XCADEY ALPHA 800 Android Bike Computer

poyo · September 21, 2026, 05:59:52 AM

I've ordered the XCADEY ALPHA 800 and I'm curious to see how it performs in real-world use.

At the moment, I still see the device as being somewhat in a beta stage, but I also think it has a lot of potential, especially because of the Android-based platform and the possibility of extensions.

I've contacted XCADEY to ask whether they provide, or plan to provide, an SDK / Developer API. I'd be especially interested in things like custom data fields, additional sensor support, Di2 features, Komoot integration, navigation tweaks, and ride-screen notifications.

Once the device arrives, I'll take a closer look at what is actually possible and will share my impressions.

The ALPHA 800 is currently available at a reduced price on XCADEY's website:
https://xcadey.com/bike-computers/

jeffrey · September 21, 2026, 02:47:16 PM

Cool! I don't need it, we don't even know when it will be released (still just a waiting list with no clear plan), it will probably be really rough at first, but the monkey is already climbing my back

gplama · September 22, 2026, 01:22:12 AM

I have one from China Cycle.... but it no longer updates, so I guess it's older hardware? I've had to shelve it.

Tijoe · September 22, 2026, 08:45:04 AM

Only 20 hour battery life? It will never work for bikepackers. My IGSports 800 has 50 hrs battery life. For my multi-day rides long battery life is essential.

frewster · September 22, 2026, 11:18:38 AM

Not surprised at the lower battery life. Anything running a full fledged OS like Android will have much lower battery life than a purpose developed OS for the use case. Same thing applies to the Android based ereaders that are a dime a dozen these days - atrocious battery life. I think OEMs like it because it's less software development on their end.

aliexpress_junkie · September 22, 2026, 01:56:35 PM

Few people actually ride 20+ hours ride, plus nothing that can't be fixed with an external battery pack. The wahoo/hammerhead offerings don't even have 20 hours advertised yet plenty of people use them all the time.

Tijoe · September 22, 2026, 06:13:53 PM

Anyone read if you can charge it while it is in operation? Many units have to be powered down to charge them, and is it fast charge, or just 1amp?

Dan S. · September 23, 2026, 03:19:25 AM

Quote from: Tijoe on September 22, 2026, 08:45:04 AM
Only 20 hour battery life? ...

Still better than the new Garmin Edge 550/850.

yappy · September 23, 2026, 04:19:17 AM

The standout feature of the alpha800 is its Android-based operating system, which offers a way of using the device that differs from conventional cycle computers. If root access is unlocked, it should be possible to install custom-made apps and plugins.

poyo · September 23, 2026, 04:55:49 AM

Quote from: yappy on September 23, 2026, 04:19:17 AM
The standout feature of the alpha800 is its Android-based operating system, which offers a way of using the device that differs from conventional cycle computers. If root access is unlocked, it should be possible to install custom-made apps and plugins.

Yeah, the Android side is probably one of the coolest things about the Alpha 800.
If root access can be unlocked, being able to run custom apps/plugins could make this thing pretty interesting.

I came across this hands-on report:
https://jedrysik.com/bike-computer-xcadey-alpha-800/

Also, one thing that isn't mentioned in the review: the Alpha 800 uses a **Blanview display**. The guy says he was riding in direct sunlight with only 25% brightness.
That's pretty impressive.

**Update:** Adam, who wrote the test I linked above, replied to my comment. He says GPS accuracy and lock are good so far, with no dropouts or issues during his test. Battery life is also looking very promising at around **5% per hour or less**. The current map view is north-up only, and he is still waiting for a follow-direction option.

Dan S. · September 23, 2026, 07:01:27 AM

Quote from: yappy on September 23, 2026, 04:19:17 AM
The standout feature of the alpha800 is its Android-based operating system, which offers a way of using the device that differs from conventional cycle computers. If root access is unlocked, it should be possible to install custom-made apps and plugins.

Finally I can doomscroll while riding on my computer.

Mariuszuzd · October 21, 2026, 01:29:06 AM

Some new update just come up! Now they also added some workout option! The functionality is going further which is very promising! In general the device is working really fast! Now we have connection with Strava and Intervals, that works very good. Maps are also downloading faster, that was one issues. GPS accuracy is very good, the same as for garmin edge 850. There is even option to pause the workout, not the ride itself, so its very good. I would just need an connection to training peak or option to at least upload workout from it, to the device or something. Now you can only create your own workout on the device or use one of their plan.

Serge_K · October 21, 2026, 02:07:55 AM

I loathe my iGPSPORT iGS630S precisely because it's closed source, and they absolutely suck at software, and don't give a flying F. Navigation is horrendous, and ghost watts make it half useless. The hardware is actually good.
--> community based software, especially in the age of LLMs, means that China can focus on hardware, and people can hack whatever they want onto it.

As to battery life, fudge packers who dont have access to a wall socket are probably a fraction of 1% of the market.

Tijoe · October 21, 2026, 10:38:28 AM

Quote from: Serge_K on October 21, 2026, 02:07:55 AMI loathe my iGPSPORT iGS630S precisely because it's closed source, and they absolutely suck at software, and don't give a flying F. Navigation is horrendous, and ghost watts make it half useless. The hardware is actually good.
--> community based software, especially in the age of LLMs, means that China can focus on hardware, and people can hack whatever they want onto it.

As to battery life, fudge packers who dont have access to a wall socket are probably a fraction of 1% of the market.

I have 2 of the iGS630s, Want one? They might make good fishing lures. Regarding fudge packers versus fudge hackers, fudge packers have you beat by around 5 to 1. In the USA about .05% of the population Bikepacks, and .01% of the population can write code for, or hack, Android based products.

I think it is funny that so many of my cycling friend go out and purchase the top end Garmin or Wahoo bike computers, and then use their cell phones to record and confirm routes, view pending climbs, and their cycling computers basically become recorders. Their complaints being that the screens are to small to actually use them like they do their cell phones. (I have to add that many have Garmin watches that they wear to gather biometric performance data from.)

From my perspective, bike computer manufacturers have a big challenge in that they are trying to sell a product that will fill all of the "niche" needs plus "features" to a diverse cycling market, that the majority of cyclists believe that they want/need, so that the manufacturer is able to sell their product and make money. Especially when a cell phone can do everything a bike computer can.

Serge_K · October 21, 2026, 12:04:06 PM

Lol. Well... Everybody's on windows, yet only Microsoft codes it... On my fenix watch face, I have a panda on a bike. Best watch face ever. I didn't code it, I installed someone else's work. Likewise, I don't sew my own clothes

Technically though, I do agree that more people fudge pack than fudge hack. And both group are allowed to marry, rather than be simply called butt buddies.