Riding without a bike computer feels better...
07-25-16, 08:30 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Riding without a bike computer feels better...
I purchased a Lezyne GPS bike computer a few months ago. i love the GPS capability! I usually remove the computer to sync up until the next ride. Sure enough the last couple of rides I forgot to mount the computer. It actually felt better, more minimal. I have no idea how far I rode or how fast I was riding and I really did not care.
07-25-16, 10:42 PM
#2
Senior Member
I have to say I feel the opposite. I just got back into riding last weekend and my first ride was without my GPS because I hadn't had time to charge the batteries for it, and it didn't quite feel right riding without it. Part of the fun of riding (for me, anyway) as a bit of a techie is looking at the stats for the ride on Garmin Connect / Strava and see how I did against my previous efforts / other people. It also provides good motivation for me to keep pushing myself.
07-25-16, 10:46 PM
#3
Senior Member
I use the computer as motivation for how fast I am going and for how far. Couldn't ride without it.
07-25-16, 11:35 PM
#4
Non omnino gravis
This is happening again? Well, congratulations on your little entry into zen nirvana or whatthehellever. Kudos, bravooo, etc. Meanwhile,
Strava or it didn't happen.
This is the part where I should say wink-wink or something. Don't take it too seriously, people. I always ride "connected." That's my thing. Yet for some reason, NO ONE who consistently uses GPS to log rides tries to tell the freebird, "disconnect and be one with nature" crowd to get a computer. I swear, the non-GPS group is becoming the cycling equivalent of vegans.
Just think, minimalists-- if riding without a computer feels good, imagine it without the bike! Then you're running! Then get rid of shoes, and clothes! Be like the ancient Greeks! They almost never used GPS, probably.
Strava or it didn't happen.
This is the part where I should say wink-wink or something. Don't take it too seriously, people. I always ride "connected." That's my thing. Yet for some reason, NO ONE who consistently uses GPS to log rides tries to tell the freebird, "disconnect and be one with nature" crowd to get a computer. I swear, the non-GPS group is becoming the cycling equivalent of vegans.
Just think, minimalists-- if riding without a computer feels good, imagine it without the bike! Then you're running! Then get rid of shoes, and clothes! Be like the ancient Greeks! They almost never used GPS, probably.
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07-25-16, 11:47 PM
#5
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..... I swear, the non-GPS group is becoming the cycling equivalent of vegans.
Just think, minimalists-- if riding without a computer feels good, imagine it without the bike! Then you're running! Then get rid of shoes, and clothes! Be like the ancient Greeks! They almost never used GPS, probably.
Just think, minimalists-- if riding without a computer feels good, imagine it without the bike! Then you're running! Then get rid of shoes, and clothes! Be like the ancient Greeks! They almost never used GPS, probably.
I love it! I use an app on my phone... and keep the phone in a Ziploc bag in my jersey pocket. It keeps a clean look cockpit... yet I still get all the data. I think that would compare to eating a veggie burger.... with bacon.
07-26-16, 05:59 AM
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Even on relaxed rides to the park for a picnic, I simply ignore the bike computer when i don't need the stats
07-26-16, 01:22 PM
#8
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This is happening again? Well, congratulations on your little entry into zen nirvana or whatthehellever. Kudos, bravooo, etc. Meanwhile,
Strava or it didn't happen.
This is the part where I should say wink-wink or something. Don't take it too seriously, people. I always ride "connected." That's my thing. Yet for some reason, NO ONE who consistently uses GPS to log rides tries to tell the freebird, "disconnect and be one with nature" crowd to get a computer. I swear, the non-GPS group is becoming the cycling equivalent of vegans.
Just think, minimalists-- if riding without a computer feels good, imagine it without the bike! Then you're running! Then get rid of shoes, and clothes! Be like the ancient Greeks! They almost never used GPS, probably.
Strava or it didn't happen.
This is the part where I should say wink-wink or something. Don't take it too seriously, people. I always ride "connected." That's my thing. Yet for some reason, NO ONE who consistently uses GPS to log rides tries to tell the freebird, "disconnect and be one with nature" crowd to get a computer. I swear, the non-GPS group is becoming the cycling equivalent of vegans.
Just think, minimalists-- if riding without a computer feels good, imagine it without the bike! Then you're running! Then get rid of shoes, and clothes! Be like the ancient Greeks! They almost never used GPS, probably.
07-26-16, 01:47 PM
#9
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I do run a GPS tracking thing on my phone. I can hear the audio thru my phone at every mile and a brief summary. I check on the phone where I am at the moment. When my heart rate zone change, it tells me too.
Last edited by chong67; 07-26-16 at 05:48 PM.
07-27-16, 03:14 AM
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I don't have GPS on my CATEYE but wouldn't want to ride without a computer. I log every ride in a note book and have for 20+ years
07-27-16, 06:15 AM
#11
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First, whenever you have stats of whatever you're doing you start focusing more on those stats rather than the process itself. And it applies not only to biking but basically everything where stats can be involved. I feel like by doing so people often forget the real joy of cycling and get crazy obsessed with those little numbers. I mean, unless you're a serious racer and attend some competitions, do you actually benefit from those stats? Of course, you can check your progress and stuff, but all in all, it's like trying to beat a Formula 1 track with a Toyota Corolla - no matter how fast you go you will never compare to the pros racing on the track.
Second, I see a lot of people saying that they can't go cycling without their computer. If you're really a fan of cycling, does it really make a big difference if one of your rides will stay unrecorded? It seems that way too many people use these stats to brag about how far they went or how high they climbed. I've always thought that cycling was about personal experience and not another 'oh look how much I can lift' thing.
Once again, this rant will probably get ignored by most but I really hope that someone will take some time and think about why have they bought their bike in the first place. Stay peaceful and keep on cycling!
07-27-16, 10:14 AM
#12
Senior Member
There are two types of bikers - those who ride for stats and those who ride for fun. I personally never had a bike computer so I might not be eligible enough to comment but I still want to point out a couple of things (and I'm probably going to be hated a lot but whatever):
First, whenever you have stats of whatever you're doing you start focusing more on those stats rather than the process itself. And it applies not only to biking but basically everything where stats can be involved. I feel like by doing so people often forget the real joy of cycling and get crazy obsessed with those little numbers. I mean, unless you're a serious racer and attend some competitions, do you actually benefit from those stats? Of course, you can check your progress and stuff, but all in all, it's like trying to beat a Formula 1 track with a Toyota Corolla - no matter how fast you go you will never compare to the pros racing on the track.
Second, I see a lot of people saying that they can't go cycling without their computer. If you're really a fan of cycling, does it really make a big difference if one of your rides will stay unrecorded? It seems that way too many people use these stats to brag about how far they went or how high they climbed. I've always thought that cycling was about personal experience and not another 'oh look how much I can lift' thing.
Once again, this rant will probably get ignored by most but I really hope that someone will take some time and think about why have they bought their bike in the first place. Stay peaceful and keep on cycling!
First, whenever you have stats of whatever you're doing you start focusing more on those stats rather than the process itself. And it applies not only to biking but basically everything where stats can be involved. I feel like by doing so people often forget the real joy of cycling and get crazy obsessed with those little numbers. I mean, unless you're a serious racer and attend some competitions, do you actually benefit from those stats? Of course, you can check your progress and stuff, but all in all, it's like trying to beat a Formula 1 track with a Toyota Corolla - no matter how fast you go you will never compare to the pros racing on the track.
Second, I see a lot of people saying that they can't go cycling without their computer. If you're really a fan of cycling, does it really make a big difference if one of your rides will stay unrecorded? It seems that way too many people use these stats to brag about how far they went or how high they climbed. I've always thought that cycling was about personal experience and not another 'oh look how much I can lift' thing.
Once again, this rant will probably get ignored by most but I really hope that someone will take some time and think about why have they bought their bike in the first place. Stay peaceful and keep on cycling!
07-27-16, 12:34 PM
#13
Banned
Only one is on my touring Bike and if I'm not on a tour, I don't even Put a battery In It.
Dont need no GPS either , . but nobody can read Maps anymore ..
Dont need no GPS either , . but nobody can read Maps anymore ..
07-27-16, 02:00 PM
#14
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There are two types of bikers - those who ride for stats and those who ride for fun. I personally never had a bike computer so I might not be eligible enough to comment but I still want to point out a couple of things (and I'm probably going to be hated a lot but whatever):
First, whenever you have stats of whatever you're doing you start focusing more on those stats rather than the process itself. And it applies not only to biking but basically everything where stats can be involved. I feel like by doing so people often forget the real joy of cycling and get crazy obsessed with those little numbers. I mean, unless you're a serious racer and attend some competitions, do you actually benefit from those stats? Of course, you can check your progress and stuff, but all in all, it's like trying to beat a Formula 1 track with a Toyota Corolla - no matter how fast you go you will never compare to the pros racing on the track.
Second, I see a lot of people saying that they can't go cycling without their computer. If you're really a fan of cycling, does it really make a big difference if one of your rides will stay unrecorded? It seems that way too many people use these stats to brag about how far they went or how high they climbed. I've always thought that cycling was about personal experience and not another 'oh look how much I can lift' thing.
Once again, this rant will probably get ignored by most but I really hope that someone will take some time and think about why have they bought their bike in the first place. Stay peaceful and keep on cycling!
First, whenever you have stats of whatever you're doing you start focusing more on those stats rather than the process itself. And it applies not only to biking but basically everything where stats can be involved. I feel like by doing so people often forget the real joy of cycling and get crazy obsessed with those little numbers. I mean, unless you're a serious racer and attend some competitions, do you actually benefit from those stats? Of course, you can check your progress and stuff, but all in all, it's like trying to beat a Formula 1 track with a Toyota Corolla - no matter how fast you go you will never compare to the pros racing on the track.
Second, I see a lot of people saying that they can't go cycling without their computer. If you're really a fan of cycling, does it really make a big difference if one of your rides will stay unrecorded? It seems that way too many people use these stats to brag about how far they went or how high they climbed. I've always thought that cycling was about personal experience and not another 'oh look how much I can lift' thing.
Once again, this rant will probably get ignored by most but I really hope that someone will take some time and think about why have they bought their bike in the first place. Stay peaceful and keep on cycling!
No bike computer
you mean you never once wondered how fast you were going when you tore down the back side of old ball buster hill? I have one 20 mile training loop I've been trying to get around in 1 hour for years but have never quite made it. When I do I want to know about it. 
07-27-16, 02:35 PM
#15
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I have a simple Cateye Padrone. I keep a maintenance log so the mileage figures come in handy. I like to know how many miles I am getting out of tires, cassettes, etc. and even cycling gloves. I do look at mileage at the end of the ride.
07-27-16, 02:57 PM
#16
Non omnino gravis
There are two types of bikers - those who ride for stats and those who ride for fun. I personally never had a bike computer so I might not be eligible enough to comment but I still want to point out a couple of things (and I'm probably going to be hated a lot but whatever):
First, whenever you have stats of whatever you're doing you start focusing more on those stats rather than the process itself. And it applies not only to biking but basically everything where stats can be involved. I feel like by doing so people often forget the real joy of cycling and get crazy obsessed with those little numbers. I mean, unless you're a serious racer and attend some competitions, do you actually benefit from those stats? Of course, you can check your progress and stuff, but all in all, it's like trying to beat a Formula 1 track with a Toyota Corolla - no matter how fast you go you will never compare to the pros racing on the track.
Second, I see a lot of people saying that they can't go cycling without their computer. If you're really a fan of cycling, does it really make a big difference if one of your rides will stay unrecorded? It seems that way too many people use these stats to brag about how far they went or how high they climbed. I've always thought that cycling was about personal experience and not another 'oh look how much I can lift' thing.
Riding with a computer doesn't mean I ride strictly for the numbers. If I didn't enjoy riding, I wouldn't do it at all. I don't track my numbers to be faster or "better" than anyone other than myself. You are aware that it is possible to be goal oriented and have fun at the same time, right? Some people, myself included, are motivated by having a goal. Some days I just ride around the neighborhood. Some days I climb mountains. The fact that all of these rides are recorded on Strava in no way diminishes their "purity." My personal experience includes recording rides and looking over the data after the ride is over.
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07-27-16, 03:52 PM
#17
Senior Member
what do you do with the data?
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Comedian Bill Hicks once said, "Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy a jet ski, and you never see an unhappy person riding a jet ski."
Comedian Bill Hicks once said, "Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy a jet ski, and you never see an unhappy person riding a jet ski."
07-27-16, 07:07 PM
#18
Senior Member
Thread Starter
This is happening again? Well, congratulations on your little entry into zen nirvana or whatthehellever. Kudos, bravooo, etc. Meanwhile,
Strava or it didn't happen.
This is the part where I should say wink-wink or something. Don't take it too seriously, people. I always ride "connected." That's my thing. Yet for some reason, NO ONE who consistently uses GPS to log rides tries to tell the freebird, "disconnect and be one with nature" crowd to get a computer. I swear, the non-GPS group is becoming the cycling equivalent of vegans.
Just think, minimalists-- if riding without a computer feels good, imagine it without the bike! Then you're running! Then get rid of shoes, and clothes! Be like the ancient Greeks! They almost never used GPS, probably.
Strava or it didn't happen.
This is the part where I should say wink-wink or something. Don't take it too seriously, people. I always ride "connected." That's my thing. Yet for some reason, NO ONE who consistently uses GPS to log rides tries to tell the freebird, "disconnect and be one with nature" crowd to get a computer. I swear, the non-GPS group is becoming the cycling equivalent of vegans.
Just think, minimalists-- if riding without a computer feels good, imagine it without the bike! Then you're running! Then get rid of shoes, and clothes! Be like the ancient Greeks! They almost never used GPS, probably.
07-27-16, 07:22 PM
#19
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Sometimes I will look back to see when the last time I rode a century ride was or what route I took to get from Point A to B and compare the new route I have found. A lot of my local routes get boring so I'll try and switch them around like maybe ride them in reverse and see which way was fastest. Sometimes I will look at notes to see if I should bother going somewhere I have been before, the notes might say the road sucked. The DATA isn't used for any scientific research. Someday when I'm to old to ride I'll dig out my note books and add up how many miles I rode over a lifetime. I don't know about adding up the hours in the saddle, that might freak me out that I spent that much time on a bike!
Last edited by Bike Life; 07-27-16 at 07:30 PM.
07-27-16, 07:25 PM
#20
Non omnino gravis
One I like to do is find a ride I had done last year, then re-ride the exact route to see if I'm any faster or slower. I will on occasion set the Virtual Partner on my Garmin to the avg. pace from the original ride, to see how I'm matching up mile-by-mile. It's... dare I say... fun.
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07-27-16, 09:02 PM
#21
Me duelen las nalgas
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Is this like those endless analog vs digital photography things? Hey, I'm a lifelong film buff but it's not a religion. In the end, it's about the image, not the process or materials.
I don't have a cycling computer mounted on the bars but I do run an app on the iPhone, which sits in a handlebar bag or my pocket. I don't watch it while I'm riding. I'm not fast enough to worry about it. But I do enjoy tracking my slight progress over a period of months and re-riding the same routes.
To me, it's the ride, not the process.
I don't have a cycling computer mounted on the bars but I do run an app on the iPhone, which sits in a handlebar bag or my pocket. I don't watch it while I'm riding. I'm not fast enough to worry about it. But I do enjoy tracking my slight progress over a period of months and re-riding the same routes.
To me, it's the ride, not the process.
07-28-16, 01:09 AM
#22
Senior Member
07-28-16, 02:52 AM
#23
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Translation: there are two types of cyclists, those who do things my way, and everybody else.
Translation: Cycling is about being slow, and not knowing where you're going, or remembering where you've been. The "joy" of cycling is an undefined abstract, and people who make any effort at all to ride faster or climb more are wasting their time.
Translation: My own personal opinion is a wholly enclosed reality, where anyone else is either like me, or insane. Cycling is a "personal experience," so long as that personal experience is in line with mine, otherwise it is basically wasting time.
Riding with a computer doesn't mean I ride strictly for the numbers. If I didn't enjoy riding, I wouldn't do it at all. I don't track my numbers to be faster or "better" than anyone other than myself. You are aware that it is possible to be goal oriented and have fun at the same time, right? Some people, myself included, are motivated by having a goal. Some days I just ride around the neighborhood. Some days I climb mountains. The fact that all of these rides are recorded on Strava in no way diminishes their "purity." My personal experience includes recording rides and looking over the data after the ride is over.
Translation: Cycling is about being slow, and not knowing where you're going, or remembering where you've been. The "joy" of cycling is an undefined abstract, and people who make any effort at all to ride faster or climb more are wasting their time.
Translation: My own personal opinion is a wholly enclosed reality, where anyone else is either like me, or insane. Cycling is a "personal experience," so long as that personal experience is in line with mine, otherwise it is basically wasting time.
Riding with a computer doesn't mean I ride strictly for the numbers. If I didn't enjoy riding, I wouldn't do it at all. I don't track my numbers to be faster or "better" than anyone other than myself. You are aware that it is possible to be goal oriented and have fun at the same time, right? Some people, myself included, are motivated by having a goal. Some days I just ride around the neighborhood. Some days I climb mountains. The fact that all of these rides are recorded on Strava in no way diminishes their "purity." My personal experience includes recording rides and looking over the data after the ride is over.
07-28-16, 08:14 AM
#24
Non omnino gravis
So what you're saying, in effect, is that it is perfectly acceptable for you to voice your personal opinion, but anyone who dissents should simply "ignore it and keep scrolling." Someone needs to bring you a ladder so you can get over yourself.
I mean, the notion that there is some fundamental disconnnect between riding with a Garmin and having fun is just absurd. I'm not made about anything, I'm just pointing out that you're wrong.
I mean, the notion that there is some fundamental disconnnect between riding with a Garmin and having fun is just absurd. I'm not made about anything, I'm just pointing out that you're wrong.
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07-28-16, 08:21 AM
#25
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So what you're saying, in effect, is that it is perfectly acceptable for you to voice your personal opinion, but anyone who dissents should simply "ignore it and keep scrolling." Someone needs to bring you a ladder so you can get over yourself.
I mean, the notion that there is some fundamental disconnnect between riding with a Garmin and having fun is just absurd. I'm not made about anything, I'm just pointing out that you're wrong.
I mean, the notion that there is some fundamental disconnnect between riding with a Garmin and having fun is just absurd. I'm not made about anything, I'm just pointing out that you're wrong.
When I cycle I need to have stats. I just did 43 miles, its my longest ride ever. I could have just say I rode x miles today then nobody would know what I am saying.
Killary also says "what does it matter"