Instruction: Extract information from the supporting document to answer the given question.

Input:
Question: Does it have a compass, or directional readout?
Document: Contrary to some reviews, it does not need to be manually re-paired before every ride. If it's set to SCAN for each sensor, it will find it when you turn the unit on. The GPS accuracy is almost perfect and I like having the elevation and grade readings in real time. A unique feature is a magnetic compass which comes in handy on strange roads. Battery capacity is excellent--70% charge left after running 8 hours.There are some annoying quirks.
This is a really nice unit. It has all the data, customizeable screens, lightweight, mounts on the stem (great for climbing). Great color. I added the Speed/Cadence unit and works like a charm. Nice surprise features like Temperature (for keeping an eye on heat) and Compass (can put this unit in your pocket for hiking) and the GPS lets you track and program a repeatable route - very cool.I would never touch Garmin again.
I'm a road biker, not mountain, so the compass and waypoint features are extras for me. But I've already used the basic trip metrics plus heart sensor and love the GPS data that can be mapped on the Training Peaks web site. I find the speed/elevation/route data to be quite accurate. I've also just put the Timex in my pocket for my lunch walk and will use it this fall when I climb Half Dome in Yosemite.
I've just wrapped up 4 weeks of mountain biking in Pisgah Forest, N.C. and I'm 100% happy with this product. All the information I used to get from 2 devices is now available in one unit. Multiple measures of heart rate, altitude, speed, etc. are displayed in 4 customizable displays. Also contains a digital compass. All readings were very accurate. Files can be downloaded for analysis and historical tracking. Also, routes can be viewed on a satellite map - very cool.
You need to spend a lot of money if you want that...hundreds more. It's just not worth it. This unit can do what you actually need. Get the cadence and speed sensor. I got the Wahoo sensor which paired to the Timex just as easily as the Timex heart monitor.I'm an engineer and I want things to be well thought out. This is well thought out.Absolutely no 2nd thoughts or buyer's remorse. If it was $100 more expensive I'd still be happy.
You have to export from training peaks, import to another website, then import to Strava or something. BTW when you do that there's some discrepancies with the data. Other software is soo much easier. Garmin, strava, etc. I did not have the money to get a Garmin, but, next season, I will most definitely be ditching this. I don't mean to harp on the software, but 50% of what I need to do is analyze data, not just record it.
You get what you pay for. Its' missing a lot of features that may or may not be important.Worst of all, I've had it corrupt several of my long rides. For me, that was the last straw and I bought a Edge 500. Much happier, even with my wallet $80 lighter.I'll also add that I begged Timex for software updates, but I was todl there were no updates planned for this product.
You get what you pay for, wish it had auto on/off, and can't get the heart rate monitor to work properly, the higher my heart rate the lower it reads.Plus you have to turn on the heart rate monitor back on every time, or if you get out of its range, like stopping at a store.Spend the extra and get a Garmin
Works like a charm! Easily converts to strava,or other websites.Heartrate monitor works flawlessly.Would recommend,Can't beat the price!.What a deal. oh yeah
When I first saw the mount I was disappointed first off because It requires zip ties to attach and secondly because it is taller that than the Garmin Mounts and my previous Sigma "Insert and Twist" mount. But now that its actually on my bike, I prefer it. connects solidly to the head unit with a confident "click". I have no fear about this thing coming loose and it slides out with a press of the release lever easily and I can reattach it with my eyes closed.
Answer: I've never used that feature, but yes, it does have a compass.  As I understand it you create routes and mark points.