. Instead of the claimed two hours of charge per one hour of direct sunlight, we maintained or gained an extra 1% most of the time. When we left the watch outdoors to recharge, it reliably gained nearly 3% of juice per hour in direct sunlight.
Train Smarter With Smooth App & Sensor Integration (picture of app)
Do you train with a heart rate monitor, power meter, or speed sensor? Dura’s Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility plays nicely with many training tools and accessories, including Garmin Varia radar and SRAM electronic drivetrains.
As with many bike computers, the companion app provides maximum functionality. Fortunately, the COROS app is pretty quick, responsive, and easy to use. That’s good, as you’ll need to become quite intimate with it to get the most out of your Dura.
When you’re done, your data automatically uploads to the app. You can store workouts, create training plans, view personal records, and more.
We also like the gear tracking feature, which lets you keep tabs on your bike and gear. Just name the item, add the starting mileage, and indicate when you want to be notified that it’s time to take action. Besides keeping your bike on a regular maintenance schedule, it’s one less thing to remember.
The best part? It’s free! No subscription fees or restrictions.
Where COROS Dura Bike Computer Falls Short
Our first ride left us feeling underwhelmed by mapping issues and a touchy scroll wheel. Has our opinion changed after more time with the Dura?
The short answer: No.
Unlike many competitors, creating and using maps feels clunky on the Dura. You can build maps on the COROS app or import them from Strava or Komoot. However, there’s a noticeable lag when importing routes. Navigation is also limited, as you can’t zoom in or view street names. This is especially frustrating if you’re lost or exploring a new route.
Another frustration is the navigation alerts. You won’t miss cues, but the alerts are loud and the volume can’t be adjusted.
We’d also like to see live tracking. Your designated contact will automatically receive an email after you start a ride (texts currently aren’t available). If you need assistance, however, it will send an email and text.
Another gripe is the thin mount. Ours broke after one year of use, which isn’t something we’ve experienced with our Wahoo or Garmin bike computers. At least replacement parts are readily available.
Finally, the crash detection alert offers peace of mind. However, it has limitations. Long waits at traffic lights triggered alerts more than once, which wasn’t fun for us or our emergency contact. At the time of this COROS Dura review, there’s no way to adjust the time it takes to send an alert.
COROS Dura Bike Computer: Ready to Roll? Our Final Thoughts
For the price, it’s hard to beat the huge battery range and solid customization options. The interface is user-friendly, with tons of data on a single screen. Regular firmware updates help improve the Dura and keep it relevant, so it won’t feel outdated next season.
There are some obvious limitations, such as a sensitive scroll wheel and basic mapping. But if they aren’t dealbreakers, the COROS Dura Solar GPS bike computer is a great value.
COROS Dura Bike Computer Details
Here’s a breakdown to help you get to know the Dura better.
Design, Size, & Weight
- 2.7″ MIP color screen
- Always-on touch display
- 400×240 resolution
- Compatible handlebars: 25.4mm – 31.8mm
- Handlebar mount: 70mm long
- Weight (device): 102g
- Weight (mount): 53g
Battery & Charging
- 120 hours (with GPS and all systems)
- Dual-frequency: 70 hours
- Solar charging: up to 2 hours of extra charge
Mapping Features
- Turn-by-turn directions
- Google Maps
- Rerouting
Safety Features
- Group Tracking
- Bike Alarm
- Crash Detection
App Integration
- Strava
- Komoot
- TrainingPeaks
- Ride With GPS
Connectivity
- Bluetooth
- ANT+ connectivity
FAQ
What Is the COROS Dura Bike Computer?
The Dura is the first-ever bike computer from COROS. This GPS bike claims up to 120 hours per charge. Its 2.7″ touchscreen display is responsive and easy to read, with an adaptive backlight that adjusts to different lighting conditions. A digital dial offers quick access to pages and data. Google Map-powered navigation, dual-frequency GPS, and third-party integrations cater to performance and adventure riding.
How Many Hours of Solar Charging Do You Get?
According to COROS, one hour in direct sunlight yields up to two hours of extra battery.
How Long Is the Battery Life?
COROS suggests the battery can last up to 120 hours on a single charge using all features. With solar charging, one hour in direct sunlight can add up to two hours of extra usage.
Does COROS Dura Work With Garmin Varia?
Yes. Dura is compatible with the Garmin Varia radar and tail light devices for added safety on the road. While tech like the Varia can make rides safer, your best bet is still a bike helmet.
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