I just finished climbing one of the most beautiful mountains in Honolulu--Tantalus. The ride is 5 miles straight uphill and then down, on a windy road through a tropical jungle--complete with chickens on the left, mangos on the right, and stunning ocean views all around. In addition to the beauty around me, one thing I can't help but appreciate on my bike is my tech: I love using Strava on my iPhone and a good speedometer on my bike.
If you don't love cycling for sport the way I do, you might wonder what's the point of using tech on your bike. Give a few of these options a try, and you might be pleasantly surprised! For one thing, it's fun. Even if you don't race, you'll get a thrill when you see yourself hitting car-like speeds, especially on the big downhills. Even the newest rider can easily hit 30mph. It will also really boost your fitness.
You might not know it, but your daily commute makes you stronger and fitter, day by day. Use a bike computer to track that progress and push your boundaries a little, even on short rides. Or just enjoy the sight of yourself getting faster, naturally--the times on computer will show it.
If you're intrigued, here are a few good options for tracking rides on your bike:
1. Strava
If you don't want to spend a dime, give Strava a try. This app works on your iPhone or Android device, tracks all your rides via GPS, and spits out some amazing data--including ride maps, speed, power output, elevation gain, and, best of all, how you stack up against other people that have traveled the same routes. There are only a couple downsides to using the app--it drains your phone's battery on longer rides, and you can't see it while you ride unless you mount your phone onto your bike. But, if you're a techie, you'll love pouring over the data it collects on strava.com.
2. Knog NERD
The Knog NERD is a sweet and simple wireless bike computer (don't even bother with a wired computer in this day and age). It looks cool, displays all the data you need (including MPH, miles traveled, and average speed), and you can come by one relatively cheap. While really serious cyclists will likely yearn for something more, bike commuters will love the Knog for its super easy installation and removal from the bike. If theft is a problem in your area, you'll really appreciate this feature. It comes in plenty of colors to match your bike, too--grab the blue 9-function version from Amazon for only $43.61, free Super Saver or Prime Shipping.
3. Garmin
If you'll looking for something to use for some serious tracking, you'll want a Garmin. Garmin computers come in a variety of price points, but the top ones track GPS data, elevation, cadence, heart rate, and more. And, you can upload your Garmin data to Strava to see how well you stack up against strangers and friends.
If your hesitant to shell out the dough though (the Garmin Edge 500 will set you back $250), the Knog plus Strava combo provides a great commuter friendly bang for your buck.
Seasoned cyclists, how do you track your rides? And commuters, do you appreciate a bike computer when getting from point A to B? Let us know in the comments!
(Images: 1. Ambika Subramony 2. The Foot Down)
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I have a few comments on this.
First of all, you SHOULD bother with wired computers even in this day and age. Wireless computers add another battery (usually an expensive special one) that needs to be checked and changed. They are also cheaper and less expensive. However, if you want cadence information and/or have a front suspension, then yes, wireless is better. If it is looks you are worried about, then the Knog ones suck anyway as they are butt-ugly.
It is also worth mentioning that Strava and using a Garmin are not mutually exclusive. You can import your Garmin data in to Strava. Or into whatever you want. I use an iPhone app to record my longer rides, but I then import the data into whatever service I want.
To answer the question at the end, I prefer the (wired) bike computer to keep distances but I like to run the GPS on the phone when I am on long rides and I need to recheck the map. I ride about 20 miles a day for commuting alone but its always the same route so I don't care about GPS. When I do 100+ mile weekend rides, it is nice to have the phone. Bonus is that my app, MotionXGPS (Not Drive), can precache the maps so if I am out of 3G, I can still see where I am.
endomondo.
wired all the way. i like the planet bike protege 9.0. It has all the info i want and was fairly cheap when I got it. Battery died recently, but it lasted a few years. the sensor has been in the same spot all this time. I like that you can do multiple bikes too so i put my dad's recumbent in for when i take a joyride.