Cycle computer ... to help me get fit

[wbmkk]

I think it's about time I lost some weight and try to get a bit fitter, so need to buy a computer for my road bike! To show distance etc. I think cadence would be good too.
What are the good ones to consider please.
What is the real benefit of a wireless system, over the wired options ? Surely it just makes the initial setting up a wee bit easier, but after that, there's no real benefit .. Or am I wrong ?
Thank you

 

[black'n'yellow]

a bit less faff with wireless in terms of installation, but a bit more cost as well, usually. No actual difference between wired/wireless once on the road though. Lots of computers out there which will do the trick, depending on budget...

 

[defy-one]

What's the best?

 

[black'n'yellow]

What's the best?

the best one is whichever computer gives you the features you are after, for the most affordable price.

 

[Psycolist]

Define 'best' ?? I would only advise to make sure the one you get has 'auto start' facility. Some , you have to press a button for them to start giving a readout and taking measurments. Auto start means they will kick in when the wheel/crank starts turning. Its fine when y'gadget is new but after a few rides, that press of a button gets easily overlooked. When you know you have ridden 10 miles and y'gadget only says you have done 5 coz you forgot to press a button, it will soon end up being forgotten altogether.

 

[Ozzrahog]

On a slight hijack here (sorry) but any reason the sensor has to go on the front wheel rather than the back. With suspension forks it looks easier to put it on the back wheel and run the cable along the top tube

 

[Chris Myers]

I prefer a GPS tracker,I have a MainNav MG-950dm,does the same as a cycling computer but you can upload your GPX file to Endomondo or Runkeeper.Picked my tracker up off E-bay for about £40.

 

[HLaB]

Many sensors/cables wont reach to the rear and it maybe harder to mount them on narrower/ aero stays. I'm running a turbo bike with a rear sensor but I have to have the receiver screen on the floor so it can pick up the sensor OK on a stationary bike but not a moving one. The mount was a little more penickety to set up to too.

 

[Rupie]

I have the Garmin Edge 700. I too have tried to use my new biking outings to get fit. Above all I use the heart monitor, the most. I keep my rate within the range needed to increase my fitness and burn fat, about 135bpm ( except on hills). The speed looks after itself. The cadence is used as well. Units that have GPS mean you can upload them and look at all your trip data later. and compare speeds etc over different routes.

 

[defy-one]

Anyone got the Garmin 200?
I keep seeing good reviews

 

[JtB]

If you already have a Smartphone with GPS then check out Sports Tracker, it's free.

 

[defy-one]

Inteteresting idea, as i have an old tatty iphone 3gs lieing around. Will try this app out

 

[Cyclist33]

I think it's about time I lost some weight and try to get a bit fitter, so need to buy a computer for my road bike! To show distance etc. I think cadence would be good too.
What are the good ones to consider please.
What is the real benefit of a wireless system, over the wired options ? Surely it just makes the initial setting up a wee bit easier, but after that, there's no real benefit .. Or am I wrong ?
Thank you

Just cycle more! You don't need a computer to achieve your objectives.

Stu

 

[Andrius.B]

Just cycle more! You don't need a computer to achieve your objectives.

Stu

Amen to that.

Just cycle as often as you can, slowly increasing your pace AND try to reduce your daily food intake. Trust me, it is much easier to lose weight when you simply start eating less. Just by not eating that chocolate bar, you can save 15 mins of intensive cycling. You would be surprised how little food the body actually needs.