Silca Revives Cult Classic Omata Analog Bike Computer—But Only a Limited Number Can Be Made

If you were into bikes around a decade ago, and specifically into bikes and on Instagram, you probably remember lusting after the Omata analog bike computer.

The circular, non-traditional computer looks more like a fine watch for your bike than a high performance tool (though it does a nice job of displaying the basics and tracking more data in the background for analyzing later).

The computer gained a lot of buzz and a cult following, but sadly the operation slowly faded over time.

Now, Silca, known for an ever growing number of luxury bike tools and components from pumps to chain wax to tires, has acquired Omata, bringing the bike computer back to production.

“At Silca, we are obsessed with the intersection of beauty, precision, and performance,” said Silca CEO Josh Poertner. “Omata is a masterpiece of functional art. We acquired Omata because we believed it was a product that should continue to exist in this world.”

Technically speaking, the device is a mechatronic cycling computer, meaning it combines a digital device with a mechanical display. It only displays speed, elapsed time, and elevation climbed, letting you access these key stats at a glance while riding, without bombarding you with page after page of stats and metrics. It’s like glancing at your wristwatch for the time instead of pulling out your phone and instantly getting distracted.

It’s not a device for athletes training for specific goals, doing intervals, or who want live power or heart rate figures. But fret not, that all-important data is captured in the background—including GPS data, heartrate, and power via ANT+ connection—so you can still share your ride with friends and track your stats in your training log. Ride files can be uploaded to your phone wirelessly via the iOS app (there’s no Android app unfortunately) or to your computer with a USB-C cable.

Silca’s involvement with Omate is deeper than just selling the computer. The brand has redesigned the internal circuit board, battery system, and outer housing while keeping the same form factor and analog display. The brand also redesigned the weather sealing, adding a “custom triple-barrier lip seal for the rotating bezel and a Gore-Tex membrane over the barometric pressure sensor for improved moisture resistance.”

For extra compatibility with existing computer mounts, Silca has updated the Omata with a square mounting cleat compatible with Garmin or Wahoo mounts.

Only small batches will be made

If you want one, you won’t want to wait around to order, Silca is only selling a finite number. That’s not to keep the stock artificially low and the demand high, though. The number of devices that can ever be made is limited by the fact that it’s made with parts that are no longer being produced.

“Sadly, it relies on a finite supply of legacy Seiko components; so, each unit carries the weight of rarity,” Poertner said. “By bringing hand-assembly to our Indianapolis facility, we are ensuring each of these stunning instruments is tested for lasting performance.”

That, along with the premium alloy finish, rotating bezel, and unique interface of digital data tracking with an analog dial, also helps account for the lofty $800 price tag. That bests even Garmin’s priciest computer by $100, but no one is buying the Omata for pure performance reasons.

Silca will be making and releasing the computers in small batches until they’re sold out. The devices will be sold only in the U.S., though you might be able to have one sent internationally if you contact Silca directly; it never hurts to ask.

More info: silca.cc