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Bike computer

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  • September 1, 2018 at 4:20 pm #28906
    Fri

    Good evening people. I’m new to road cycling having only been doing it for about 3 months but what I’ve realised is that I need a computer.  I use, and like Strava but I don’t know how fast I’m going until I get home and see on my mobile how far and fast I’ve gone.  So what I’m looking for is a bike computer which shows me my real time speed but can also record my activity for uploading to Strava, what are your recommendations?

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  • September 2, 2018 at 12:14 pm #926591
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    kil0ran

    A Garmin 25 is a good option,

    A Garmin 25 is a good option, particularly if you don’t ride with a mobile phone. If you do have a phone then have a look at the Wahoo RFLKT+ (2nd hand on eBay) – that connects to your phone and has configurable screens.

    I’ve ridden with a computer for years and certainly find that it motivates me to ride more often and to push harder – it’s quite addictive arriving back home to find out if I’ve set PBs on my local routes. Where it has really come into it’s own recently though is alongside a power meter which is helping me gauge my effort more accurately. Rarely look now at speed or distance, power zone is what’s important.

    September 2, 2018 at 9:25 am #926589
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    Luxie
    Kelly’s Eye wrote:
    Lezyne Super GPS (yr10). Same job as above, half the price, though not as flash.

     

    I have the same and think it is a great piece of kit for a low price. It just works. Havent had any problems (why did i say that!!) although it does seem to lose speed in trees a bit more then my tomtom watch does but it doesnt affect the overall timing. 

     

    I do agree with the above in that it is too easy to become fixated on the computer but it depends on the type of ride you are doing. On my commute to work i use it a lot more as i am trying to build up my speed. On my rides out i take in the scenery. 

    September 2, 2018 at 9:07 am #926587
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    Kelly's Eye

    Lezyne Super GPS (yr10). Same

    Lezyne Super GPS (yr10). Same job as above, half the price, though not as flash.

    September 2, 2018 at 8:35 am #926585
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    StraelGuy

    Wahoo Elemnt Bolt.

    Wahoo Elemnt Bolt.

    September 1, 2018 at 7:53 pm #926583
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    michaelsmith22

    Wahoo Elemnt Bolt

    Wahoo Elemnt Bolt

    September 1, 2018 at 7:47 pm #926581
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    CXR94Di2

    Wahoo Elemnt
    Wahoo Elemnt

    September 1, 2018 at 6:49 pm #926579
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    Anonymous

    Once, I also longed to know

    Once, I also longed to know how fast I was going whilst out on my bike and wanted a bike computer for the same reason as you do now. I got my first one before GPS computers were the norm and Strava was a thing. Within two weeks I was not looking at the speed or distance whilst I was riding as it no longer mattered. What did matter was how I was feeling on that particular ride, the company that I was in and the views and pleasures of riding my road bike (at speed or not). A computer can be a major distraction if you are constantly checking your speed and distance. I have seen many accidents and near misses from computer zoned zombies.

    I now have a Lezyne Mini (Yr9 and discontiued) that sits neatly on the stem, however I never look at it whilst I am riding. It is set for distance travelled and time of day which I sometimes check when I come to a stop at a junction. 

    Both of the above posts are good advice and all GPS computers link directly to Strava as does my discountiued model. My best advice though would be to get one that is not too expensive to start with and not to look at it whilst riding (unless you have mapping and have missed the turn that you were supposed to take). It will last a lot longer than the recordings that you make of your ride on your mobile, so for this alone, a dedicated computer is worth it. You will also be able to upload routes to most units too.

    September 1, 2018 at 5:56 pm #926577
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    davel

    Is it purely to monitor speed

    Is it purely to monitor speed (I’m thinking you’re after current and average, on the fly)? If ‘yes’ that should be straightforward and relatively cheap (see Sniffer’s link).

    Do you think you might want to add other sensors (eg heart rate, cadence) soon-ish? Might you also want navigation? If ‘yes’ to either of these, get ready to loosen your wallet and lose hours to reading reviews… If you do need in-depth reviews for just about every bike gizmo, DC Rainmaker is your friend. 

     

    September 1, 2018 at 5:13 pm #926575
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    Sniffer

    Have a look around these

    Have a look around these.
    https://road.cc/content/buyers-guide/215055-13-best-cheap-gps-cycling-computers

    I use a Garmin 500 (log since discontinued) to record rides and upload to Strava.  Any of the GPS systems will work with Strava.  The 500 is generally considered reliable, but the forums have lots of comments that the newer models have more bugs

     

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