Best Cycling Computer For Me?

[Hellion]

Hi Everyone!

First post. I just bought a new road bike which I'll be using for 10 mile commutes + Weekend rides. I'd like to purchase a speedometer that will give me heart rate/approx calories burned. I've looked at various options from GPS systems like the Garmin Edge 500 to more basic speedometers like the Cateye Strada wireless. Obviously the Cateye doesn't give me heart rate or approx calorie info, however the GPS systems have a bunch of features that I don't believe I need (maps, cadence, etc).

Taking in mind that the GPS is around £200 would I be better off buying the Cateye along with a heart rate monitor watch (with chest strap) for around £100? Are there any features not mentioned that I'd be missing out on by not buying the GPS?

Sorry if this is the wrong section but I'm a newb with a question so I stuck it in here.

Thanks.

 

[MikeW-71]

The Garmin 500 would give you all the info in one place. It will also measure more accurate speed and your cadence too, as well as having the ability to record your ride. What you can then do is ride the same route again with the unit using that recorded ride to tell you if you are ahead or behind your previous effort. You can also upload that record to sites such as Garmin Connect or Strava to see the data in more detail.

It will also do navigation, but it does not store maps. You can load a route into it and you follow the line on the screen (known as a breadcrumb trail). Basic, but it works.

If you went for a basic computer + HRM watch, you'd need to check two places as you were riding, which is not always ideal if you're slogging uphill at the time. You also won't get any recording of the data.

Personally I've had a Garmin 500 for nearly two years now, brilliant thing.

 

[Hellion]

The Garmin 500 would give you all the info in one place. It will also measure more accurate speed and your cadence too, as well as having the ability to record your ride. What you can then do is ride the same route again with the unit using that recorded ride to tell you if you are ahead or behind your previous effort. You can also upload that record to sites such as Garmin Connect or Strava to see the data in more detail.

It will also do navigation, but it does not store maps. You can load a route into it and you follow the line on the screen (known as a breadcrumb trail). Basic, but it works.

If you went for a basic computer + HRM watch, you'd need to check two places as you were riding, which is not always ideal if you're slogging uphill at the time. You also won't get any recording of the data.

Personally I've had a Garmin 500 for nearly two years now, brilliant thing.

Yeah I'm a little put off by the need to check two places but I'm not sure I'd be checking heart rate in real time all that much. Perhaps a quick glance now and then. The ability to save and analyse is good but again, I'm not sure I'll be trying to hit/beat targets etc. I kind of just want something to keep me in the know in terms of speed/average speed and approx fitness.

I don't know whether the extra £100 is worth it for me personally. I've also read a few reviews of the Garmin malfunctioning in heavy rain. I'm sure the Cateye would too but at £40 it's a little more replaceable. Also the watch will work when I'm doing other activities rather than just cycling. It probably sounds like I've made my mind up already, I am leaning toward the Cateye/watch but I really want more opinions before I make a decision.

Btw, what is cadence exactly? My understanding is it tells you how many rpm you're peddling at. Is that it? I'm not that worried about efficiency or improvement based on rpm data etc.

Thank you for the input.

 

[Hellion]

Btw, how does the Garmin measure speed more accurately? Is it just a case of the speed sensor being of better quality? I heard that using just the GPS is very hit and miss in terms of speed accuracy.

 

[MikeW-71]

GPS for speed readings can fluctuate unless the signal is strong. Using the speed sensor measures the speed from the wheel itself and you'll also get an accurate distance measurement.

Cadence is the rpm you are pedalling at. Useful especially while you are getting started to see what cadence you naturally prefer. It is typically recommended to use a cadence of between 80-100rpm. I seem to hit 90-95 on the flat and drop to 75-85 when climbing. Everyone is different.

Now that I have got used to how the different rates feel, I don't check cadence much on the fly any more. I also rarely use my HR strap since I'm not training in a way that would make use of it TBH.

Garmins are waterproof, but if they do malfunction in the wet, it is usually from the USB port underneath getting wet. It has a cover there which should prevent that though and mine has had a few good dousings and hasn't missed a beat.

If you're not sure on the 500, but still want to record your rides and use simple navigation, there is also the Garmin 200, which can be had for £80