cycle computer ?

[tonyw]

Think after spending a few hours searching I need some advice now I am sure I want to continue cycling have decided to shell out for some accessories. Started looking at cycle computers this led me to the Garmin GPS units after a great deal of time trying to figure out which one would be best for me finally given up the sheer amount of computers ect is confusing. I average about 10 miles a day on routes have planned on an internet site but sometimes have the urge to get off the route and keep going, hence why I need a log of distance any ideas on what may be the product I should be looking at?

 

[Mo1959]

Sounds like the Garmin Edge 200 would be adequate for your needs unless you want to be able to install maps, use heart rate monitors, cadence measuring, etc in which case you would need to shell out for the much dearer models.

I use the Edge 200 and it is fine for what I want which is basically just to be able to download and save my rides when I get home. It shows a map of where you have been, distance covered, top speed, average speed, elevation of climbs, etc. There are various sites you can download your ride to including Garmin Connect, Strava, Mapmyride and many others.

 

[Boon 51]

As Mo said a Garmin 200 is a good choice and not a bad price either for what you get.

 

[snorri]

. I average about 10 miles a day on routes have planned on an internet site but sometimes have the urge to get off the route and keep going, hence why I need a log of distance any ideas on what may be the product I should be looking at?

You say you want to log distance covered, so one of the Cateye products would be sufficient, and less expensive than Garmin products.
http://www.tweekscycles.com/Url.do?r=cateye-computers&gclid=CNm-oK-u_bYCFRMQtAodb2wANA
A paper map could well give you all the navigational information you need if you choose to go off a pre-planned route, again cheaper than a GPS unit, and it provides a wider picture of the area.
OTOH, if you want to devise a route at home which you want to follow at some future date without reference to maps, then you have to go for the more expensive GPS devices.

 

[SWSteve]

+1 for maps, buy an ordnance survey map, and then you can see the lay of the land as opposed to just where the roads run

 

[mrandmrspoves]

Most smart phones will do a good job too. An app like View Ranger allows you to follow a planned route or it will record the route you took.

 

[MaxInc]

Once I'll get into long journeys I will probably consider a Garmin 800 but for now the iPhone which I'm carrying with me anyways, does an excellent job at logging and mapping my distances. I use Cyclemeter which costs a few quid and has nice features that let you race yourself on different routes, keep logs, post the data automatically on various sites and very detailed de-briefings. I keep it in my pocket but you could easily attach it on the handle bars too if you need real time data displayed. I added a HRM from Wahoo fitness to get a better understanding of my fitness training. You can get cadence and spped sensors which will give you more precise data that when GPS signal is weak. Could be an alternative worth considering.

 

[Easytigers]

Most smart phones will do a good job too. An app like View Ranger allows you to follow a planned route or it will record the route you took.

I use my iphone with Strava and this pretty much does everything I could want it too and is a good motivational tool!

 

[Peteaud]

Garmin 200

Fantastic bit of kit.

 

[Keith Oates]

Another vote for the Garmin 200 from me and recording your rides on Garmin Connect is very good for checking back on routes distances etc.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Richard C]

+1 for the Garmin 200, if you want a basic gps computer it's ideal, had mine for about 9 months and love it

 

[kedab]

Once I'll get into long journeys I will probably consider a Garmin 800 but for now the iPhone which I'm carrying with me anyways, does an excellent job at logging and mapping my distances. I use Cyclemeter which costs a few quid and has nice features that let you race yourself on different routes, keep logs, post the data automatically on various sites and very detailed de-briefings. I keep it in my pocket but you could easily attach it on the handle bars too if you need real time data displayed. I added a HRM from Wahoo fitness to get a better understanding of my fitness training. You can get cadence and spped sensors which will give you more precise data that when GPS signal is weak. Could be an alternative worth considering.

they're charging for cyclemeter now? was free when I first discovered it and it was awesome even then.

 

[paul04]

I use my iphone with Strava and this pretty much does everything I could want it too and is a good motivational tool!

Same here (apart from using a samsung galaxy s3)

 

[MaxInc]

they're charging for cyclemeter now? was free when I first discovered it and it was awesome even then.

I think they may have offer it for free from time to time during promotions but at the moment you can have it for £2.99. I personally use Runmeter which is exactly the same app with the same features but marketed for Runners.

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/cyclemeter-gps-track-cycling/id330595774?mt=8

 

[Phoenix Lincs]

I use my iphone and MapMyRide which I like for short to medium distances, but it does drain the battery life. Was out 3 hrs 46 mins yesterday and was at 10% battery when I got back, so maybe time to invest in a computer myself