Smartphone vs Cycling Computer

[Ian Watts]

I really like the look of the new BLTE sensors (Heart Race, Cadence) but most smartphone apps are not embracing them. My LG Nexus 4 does not support ANT+.

I have a Garmin Oregon 300 that fits to my bike.

I really want something to measure HR and Cadence. Do I wait until Endomondo support BLTE (they assure me by the end of the year). Do I get ANT+ gear to support the oregon 300 (really a walking GPS but will track Heart rate and Cadence). Or is a proper cycle computer going to be more accurate.

I want to be able to measure calories burnt and cadence as accurately as possible, and would like opinion on ANT+vsBTLE, whether the Oregon 300 is good enough, or whether it is worth the cost of a dedicated cycle computer.

 

[Hacienda71]

A good GPS unit is imho better than a smart phone. More accurate and a longer battery life.

 

[Kies]

Garmin 500 with cadence and heart rate bundle

 

[derrick]

Garmin 800 or 810 get the best you can afford.

 

[Ian Watts]

Garmin 800 or 810 get the best you can afford.

Not alot - would love the 810 but short of a minor miracle.....
Does anyone here use the Garmin oregon 300 - I could stretch to the cadence sensor / HRM for that, but it bothers me it isn't a specific bike computer. The fact is I have a smart phone, and I have a Garmin Oregon 300, bith of which by Christmas will take sensors for cadence and HRM. Is the Garmin Oregon 300 going to be better than a smartphone running endomondo?

 

[uclown2002]

Garmin 500 with cadence and heart rate bundle

+1

Look no further; all roads lead to Garmin. Seem to think I've already suggested this to you in another thread?

 

[Spoked Wheels]

We all have different needs. I was asking myself the same question a few months ago. My main interest was good navigation which my mobile phone provided, having said that I wanted to free my phone to listen to music and phone calls so I ended up buying a garmin edge 800. I did consider the oregon too. Although the 800 has the hrm and cadence monitor I don't need the information, but I'm happy that I invested in the 800. The main advantages for me are the longer battery and a dedicated computer for my bike with navigation.
Endomondo is great on your phone but you get the same and more with the garmin 800.

 

[Ian Watts]

+1

Look no further; all roads lead to Garmin. Seem to think I've already suggested this to you in another thread?

You did - I suppose I was hoping to find someone who said how good they had found the oregon 300, or that BLTE sensors were worth waiting for and use my phone. I just need to check they take the same sensors, and if so I could buy the sensors and use them with the oregon 300, and then buy a 510 or 810 when I can afford it.