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Cycling computers questions
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 2015-10-23 7:21 AM |
Expert  2852     Pfafftown, NC |  Subject: Cycling computers questions1. Let's say you have a Garmin 920XT. What would be your preference for a cycling computer....and why would you choose that model? Does the HR straps (if you chose a Garmin product) work for both devices? 2. Other than ease of looking at the unit mounted on the bike (v. your wrist), why do you have a cycling computer? 3. I'm ignorant as to training or riding with a power meter. What information do you receive from the PM, and how is that information given to you? Does it have a unit similar to the garmin units.....or, is it compatible with some other device? 4. If you train with power (trainer) and don't have a PM.......does this influence which computer you need? Why? I'm sure there's 50 ways to skin a cat. The group I'll likely train with trains on power through the winter (and other times). I'm not thinking I'll buy a PM, but I'm not ruling it out. I'm really just not versed on how everything works. I know HR isn't an exact science, but it's better than nothing. It's typically how I train. I want to start riding longer, so I'm going to need to start thinking about more things. Thanks. Edited by nc452010 2015-10-23 7:22 AM |
| 2015-10-23 7:33 AM in reply to: nc452010 |
Member 1748 Exton, PA | Subject: RE: Cycling computers questions All depends on what YOU are looking for or your future needs. A basic bike computer (which I have) is always mounted to the bike in an is to read location and give you basics; speed,distance,avg speed, max speed, time,(some have HR), and it give you an odometer to help you keep up with maintenance. You can get by with just your 920 but it's not as easy to read while riding and does not have an odometer for your bike(I think?) Many people I do group rides with have the better bike computers which will record all the stuff your 920 does, is mounted on the bike for easy reading and you can also download routes of the internet and they will give you turn by turn directions when you ride. The cycling club I ride with has a couple hundred routes mapped out so if you have the GSP bike computer you can just pick on and down load it without worrying about getting lost. |
| 2015-10-23 7:42 AM in reply to: mike761 |
Expert 2852 Pfafftown, NC | Subject: RE: Cycling computers questions I have a cheapo thingy that gives me 2 (you can choose any two) metrics. I usually choose speed and distance (I can always check my avg. spd, etc....when I finish). I don't want to spend a lot of money on two units that are capable of doing the same things. I haven't bought a 920 yet. If it makes more sense to spend the $$ on the cycling unit, I'll do that. I have a 310XT that works fine. I like that I get 4 metrics to view all at once. What would be nice is.....two units that would share HR strap compatibility. Does that exist? |
| 2015-10-23 7:53 AM in reply to: nc452010 |
Member 1748 Exton, PA | Subject: RE: Cycling computers questions Originally posted by nc452010 I have a cheapo thingy that gives me 2 (you can choose any two) metrics. I usually choose speed and distance (I can always check my avg. spd, etc....when I finish). I don't want to spend a lot of money on two units that are capable of doing the same things. I haven't bought a 920 yet. If it makes more sense to spend the $$ on the cycling unit, I'll do that. I have a 310XT that works fine. I like that I get 4 metrics to view all at once. What would be nice is.....two units that would share HR strap compatibility. Does that exist? The Garmin edge 500 or 510 is what I see most people with I believe it is ANT+ so if that is what your HR strap is you should be able to pair them. The 310XT does everything you really need for triathlon so if your happy with it I would say go with a bike GPS. A quick search on the 510 shows a picture with 5 metric on screen. I do not have this, but many I ride with do and they love it. (pure cyclists of coarse) |
| 2015-10-23 8:01 AM in reply to: mike761 |
Expert 2852 Pfafftown, NC | Subject: RE: Cycling computers questions Thank you. I guess the important thing is.....I'd like to see (while on the bike): HR (most important) Pace/speed Distance Elapsed Time Am I missing anything that I "should" find important? These are the same things I've chosen to view on my 310.....but it's a PITA to look on my wrist in aero pos. Is that the common gripe on why people go with a nice cycling computer, when they already have an "acceptable" wrist unit? Or, do the nice cycling units do some things I'm not aware of? Thanks. |
| 2015-10-23 8:21 AM in reply to: nc452010 |
| 360 Ottawa, Ontario | Subject: RE: Cycling computers questions Originally posted by nc452010 Thank you. I guess the important thing is.....I'd like to see (while on the bike): HR (most important) Pace/speed Distance Elapsed Time Am I missing anything that I "should" find important? These are the same things I've chosen to view on my 310.....but it's a PITA to look on my wrist in aero pos. Is that the common gripe on why people go with a nice cycling computer, when they already have an "acceptable" wrist unit? Or, do the nice cycling units do some things I'm not aware of? Thanks. Garmin sells an aftermarket quick release kit for the 310XT - it allows you to easily detach the unit from the wrist strap and snap it onto your bike in a normal computer mount. I have this setup and it works fine. |
| 2015-10-23 8:30 AM in reply to: 0 |
Expert 2852 Pfafftown, NC | Subject: RE: Cycling computers questions How long does it take you to do this? Would you/do you take that much time in a tri? Now.....I suppose I could just mount the 310 to the bike and get a new wrist unit.....right? Edited by nc452010 2015-10-23 8:34 AM |
| 2015-10-23 8:42 AM in reply to: nc452010 |
| 1300 | Subject: RE: Cycling computers questions I have a basic computer and a 910. Took the computer off and went with 910 for ant so I can use trainerroad this winter. I don't mind the watch for racing but for training it's a bit of a PITA for me. I'm holding out hope a 520 shows up over the holidays. There's plenty of people on here though that just use the watch. |
| 2015-10-23 8:53 AM in reply to: Goggles Pizzano |
Extreme Veteran 1986 Cypress, TX | Subject: RE: Cycling computers questions Originally posted by Goggles Pizzano I'm holding out hope a 520 shows up over the holidays. The 520 is out. Or do you mean Santa Claus gets you one?? |
| 2015-10-23 8:56 AM in reply to: GMAN 19030 |
| 1300 | Subject: RE: Cycling computers questions Santa Claus. I'm trying to not buy myself any new gear for a year |
| 2015-10-23 7:37 PM in reply to: Goggles Pizzano |
New user 121 Green Bay, WI | Subject: RE: Cycling computers questions I have a 910 and a 500. 500 seems to be a good value. Only thing I don't like about it is no wireless sync....so I have to plug it in but other than that I like it. Hold out a month and I'm sure you can find a good Black Friday deal. |
| 2015-10-23 9:14 PM in reply to: nc452010 |
Expert 1644 Oklahoma | Subject: RE: Cycling computers questions Originally posted by nc452010 How long does it take you to do this? Would you/do you take that much time in a tri? Now.....I suppose I could just mount the 310 to the bike and get a new wrist unit.....right? It takes about a second to remove it from the quick mount on your bike and put it on the quick wrist strap mount. |
| 2015-10-23 10:03 PM in reply to: nc452010 |
Extreme Veteran 1332 | Subject: RE: Cycling computers questions Takes me no time, plus, I tend to actual take it on/off while actually moving. I can take it off, throw it on the wrist, just BEFORE going into transition while still moving, or take it off while jogging the bike in, whatever. 310xt is all the computer I need. I throw the base unit into the back of my swimcap for the swim, less drag, and it spends less time under the water, so gets better reception that way too. You can always start the swim without it and have it waiting on the bike though. I recorded myself swapping it back and forth briefly for you. https://youtu.be/7on7wzfJdSY |
| 2015-10-24 12:36 AM in reply to: dfquigley |
Expert 2852 Pfafftown, NC | Subject: RE: Cycling computers questions That us a great visual. Thanks. I almost got a great deal on a 920 today. In case that comes back up, can I wear one HR monitor and both units pick it up? Thanks again for the video. |
| 2015-10-24 3:05 AM in reply to: nc452010 |
Elite 7783 PEI, Canada | Subject: RE: Cycling computers questions If you have multiple computers, they can all pick up your HR strap at the same time. If you want to minimize your $ spent, I would go with the 310 and the quick release as mentioned above. If you want to get a dedicated cycling computer, I would try to find a cheap Edge 500. Personally I like to have sport specific devices so I have a 500 on my bike and I use a 220 for running but that's very much a personal preference. If you decide to get into power, the 310 is capable of reading an ANT+ PM so you are good there. |
| 2015-10-24 8:39 AM in reply to: axteraa |
| 47 | Subject: RE: Cycling computers questions I use my 920 for pretty much everything, although it is a bit of a pain to read while on the bike. My boss is a pretty serious cyclist, and is looking to upgrade from his 510 to a 520, so I'm buying his 510 from him. Mostly because the 920 isn't that easy to read, and the limited number of data fields make it less than ideal...and he's selling the 510 pretty reasonably. My thought is, continue to use the 920 to record and upload everything, but use the 510 to monitor things while I ride. That way I can keep track of current and average speed and cadence, time, distance, and power, without having to fiddle with my wrist or bike mounted 920. I've used multiple watches before, and both displayed the ANT device they were paired to, so I don't anticipate any issues with doing this between an Edge and Forerunner. So really...not essential, but in my case, more convenient/easier to use. |
| 2015-10-24 9:15 AM in reply to: dfquigley |
| 360 Ottawa, Ontario | Subject: RE: Cycling computers questions Originally posted by dfquigley Takes me no time, plus, I tend to actual take it on/off while actually moving... You can always start the swim without it and have it waiting on the bike though. I don't use it for the swim, so it's waiting for me on the bike. The last thing I do in T2 is grab the computer off my bike and snap it onto my wrist while running out of the t-zone. It adds zero time to my transition. |
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