Cycle Computer Conundrum

[barnstar]

Hi,

I cycle for about 45 mins to work every week day and on the occasions that I am running late, have noticed that it is usually to do with my lack of concentration. Cycling the same route everyday takes it's toll, and my mind simply wanders, and as a result my speed drops.

I had a great idea today of buying a cycle computer that beeps when you drop below a certain speed, say 14 mph, thus snapping me out of my day dream and refocusing my mind on the task at hand. When I looked online the only one I spotted that could do this was about £280, which is a tad steep considering I won't use all of it's advanced functions, and would be worried about losing / damaging it.

Any ideas on a computer that can do this cheaply? Or even just ways of not falling asleep from boredom while cycling?

Thank you,
Barn

 

[Norm]

I think some of the apps for smart phones (Endomondo, for instance) let you ride against yourself, so you can be your own paceman. I haven't used it myself but would something like that answer your issue?

 

[HLaB]

Most cheap computers (all the ones I've had anyway: Raleigh Echo, Lidl Bikemate and Cateye Micro Wireless) will tell you if you are above or below an average speed, what the average speed is though is up to how fast you pedal. I think my dearer Edge (GPS) 305 lets you set the exact speed (but I've never done it). The clock is more useful IMO you soon get to know that it takes 'x' long roughly to get to 'b'.

 

[barnstar]

I do actually have checkpoints (traffic lights) and I keep an eye on my average speed. The trouble I have is when I stop paying attention, which is where an alarm based on my speed would come in handy. I have cycled to and from work for the last seven years, completing a round trip approximately 1700 times!! It's a wonder I haven't gone completely bonkers, or at least that's what my kitchen table tells me.