General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Bike Computer Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2013-10-14 7:36 PM

New user
36
25
Subject: Bike Computer

Looking into new technology for myself.

What is the best option, and what is your set up?


1) Garmin 910 xt

2) Garmin 310 xt

3) Garmin 510 on the bike with my regular Timex watch for HR

Main reason need to upgrade is I am picking up the Stages Power Meter and need to display the data somehow to myself.



2013-10-15 6:14 AM
in reply to: Ben_82

User image

Pro
5892
5000500100100100252525
, New Hampshire
Subject: RE: Bike Computer
As a triathlete, the Garmin 910XT is pretty hard to beat. Gives you complete data collection for all 3 sports. The 310XT works well, but lacks the swim functions of the 910XT (as a duathlete, I use the 310XT and although barometric height of the 910XT would be nice, the price difference is too much to ignore, swim is of course a moot point)

I wouldn't get the Garmin Edge 510. Nothing wrong with it at all, but another computer to use in a race is just not a good option... You would have to turn it on before the race to make sure you have GPS signal lock then leave it on until after the race... Don't want to fiddle with starting it during a race...
2013-10-15 12:09 PM
in reply to: audiojan

User image

Veteran
493
100100100100252525
Cloverdale, BC
Subject: RE: Bike Computer

The Forerunner can only show 4 data fields at once.  The Edge 510 can show 10.  I don't know how people get by with only 4 data fields on the bike.  I need at least 7 just to get by, and I don't even own a power meter. 

  1. Speed
  2. Cadence
  3. Heart Rate
  4. Distance
  5. Time
  6. Average Speed
  7. Grade

 

2013-10-15 12:48 PM
in reply to: ultramike

User image

Pro
5361
50001001001002525
Subject: RE: Bike Computer

Originally posted by ultramike

The Forerunner can only show 4 data fields at once.  The Edge 510 can show 10.  I don't know how people get by with only 4 data fields on the bike.  I need at least 7 just to get by, and I don't even own a power meter. 

  1. Speed
  2. Cadence
  3. Heart Rate
  4. Distance
  5. Time
  6. Average Speed
  7. Grade

 

 

Only two fields needed.

POWER (3 s)

Heart Rate

 

all the other stuff goes on a second or third screen.

 

But yeah- to the OP. Unless you really want a single device for swim/bike/run, I'd go with a dedicated bike computer.  If you can get an edge 500 cheap- then grab that.  If not, then get the newer 510.

2013-10-16 5:17 AM
in reply to: ultramike

User image

Pro
5892
5000500100100100252525
, New Hampshire
Subject: RE: Bike Computer
Originally posted by ultramike

The Forerunner can only show 4 data fields at once.  The Edge 510 can show 10.  I don't know how people get by with only 4 data fields on the bike.  I need at least 7 just to get by, and I don't even own a power meter. 

  1. Speed
  2. Cadence
  3. Heart Rate
  4. Distance
  5. Time
  6. Average Speed
  7. Grade

 




Do you honestly need all that data DURING a ride? After for a good analysis, yes, but during?

For training, I have one screen, Speed, Distance, Cadence, PWR. For racing, I change the screen to Cadence, PWR, Distance. Too much information during a race is just distracting and not helpful. You want to concentrate on one thing and stay focused on that. In a TT, many people look at for example Cadence and just make sure they stay within their zone. Others use Power as their one focus.
2013-10-16 8:44 PM
in reply to: audiojan

New user
36
25
Subject: RE: Bike Computer
Originally posted by audiojan

Originally posted by ultramike

The Forerunner can only show 4 data fields at once.  The Edge 510 can show 10.  I don't know how people get by with only 4 data fields on the bike.  I need at least 7 just to get by, and I don't even own a power meter. 

  1. Speed
  2. Cadence
  3. Heart Rate
  4. Distance
  5. Time
  6. Average Speed
  7. Grade

 




Do you honestly need all that data DURING a ride? After for a good analysis, yes, but during?

For training, I have one screen, Speed, Distance, Cadence, PWR. For racing, I change the screen to Cadence, PWR, Distance. Too much information during a race is just distracting and not helpful. You want to concentrate on one thing and stay focused on that. In a TT, many people look at for example Cadence and just make sure they stay within their zone. Others use Power as their one focus.


Thanks for all the advice. Going to go ahead with the 910xt as I like the idea of having it all located in one spot just easier for uploading and analyzing the data.

In terms of all the data all year during my race I have gone with my HRM and my overall time, the rest is all feel. Switching over to Power this winter, so all I plan on is my Power and HRM for the bike,

Run is just HRM and cadence.


2013-10-21 5:08 PM
in reply to: Ben_82

User image

Elite
3060
200010002525
N Carolina
Subject: RE: Bike Computer
Paying attention to speed during a race is a big no-no........
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Bike Computer Rss Feed  
RELATED POSTS

bike computers

Started by brain_bliss
Views: 884 Posts: 3

2005-04-18 2:09 PM brain_bliss

Buying a HRM and bike computer. Need advice

Started by lablover
Views: 1055 Posts: 3

2005-04-04 6:52 PM JGFTri

Bike Computer

Started by parrj
Views: 1069 Posts: 9

2005-03-13 4:23 PM andyc

Accuracy of bike computer on a trainer?

Started by AdventureBear
Views: 1846 Posts: 15

2005-03-09 3:07 PM Stake

Which Bike Computer??

Started by megerj
Views: 1082 Posts: 8

2004-09-28 12:01 PM yaqui
RELATED ARTICLES
date : November 6, 2011
author : alicefoeller
comments : 4
A Walmart bike, a borrowed road bike or a new carbon fiber bike? You don't need to break the bank for your first triathlon bike.
 
date : August 11, 2011
author : FitWerx
comments : 1
Dean from Fitwerx answers a BT member question about what kind of bike should be the "next bike."
date : June 29, 2011
author : alicefoeller
comments : 4
Second in a series of three articles about the basics, the niceties and the luxuries
 
date : April 12, 2011
author : FitWerx
comments : 0
How should I be shifting gears on the front chainring and the rear cogs to cope with hills?
date : December 27, 2008
author : FitWerx
comments : 9
Are you a beginner triathlete? This video will compare triathlon bikes and road bikes to help you figure out what is best for you as you begin your triathlon training.
 
date : August 5, 2008
author : mrakes1
comments : 0
Are you traveling to a race and need to ship your bike? This video will demonstrate how to disassemble your bike to be able to pack it properly in a bike case for shipping.
date : March 6, 2007
author : sportfactory
comments : 0
Bike upgrades to gain speed: better wheelsets, a tri-bike, road bike with aerobars, even getting rid of those love handles before getting that lighter bike.
 
date : July 30, 2006
author : Valdora Cycles
comments : 8
The triathlon bike vs. road bike quandary. Before you even ask the road bike vs. tri bike question, you should have a couple sprint triathlons or duathlons under your belt.