Hi guys,
Thinking about buying a bike computer just to keep track of speed, distance etc. Can do on my mobile, but want to have something dedicated for it.
Budget around $100. Can anyone recommend something reliable.
Thanks.
Bike computer, which one to buy?
RSmith on 10/06/2021 - 19:52
Comments
I bought a bluetooth cadence meter + speedo for $10 and used an app, I thought that was amazing.
a bike computer just to keep track of speed, distance etc.
Cateye computers will do this, and you'll have $50 to $60 left over. I've used them for 35 years. Still have the original on my indoor trainer bike, 35 years old and still working.
Does it need to be a GPS version, considering I mostly ride outdoors.
None of the 5 Cateye units I use have GPS, they are basically clever stop watches, with sensor inputs (wired in my case). Long battery life, simple set up and cheap.
I bought a $100 waterproof/shockproof mobile phone for my MTB. It allows me to run trailforks and other apps while riding.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001864354810.html?spm=a2…
You can add cadene and speed sensors too. I just hotspot my primary phone and share connection with this little one. Works great, no problem seeing the screen etc. I've had some big crashes, phone holder bent, phone was fine.
I could buy a phone holder and do the sam, but my only issue is that the phone screen locks after a few seconds and having to keep waking it up to see the numbers.
What is stopping you disabling or setting the screen lock to a longer duration?
If you're not concerned with battery life a dedicated phone mount like Quad Lock or SwitchLok would work.Battery life is one of the main concern for the phone.
Nah, I just went into options and turned it to always on. It gives me about 5hrs of constant usage (I've never ridden for longer than that). It probably goes longer.
Buy a smartwatch
Buy a cheap one and use your phone to track while you ride. Use Strava or similar on your phone to compare efforts. Use the display on the bike for instantaneous data only. I did this many years ago, but after moving to multiple bikes, commuter, MTB etc figures it’s easier just to use phone and not bother with bike fitted gear.
Now I use a Garmin forerunner watch to track, it’s more accurate than phone and has heart rate. It’s a little more difficult to see speed and distance while riding because tnisnt on the handlebars, but I find I only look at it sporadically. once you have a feel for your speed - you can tell roughly how fast and a quick glance confirms. Hardest part is my eyesight is failing and it takes a bit to focus on the watch!
I use my phone to track the ride. Just needed something to have a quick glance to see the numbers rather than taking the phone out of the pocket for doing it.
The Cateye speedos will do exactly that.
I bought one of these. Good for checking my pace/speed so I know if I am slacking off when underway. Simple, heaps of battery life, looks good. An app would be cheaper but hard to check without stopping, and all mates on Strava are way better than me and put me to shame 😂
https://www.bikebug.com/cateye-quick-wireless-computer-p-105…
Wahoo