Sigma BC 14.16 STS Test & Experience – The right bike computer for you?

The Sigma BC 14.16* bike computer has 14 useful functions. It is the bike computer for all who want to go out: An altimeter with many functions is integrated. This provides advanced functions such as the display of an altitude profile or the gradient percentage.

In this article I will show you all the features of the Sigma BC 14.16 in detail and you will learn what the compact bike speedometer can do and what it can not.

The BC 14.16 is available in two versions:

• The Sigma BC 14.16 STS* is the version without cable, so it falls into the category of bike computers wireless.
• There is also a variant as a bike computer with cable: This is the Sigma BC 14.1* Sigma.

The Sigma BC 14.16 reliably provides basic bike data such as speed, distance and duration of your tour. Advanced functions are also on board with the bicycle speedometer:

✅ Find out everything you need to know about the compact bike speedometer in this Sigma BC 14.16 test .
✅ 14 extensive bike functions: incl. Basic bike data such as current speed, daily kilometres, total kilometres, riding time, time of day, etc.
✅ Advanced functions: Altitude measurement functions and cadence analysis with cadence sensor
✅ Sports portals like komoot and Strava integrated
✅ Smartphone connection: Wireless via NFC
✅ Long battery life: 1.5 years or longer

You’re in a hurry? Click here to go directly to the Sigma BC 14.16 STS

* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-26, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon

Sigma BC 14.16 STS Unboxing & Scope of delivery

The following items are included in the scope of delivery of the Sigma BC 14.16 STS:

• Bicycle speedometer Sigma BC 14.16 STS incl. Battery (already installed)
• Bike speedo mount
• wireless magnetic sensor
• Magnet with fixing material for the spoke
• Two rubber O-rings to secure the bike speedo mount and the magnetic sensor
• International operating instructions (incl. German instructions)
• Explanation of the setting functions

The Sigma BC 14.16 STS is waterproof according to IPX8 which means “protection against permanent submersion”. So you don’t have to worry about a rain shower.

Sigma BC 14.16 STS bei Amazon kaufen*

Mounting and fastening of the Sigma BC 14.16 STS

The installation is very easy and done in about 10 minutes: You fix the bike computer mount on the handlebar or stem and mount the magnet and the sensor. If you want to measure the cadence, then you also install the cadence sensor and the magnet for the measurement. So after two or three simple steps you are ready to go.

Mounting the bike computer bracket: The bracket for the bike speedometer can be attached either to the stem or to the bike handlebar. Personally, I like the mounting on the bicycle handlebars better: The bike computer is thereby slightly further forward, compared to the mounting on the stem. This way you have a better view of the display and it doesn’t get so dripped with sweat. The bracket itself can be fixed either with a rubber O-ring or with cable ties. The mounting rubbers are included in the scope of delivery and the bike computer mount is thereby securely fixed. Mounting with cable ties is more theft-proof and the cable ties are not included. For mounting an adhesive pad is included but in the Sigma BC 14.16 test I immediately found: The adhesive pad is actually not necessary. The holder holds securely even without the pad and so you do not stick to the handlebars.

Mounting magnet and magnetic sensor (speed sensor): The speed is measured by the magnetic sensor, as well as the spoke magnet. The installation is also very easy and quickly done. First, the magnet is clipped to a spoke. Then you can attach the magnetic sensor to the bicycle fork with a rubber O-ring. It is important that the magnet and the magnetic sensor are at the same height. The maximum distance between both parts may be 12 milimeters. Alignment is very easy and once both are mounted, the parts hold securely in place even on very rough descents. All good then 🙂

Mounting of cadence sensor (optional): The Sigma BC 14.16 STS can be coupled with a cadence sensor. However, this is not always included in the scope of delivery.

• Either you buy the BC 14.16 STS CAD right away, because the cadence sensor is included in the scope of delivery, or you buy the BC 14.16 STS CAD.
• You buy the STS Cadence Transmitter Kit* as an accessory. The accessory is compatible with all Sigma bike computers without cable from the Topline series 2016 i.e. with BC 14.16 STS, BC 14.16 STS CAD, BC 16.16 STS, BC 16.16 STS CAD and BC 23.16 STS.

The installation is again very fast: The cadence sensor is attached with a rubber O-ring on the chain stay. The cadence agent is attached to the back of the bicycle pedal. Again, both parts hold securely and firmly. In my opinion, there is no risk of slippage or even loss here. Believe me: I have ridden in the Sigma BC 14.16 test already some rough trails with the sensors On the bike 😉

The video shows the assembly of the Sigma bicycle speedometer very understandable:

Setting up the BC 14.16 STS

You operate the Sigma BC 14.16 simply via three buttons. At the top of the housing is the menu button. Just hold it down for three seconds to enter the menu. There you have access to statistic and total values and you can also do the initial setup of the BC 14.16.

You can set the following functions:

Device settings

• Language: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch and Polish
• Speed: kmh or mph – Set whether distances are measured in kilometers per hour or miles per hour.
• Temperature: C or F – Set whether the bike computer should measure the temperature in degrees Celsius or degrees Fahrenheit.
• Time: 12h or 24h – The bike speedometer displays the time in the clock format 12 or 24 hours. When you have confirmed with the menu button, you can set the current time.
• Date: Select the appropriate date format and set the current date.
• Contrast: Adjustment of the display contrast in three levels
• Cadence: Turn on and off the cadence measurement. Available for Sigma BC 14.16 STS and Sigma BC 14.16 STS CAD bike computer without cable
• Power Save: On or Off – when turned on, the computer will switch from the so-called sleep mode to the power save mode after a few minutes. This will extend the already long battery life again
• NFC: On or Off – turns Near Field Communication off. This wireless standard allows data to be exchanged between the Sigma bike computer and your iOS or Android smartphone.

Wheel settings

• Wheel circumference: The wheel circumference of two different bikes can be adjusted. You can choose between the most common wheel types or enter the wheel circumference exactly in milimeters. The more precise the information, the more accurately the Sigma BC 14.16 can determine the bike values. You can determine the wheel circumference very precisely with the methods presented in this article: Bike computer setting with table and calculator – Calculate wheel circumference & set exactly.

Height settings

• Height setting: Meters or feet – All heights are in meters or feet.
• altitude 1: Set the starting altitude from point 1 e.g. from home, where you often start.
• Height 2: Set the starting height from point 2.
• altitude: Setting the current altitude or air pressure.

You can find out the current altitude at pages like mygeoposition, for example.

Total values Setting

In this menu the total values for distance, time, uphill altitude and all total values can be reset.

The settings menu is clearly shown in the Sigma Sport video.

The functions of the Sigma BC 14.16 STS

The BC 14.16 STS is a bike computer with altimeter! The barometric altimeter makes the bike computer especially interesting for mountain bikers. After all, you want to know how much altitude you have gained at the end of a bike day!

With the Sigma BC 14.16 STS you always have the current speed in view: The speed is permanently shown at the top right of the display. You can also see immediately whether you are currently going faster or slower than your average speed. This is indicated by a small arrow next to the speed: If you drive faster, it points upwards. If you drive slower then it points downwards.

The Sigma bike computer has one button at the top and two buttons at the bottom. These have the following functions:

The Menu button (top) and the Bike button (bottom right) – toggles between:

• Speed: average and maximum speed
• Route: Current and partial route
• Driving time: Current and partial time
• Cadence: Current and average cadence
• Time, partial time
• Temperature

The Alti button (lower left) is used to display altitude functions:

• Elevation profile
• Current height
• gradient in %
• Meters uphill
• maximum height

All functions can be scrolled forward and back again. This is very practical: if you have once scrolled too far through a function, you can easily return to it by pressing a button.

The following total values can be displayed in the settings menu

• Total distance (bike1/bike2), total riding time (bike1/bike2), total meters uphill (bike1/bike2)

The functions of the Sigma BC 14.16 STS are really extensive. The BC 14.16 STS is a Sigma bike computer with altimeter and does not measure heart rate or cadence. Those who need these features should take a close look at the Sigma BC 23.16 STS* (review). This is a bike computer with altimeter, cadence sensor and heart rate monitor. So it has all the features on board!

The video explains the functions of the Sigma BC 14.16 precisely and clearly:

Buttons & Operation of the Sigma BC 14.16 STS

I have had good experiences with the Sigma BC 14.16 STS: The Sigma can be operated via a total of three buttons. The arrangement and the functions of the bike computer are very logical and thus you have learned the operation immediately. The operation with cycling gloves also works quite wonderfully.

The Sigma bike computer sits very securely in the holder and does not wobble at all, even on rough ground.

If you want to remove the bike computer or attach it again afterwards, this works within seconds: By turning clockwise, the bike computer is fixed in the holder. By turning it in the opposite direction, it is removed again. The interaction of bike computer and mount is solved excellently.

Display and indication

The display is black and white and measures approx. 3 x 3 cm. The functions are displayed very large as full text, which makes it easy to see the values. Even with a rough ride in the terrain, you can read the values well.

The readability of the display is also very good: Whether in the blazing sun or in changing light conditions under a leafy roof: the information on the display is very easy to see. The screen is minimally reflective but that does not interfere with the readability.

The display also has a handy bluish backlight that you can choose to turn on and off. This means that you can also drive during twilight and in the dark. The backlight turns out just right and in my opinion is a feature you should always have on a bike computer.

Instead of being switched off, the Sigma BC 14.16 is in standby mode: as soon as the start of the journey is detected, it switches on and starts the measurement process. Until then, the battery is conserved in standby mode. So you can just go for a ride and concentrate on cycling. Good Sigma BC 14.16 STS experience so 🙂

You don’t have to worry about the battery life, because it really lasts long – More about this in the following section.

Battery life

The battery life of the Sigma BC 14.16 STS is really long: Sigma states it at 1.5 years with normal use. Normal use means 20 kilometres of driving a day or 7 200 kilometres a year. Most people don’t ride a bike that much and the battery should last longer.

Before the battery runs out, you will be informed by the Sigma bike computer. So you don’t have to worry.

Data evaluation

There are several options for comprehensive data evaluation:

On the computer with the Sigma docking station: Link to Sigma Data Center + Docking Station

Via smartphone and wirelessly via NFC (Near Field Communication):

The Sigma 14.16 can be read wirelessly via NFC with your smartphone. You can download the free Sigma Link app for this.

With the app you can read out your training and tour data. With the Sigma Link app, you can analyze the data in more detail. If you want, you can upload the data to the SIGMA DATA CENTER or to sports networks like Strava or Training Peaks. On your smartphone, you can also directly make settings for the Sigma BC 14.16 STS. This works wonderfully and is also very comfortable on the large smartphone touchscreen.

The Windows and MAC application Sigma Data Center also offers similar functions. You can download these free of charge from the Sigma website. The connection to the computer or Mac is made with the Docking Station Topline 2016*.

The Sigma bike computer permanently stores all total values and settings on the integrated memory chip: Your data will not be lost when changing the battery. You just have to set the current time again.

Comparison and difference: Current Sigma bike computers with altimeter and without

Follows 😉

Sigma BC 14.16 STS Experience and Summary

Buy Sigma BC 14.16 – yes or no?

The Sigma Sport BC 14.16 STS is especially suitable for cyclists who want to record the altitude they have ridden. So for mountain bikers, the BC 14.16 STS is the right choice. Recreational cyclists will also enjoy the Sigma bike computer, because of course basic bike data such as speed, distance and duration of the ride are also reliably recorded. Road cyclists will probably miss the heart rate measurement.

The look of the Sigma BC 14.16 STS is convincing and comfort functions such as a temperature display and an illuminated display for rides at dusk are also on board.

The Sigma BC 14.16 STS is a reliable bike computer with altimeter and extra long battery life (approx. 1.5 years).

* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-26, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon

Good

✅ extensive functions: Basic bike data (speed, daily kilometers, total kilometers, ride time, time) and advanced functions (altitude measurement functions and cadence analysis).
✅ Sports portals like komoot and Strava integrated
✅ Wireless smartphone connection via NFC
✅ Lit display: This makes driving at dusk or at night possible.

Bad

❌ No heart rate measurement possible: This function has the BC 23.16 STS (see below)
❌ Battery not rechargeable:But lasts approx. 1.5 years

Alternatives to the Sigma BC 14.16 STS

Sigma BC 16.16 STS

The Sigma BC 16.16 STS offers many great functions. It can actually do everything that the recreational cyclist wants. As with the BC 14.16 STS tested here, the battery life is enormous and operation is simple and quick to learn. Profiles for two different bikes are possible and comfort functions like a backlight are also offered. A second mount or even a cadence sensor can be purchased as an accessory and altitude measurement is not possible. As I said, the BC 16.16 STS is the ideal bike computer for recreational cyclists.

* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-26, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon

To the detailed Sigma BC 16.16 STS field test (test & experiences)

Sigma BC 23.16 STS

The flagship of the Sigma bike computers provides extensive bike data: Altitude, cadence and heart rate are measured. Thus, the range of functions is complete – only GPS is missing (You are looking for a GPS bike navigator? Then look closely at the GPS bike nav overview). Via NFC a wireless transmission of your rides directly to the smartphone is possible and also fitness portals like komoot and Strava are offered. The BC 23.16 STS is therefore one of the best bike computers and worth buying.

* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-26, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon

What do you think of the Sigma BC 14.16 bike computer? Do you have any questions? Write me your comment, please.

The bike computer tested here doesn’t suit you? In the extensive Sigma bike computer test. I have all the recommended bike computers and bike tachos clearly compared for you. I regularly update the test. Best check out the article now.