Bike Computer: Yay or Nay?
#51
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That's what I was thinking. Maybe the new Dynohubs are better, but what comes out of an old Sturmey-Archer Dynohub is pretty dirty. I wouldn't want any delicate electronics on what comes out of it.
#52
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I ride the same ol' routes so no need for gps. I do like a computer mainly as a notification that I'm not paying attention and should be going.
#53
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As a teenager, I started with one of these:
However, when I started riding again, I was desperate for information regarding fitness and related goals. I started with a wireless Cateye, but in short order I ended up on the Garmin 800 path and use it to map a new and interesting routes over longer distances. Logging distance and average speed with Garmin Connect made record keeping easy, but Strava is my favorite tool. I can keep mileage by bike, keep track of upgrades and tires, track my fitness and yes, it does provide a virtual competition on segments that is great if you are into fitness and if used wisely (compete on climbs not descents). As others have said, the mounts on every bike makes it really easy and the device keeps odometer mileage for up to 5 bikes on the device (I have one generic bike that I then alter to the correct bike when uploading to Strava).
This being C&V though, I just recently picked up a 1974 Schwinn Sprint that must have one of the earlier cycling computers. I have not tried to replace the batteries yet (I am betting this device doesn't take a CR2032). Wired sensor disc is intact on the wheel.
However, when I started riding again, I was desperate for information regarding fitness and related goals. I started with a wireless Cateye, but in short order I ended up on the Garmin 800 path and use it to map a new and interesting routes over longer distances. Logging distance and average speed with Garmin Connect made record keeping easy, but Strava is my favorite tool. I can keep mileage by bike, keep track of upgrades and tires, track my fitness and yes, it does provide a virtual competition on segments that is great if you are into fitness and if used wisely (compete on climbs not descents). As others have said, the mounts on every bike makes it really easy and the device keeps odometer mileage for up to 5 bikes on the device (I have one generic bike that I then alter to the correct bike when uploading to Strava).
This being C&V though, I just recently picked up a 1974 Schwinn Sprint that must have one of the earlier cycling computers. I have not tried to replace the batteries yet (I am betting this device doesn't take a CR2032). Wired sensor disc is intact on the wheel.
Last edited by Revracer; 11-07-13 at 06:25 PM.
#54
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I used to have them on all the bikes that I owned, and in the end I just got annoyed with them.
Either they reset for no reason, or freeze, or just don't have enough functions for the money spent... Also, since I'm a cheap man, I never took out the cash for wireless computer, and the wired ones just look awful to me on any bicycle.
Last cyclocomputer kept freezing and reseting, I simply took it off and started riding without it. Now I ride by the feeling, and I'm not obsessed if I'm going 31.5 or 32.3 kmh for a 15 mins, I just feel the pace and cadence and try calculate my speed from there, just for reference...
Although I turn on MapMyRide app on my Android based phone to track my trip time, average speed and kilometers traveled. In the end, those are the numbers I'm interested in... Can't see a reason to spend 100$ on a bike computer, I can get new tires for that price, a couple of beers, and probably still get home with some cash in my pocket...
I vote for mobile phone apps, they are hidden away in the bag, or in the back pocket (my sweat destroyed one touchscreen during the summer, so no more back pocket mobiles for me!), and it keeps you away from looking at the numbers the whole time...
Either they reset for no reason, or freeze, or just don't have enough functions for the money spent... Also, since I'm a cheap man, I never took out the cash for wireless computer, and the wired ones just look awful to me on any bicycle.
Last cyclocomputer kept freezing and reseting, I simply took it off and started riding without it. Now I ride by the feeling, and I'm not obsessed if I'm going 31.5 or 32.3 kmh for a 15 mins, I just feel the pace and cadence and try calculate my speed from there, just for reference...
Although I turn on MapMyRide app on my Android based phone to track my trip time, average speed and kilometers traveled. In the end, those are the numbers I'm interested in... Can't see a reason to spend 100$ on a bike computer, I can get new tires for that price, a couple of beers, and probably still get home with some cash in my pocket...
I vote for mobile phone apps, they are hidden away in the bag, or in the back pocket (my sweat destroyed one touchscreen during the summer, so no more back pocket mobiles for me!), and it keeps you away from looking at the numbers the whole time...
#55
Senior Member
The new dyno hubs, surprisingly, aren't much better. They generate more output with less resistance, but it's not regulated. Even modern Shimano and SON dynohubs can crank out 50V at high speeds up around 40-50mph. You DEFINITELY need voltage regulation and rectification with these. And smoothing is always nice too.
#56
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You're not the only one. But the Garmin suddenly seems like an attractive idea, because it would cost less than N computers, and it would be less work to maintain than N computers. And to be complete, I don't have computers on all my bikes, and I would like to know how many miles I ride in a month and in a year. Buying a computer for something like a Raleigh Sports just seems silly.
I work my smartphone too hard already. I tried cyclemeter, which is a superb app, but it's too much work for me, and it uses too much battery energy.
I work my smartphone too hard already. I tried cyclemeter, which is a superb app, but it's too much work for me, and it uses too much battery energy.
#57
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It might be possible to distinguish bikes with the Garmin, but I'm only guessing.
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#58
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#59
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What's the longest amount of time anyone here has used strava on their iPhones? I'm wondering what kind of battery life I can expect if I want to do a century, will the battery last?
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#60
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I have an old Cateye in one of my bins, but I have never used it. I have nothing against computers. I am usually preoccupied with so many things as it is: deciding on how many layers to wear, finding my gloves and checking in with myself to see in what sort of condition I am in on any given day. If I feel really good I'll push very hard. If I am so-so, I'll just crank along and speed up later if I am feeling better. If I had a computer, I might let the numbers tell me what to do instead of taking the lead from my body.
I would like a stop watch, and maybe I should get a cheap one. I wear an old automatic Bulova, and I keep forgetting what time I started. Sometimes I glance at the second sweep to check my cadence, especially on my SS bike.
I would like a stop watch, and maybe I should get a cheap one. I wear an old automatic Bulova, and I keep forgetting what time I started. Sometimes I glance at the second sweep to check my cadence, especially on my SS bike.
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Last edited by Lenton58; 11-07-13 at 10:14 PM.
#61
WV is not flat..
I've had this Cateye since the 90's and it has been great (if you can handle a wired unit). The Enduro's were designed for mountain bikes and use a heavier wire. I haven't been easy on it either.
#62
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Who is this man, and why does he have an enormous mechanical cyclometer on his bike?
He's Tommy Godwin, and he's setting an all time year-distance record. In 1939, he rode 75,065 miles (120.805 km), as documented by his sealed Smiths cable drive combination speedometer/odometer. That record still stands, BTW.
He's Tommy Godwin, and he's setting an all time year-distance record. In 1939, he rode 75,065 miles (120.805 km), as documented by his sealed Smiths cable drive combination speedometer/odometer. That record still stands, BTW.
#63
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Divers watches are nice because you can just turn the arrow on the crystal frame to where you started at. No real need for a chronograph or anything that fancy.
#64
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You can also turn off the phone's cell functions (along with wi-fi, and Bluetooth) to save some juice. It'll still record the GPS info just fine that way. You might not be able to really look at any map information (unless it's already cached on your phone) until you turn it back on though.
#65
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Who is this man, and why does he have an enormous mechanical cyclometer on his bike?
He's Tommy Godwin, and he's setting an all time year-distance record. In 1939, he rode 75,065 miles (120.805 km), as documented by his sealed Smiths cable drive combination speedometer/odometer. That record still stands, BTW.
He's Tommy Godwin, and he's setting an all time year-distance record. In 1939, he rode 75,065 miles (120.805 km), as documented by his sealed Smiths cable drive combination speedometer/odometer. That record still stands, BTW.
Revracer - Impressive mileage, particularly the 35.3 on the Barclays hire bike. That's probably equivalent to the 341 on the Miyata, being as it is a tank rather than a bike.
#66
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Hate em'. They take away from everything I enjoy about the bike. People are motivated by different things. Do what makes you go!
#67
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Personally, I don't understand why someone would NOT want to use a computer. I like to know how far I rode, how fast and how long. I track all of my rides in a database, which takes about 15 seconds to do after each ride. Like others said, one of my main reasons for riding is fitness, and it is harder to gauge fitness without tracking data -- and that includes your weight as well as riding data.
If you want to take it easy on a particular ride, just don't look at the computer. It doesn't have to rule your life. However, if you don't have a computer you will never know your speeds, distances, time, etc.
#68
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The new dyno hubs, surprisingly, aren't much better. They generate more output with less resistance, but it's not regulated. Even modern Shimano and SON dynohubs can crank out 50V at high speeds up around 40-50mph. You DEFINITELY need voltage regulation and rectification with these. And smoothing is always nice too.
#69
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Personally, I don't understand why someone would NOT want to use a computer. I like to know how far I rode, how fast and how long. I track all of my rides in a database, which takes about 15 seconds to do after each ride. Like others said, one of my main reasons for riding is fitness, and it is harder to gauge fitness without tracking data -- and that includes your weight as well as riding data.
For time, I use a clock. It tends to be the one on the microwave because it is closest to the door. Otherwise, my phone has a clock.
Speed is meaningless.
As for tracking, I don't give a crap if I am plus or minus a few minutes on a ride. It has no bearing on my fitness. A better test is which guys drop me and which guys don't.
#70
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Oh! That's the OTHER Tommy Godwin - yeah, how weird is it that there were two outstanding British cyclists in the same era with the same name?
#72
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I use ridewithgps.com for all of my routes. I know length and elevation profiles of everywhere I ride.
For time, I use a clock. It tends to be the one on the microwave because it is closest to the door. Otherwise, my phone has a clock.
Speed is meaningless.
As for tracking, I don't give a crap if I am plus or minus a few minutes on a ride. It has no bearing on my fitness. A better test is which guys drop me and which guys don't.
For time, I use a clock. It tends to be the one on the microwave because it is closest to the door. Otherwise, my phone has a clock.
Speed is meaningless.
As for tracking, I don't give a crap if I am plus or minus a few minutes on a ride. It has no bearing on my fitness. A better test is which guys drop me and which guys don't.
#73
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No compiters on vintage bikes for me....main reason ....fugly ! I say if you must gather and track data, slip a smart phone in pocket with your choice of app. I like to keep the vintage bikes looking vintage !
Besides, I already know where I'm going, the distance and how much time it should take.
Joe
Besides, I already know where I'm going, the distance and how much time it should take.
Joe
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Garmin Edge 500 is what I use. I like data, so the post ride information is great. The other thing I like about the 500 is the size, not to big not to small and I can actually read the display without my glasses! There are a lot of options of things you can display on the screen so you can make it as simple or complex as you like. As far as it taking away from my riding experience I would say it doesn't at all plus I can always leave it at home if I want to.
#75
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Interesting thoughts and a wide range of views for C&V riders. I'm all over the 'map' regarding bike computers. Started way back while touring with those annoying ticking cyclometers. After awhile it was removed. Just used a map and figured approx. mileage.
I have the same habit today trying something new and then done with it. I've used all sorts of computers wired to wireless and now on with the phone, some of the free android app's. I would start by keeping logs too but soon could care less, disregard any data leave it all behind and just enjoy the ride. I gave away a HRM too. Never cared for the chest strap. The phone apps are neat and amazing whats available for next to nothing cost. They do eat the battery and have to remember to turn off the Wi-Fi.. The GPS is handy but if I'm out on a regular or fairly familiar area, not worth it.
That aside I kind of like a wired Sigma cheapo on one bike. Basic and minimalistic as one gets. Battery life is excellent and takes severe weather. Most reliable and the wire is cleanly routed and concealed. As a novelty and conversation piece I also have a vintage Terrys stopwatch mount with a cheap wind-up Bullseye pocketwatch on another bike. Get's good laughs to strange looks from some.
Funny enough on group rides with unfamiliar routes or century events, usually someone carry's all the whizbang data but if one carries a map that's what everyone relies on. Go figure.
I have the same habit today trying something new and then done with it. I've used all sorts of computers wired to wireless and now on with the phone, some of the free android app's. I would start by keeping logs too but soon could care less, disregard any data leave it all behind and just enjoy the ride. I gave away a HRM too. Never cared for the chest strap. The phone apps are neat and amazing whats available for next to nothing cost. They do eat the battery and have to remember to turn off the Wi-Fi.. The GPS is handy but if I'm out on a regular or fairly familiar area, not worth it.
That aside I kind of like a wired Sigma cheapo on one bike. Basic and minimalistic as one gets. Battery life is excellent and takes severe weather. Most reliable and the wire is cleanly routed and concealed. As a novelty and conversation piece I also have a vintage Terrys stopwatch mount with a cheap wind-up Bullseye pocketwatch on another bike. Get's good laughs to strange looks from some.
Funny enough on group rides with unfamiliar routes or century events, usually someone carry's all the whizbang data but if one carries a map that's what everyone relies on. Go figure.