The Chainlink

Help me pick a bicycle computer

Okay, so according to a friend I like to suck the life and fun out of cycling by using a computer to quantify my rides. Anyway, I really like my cycle computers. I like the ability of being able to download ride data onto my PC but there don't seem to be many computers that have this feature. Until today I owned a Sigma BC2209 MHR. I've been having problems on and off with the Sigma and eventually they sent a whole new computer. As soon as I installed the new computer and sensors the whole thing was basically acting up again. I just decided to send the whole thing back to Amazon and get a refund. I'm now looking at the Garmin Edge 305, although it's nearly twice the cost of the Sigma. It also apparently doesn't last any longer than about 5 hours if you're using the cadence sensor and heart rate monitor. I see this as a potential issue on longer rides such as centuries or tours. I might be able to counteract that with a solar charger to use on the bike on longer rides. Other computers I've looked at are the VDO Z series which are pretty much as expensive as the Garmin. I've read up on the Polar computers as well but they have sensors that have to be replaced when the batteries die which is just plain stupid. Anyone else out there like having the life and fun sucked out of cycling? What's your computer of choice?

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Permalink Reply by Joe Torres on November 9, 2011 at 1:00am

Not sure what kind of phone you have but there are some great apps for the iPhone and Droids out there. I tend to use B.iCycle for the most part and it is great.

Another great multi-purpose app is iMapmyFitness. Both keep track of everything from speed to calories to elevations, etc. You can also view your ride via Google maps on the Mapmyfitness site. There are also 3D fly overs of your ride. It really is impressive.

For the hell of it I also sometimes ride with my old trusty Planet Bike 9.0 Protege' wireless for comparison and both the iPhone apps and computer are spot on for the most part. Ahhh technology.

I had an Edge 305 and although it is a nice unit it is dated. Despite that it is a solid choice and can be had refurbished for a great price so shop around online.

Permalink Reply by Thunder Snow on November 9, 2011 at 1:26am

A couple of promising-looking new technologies, replacing the standalone bike computer:

Motorola's MotoActv which tracks your activity via GPS on your phone

Jawbone's Up Band which tracks your activity, eating habits and sleep patterns, again through your phone

Suunto's wristwatch based solutions

 

Permalink Reply by mark stetson on November 9, 2011 at 2:29pm

I've kind of given up on them, have an aversion to anything with a battery.  I just go to mapmyride after I get off the bike, map where I went that day.  It gives me mileage and feet of climbing.  If I worried about average speed (which I don't), I'd just do the math.  Not knocking you for wanting a computer, I'd be fine with one if they were solar and reliable. 

Permalink Reply by Bernard Joseph Hannigan on November 9, 2011 at 3:20pm

I just use a Cat Eye Velo 8 which is wired. I also keep a daily hard copy weather/miles/ tire replacement, repair etc/Zombie encounter. calender for the year.

Permalink Reply by S on November 9, 2011 at 3:47pm

I use the suunto  wristwatch stuff for running and I'd advise staying away.  They recently moved to a web based solution for reviewing and looking at your workout and it's dumbed things down compared to the local pc based software they used to provide.  I use the powertap stuff on my bike and that's loads better.  

Permalink Reply by Anthony S on November 9, 2011 at 4:10pm

I use this all the time from my Blackberry:

http://www.endomondo.com

There is a free version and a paid version. The free one works for me!

Permalink Reply by Thunder Snow on November 9, 2011 at 5:42pm

Good to know, S.  I'm crossing Suunto off my list (though I still love my military X-Lander for other reasons!)

Permalink Reply by David Barish on July 21, 2015 at 2:49pm

I found this thread when searching for "Suunto." Five years have passsed sincce the technology being discussed. I have been toying the notion of a smartwatch v. fitness band v. GPS sport watches such as Garmin Vivofit or Suunto Ambit2.  I am evenly divided between doing nothing, awaiting the newer Moto 360, Suunto Ambit2, Fitbit Surge HR all of which do very different things and have different prices. When push comes to shove seeing calls and messages on my wrist is not all that important. Tracking steps and heart rate could be nice but is it really needed? Being able to create a route, upload it to a watch and see progress on a ride could be kind of cool. Again, doing nothing is a very viable option. Any input?

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