Absolute One bike computer takes on big brands with high-res screen and accurate navigation – even in tunnels

If you’re looking for something different in cycling computers, with a stylish design and a claim of super-accurate position tracking, the Absolute One is due to be launched in September.

We caught up with Absolute Cycling’s Phil Lucas at Eurobike, who told us more about the new cycling computer.

Prioritising simplicity

Absolute Cycling launched its crowdfunding campaign for the Absolute One back in 2019.

After a long development process, Lucas says the brand is finally at a stage where it can release a marketable product.

“You have one chance to make a first impression,” says Lucas.

“We wanted to make sure that it was robust and tested and tried – we wanted to take our time developing and launch with a good product.”

Lucas says that Absolute One prioritises simplicity.

Unlike top-spec computers from Garmin and Hammerhead, there’s no touchscreen. You operate the computer with just three buttons. There’s full functionality available via the accompanying app, including configuration, sensor linking and route uploads.

Rather than a USB-C port, the Absolute One uses a cradle to charge, which works via contacts in the mounting hardware, so there’s no bung to work loose or break off. Although it works similarly to a Garmin quarter-turn mount, the mounting hardware is not compatible with Garmin’s.

Accurate and fast

The Absolute One computer has a high-resolution Gorilla Glass screen that Lucas says has a similar resolution to the screens used on top-spec smartphones.

The computer combines GPS fixes with accelerometer, clinometer, altimeter and digital compass feeds, in a process the brand calls sensor fusion. The computer is claimed to be accurate as well as fast-responding even when there’s a bad GPS signal. Or if you’re in a tunnel.

The first production batch of the Absolute One is planned to be available from September 2024. Pricing is yet to be announced, but Lucas says it won’t be entry-level, with a price of 599 mooted (without a currency specified). 

“For that, you get a super-nice, polished, great-looking unit designed by the house that designed Bang & Olufsen, hence the sharp and really modern lines,” says Lucas.

Claimed battery life is on par with the latest Garmin Edge 1050 at around 20 hours. But weight-wise, the Absolute One is 44g lighter than the Edge 1050 at 117g.