KTaylor

Hello,

I'm about to get a Trek DS 2 and need a computer. Only looking for speed and Trip speed. Hearing about gps and computers that use your phone nowadays. Why do y'all like and recommended and why? Thanks!

ad18

I recently investigated and ended up with a Garmin Edge 20. My initial purchase, via Amazon, was a Lezyne Mini GPS. Unit would not sync with my laptop, online Lezyne software did not work, gps firmware upgrade software did not work, and tech support said to return for replacement/refund. I chose refund. Online vendor credited me $10 to help cover return postage but then added 20% restocking fee. Refused to waiver saying it was not his fault unit did not work. Lezyne returned for refund and ordered Garmin immediately. Garmin arrived, all online software worked, and unit works like a champ. I'll never contemplate a Lezyne product again.

prj71

Use your phone. Install Strava or Map my Ride.

If you have a Samsung phone then you have the S Health app built in to track cycling.

hokiefyd 

I'm interested in this conversation -- was going to ask a similar question. I've been using my phone with an app called Urban Biker. Great user interface, but it doesn't save my rides in the cloud. I guess Strava and Map my Ride probably do that. I don't have a Facebook account, and I don't do social media, but I would like a record of my stuff in the cloud so *I* can go back and see my history.

1911bg

I am using this and it works great and is easy to see.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/e...olorCode=black

canklecat

Most serious cyclists I know locally use Garmins but those are way too expensive for my budget. Some cost more than my entire bike.

I just use my old iPhone 4s and apps. Mostly Cyclemeter, occasionally Wahoo Fitness, both of which can share data to Strava. Wahoo Fitness is completely free. Strava's free version is fully functional.

The only restriction with Cyclemeter was that I couldn't share data to Strava until I paid the very small annual fee, about $10. Worthwhile -- Cyclemeter is very feature rich and now works with Android phones as well. It tracks my routes, times and speeds more accurately than Strava even when my phone loses GPS sync. When the GPS sync fails Strava shows a straight line, cross country, between failure and re-sync points. Cyclemeter accurately guesstimates my most likely route and fills in the blanks so I still have useful ride data.

I've also dabbled with Map My Ride, Ride With GPS, maybe one or two others, but haven't figured out what they offer that the others don't.

And I use Charity Miles to benefit a designated recipient, which costs the user nothing. The app chooses among a list of designated sponsors. No problems or scams as far as I can tell, it gets positive reviews. Runs well alongside Cyclemeter and Strava, so it's almost effortless.

The only time I have conflicts is when I need to refer to Osm And Maps or Google Maps. After that I need to manually restart my cycling apps. But I don't lose any data, it just picks up where it left off.

prj71

You don't need a social media account to use Strava or Map my Ride. I used to use map my ride but now use Strava which is synced with the S health app on my Samsung phone.

I use the S Health app because it connects to the cadence and speed sensors on my bike via ANT+. When I'm done with my ride I save it in S health and it automatically uploads the data to Strava.

I use Strava because I'm caught up in the whirlwind of KOMs and segments which has helped me improve my cycling and fitness level.

All 3 of those apps record and retain your history.

ad18

I really contemplated going the cell route, but my main concern was actually carrying the phone. There are indeed a lot of slick apps that track what you want. However, putting the phone in a holder on the handle bars takes up a lot of space and is exposed to breakage if you fall. Stuff it in a pack or pocket reduced breakage risk, but then I was paranoid of losing it. The Garmin takes up very little room and replacing it was far cheaper that a new phone. It was a tough choice and there is no real answer. Personal preference.

hokiefyd 

I just signed up to Strava and downloaded the app to my Android phone. I'll play with it some this week and see how I like it. I really do like having my phone on the handlebar because I play music and sometimes look at Google Maps on it. I use cheap phones (Moto G4 at the moment), so they're disposable and not any more expensive than a Garmin. @ad18 is right in that it does take up space on the handlebar -- the biggest drawback for me. Not a deal-breaker yet, though.

finch204

On short rides, I use Strava and Runtastic Road Bike on my iPhone. On longer rides, I use my Garmin Edge 500 and Runstastic Road bike on my iPhone. One of the reasons I always use Runtastic Road Bike is that it has a live track feature that my wife uses to check where I am.

ad18

Garmin Edge is box stock, entry level unit. Only does what OP wants, and what I wanted. I got mine, in Canadian $'s, for less than $200. Way cheaper than a phone Unless I really, really have too I leave my phone in truck, don't take it. I want some peace and quiet as I ride. Although I do contemplate how nice it would be to have in case of emergency. Major break down...the walk of shame instead of a rescue call

prj71

Doesn't take up any more space than a Garmin. Garmin could break from a fall as well.

https://www.quadlockcase.com/

Are you paranoid of losing it when it's in your pocket and your walking around?

I put mine in a zip up pocket in my shorts when I'm mountain biking. On my road bike I put it on the bars using a bar mount. Of if you have a cycling jersey you can use one of the back pockets.


Cheaper? I pay about a $1 for my phones with 2 year contract. Or you can find a phone on Amazon for less than a garmin.

The only real downside to the phone vs. garmin is battery life. You'll get about 16 hours out of the garmin and about 8-9 out of the phone with the GPS running. Unless your riding a long endurance race a person wouldn't need all of that battery life offered by the Garmin anyway. Yesterday I did a 3 hour ride. Phone started out at 100% battery life and was at 78% when I finished.

prj71

You'll like Strava.

camjr

I use a simple, non-wireless Sigma computer for speed, distance, elapsed time, etc so I can have a quick glance while I ride. I just start the Map My Ride on my phone and throw it in my jersey pocket or handlebar bag if I'm riding with one that day for the more detailed information. When I hear the miles announced on my phone, it's always within a couple of hundredths of a mile with the computer.

Cheers.

Doctor Morbius

I have one of these and love it. It's all I need. Very simple to use and set up.

KTaylor

Great info! Thanks everyone!

Pompiere

I have been using a Garmin 200 for a couple years now. I got it on clearance for $100 when it was being replaced by the 20. It just does the basic speed, average speed and mileage. You can also save routes and play them back as a bread crumb trail. The main reason I wanted the Garmin was because I own several bikes and I can just throw it on whichever bike I decide to ride, without having to calibrate for the tire size. It is about the same size as a computer and I would have to spend as much to have computers on all my bikes. The app lets me download the rides and assign the bikes to the ride.

sw20

try a Cateye Velo 7, cheap and does all you need!

prj71

I'll also add that I use Track Navigator for long road / gravel rides. It gives you turn by turn voice navigation using routes you plan in Ride with GPS.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...tracknav&hl=en

Laurido92

I recommend any Garmin Edge. I'm not a fan of using your phone since it will drain your battery and you may need it in case of an emergency.

jase33

I use an old iPhone 5 that I bought for about $100. I can have my ride app going and play music to my bluetooth headphones. Its not activated but it can call emergency services if needed. The screen is nice and easy to see whats going on, the apps get updated every so often and the battery last about two days worth of riding. Works great for me.

prj71

Depends on how long you need to ride. I did a 7 hour ride last year and tracked my ride...still had 30% battery life when I was done.

The 15-16 hour battery life of the Garmin is nice, but in reality not many people are riding that many hours in a row so the phone works fine.

My phone has even replaced my Garmin eTrex handheld GPS that I used for years for hunting.

finch204

As long as you keep the screen off on your phone and make sure to close other apps not important for your ride, it should last a good while for bike rides.

prj71

The Samsung S health app on my phone goes into bike computer mode which it also labels as battery saver mode. Turns to a black and white screen .

boozergut

The Polar M450 has worked well for me. Its much cheaper than a similar model Garmin. There are some good reviews of it on youtube as well. Syncs well to Strava, yadda yadda........