Bike computers?

[RachelV]

So along with the new bike (which is awesome) I'm probably going to be getting a new bike computer. My old one doesn't fit the front fork on my new bike, and I'd like to get a slightly better one, anyways. Wireless would be nice.

So hey, it turns out there are like a million different bike computers! Do you have one that you recommend?

Also, do I really care about measuring my cadence and heart rate?

(Quick background: I am likely going to be doing an Olympic-distance triathlon or two next summer, but my primary goal is just to finish, not to be super fast. Also I want to train for and ride a century.)

Thanks!

 

[itri]

I don't know that much about bike computers. I actually don't even use mine anymore since I got a Garmin Forerunner. I do know that I figured out why mine was on super sale (because you can only really see the screen at certain angles, and I can't really see it when I'm on my bike)!

I did just want to throw out the idea of a Forerunner or other GPS unit, though. Especially since you're going to be training for tris...I love love love mine. I'm terrible with pacing when I'm on the run, so it really helps me with that. The Forerunner actually has a multisport setting that includes transition and switches sports for you just by pushing the lap button, very cool for brick workouts and races. I also love being able to download my workout, whether bike or run, into mapmytri.com and see exactly where I went, where the hills were, etc. I have the Forerunner 305, which you can find online at Costco every once in a while for as low as $165. You can definitely find a bike computer for a lot cheaper, but I think that's a huge value for a bike computer/running watch/gps unit/heartrate monitor/training tool. The Forerunner also has an optional cadence sensor that you can put on your bike if you want. Just my .02, from one triathlete to another.

ETA: I use my Forerunner for EVERYTHING...including hiking and skiing...I download the data after a day on the slopes and I can see which runs I did by matching it up with the trail map! Not to mention how fast I was going...

 

[RachelV]

Oh, yeah, I've seen a few really really cool screenshots of people mapping bike/ski days using GPS, actually. You might have just talked me into it. We also rented GPS units one day at park city a few years ago and it was really really fun to see average/max speeds, elevation gains, etc etc.

 

[Robyn]

I will say that cadence is the one thing I don't have that I really want and why a new computer will be on my Christmas list. I have a specialized brand one now which I like otherwise.

 

[Swamp Dog]

cateye makes a few good models with cadence. I went with the wired model over the wireless, just personal preference.

a few years ago I really liked the shimano flight deck. you can set it up to show the gears so you know what gear you are pedaling in. you can control the computer from the brake hoods which I really liked at first. this turned out to be its downfall though. I was always turning it off accidentally while riding the hoods. no cadence on the earlier models, I don't know what the new ones have now.

anyhow, look at cateye of you don't go for the gps.

 

[RachelV]

Oh yeah, I didn't know there were ones that showed you what gear you're on -- that's really cool. I'm not a very efficient shifter.

 

[Robyn]

Oh yeah, I didn't know there were ones that showed you what gear you're on -- that's really cool. I'm not a very efficient shifter.

Rachel, you should really get in the habit of looking between your legs to check gears. It's quite easy and I do it all the time now that I understand what they mean.

 

[BackCountryGirl]

I've got a Trek Incite IIi, which I really love. It has cadence, trip odo., mph, and avg. mph. It is not wireless. I really think knowing cadence is as important for training as heart rate, so I wouldn't pass up on that, even if it makes the computer a bit pricier. I have a separate heartrate monitor. But, I'm going to ask for a fancy Forerunner for Christmas and my birthday, with the attachment for the bicycle.

 

[RachelV]

I've just been reading through the Forerunner 305 manual online. The Forerunner has a "sports" menu with running/biking/other as the choices, and the icon for "other" is a skier. I think that's a sign I should just get one, right?

 

[itri]

I'm telling ya, I LOVE mine. You just can't go wrong, especially with some of the great deals on it that are out there!

Hold on, where's SnowHot's carrot?

 

[abc]

Computer, with or without cadence, heart rate monitor, GPS...

They all have their places and do slightly different things. In an ideal world, you really should have them all. And I'm serious!

Computer: it measures speed and distance, which the GPS kind of does but not quite as accurately nor as quickly. Bike computers are really cheap these days. You can get one for $20. Though my favorate one is by Cateye and wireless. So it cost about $40 instead.

But it's the cadence part that really make the bike computer shine! If you're "training", knowing your cadence, AND KEEPING IT WITHIN TARGET RANGE, allows you to ride at least twice as efficient! Beginer riders, even fit and serious one, tend to "mash" too big a gear (low cadence), which can easily lead to injuries. Even more so if you're doing tri. You really don't want to waste your quads on the bike before the running leg.

Heart rate monitor, by its name, it measures your heart rate and you know what you would use it to gauge your training for the best result. I'm not an expert in HRT since I don't race. But if I were to race, I definitely would invest in one.

GPS: well, it's the ONLY thing that would measure speed and distance when you're OFF the bike! Can you afford NOT to have one? ;-)