Choosing the right computer for your bike
The world has become data-obsessed, and cycling is no different! Understanding your performance data can phenomenally affect how you train and the results you experience. However, a bike computer has functions beyond your riding output - it can help you navigate, provide the weather temperature, capture rides for future reference and tell the time! Moreover, for many of us, unless the ride features on Strava, then did the ride ever really happen…? So, how do you choose the cycling computer for you?
Types of bike computers
There are three different device types from which you can choose:
An application downloaded to your phone
This is a good option if you’re new to the sport and not yet sure you want to commit to a data relationship just yet! It is also worth considering if you only ride occasionally. Although you can put your mobile in your jersey pocket, you will likely want it out on display. As such, you’ll need a quality bike mount.
A GPS tracker on your watch
Particularly handy for triathletes who require a seamless transition of data across all three disciplines. It is equally useful for an athlete who does more than just bike and wants to be across all information.
A bike computer
Best for the committed cyclist who is unlikely to need a computer outside of riding.
All three will provide real-time data as well as a final data dump on which you can geek out for hours! You know what they say - the devil’s in the detail!
Cycling computer features
So, what kind of data can you expect from your device? Depending on which option you go for - and which fields you select from that option - you can expect any or all of the following:
GPS bike computer location - showing where you are and providing a detailed map of the surrounding area
Heart rate
Distance travelled (odometer)
Elapsed time (how long ago you set off. A good device will pause monitoring when you are stationary)
Bike speed
Cadence
Power
Calories burned
Route elevation
Weather temperature
Other rider activity (records such as King and Queen of the Mountains, sprint stages etc)
Notification of your own wins (King/Queen of Mountain etc)
Integration with a training app
Muscle oxygen sensor integration
Mounting device
Backlighting (for use in poor weather/night-time)
Weather resistance
Time of day
The wired bike computer
The great thing about a wired bike computer is its price tag. Typically, these are much cheaper than their wireless counterparts. Even better - they only rely on one battery, meaning you only have to charge one battery! However, the downside is that the wire can look a little untidy.
The wireless bike computer
As the name indicates, a wireless bike computer comes without the strings attached, literally. However, in contrast, you now have to charge two batteries - one in the head unit as well as the transmitter.
How do bike computers work?
Small sensors that you attach to the wheels and forks will ‘talk’ to your device. You will need to tell the device what wheel size you’re using, as this will then form the backbone of your data (calculating the time it takes for the wheel to complete one revolution). Integrating your heart rate monitor provides additional layers of physiological data.
How to set up a bike computer
Top tip - set up the software first, and then turn your attention to the physical setup of getting the computer on your bike. Bear in mind the details will vary from brand to brand and the age of the device, but the basics should be as follows:
Charge the computer
Once charged, set up the data screens - there will be a bunch of fields available so think about what you want to know
You will then want to set these up as your home screen fields (just follow the prompts)
Synch devices to one another (for example, if you’re synching a heart rate monitor, then you will need to put it on so it can register a reading). Set the computer to search so it can find these devices and pair with them. In theory, you should only do this once.
For Garmin bike computers, you will need to now set up Garmin Connect and Garmin IQ (provides extra apps) on your laptop.
If you’re on Strava, you will need to link this to Garmin Connect. Just visit the Strava settings.
Using Bluetooth, now pair your cycling computer with your smartphone.
It’s now time to attach the sensors to your bike.
Everything should be talking to one another and literally ready to roll!
Contact us about bike computers today!
Not sure which device is best for you? Want to ensure you’re making the right decision? Have more questions? Whatever you need, our team of data-loving, bike computer nerds is here to geek out (or provide a straightforward answer!). We’d love to hear from you, so contact us today!
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