Sigma BC 23.16 STS test & experiences – the ideal bike computer for ambitious cyclists?

The BC 23.16 is the top model of the Sigma Sport bike computers. The special feature of the BC 23.16 STS is its wide range of functions.

In total, the clever bike computer has 23 functions: As a bike computer with altimeter, cadence and heart rate monitor, it offers the full range of functions. Thereby hardly any wishes remain open. Thanks to the wide range of functions, the Sigma BC 23.16 STS is best suited for road cyclists and for the ambitious.

Cyclists who like to record their data extensively and then evaluate it precisely are also right with the Sigma BC 23.16 STS.

What the smart bike computer can do and what not, you will find out in my detailed Sigma BC 23.16 test.

You’re in a hurry? Click here to go directly to the Sigma BC 23.16

* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-19, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon

https://bikepacking-adventures.com/go/sigma-bc-2316-sts-rose

Highlights

What are the big features of the Sigma BC 23.16 STS?

✅ Assembly is quick and easy
✅ Complete range of functions – ideal for ambitious cyclists: bike computer with heart rate monitor, cadence and altimeter
✅ Display is large and easy to read
✅ Backlight built-in
Sigma smartphone app allows sharing to Strava and komoot

BC 23.16 STS Scope of delivery & unboxing

The following equipment is included in the scope of delivery of the Sigma BC 23.16 STS:

• BC 23.16 STS bike computer
• Bike computer mount (for mounting on the handlebar or stem)
• Magnet for attachment to the spoke
• Wireless magnetic sensor for wireless speed measurement
• Metal sleeve to secure the magnet
• Wireless sensor for cadence measurement
• Chest strap for heart rate measurement
• Two rubber O-rings: mounting material for the wheel speedometer bracket and for the magnetic sensor
• Operating instructions
• Quick Start Guide

Sigma BC 23.16 STS bei Amazon kaufen*

Mounting and fastening of the Sigma BC 23.16 STS

The Sigma BC 23.16 STS is very easy and quick to mount: The bike speedometer can be attached either to the handlebar or to the stem. The bracket is simply attached there with a rubber O-ring. For mounting, your double-sided adhesive pad is also included. I find that installation is easier and even faster without the adhesive pad. For better theft protection, you can also secure the bike computer mount and later the sensor with cable ties. Corresponding eyelets are provided on the bracket and on the sensor.

The magnetic sensor is also easily attached to the front fork with a rubber O-ring. If you wish, you can also attach the magnetic sensor to the frame or the dropouts – i.e. next to the rear wheel. The Sigma BC 23.16 STS works wirelessly without cables and therefore mounting on the rear wheel is no problem.

The magnet itself is simply clipped into the spokes. You have to press a little harder to get it clipped down correctly. If the magnet is attached, then it holds thanks to the rubberized inside particularly securely – I would say: It holds bombproof on the spoke! It can be additionally secured with a metal sleeve supplied.

Then you screw the bracket for the cadence magnet into the pedal axle. After the cadence sensor is attached, the bike computer is also ready for use.

Conveniently, the Sigma speedo mounts are all the same. Thus, the Sigma Sports BC 23.16 STS also fits the mount of the bike computer models: 5.16 (test), 7.16, 9.16, 14.16 (test) and 16.16 (test).

The following video shows the assembly of the Sigma BC 23.16 STS very well:

Setting up the BC 26.16 STS

The Sigma Sport BC 23.16 STS is operated with a total of 5 buttons and the menu navigation is intuitive. There are even extra buttons for the most important functions. In total, the bike computer has buttons for the following functions:

• Bicycle functions
• Altimeter functions
• Round functions
• Pulse functions
• Extra menu button for menu navigation

Press and hold the Menu button to enter the Settings menu. For the bike computer to work accurately, it is best to make all the settings in the settings menu. You can make the following settings for the Sigma BC 23.16 STS:

Bike settings

Adjusting the wheel circumference for one or two bikes. The Sigma BC 23.16 STS already has presettings for the most common wheel types. Of course you can also adjust the wheel circumference individually down to the millimeter. If you change the bike computer between the two bikes, the current bike is automatically recognized by the bike computer. In addition to the wheel circumference, you can store the weight of your bikes. This information is important so that values such as the power calculation in watts can be carried out as correctly as possible.

Basic settings

First you make the basic settings in the menu: You can choose between 7 languages and the contrast of the display can be adjusted in 3 steps. You also enter your weight and the current date.

Heart rate and cadence

Functions such as heart rate and cadence measurement can be switched on and off. You can also enter your maximum heart rate. Based on this, your heart rate zones are then calculated. Of course you can also edit your heart rate zones manually.

Height

In order for the barometric altitude measurement to work correctly, the altitude must first be calibrated. Here you make two settings: First, you save the start height . For example, it is advisable to choose the altitude of a place where you often start your training e.g. from your home. You can also save your current altitude and adjust it at any time. You can easily determine your height here.

You can also turn the NFC interface on and off for data transfer.

Functions of the Sigma BC 23.16 STS

Sigma specifies water resistance for the BC 23.16 STS according to international protection class IP8X. The bike computer thus has “protection against permanent submersion”. This should protect the BC 23.16 STS from even the heaviest rain.

In my test, I had submerged the Sigma bike computer under water several times. As expected, the BC 23.16 STS continued to function properly after the dive. The bike computer, can be operated even in wet conditions (or even under water) at any time flawlessly – very good. Bicycle computers and navigation systems with touchscreens sometimes have major problems operating in wet conditions.

The most important functions are always displayed on the BC 23.16 STS so you can keep an eye on them:

• The current speed is displayed in large letters in the middle. An arrow pointing up or down indicates whether you are currently going faster or slower than your average speed.
• Top left Heart rate or the time if heart rate has been deactivated
• Current height
• Current cadence or current temperature if cadence has been deactivated
• Current slope or gradient in percent

With a key combination you can also display individual functions enlarged.

Bicycle Features:

• Daily route
• Travel time
• Average speed
• Maximum speed
• Time
• Ambient temperature
• Current cadence
• Average cadence
• Maximum cadence
• Current power converted into watts
• Average power converted into watts
• Ghost Race (run a virtual race against your own recorded track)

Altitude

• Elevation profile of the last 2.75 kilometres
• Current height
• Current slope or gradient in percent
• Meters of altitude uphill
• Meters of altitude downhill
• day’s uphill
• day’s downhill
• Maximum height

Heart rate

• Graphical heart rate profile of the last 3 to 5 kilometers
• Current heart rate
• Average heart rate
• Maximum heart rate
• Target zones graphic
• Personal maximum heart rate in percent
• Target zones graphic
• Daily calorie consumption

You can use the Sigma BC 23.16 STS on two different bikes: you can set the wheel circumference for both bikes. The bike computer recognizes by itself on which bike it is currently mounted.

Buttons & Operation

The operation of the Sigma Sport BC 23.16 STS is very simple with the 5 easily accessible buttons. The buttons are large and can be operated perfectly with cycling gloves. Once the bike computer is mounted, then it holds bombproof on the bike, there is nothing rattles and wobbles.

The bike computer can also be removed and attached within seconds: A quick turn is enough and the BC 23.16 STS is either snapped in and out. This is of course practical, because especially in the city you want to remove the bike computer when you are not at the bike.

Display and indication

The display is 3 x 3 cm and has a black and white display. You can read the display perfectly in any situation thanks to the high-contrast display. Whether in the sun or under changing light conditions such as in the forest, the values on the display are always easy to read.

Thanks to the adjustable backlight, the display is easy to read even at dusk and in the dark. The illumination can be switched on and off in the settings menu and at any time by a key combination (upper and left key simultaneously).

The display is a little reflective, but that is actually not disturbing in any situation.

The display is divided into three display areas. In the upper area, either one or four values are displayed simultaneously. Both views are very clear and can be switched at any time with a key combination (menu key at the top and pulse key at the same time). The bluish backlight is very practical. If it is activated, it switches on for 3 seconds each time the button is pressed.

Battery life

The battery life of the Sigma BC 23.16 STS is really long: according to Sigma, the battery should last for about 1.5 years or 7200 kilometers with normal use. The bike computer informs you about the battery status in good time before the battery runs out. So you can change the battery in time.

The Sigma BC 23.16 STS automatically detects when the ride is started and stopped. The recording of the activity then also starts and stops automatically. On the one hand, this is very practical and saves the battery: The bike computer automatically switches to standby mode after a few minutes. This further conserves battery life.

Data evaluation

The Sigma BC 23.16 STS measures a large amount of data. How well can these be evaluated?

For the evaluation, the most convenient option is the smartphone app (Android and iOS) Sigma Link. For the computer (Windows and Mac) there is also the Sigma Data Center application for extensive analysis of your own activities and of course activities can also be viewed directly on the Sigma bike computer.

Let’s take a close look at the possibilities:

Data evaluation on the BC 23.16 STS: In the statistics menu, completed activities can be viewed. It’s a good thing that option exists. However, only the basics are displayed: distance, time, altitude uphill and downhill, distance in km uphill and downhill and the calories burned are displayed. For more precise evaluations, the smartphone or computer is available.

Data evaluation on the smartphone (Android and iOS): The data can be transmitted wirelessly from the BC 23.16 STS to the smartphone. The radio standard NFC (Near Field Communication) is used for this purpose. This is not quite as convenient as a Bluetooth connection, because the two devices have to be very close to each other for data transmission, or in practice they even have to touch each other. If the devices are moved during the data transfer, the transfer is interrupted. After a short time you have the handling here out and the data can be transferred quickly to the smartphone. With the Sigma Link App, extensive evaluation options are then available. The activities are graphically presented in a nice way. In addition, sports portals like komoot and Strava are directly connected, where you can upload your activities directly.

I really like the Sigma apps overall and have linked them to you here:

Data evaluation on the computer (Windows and Mac): The activities of the Sigma Bc 23.16 STS can also be viewed and evaluated on the computer. The functions are similar to those in the Sigma app. You can download the Sigma Data Center application for free at Sigma-download.com. For the data transfer from the bike computer to the computer you need the official Sigma Docking Station Topline 2016*.

The Sigma BC 23.16 STS stores settings and total values permanently in the internal memory. So if the battery should go flat or you change the battery, your data will still be there. You just have to set the current time again.

Comparison and difference: Current Sigma bike computers

Follows 🙂

Sigma BC 23.16 STS Experience and Summary

Buy Sigma BC 23.16 STS – yes or no?

The BC 23.16 STS is an impressive bike computer and provides extensive measurement values. Important data that cyclists love is captured by the BC 23.16 STS. These include: Cadence, heart rate and altitude measurement. The range of functions is thus complete.

Power measurement in watts is supplied as a calculated value. Once you have completed an activity, the data can be conveniently analyzed on your smartphone or computer. The data transfer via NFC is not very convenient but works after the first attempts.

The Sigma bike computer is quickly installed and you can start cycling immediately. As I said: The data variety is enormous and therefore you have to get used to the operation for a short time. Overall, however, the operation is intuitive and quickly learned. Sigma Sport has done a very good job here.

Of course, comfort functions such as backlighting are also included, so you can also drive by.

You are a road cyclist or ambitious cyclist and want to monitor and evaluate your fitness data extensively? Then the BC 23.16 STS is the right bike computer for you.

* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-19, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon

Good

✅ quick and easy assembly
✅ Full range of functions: Bike computer with heart rate monitor, cadence and altimeter
✅ large and clearly readable display – even in difficult situations e.g. in strong sunlight
✅ Backlight and therefore also night driving possible
✅ App connection and activities to Strava and komoot shareable via app.
✅ Long battery life – approx. 7200 kilometers according to Sigma Sport.

Bad

❌Wireless NFC connection to the smartphone not very convenient.
❌ no cable ties included in delivery
❌ no GPS installed – see alternatives below 🙂

Alternatives to the Sigma BC 23.16 STS

VDO M6.1

Similar range of functions – no interface to smartphone or computer: The range of functions from the VDO M6.1 is also complete and therefore comparable with the BC 23.16 STS: It is a bike computer with heart rate monitor, cadence and altimeter. It also has other convenience features like a backlight and you can use the bike computer on two different bikes. The perfect bike computer for road bike riders? Unfortunately, the data cannot be transferred to the computer or smartphone. If you don’t need that, you can save a few euros with the VDO M6.1.

* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-19, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon

Sigma BC 14.16 STS

Inexpensive alternative for recreational cyclists and mountain bikers: The BC 14.16 STS has a few less functions, but is much cheaper. Non-performance-oriented cyclists will hardly miss the missing functions: The BC 14.16 STS is not a bike computer with heart rate monitor. As I said, non-performance-oriented cyclists will get over it. This is what the BC 14.16 STS can do: Basic bike data such as speed, time and kilometers logged are measured precisely. In addition, the BC 14.16 STS is a bike computer with altimeter. The altimeter is especially interesting for mountain bikers. At the end of the day you know how much altitude you have gained. Convenience features like a backlight and support for multiple bikes are also offered. This makes the BC 14.16 STS the ideal bike computer for recreational cyclists and mountain bikers.

* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-19, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon

To the detailed Sigma BC 14.16 STS field test (test & experiences)

Sigma ROX 11

The range of functions of the Sigma ROX 11 is similar to that of the BC 23.16 STS. More values can be shown on the display at the same time and the bike computer offers minimal navigation (arrow without map in the background). In addition, distance and speed can also be determined without sensors and via GPS. The bike computer is available either with the magnetic sensors in a bundle or you buy the pure bike computer ROX 11 without sensors. I recommend you buy the sensors from of the Wahoo sensors for speed and cadence wp_closed=. These are more robust in operation.

* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-19, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon

Did the Sigma Sport BC 23.16 STS test help you? Do you have any questions? Feel free to write me your comment.

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