What Device?

[Glasgow44]

Hi there

I use Strava on my phone and start and finish it at every ride so I can see what distance, etc I have done. I've also set it to auto pause during a ride.

However, I'm looking now to get into buying a proper device and I'm looking for some advice. I know that the main ones are Garmin and Wahoo. I'm really looking for something that I can download rides onto and record rides, etc (nothing too technical). I also need some advice with regards to how these work in downloading to and pulling information through to/from Strava and Garmin Connect, etc. Also, how do I use these devices on more than one bike?

Any help and recommendations would be much appreciated

Thanks

 

[wiggydiggy]

Theres lots of discussion ongoing here ATM: https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/gps-navigation-what-are-people-using.297381/page-3#post-7397543

But I'm using an older model - Garmin Edge 1 - that I bought used to see if I like the tech before I spent £100s on a device. And I do like it. It syncs with MapMyRide really well, I can load .GPX files manually onto it (through RWGPS), it tracks bespoke rides very well and navigation on pre made routes is good.

Any bad points? It can be slow, its an older device, so loading a new route can take some time but nothing annoying. It occassionally has crashed but I thinks thats just age and can be ignored. Turning it off/on again fixes that.

After a ride I do prefer looking at my rides in RideWithGPS rather than GarminConnect, but as it seems to sync with no issues that ok.

 

[roubaixtuesday]

I use Wahoo Roam, which is excellent for what you want but I've never used Garmin, so no idea how it compares to their offerings.

They're very easy to use with other routing apps, just download a GPX from the routing app on your phone and open it in the Wahoo app.

Uploading to Strava is seamless, the only issue is if you want to use with more than one Strava account (eg you and your partner want to use the same wahoo device independently), you have to rejig the setup to switch between Strava accounts.

For using on more than one bike, you just need to purchase a second mount, or move the mount between bikes.

 

[teeonethousand]

I have just recently bought a used Wahoo Roam 1. It is by far the best piece of tech I have ever bought and everything from set up to displays, route download and uploads to Strava have been easy peasy and, just worked. I used the route on our recent Silloth to South Shields and it was simple to follow, re routed when we went off piste and started again each morning from where we were. It is crap at finding a place to navigate to, like a hotel etc because you have to manipulate the cross hairs to a target and then select. I hear that in future an option to find somewhere on Google maps and download it as a destination for the unit to route too is coming. I am sure others are good and later models are better but for 100 squids this does everything I need.

 

[Tashman]

I have an older Bryton Aero 60. It works for tracking my rides which is essentially all I want from it. Their current ranges are still decent value although if I change it I'll be looking at something like the IGSport models as they have good reviews

 

[fossyant]

Edge Explore (V1) - fine, big screen, does the job. I have a battery extender for very long rides. Day to day commute, it's an old Edge 200 - still giving good battery life, don't need navigation.

Both work on any bike without faff. The newer devices connect to your smart phone and auto upload rides (applies to most).

 

[steveindenmark]

I have had loads of garmins. I currently have the Garmin 1030. I also have a Karoo 2. Without a doubt, the Wahoo Bolt is the most reliable and user friendly. Its also cheap to get on FB market place, now the Roam is released

 

[VinSumRox]

Myself and OH use Garmin Forerunner watches which have GPS and can track rides ( and can track other activities like walking, running etc.) They also record heart rate without having to use a chest monitor if you are interested in that.
Also you don't need a mount on the bike.
However if you want to look at stats on the move or want it for navigation purposes then a bike mounted computer is what you need.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Set your budget and choose one that you like the name of. You probably won't be disappointed.

Wahoo, Garmin, Hammerhead, Bryton ...

You'll probably find good feedback from users of all of these.

The days of confusing technical complexity, and plugging the device into the PC are gone now. Although they were quite recent really.

 

[oxoman]

I was like the OP just using my mobile for several yrs after having some well documented failures on BR of the garmin edge touring, refuse to have another. Finally got a bryton rider 750 when on offer and tbh does everything and more than needed. Downloading a route onto it is easy from smartphone. Did borrow a wahoo bolt which was brilliant, but the price wasn't good at the time. I had a try of a karoo at an event and that was OK as well. A source of everything gps or smart trainer etc is DC rainmaker on YouTube. TBH whatever you choose nowadays will be pretty reliable including garmin.

 

[Webbo2]

I have a wahoo bolt which I mainly use for tracking my rides. I’ve never used the maps on it so far. However it drives me crazy with its fluctuating speed. I will travelling at 18mph and whilst maintaining the same cadence suddenly I’m doing 11mph then 15 before back up to 18. Also when doing interval I will travelling at 18 mph and get out of the saddle and sprint for 10 seconds sit down and I’m still doing 18 mph I then free wheel at the end of my effort and suddenly I’m doing 28 mph.
I got my unit replaced but the new one is no better.
My old Sigma with a wheel magnet was better.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I have a wahoo bolt which I mainly use for tracking my rides. I’ve never used the maps on it so far. However it drives me crazy with its fluctuating speed. I will travelling at 18mph and whilst maintaining the same cadence suddenly I’m doing 11mph then 15 before back up to 18. Also when doing interval I will travelling at 18 mph and get out of the saddle and sprint for 10 seconds sit down and I’m still doing 18 mph I then free wheel at the end of my effort and suddenly I’m doing 28 mph.
I got my unit replaced but the new one is no better.
My old Sigma with a wheel magnet was better.

If that's a really a problem you can get a speed sensor that will take speed from the wheel rotation, rather than GPS. Cost about £40 I think, probably less if you shop around.

 

[yello]

if I change it I'll be looking at something like the IGSport models as they have good reviews

I've just read one on Amazon that said the device doesn't work if it cannot connect to the IGSport server in China. I find that difficult to believe.

 

[Webbo2]

If that's a really a problem you can get a speed sensor that will take speed from the wheel rotation, rather than GPS. Cost about £40 I think, probably less if you shop around.

Yes I’m aware you can get a speed sensor. Which is just like a wheel magnet and then what’s the point of having a £200 gps unit, rather than a £50 unit with said wheel magnet.

 

[Binky]

I have a wahoo bolt which I mainly use for tracking my rides. I’ve never used the maps on it so far. However it drives me crazy with its fluctuating speed. I will travelling at 18mph and whilst maintaining the same cadence suddenly I’m doing 11mph then 15 before back up to 18. Also when doing interval I will travelling at 18 mph and get out of the saddle and sprint for 10 seconds sit down and I’m still doing 18 mph I then free wheel at the end of my effort and suddenly I’m doing 28 mph.
I got my unit replaced but the new one is no better.
My old Sigma with a wheel magnet was better.

I've had this when gone under tree cover etc so GPS signal affected. I have a cheapo speed sensor on front wheel which prevents this. Yes I get your point about why should we when paying £100s for a bike computer but where I ride this happens on quite a few rides so it's a price worth paying. My unit is v1 Wahoo Bolt.

Another thing I've found is a low battery in say HRM or cadence sensor totally screws up the readings. I wear a HRM and I have additional speed plus cadence sensors and if one of the batteries in one of those gets low it sends out all kind of weird readings which screws everything up. I carry a spare CR20230 battery to replace if required. Happened on a long ride in Mallorca. Nothing worse than slogging up Sa Calobra and not having proof you did it!