Cycling Computer Options

[symon_r]

Hi all,

Other than saying hello in the new member thread this is my first post so sorry to make it a question and hopefully it's in the right area.

I'm about to start training for an event after a long (read more than an a decade in reality) absence from cycling. I would really appreciate some advise about which direction to go when it comes to a cycling computer?

As a tech savvy person my first instinct is to use my phone with a handlebar mount. A friend tipped me off on Strava but its not clear if it gives live HR readings (assuming its synched with an appropriate monitor) and I'm keen to use that for the training.

If not a phone with app the prices for a cycling computer with HR readings and GPS seems astronomical.

Any advise or experience in this area would be appreciated.

Symon

 

[uclown2002]

Stop messing around and get yourself a Garmin! Think you need 500 series for HR and cadence.

 

[annirak]

I use my mobile with the wahoo app, and a speed/cadence sensor. It also pairs with HRMs, though I haven't tried this yet.
I started with Strava, then moved to IPBike, finally settling on the Wahoo app.

I didn't like Strava's pay-for-premium model for an app which is, let's face it, pretty much a GPS logger that can record/display bluetooth/ANT+ sensors as well. I felt that IPBike's model (£5.00, one time) was far more appropriate for what it provides. In the end, what moved me on to the wahoo app was support for the Wahoo RFLKT. When I got a mobile that didn't fit in my waterproof case anymore, I had to find another solution. I eventually settled on a Wahoo RFLKT, since it's waterproof and will display stats/control rides while I'm out. I do find the startup time of the Wahoo app rather frustrating, though.

I've wondered about getting a Garmin model for a while, so here are my thoughts on the subject:

• Garmin pauses when your bike stops. This gives you moving time, moving averages, etc. on the fly without having to manage the process. I've lost a good chunk of a ride several times by manually pausing my ride tracking and forgetting to start it again.
• Being a purpose-built machine, Garmin's cycle computers do exactly what you would expect from a computer--e.g. no startup time (GPS fix aside).
• Using a mobile directly will suck your battery dry in short order--either a secondary display or a dedicated cycle computer is necessary.
  • By using a dedicated cycle computer, you know that your mobile will have power left should you have an emergency.
    
  • Using a dedicated GPS cycle computer will allow you to use navigation, if that feature is supported, while keeping your mobile safe.
• Garmin is still much more expensive than a mobile you already own.

Before the RFLKT, there was an argument for a Garmin. Now, the only two items that tempt me are auto-pause and navigation.

 

[symon_r]

Thanks to both for your input. My takeaway so far is there's really no cheap way to do this with existing tech - if you want to do it well

 

[annirak]

Thanks to both for your input. My takeaway so far is there's really no cheap way to do this with existing tech - if you want to do it well

Perhaps I was too negative towards my app experience. It's really not that bad. I actually quite like the Wahoo app except for the startup time issue, but that's only an irritation because I use it with my commute. The drawback is just the runtime of a mobile with the screen on. You don't need anything external to make it work, it will work as a GPS fitness tracker with nothing else. You don't get to see the reported speed while riding unless you get a handlebar mount. This does expose your mobile to the elements unless you have a waterproof case--this is why I switched to using a RFLKT.

 

[symon_r]

I've downloaded Wahoo this morning and it looks good. I've got my eye on a handlebar mount for the phone and think I'll go with that option for now.