Garmin Bike Speed Sensor 2
Wireless hub-mounted speed sensor — measures and transmits speed and distance to compatible Garmin devices, training apps, and fitness displays. No magnets. Attaches to the hub of either wheel. Self-calibrates with a compatible Edge cycling computer or Garmin device. Records rides even without a connected head unit — syncs to Garmin Connect afterward. ANT+ and Bluetooth Low Energy simultaneously. Built-in odometer for maintenance planning. ~12 months of battery life. MPN: 010-12843-00. UPC: 753759222536.
ANT+ & BLE
front or rear
simultaneously
Accurate tracking! I use both of these on all my bikes to get accurate info on my riding to improve my training. Easy sync.
Our Take: The Speed Sensor 2 is Garmin's hub-mounted wireless speed sensor, and its standout feature compared to GPS alone — or to the first generation — is the ability to record rides internally when no paired device is present. Earlier Garmin speed sensors were passive: they broadcast data only when a head unit was actively receiving. The Speed Sensor 2 has onboard memory. Ride without your Edge or Forerunner and the sensor records speed and distance on its own, then automatically uploads that data to Garmin Connect the next time it's within range of the Garmin Connect app. This makes it especially practical for commuters, casual riders, and anyone who rides a second bike that doesn't always carry a head unit. The dual-protocol design means it broadcasts on ANT+ and Bluetooth Low Energy simultaneously — pair to your Garmin head unit via ANT+ and to Zwift or a training app via Bluetooth at the same time, both receiving live speed and distance data from the same sensor. Setup is straightforward: attach to the hub of either the front or rear wheel using the included rubber band, rotate the wheel twice to wake the sensor, then either self-calibrate on a compatible Edge computer or set your wheel circumference in Garmin Connect. Self-calibration is the faster path — the Edge measures your wheel size automatically over GPS distance and adjusts the sensor's output to match. The built-in odometer tracks cumulative distance across all rides, which you can use to schedule chain and drivetrain service intervals. Battery is a CR2032 coin cell lasting approximately 12 months at one hour of daily use, user-replaceable without tools. For indoor training on a smart trainer — where GPS isn't available and distance from GPS would be zero — the Speed Sensor 2 gives you real wheel-speed data from the rear hub, which passes to Zwift or any Bluetooth-enabled training app as accurate speed and distance for the session.
Records Rides Without a Head Unit
The Speed Sensor 2 stores rides internally when no device is paired — speed, distance, and duration are recorded on the sensor itself. The next time the Garmin Connect app is in range, all stored activities automatically upload. Ideal for commutes, second bikes, and any ride where carrying a head unit isn't practical.
Why you'd choose this sensor
- The Speed Sensor 2 stores speed and distance internally when no Garmin device or app is actively paired. Ride without your Edge or Forerunner and the sensor records the activity on its own, then syncs automatically to Garmin Connect the next time the app is nearby. A standout feature for commuters and riders with multiple bikes.
- Broadcasts on both ANT+ and Bluetooth Low Energy at the same time. Pair to your Garmin Edge or Forerunner via ANT+ and to Zwift or a training app via Bluetooth simultaneously — one sensor, two live connections, no switching required.
- On a smart trainer or rollers, GPS isn't available — speed shows zero or isn't tracked at all. The Speed Sensor 2 measures actual wheel rotation at the hub and passes accurate speed and distance to Zwift or any compatible training app. Essential for riders who want correct indoor distance data.
- Compatible Edge cycling computers automatically measure your wheel size by comparing sensor rotations to GPS distance, then calibrate the sensor output to match your exact wheel. No manual circumference lookup required. You can also set wheel size manually in the Garmin Connect app.
- Magnetless design — no spoke magnet to position, no sensor arm to adjust for wheel size, no spoke alignment required. Secure the rubber band around the hub of your front or rear wheel and rotate twice to wake it. Move between bikes in a minute with no reconfiguration.
- The sensor tracks cumulative distance across all rides, separate from individual activity logs. Use the odometer reading in Garmin Connect to schedule chain replacement, drivetrain service, and other mileage-based bike maintenance. The odometer persists even when switching paired devices.
- Approximately 12 months at one hour of daily riding. LED flashes red before the battery runs out. The CR2032 coin cell is user-replaceable without tools — swap it in seconds. Available at any pharmacy or electronics retailer.
- Speed and distance data syncs to Garmin Connect after every ride, whether recorded live on a head unit or stored internally by the sensor. From Garmin Connect, data auto-syncs to Strava and other connected platforms. Use long-term data to analyze improvements in average speed over routes.
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Perfect For
- Cyclists adding accurate speed and distance to an existing Garmin setup without relying solely on GPS
- Indoor training on smart trainers and rollers where GPS isn't available
- Commuters who want ride data even when not carrying a head unit
- Riders with multiple bikes who want consistent odometer tracking per bike
- Anyone who wants speed data in GPS dead zones — tunnels, dense urban canyons, forest trails
- Triathletes using Garmin multisport devices who want hub-based speed on the bike leg
Good to know before you buy
- Measures speed and distance only — does not measure cadence (pedal RPM). For cadence, pair with the Garmin Cadence Sensor 2 separately or buy the bundle
- Hub-mounted — attaches to the wheel hub axle with a rubber band; fits front or rear wheel
- Wheel size setup required before first use — self-calibrate with a compatible Edge, or set manually in Garmin Connect
- Two rubber band sizes included for different hub widths
- Internal ride recording does not require any prior device pairing
Speed Sensor 2 — Full Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Bike Speed Sensor 2 |
| MPN | 010-12843-00 |
| UPC | 753759222536 |
| Color | Black |
| Measurement | Speed and distance (via wheel hub rotation) |
| Cadence | No — speed/distance only. Pair with Cadence Sensor 2 for pedal RPM |
| Wireless protocols | ANT+ and Bluetooth Low Energy (simultaneously) |
| Bluetooth pairings | Up to 2 devices simultaneously |
| ANT+ pairings | Unlimited |
| Mounting | Rubber band — wheel hub axle (front or rear) |
| Magnets required | No — magnetless design |
| Wheel compatibility | Front or rear wheel; any hub size (2 band sizes included) |
| Wheel size setup | Self-calibrate on compatible Edge, or set manually in Garmin Connect |
| Rides without head unit | Yes — stores internally, syncs to Garmin Connect automatically |
| Odometer | Yes — cumulative distance tracking per bike |
| Auto-wake | 2 wheel revolutions |
| LED indicators | Green 5-sec flash = active · Red = low battery |
| Battery | CR2032 user-replaceable |
| Battery life | Approximately 12 months at 1 hour/day |
| Compatible Garmin devices | Edge series · Forerunner series · Fenix/Epix · Venu/Vivoactive · All ANT+/BLE Garmin devices |
| Indoor training | Yes — hub-based speed data for smart trainers and rollers via Bluetooth |
| Garmin Connect sync | Yes — speed/distance history, odometer, stored rides, auto-sync to Strava |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
| CA Prop 65 | Warning: contains lead — wash hands after handling |
| Bundle available | Yes — Speed Sensor 2 + Cadence Sensor 2 Bundle (MPN: 010-12845-00) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this sensor record rides without a Garmin head unit?
Yes — this is the Speed Sensor 2's standout feature. The sensor has onboard memory and stores speed and distance internally when no device is actively paired. The next time the Garmin Connect app on your phone is within range, all stored rides upload automatically. The Cadence Sensor 2 does not have this capability — cadence data requires an active connection to a paired device or head unit.
Does this sensor measure cadence as well as speed?
No. The Speed Sensor 2 measures wheel speed and distance only. For pedal cadence (RPM), you need to add the Garmin Cadence Sensor 2 separately, which mounts to the crank arm. Both sensors are available individually or together as the Garmin Speed and Cadence Sensor 2 Bundle (MPN: 010-12845-00).
How do I set up the wheel size for accurate speed readings?
Two options. The easiest: pair to a compatible Garmin Edge cycling computer and allow it to self-calibrate — the Edge compares wheel rotation counts to GPS distance over a short ride and automatically adjusts the sensor's output to match your exact wheel size. Alternatively, look up your wheel's circumference in millimeters and enter it manually in the Garmin Connect app under the sensor's settings.
Does it work with Zwift for indoor training?
Yes. Connect via Bluetooth to Zwift on your phone, tablet, or Apple TV. The sensor transmits real wheel speed from the hub, which Zwift uses to calculate speed and distance for your indoor session. This is more accurate than GPS-based speed on a trainer (GPS shows zero indoors) and more representative of actual effort than virtual speed calculated from power alone.
Can it pair to a Garmin watch and Zwift at the same time?
Yes. The sensor pairs to up to 2 Bluetooth devices simultaneously plus unlimited ANT+ devices. Your Garmin watch or Edge computer connects via ANT+, and Zwift connects via Bluetooth — both receive live speed data from the same sensor without any mode switching.
What is the difference between the Speed Sensor 2 and the original Garmin speed sensor?
Three key upgrades. First: Bluetooth Low Energy alongside ANT+, so it works with smartphones, Apple TV, and Bluetooth training apps directly — the original was ANT+ only. Second: onboard memory to record rides without a head unit — the original only broadcast live data when a device was actively paired. Third: self-calibration with compatible Edge computers — the original required manual wheel circumference entry.
Does the odometer work across multiple bikes?
Each individual Speed Sensor 2 tracks its own cumulative distance — so if you have one sensor per bike, each sensor maintains a separate odometer for that bike. In Garmin Connect, you can associate each sensor with a specific bike and monitor per-bike mileage to schedule maintenance like chain replacement or service intervals.
Is it compatible with non-Garmin devices?
Yes. Any device or app supporting the ANT+ speed sensor profile or Bluetooth LE speed sensor profile receives data from this sensor. Non-Garmin ANT+ head units work via ANT+, and any Bluetooth-enabled app or device with speed sensor support works via BLE. The sensor is not proprietary to Garmin hardware.
CA Residents: Prop 65 Warning
We work hard to keep product information accurate. If you spot an error, email us at sales@hrmusainc.com. Questions? 1-800-403-8285.
Garmin Bike Speed Sensor 2
Speed. Distance. Without GPS.
Hub-mounted speed sensor with onboard memory. Records rides even without a paired device. Self-calibrates with compatible Edge computers. ANT+ and Bluetooth LE simultaneously. Indoor training speed data for smart trainers. Built-in odometer for maintenance planning. 12 months of battery life.
ANT+ & BLE
1 hr/day
simultaneously
pairings
Verified Customer Review
Accurate tracking! I use both of these on all my bikes to get accurate info on my riding to improve my training. Easy sync.
Our Take: The Speed Sensor 2's defining feature isn't the dual-protocol transmission — though that matters for Zwift users — it's the onboard memory. Earlier Garmin speed sensors broadcast only when actively paired to a head unit; when the head unit was absent, nothing was recorded. The Speed Sensor 2 changed that by adding internal storage: ride without your Edge or Forerunner and the sensor records speed, distance, and duration independently, then auto-uploads to Garmin Connect the next time the app comes within range. This makes it genuinely useful for commutes, second bikes, and any ride where carrying a head unit isn't practical. The dual-protocol side means it broadcasts ANT+ and Bluetooth LE simultaneously — pair to your Garmin device via ANT+ and to Zwift or a training app via Bluetooth at the same time, both receiving live hub-based speed. Indoor use is a strong case: on a smart trainer or rollers, GPS is unavailable and speed shows zero or isn't tracked. The Speed Sensor 2 delivers real wheel-speed data from the hub to Zwift and any other Bluetooth-enabled training app, giving you accurate indoor distance for the session. Setup requires one wheel-size calibration step: either let a compatible Edge computer auto-calibrate over GPS distance, or manually enter your wheel circumference in Garmin Connect. After that, the sensor self-identifies and reconnects automatically each time you start a ride. The built-in odometer accumulates distance across all rides and all platforms — paired or unpaired — giving you a reliable total for scheduling chain replacement and drivetrain service. Battery is a CR2032 lasting roughly 12 months at one hour daily, user-replaceable without tools.
Records Rides Without a Head Unit
- Onboard memory stores speed, distance, and duration when no device is actively paired
- No setup required — the sensor records automatically from the first rotation
- Auto-uploads to Garmin Connect the next time the app is within Bluetooth range
- Ideal for commute bikes, second bikes, or any ride without a head unit
- The Cadence Sensor 2 does not have this capability — cadence requires an active paired connection
- Onboard memory stores speed and distance internally when no device is paired. Auto-uploads to Garmin Connect the next time the app is nearby. Unique to the Speed Sensor 2 — the Cadence Sensor 2 cannot do this.
- Broadcasts on both protocols at the same time. Pair to your Garmin head unit via ANT+ and to Zwift or a training app via Bluetooth — both receive live speed data without any mode switching or reconnecting.
- Hub-based wheel rotation delivers real speed and distance data on smart trainers and rollers where GPS is unavailable. Essential for Zwift and indoor training apps that use speed to calculate virtual distance.
- Edge cycling computers automatically detect wheel size by comparing sensor rotations to GPS distance over a short ride and calibrate output to match your exact wheel. No manual circumference lookup needed.
- Magnetless — no spoke magnet, no sensor arm, no alignment required. Rubber band to the front or rear hub axle, rotate twice to wake. Move between bikes in under a minute with no reconfiguration.
- Tracks cumulative distance across all rides on that bike — paired or unpaired. View per-bike mileage in Garmin Connect and use it to schedule chain replacement, drivetrain service, and other maintenance by distance.
- Approximately 12 months at one hour of daily riding. LED flashes red before the battery fails. CR2032 coin cell is user-replaceable without tools in seconds.
- Speed and distance syncs to Garmin Connect after every ride — live or stored. Odometer tracks cumulative bike distance. Data auto-syncs to Strava and other connected platforms via Garmin Connect.
Perfect For
- Cyclists adding accurate speed/distance without relying solely on GPS
- Indoor training on smart trainers and rollers
- Commuters who want ride data without carrying a head unit
- Riders with multiple bikes who want per-bike odometer tracking
- Speed data in GPS dead zones — tunnels, canyons, dense urban areas
- Triathletes using Garmin multisport devices on the bike leg
Good to Know Before You Buy
- Speed and distance only — does not measure pedal cadence (RPM)
- Add the Cadence Sensor 2 separately, or buy as a bundle (MPN: 010-12845-00)
- Wheel size calibration required before first use
- Two rubber band sizes included for different hub widths
- Internal recording activates automatically — no prior device pairing needed
- Not compatible with the Garmin Connect app as a standalone cadence source
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Bike Speed Sensor 2 |
| MPN | 010-12843-00 |
| UPC | 753759222536 |
| Color | Black |
| Measurement | Speed and distance (wheel hub rotation) |
| Cadence | No — add Cadence Sensor 2 separately, or buy bundle (MPN: 010-12845-00) |
| Wireless protocols | ANT+ and Bluetooth Low Energy (simultaneously) |
| Bluetooth pairings | Up to 2 devices simultaneously |
| ANT+ pairings | Unlimited |
| Mounting | Rubber band — wheel hub axle (front or rear) |
| Magnets required | No — magnetless design |
| Wheel compatibility | Front or rear wheel; any hub (2 band sizes included) |
| Wheel size setup | Self-calibrate on compatible Edge, or manual entry in Garmin Connect |
| Rides without head unit | Yes — stores internally, syncs to Garmin Connect automatically |
| Odometer | Yes — cumulative distance tracking per bike |
| Auto-wake | 2 wheel revolutions |
| LED indicators | Green 5-sec flash = active · Red = low battery |
| Battery | CR2032 user-replaceable |
| Battery life | Approximately 12 months at 1 hour/day |
| Compatible Garmin | Edge series · Forerunner series · Fenix/Epix · Venu/Vivoactive · All ANT+/BLE Garmin devices |
| Indoor training | Yes — real hub-based speed for smart trainers via Bluetooth |
| Garmin Connect | Yes — speed/distance history, odometer, stored rides, auto-sync to Strava |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
| CA Prop 65 | Warning: contains lead — wash hands after handling |
| Bundle available | Speed Sensor 2 + Cadence Sensor 2 Bundle — MPN: 010-12845-00 |
Can this sensor record rides without a Garmin head unit?
Yes — onboard memory stores speed and distance when no device is paired. Ride without your Edge or Forerunner and the sensor records independently. The next time the Garmin Connect app is within Bluetooth range, all stored activities upload automatically. The Cadence Sensor 2 cannot do this — cadence requires an active paired connection.
Does it measure cadence as well as speed?
No. The Speed Sensor 2 measures wheel speed and distance only. For pedal cadence, add the Garmin Cadence Sensor 2, which mounts to the crank arm. Both sensors are available individually or together as the Speed and Cadence Sensor 2 Bundle (MPN: 010-12845-00).
How do I set up wheel size for accurate readings?
Two options. Pair to a compatible Garmin Edge and self-calibrate — the Edge compares wheel rotations to GPS distance and adjusts automatically. Or look up your wheel's circumference in millimeters and enter it manually in the Garmin Connect app under the sensor's settings.
Does it work with Zwift for indoor training?
Yes. Connect via Bluetooth to Zwift. The sensor transmits real wheel speed from the hub, giving Zwift accurate speed and distance for your indoor session — more useful than GPS-based speed (which shows zero indoors) and independent of virtual power calculations.
Can it pair to a Garmin watch and Zwift at the same time?
Yes. The sensor pairs to up to 2 Bluetooth devices simultaneously plus unlimited ANT+ devices. Your Garmin device connects via ANT+, Zwift connects via Bluetooth — both receive live speed data from the same sensor without switching.
What is the key upgrade over the original Garmin speed sensor?
Three upgrades: Bluetooth LE alongside ANT+ for smartphone and app compatibility; onboard memory to record rides without a head unit; and self-calibration with compatible Edge computers to set wheel size automatically. The original was ANT+-only, broadcast-only (no internal storage), and required manual wheel size entry.
Is it compatible with non-Garmin devices?
Yes. Any device or app supporting the ANT+ speed sensor profile or Bluetooth LE speed sensor profile receives data from this sensor. Non-Garmin ANT+ head units work via ANT+, and any Bluetooth-enabled speed-compatible app works via BLE. The sensor is not proprietary to Garmin hardware.
How does the odometer work across multiple bikes?
Each Speed Sensor 2 maintains its own cumulative odometer. One sensor per bike means each bike has its own distance total in Garmin Connect. Use it to track per-bike mileage for chain replacement, drivetrain service, and other maintenance intervals.
Questions? sales@hrmusainc.com · 1-800-403-8285
Heart Rate Monitors USA — 49 Richard Rd, Warminster PA 18974. Authorized Garmin Dealer.
CA Prop 65 Warning