You should try a Garmin Edge Explore (£170 online). A 3" touch screen with mapping and route planning, Bluetooth and an IQ app download system. Also worth a mention as an alternative to Strava is Komoot, which does not go in for segments and an "I'm faster than you" system but instead lets riders share routes for their enjoyment (with photos etc) and reasons (highlights) for taking that route.
It’s very rare I record any of my rides nowadays, I used to log everything and would be genuinely unhappy if I’d forgot to record a ride or if something had gone wrong. But after a couple of years I realised most of my rides follow the same routes and could fairly accurately predict my time and distance beforehand. I can even take a pretty decent guess on new routes, and as I wasn’t using the information other than a mild curiosity, I just stopped bothering. I probably will use it again in the future just so it’s not going to waste, but it’s not important to me.
One of the things i use each ride , besides the obvious speed, distance, cadence, heartbeat, power and the segments (Like those tbh), i use the radar / backlight from garmin. I’ve noticed a couple of times people say it’s useless/ridiculous untill the moment they use it themselves. The radar notices and warns (visually and sound) you from upcomimg traffic from behind, if they come in fast and what distance they are, and if there are multiple cars etc. Its like a extra pair of eyes looking back. If you have bad ears like me, it’s worth considering. Check fe dc rainmakers test on it, and responses to it. It’s one of the things these newer bike computers have. Another thing is ofcourse navigation, you hardly touched that. When you are new to cycling, it’s very nice to be able to download other experienced people’s routes, and ride them yourselves with aid of navigation. Especially when you’re in a new place, like holidays and so on. But i am biassed, as i like those gadgets, lol. Thumbs up, leonard.
I bought a Magene C406 with Magene H603 HR along with their Speed and Cadence sensors and it's a great combo. Works flawlessly all the time. All this for well under $200.00 CDN. I've been out in pouring rain on many occasion and or very wet road and have had no issues. It's a great system and gives more than enough data including temperature.
I use the Element Bolt. The way it links with my phone, automatically uploads results and is easy to setup with. Like you Leonard, its great to review the data and get real feedback. Nice video for us common folks, keep it up!
Used a wireless Cateye computer for years, then this last January discovered Strava. Strava is great with tons of features and data, but often find myself wasting so much time on it. Strava is indeed a social media much like Facebook and Instagram and easy to get immersed in it. Nothing wrong with having the Strava app on your smartphone, start recording your ride at the start, tuck your phone in your jersey pocket, then save your ride when you are done. Simple. I only recently received my first Garmin, it’s a Garmin Edge 820 and I’m still learning all its functions.
When I moved to this area a few years ago, I started using my phone for the map function, cause I’d get lost. I’m still getting lost 8 yrs on. Like you say battery life on the iPhone isn’t good. So after I broke down in the middle of nowhere, the phone battery was about to die. Lesson learned keep phone for phone calls. I now have the Garmin edge 1030 its good not perfect, as it doesn’t always find the sensors. Komoot routes download wirelessly from iPad. Speed and cadence is a bonus to the maps. So impressed7 I got the Garmin watch and that broadcasts heart rate to edge 1030 too. I’ve set my phone to speak aloud my average speed and heart rate as well as navigational instructions while phone is in low power mode. Cycling is my freedom and fitness tracking is something else. Least I can see that I’m improving. Strava isn’t that good via iPad app, but still logs my rides. The relive app you sometimes use is fantastic too, but needs Garmin data to map the video.
Thanks Leonard! Your videos are really informative and inspirational. I’m a full bodied (6’4”, 240 lb) vintage (58 yo) rider. I live in Colorado and I’m returning to cycling after a long hiatus. This video was perfect for me as Strava, Bluetooth, and full featured cycling computers weren’t around the last time I turned the pedals! I really look forward to your posts each week. Keep up the great work and we’ll see you here each week and maybe out on Strava! Cheers!
I use my iPhone with a couple of cycling apps and Music being the only things open. Click the home button and shut down the screen and your phone battery should last at least 5-6 hours. If you don’t close apps you don’t need they run down your battery seeking a data source. If you need to see speed and distance a basic Cat Eye works great. Keeping your screen on on your iPhone is a battery killer.
Today I went for a ride to test my brand new Wahoo Elemnt Mini and I'm very pleased with it: it's wireless, the display is bright and clear, it's easy to install set up and use, and gives me the basic metrics that I need. So it doesn't tell me my horoscope for the day like a top of the range machine would, I can live with that. Was tempted to buy the Bolt but it would be overkill for the riding I do at this point, I'm quite happy with the Mini for now.
Thanks, Leonard for another great video. I'm in the market for a new cycling computer and your honest viewpoint has certainly made me ponder a little more.
I had a very basic Sigma until recently. I have just bought the Elemnt Bolt Bundle which was on special offer, and I have to admit its pretty damn good 👍👍
I use a couple of older very basic Cateye computers but have been using the Bikebrain app on my IPhone. As I carry the phone in the top tube bag with a clear top made specific for phones hooking up a external battery isn't much fuss. The battery anxiety goes away and if I just want to see the basics, altitude change, speed, map, etc. I don't even have to reconfigure it switching from bike to bike. Thanks for showing all the options lowest to highest as it can be intimidating if the local shops only want to push the latest and greatest.
I have a Garmin 520 with stages III power meter and heart strap, I have downloaded some apps written for Garmin devices. My favourite (Power Gauge) displays all my information in a format similar to a car dashboard.
Hi, great video. I have one requirement that made me buy a Garmin 1030. As an older rider, I needed a larger screen to be able to see information as I ride. Large screen displays are few and far between and my phone is not a viable option. It all came down to the analysis of features I needed when the decision to buy was made.
Yes you are right . Very difficult to find large screens . They should be larger . Right now i am using iPhone and all i can say it tested very well . Before this i was using samsung mobile with google software Zeopoxa cycling it works brilliantly . Now i download Bi-Cycle software . It is similar to the other also it record and can save it as well which i like it very much . Also can use the hearth rate too .
I really like my Bryton Rider 10. Really cheap but it has GPS/Glonas, temperature, and a barometer for height, as well it reads my speed sensor (for when GPS signal is blocked by buildings or trees), cadence sensor, and heart rate sensor. It is Bluetooth and ANT+ compatible as well. For 80 dollars I couldn't go wrong. It auto uploads to Strava through the phone app. Of course I want one with more flash but can't justify the expense when it works so well for me. Sorry for what sounds like an advert.
Hi Leonard, I am using bryton 330 with cadence sensor much cheaper than wahoo or garmin and so far it is doing the job very well. Many thanks for the great videos i really enjoy them AussiFan :)
I don't use Strava but, I do keep all my rides on connect and its great to see them especially when replicating rides. I trained with HR for a long time before starting with power last year and happy to see some of the info. always used some form of computer for riding and have about 90% of miles etc logged for my riding life. I started moving up with a Garmin 500 changed to an 810 edge and now have the 1000. I don't use the 500 now but use the other two on different bikes.I also have a Garmin watch which has come in handy. been looking at the 1030 but, I am sure they will drop in price soon as at the moment when using the 1000 it seems pointless to pay £500 for an upgrade.
the new wahoo elemnt roam....£299. i have the older elemnt (2 years old) great bike computer, sold my garmin 1000 and kept the elemnt. will be getting the ROAM when back in stock.
Heidi thanks for that info....the aero mount does look fragile, the Roam fits the original elemnt mount (not bolt) so happy days saves me buying 3 more mounts. i read somewhere that when you were pressing the buttons on the Roam that there was some flex/give in the aero mount 🙄
Hi, Leonard, I purchased a Sigma 16 STS computer here in Thailand they are great and not expensive, made in Germany. Mine is the basic model comes with a heart rate monitor and chest strap and cadence also climb percentage. If get a chance take a look at this model its a great piece of kit.
I suppose I fall into the more money than sense category :-) I love gadgets and enjoy analysing my performance and working out routes. I bought a second hand Garmin 1000 and Vector 3 and log things on Strava and connect. Initially I had too much information but now have settled down with a screen giving Cadence, heart, rate power and distance. I have the usual virtual partner screen but rarely use it, the route screen for when I am doing an unfamiliar route and of course the live segments screen. Investing in Di2 has enabled me to use the left hand shifter to move between screens. Told you I had more money than sense.
Great video as usual Leonard. I bought a Wahoo Element Bolt last week, but as I am not tech savvy I didn't even think to check if the version of android on my 3 year old phone was compatible with the Bolt. It wasn't, so haven't been able to access the app for the bolt through my phone. Just something to bear in mind for anyone thinking of buying a Bolt who may have an older phone. You need to have android version 5.1 or newer.
I have just got a 1030 for no reason as my 705 was fine. However with new cadence sensors the 705 doesnt work with. I do like the 1030 for adding IQ apps like Komoot or training peaks not that I have used either to date Btw I hate Strava
Great video. I'm looking to getting a middle of the range cycling computer! At the moment I'm using my Samsung galaxy watch ⌚to record my strava and callories and phone for my cycling satnav! But I'm thinking garmin edge or similar 🤔. Mabe wahoo! Hammerhead.
Great informative video Leonard. I'm still using my Garmin Edge 800 that I purchased online on Xmas day 2012 as Wiggle had a 25% off sale at the time which made it a bargain! I've been tempted by a Wahoo a few times but the Edge 800 does everything I need it too (plus more).
Good intro into bike computers, my cheapie cat eye just died, (caught in a storm), and as much as I would love a power meter cannot justify whilst just just doing 150kms/week. I have downloaded the free version of strava, and am looking at cateye, in particular cateye quick, though might get a quad lock and chuck my phone on the handlebars instead, enjoyed the video...
I have a Garmin viviactive 2 watch that I am trying to use to show me cadence as I am trying to get more consistent. Hard too read I think and might prefer a computer up front to show me that on the bar. I am not to proud to take a hand me down if you want to get one out of your drawer😀
I'm glad you made this Leonard, I'm in the market for a new unit, I don't need all the numbers but it has to have good navigation and a good battery life for 10 hours plus if riding. Garmin units with good nav have poor battery which leads me to the wahoo roam, it's £300! Do you know if anything better?
Great video as Always! One Stravist turned me off to the whole Stava thingy. Damn cheat! Also, he strava-ed himself into a ditch during one of the rides, busy checking the Stava. I love my Vetta Innovator C-100. Had it form many many many beautiful years.🚴♂️
Hello Leonard, what about metrics while riding an e bike?. Is it easy to keep following your own performance data while having the e bike support! Thank you for the content! JSEU
Excellent Leonard...as the old saying goes “you can’t improve what you don’t measure”. Garmin for me,it’s served me very well to date. I probably get more information than I need but it’s interesting..keep peddling 👍
I can’t help but wonder if technology has ruined cycling for me? The other as I was heading out for a ride I realized I didn’t have my cycling computer... so I wasted 40 minutes before I finally found it and made it out the door. While it’s not high end by any means, it certainly wasn’t cheap. And what was my major concern all the while I looking for it? “How can I do this ride without knowing what heart-rate zone I’m in?!” 🤦♀️
Hi Leonard, thanks for the great video's. They motivate me a lot. I have a Garmin Edge Touring. It's working nicely. My only problem is that i can't zoom in the altitude profile. Does your Garmin have this possibility? I would like to zoom in the kms so that i can see the climbs for the next 5 or 10k but it puts the whole distance on the screen. Yesterday i did a ride of 100kms and i had all the climbs in one panel. That way i got surprised by a climb so short that it did not even appear on my screen [i mean it was a spike that i did not see properly] but it was so steep that i would have liked to prepare for it...Any tips?
Got myself a Lezyne mini package with heartrate and cadance/speed sensor for 100 euros. Works fine for me (and strava), only the turn by turn navigation is a bit hit and miss..Considering strapping an old phone with a power bank to my bike for longer rides into the unknown and just use google navigation. Or I might even upset my fellow riders by putting one of those phone bags on my top tube even though it'll seriously mess with the weight and airodynamics ;)
I love my Garmin 1030 for the screen size. Had a Garmin 520 that died and replaced it with a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt. But the data I like to have on my sceen meant I was struggling to see it all. Got the 1030 and very happy with it. Wahoo does some things better, Garmin does other stuff better. The difference is not night and day. For me, screen size was king :)
I'm probably the only one here who has only a 15 GBP wired cycle computer with only the basic functions. Actual Speed. average speed. max speed (downhill), distance and cycling time.
Maybe go for an XOSS G+ (25€ has ANT+ and GPS/GLONAS/GALILEO) only downside no navigation, and can't connect to powermeters, but perfectly fine for uploading to strava and check heartrate cadence and stuff. Has helped to motivate me to ride 3000km this year so far.
Leonard I am 63 years old I love cycling I currently ride a cube e bike i don't have a smart phone never needed one .I am retiring in 2021 im planning to do some long rides 100 miles plus . I would love to buy a cycle computer so I can use komoot but I am confused by all of them is there a certain one you would recommend l can spend a couple of hundred quid thanks at David
I keep mine covered to. I dont cover it with tape, I've got a special sliding door that sticks onto the lens. This means i can block the lens, but slide it open if I need to use it. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/363010654077
Any thoughts on a watch versus a cycling computer? I have a Garmin Forerunner 235, just wondering what benefits a cycling computer would add...? Oh, think you missed the link for the description of the smartphone option: ruclips.net/video/bTRD8hL0sTQ/видео.html Keep up the videos. They're well filmed/edited and informative. Thanks!
If you don't have sell service your incident report will not be sent. My Garmin died within a year. Expensive. They sent me back a refurbished one. That worked for another year and quit. Any thoughts on Wahoo?
@@jollygoodvelo Ok; I did consider that, however, I decided to go with the G 1030 plus. Just want to say I really enjoy watching your vids...love your relaxed style, wealth of knowledge and experience. Could you recommend a decent camera for recording rides etc?
"Essential gadgets"? Come on man! There isn't anything essential about these things and just because some of you are obsessed with numbers doesn't make it so either. As for the numbers, plenty of that you can estimate roughly from thinking about it, or having a feel for it, or doing a little math equation later, and you get time from a wristwatch or the clock on the wall when you get back. Some of it is just a matter of feel for faster/slower, stronger/weaker. The whole idea about being on a bike is to remove yourself from all of this crap, put yourself into a more traditional pursuit, and feel good about yourself, especially spiritually.
Tires are essential Lenny, not a bike computer. Also, I get at least as much out of all this as you do without those things. For that matter without it, your mind would simply be occupied more elsewhere.
I use a couple of older very basic Cateye computers but have been using the Bikebrain app on my IPhone. As I carry the phone in the top tube bag with a clear top made specific for phones hooking up a external battery isn't much fuss. The battery anxiety goes away and if I just want to see the basics, altitude change, speed, map, etc. I don't even have to reconfigure it switching from bike to bike. Thanks for showing all the options lowest to highest as it can be intimidating if the local shops only want to push the latest and greatest.
You should try a Garmin Edge Explore (£170 online). A 3" touch screen with mapping and route planning, Bluetooth and an IQ app download system.
Also worth a mention as an alternative to Strava is Komoot, which does not go in for segments and an "I'm faster than you" system but instead lets riders share routes for their enjoyment (with photos etc) and reasons (highlights) for taking that route.
It’s very rare I record any of my rides nowadays, I used to log everything and would be genuinely unhappy if I’d forgot to record a ride or if something had gone wrong.
But after a couple of years I realised most of my rides follow the same routes and could fairly accurately predict my time and distance beforehand.
I can even take a pretty decent guess on new routes, and as I wasn’t using the information other than a mild curiosity, I just stopped bothering.
I probably will use it again in the future just so it’s not going to waste, but it’s not important to me.
One of the things i use each ride , besides the obvious speed, distance, cadence, heartbeat, power and the segments (Like those tbh), i use the radar / backlight from garmin. I’ve noticed a couple of times people say it’s useless/ridiculous untill the moment they use it themselves. The radar notices and warns (visually and sound) you from upcomimg traffic from behind, if they come in fast and what distance they are, and if there are multiple cars etc. Its like a extra pair of eyes looking back. If you have bad ears like me, it’s worth considering. Check fe dc rainmakers test on it, and responses to it. It’s one of the things these newer bike computers have. Another thing is ofcourse navigation, you hardly touched that. When you are new to cycling, it’s very nice to be able to download other experienced people’s routes, and ride them yourselves with aid of navigation. Especially when you’re in a new place, like holidays and so on.
But i am biassed, as i like those gadgets, lol. Thumbs up, leonard.
Helmet mirror is cheaper and much more reliable.
JDP lol, but damn ugly...
So grateful for this video and glad It wasn't sponsored. Ride GPS interfaces with the Bolt version 2.
Very good advice and nice quality video as always. Thank you Leonard! I really enjoy using my Wahoo Elemnt Bolt when i go riding.
I bought a Magene C406 with Magene H603 HR along with their Speed and Cadence sensors and it's a great combo. Works flawlessly all the time. All this for well under $200.00 CDN. I've been out in pouring rain on many occasion and or very wet road and have had no issues. It's a great system and gives more than enough data including temperature.
I use the Element Bolt. The way it links with my phone, automatically uploads results and is easy to setup with. Like you Leonard, its great to review the data and get real feedback. Nice video for us common folks, keep it up!
Used a wireless Cateye computer for years, then this last January discovered Strava. Strava is great with tons of features and data, but often find myself wasting so much time on it. Strava is indeed a social media much like Facebook and Instagram and easy to get immersed in it. Nothing wrong with having the Strava app on your smartphone, start recording your ride at the start, tuck your phone in your jersey pocket, then save your ride when you are done. Simple. I only recently received my first Garmin, it’s a Garmin Edge 820 and I’m still learning all its functions.
When I moved to this area a few years ago, I started using my phone for the map function, cause I’d get lost. I’m still getting lost 8 yrs on. Like you say battery life on the iPhone isn’t good. So after I broke down in the middle of nowhere, the phone battery was about to die. Lesson learned keep phone for phone calls.
I now have the Garmin edge 1030 its good not perfect, as it doesn’t always find the sensors. Komoot routes download wirelessly from iPad. Speed and cadence is a bonus to the maps. So impressed7 I got the Garmin watch and that broadcasts heart rate to edge 1030 too. I’ve set my phone to speak aloud my average speed and heart rate as well as navigational instructions while phone is in low power mode.
Cycling is my freedom and fitness tracking is something else. Least I can see that I’m improving. Strava isn’t that good via iPad app, but still logs my rides.
The relive app you sometimes use is fantastic too, but needs Garmin data to map the video.
Thanks Leonard! Your videos are really informative and inspirational. I’m a full bodied (6’4”, 240 lb) vintage (58 yo) rider. I live in Colorado and I’m returning to cycling after a long hiatus. This video was perfect for me as Strava, Bluetooth, and full featured cycling computers weren’t around the last time I turned the pedals! I really look forward to your posts each week. Keep up the great work and we’ll see you here each week and maybe out on Strava! Cheers!
I like the fitness watches also. Cycling is not the only activities I do. Swimming, running, core/weightlifting, etc.
I use my iPhone with a couple of cycling apps and Music being the only things open. Click the home button and shut down the screen and your phone battery should last at least 5-6 hours. If you don’t close apps you don’t need they run down your battery seeking a data source. If you need to see speed and distance a basic Cat Eye works great. Keeping your screen on on your iPhone is a battery killer.
Today I went for a ride to test my brand new Wahoo Elemnt Mini and I'm very pleased with it: it's wireless, the display is bright and clear, it's easy to install set up and use, and gives me the basic metrics that I need. So it doesn't tell me my horoscope for the day like a top of the range machine would, I can live with that. Was tempted to buy the Bolt but it would be overkill for the riding I do at this point, I'm quite happy with the Mini for now.
Thanks, Leonard for another great video. I'm in the market for a new cycling computer and your honest viewpoint has certainly made me ponder a little more.
I had a very basic Sigma until recently. I have just bought the Elemnt Bolt Bundle which was on special offer, and I have to admit its pretty damn good 👍👍
Currently have a Garmin 500 edge but looking to upgrade, Think it's gonna be Wahoo Bolt as I maps and instant download when my ride is complete
I use a couple of older very basic Cateye computers but have been using the Bikebrain app on my IPhone. As I carry the phone in the top tube bag with a clear top made specific for phones hooking up a external battery isn't much fuss. The battery anxiety goes away and if I just want to see the basics, altitude change, speed, map, etc. I don't even have to reconfigure it switching from bike to bike. Thanks for showing all the options lowest to highest as it can be intimidating if the local shops only want to push the latest and greatest.
I have a Garmin 520 with stages III power meter and heart strap, I have downloaded some apps written for Garmin devices. My favourite (Power Gauge) displays all my information in a format similar to a car dashboard.
Hi, great video. I have one requirement that made me buy a Garmin 1030. As an older rider, I needed a larger screen to be able to see information as I ride. Large screen displays are few and far between and my phone is not a viable option. It all came down to the analysis of features I needed when the decision to buy was made.
Yes you are right . Very difficult to find large screens . They should be larger . Right now i am using iPhone and all i can say it tested very well . Before this i was using samsung mobile with google software Zeopoxa cycling it works brilliantly . Now i download Bi-Cycle software . It is similar to the other also it record and can save it as well which i like it very much . Also can use the hearth rate too .
Great review mate - spot on and no BS
Great explanations, covering novice to gear heads. Thanks
I really like my Bryton Rider 10. Really cheap but it has GPS/Glonas, temperature, and a barometer for height, as well it reads my speed sensor (for when GPS signal is blocked by buildings or trees), cadence sensor, and heart rate sensor. It is Bluetooth and ANT+ compatible as well. For 80 dollars I couldn't go wrong. It auto uploads to Strava through the phone app. Of course I want one with more flash but can't justify the expense when it works so well for me. Sorry for what sounds like an advert.
Hi Leonard, I am using bryton 330 with cadence sensor much cheaper than wahoo or garmin and so far it is doing the job very well.
Many thanks for the great videos i really enjoy them
AussiFan :)
I don't use Strava but, I do keep all my rides on connect and its great to see them especially when replicating rides. I trained with HR for a long time before starting with power last year and happy to see some of the info. always used some form of computer for riding and have about 90% of miles etc logged for my riding life. I started moving up with a Garmin 500 changed to an 810 edge and now have the 1000. I don't use the 500 now but use the other two on different bikes.I also have a Garmin watch which has come in handy. been looking at the 1030 but, I am sure they will drop in price soon as at the moment when using the 1000 it seems pointless to pay £500 for an upgrade.
the new wahoo elemnt roam....£299. i have the older elemnt (2 years old) great bike computer, sold my garmin 1000 and kept the elemnt.
will be getting the ROAM when back in stock.
Nick they have recalled some of them as there is an issue with the mount!
Heidi thanks for that info....the aero mount does look fragile, the Roam fits the original elemnt mount (not bolt) so happy days saves me buying 3 more mounts. i read somewhere that when you were pressing the buttons on the Roam that there was some flex/give in the aero mount 🙄
Thanks Leonard. Very helpful, as usual. This is on my wish list as the next big bike purchase so the overview was spot on.
duckicanuck highly recommend the Bolt!
Hi, Leonard, I purchased a Sigma 16 STS computer here in Thailand they are great and not expensive, made in Germany. Mine is the basic model comes with a heart rate monitor and chest strap and cadence also climb percentage. If get a chance take a look at this model its a great piece of kit.
If it displays all the numbers you need then it’s perfect!
I suppose I fall into the more money than sense category :-) I love gadgets and enjoy analysing my performance and working out routes. I bought a second hand Garmin 1000 and Vector 3 and log things on Strava and connect. Initially I had too much information but now have settled down with a screen giving Cadence, heart, rate power and distance. I have the usual virtual partner screen but rarely use it, the route screen for when I am doing an unfamiliar route and of course the live segments screen. Investing in Di2 has enabled me to use the left hand shifter to move between screens. Told you I had more money than sense.
Great video as usual Leonard. I bought a Wahoo Element Bolt last week, but as I am not tech savvy I didn't even think to check if the version of android on my 3 year old phone was compatible with the Bolt. It wasn't, so haven't been able to access the app for the bolt through my phone. Just something to bear in mind for anyone thinking of buying a Bolt who may have an older phone. You need to have android version 5.1 or newer.
I have just got a 1030 for no reason as my 705 was fine.
However with new cadence sensors the 705 doesnt work with.
I do like the 1030 for adding IQ apps like Komoot or training peaks not that I have used either to date
Btw I hate Strava
Great video. I'm looking to getting a middle of the range cycling computer! At the moment I'm using my Samsung galaxy watch ⌚to record my strava and callories and phone for my cycling satnav! But I'm thinking garmin edge or similar 🤔. Mabe wahoo! Hammerhead.
Great informative video that we have come to expect , cheers Buddy Shane uk 🇬🇧
Thanks Shane.
Great informative video Leonard. I'm still using my Garmin Edge 800 that I purchased online on Xmas day 2012 as Wiggle had a 25% off sale at the time which made it a bargain! I've been tempted by a Wahoo a few times but the Edge 800 does everything I need it too (plus more).
Good intro into bike computers, my cheapie cat eye just died, (caught in a storm), and as much as I would love a power meter cannot justify whilst just just doing 150kms/week. I have downloaded the free version of strava, and am looking at cateye, in particular cateye quick, though might get a quad lock and chuck my phone on the handlebars instead, enjoyed the video...
I have a Garmin viviactive 2 watch that I am trying to use to show me cadence as I am trying to get more consistent. Hard too read I think and might prefer a computer up front to show me that on the bar. I am not to proud to take a hand me down if you want to get one out of your drawer😀
I'm glad you made this Leonard, I'm in the market for a new unit, I don't need all the numbers but it has to have good navigation and a good battery life for 10 hours plus if riding. Garmin units with good nav have poor battery which leads me to the wahoo roam, it's £300! Do you know if anything better?
As you know I have just got my wahoo cadence sensor to pair with the Bolt and I love knowing my numbers!
Great video as Always! One Stravist turned me off to the whole Stava thingy. Damn cheat! Also, he strava-ed himself into a ditch during one of the rides, busy checking the Stava. I love my Vetta Innovator C-100. Had it form many many many beautiful years.🚴♂️
Hello Leonard, what about metrics while riding an e bike?. Is it easy to keep following your own performance data while having the e bike support!
Thank you for the content!
JSEU
Excellent Leonard...as the old saying goes “you can’t improve what you don’t measure”. Garmin for me,it’s served me very well to date. I probably get more information than I need but it’s interesting..keep peddling 👍
I can’t help but wonder if technology has ruined cycling for me? The other as I was heading out for a ride I realized I didn’t have my cycling computer... so I wasted 40 minutes before I finally found it and made it out the door.
While it’s not high end by any means, it certainly wasn’t cheap. And what was my major concern all the while I looking for it? “How can I do this ride without knowing what heart-rate zone I’m in?!” 🤦♀️
Bryton rider. All I need, inexpensive, speed distance and power.
Happy New Year from New York City, any guidance as to the new Karoo 2 vs Wahoo Roam vs Garmin?
I’ve not tried a Wahoo or a Karoo 2 so can’t really say with any authority
Hi Leonard, I user the Garmin 500 Edge. Does everything I need it to do and it's small and light
Sounds perfect.
my 520 is enough paired with heart rate and cadence sensors.. and by the way im done using strava..
Thanks!
Hi Leonard, thanks for the great video's. They motivate me a lot.
I have a Garmin Edge Touring. It's working nicely. My only problem is that i can't zoom in the altitude profile. Does your Garmin have this possibility? I would like to zoom in the kms so that i can see the climbs for the next 5 or 10k but it puts the whole distance on the screen. Yesterday i did a ride of 100kms and i had all the climbs in one panel. That way i got surprised by a climb so short that it did not even appear on my screen [i mean it was a spike that i did not see properly] but it was so steep that i would have liked to prepare for it...Any tips?
Got myself a Lezyne mini package with heartrate and cadance/speed sensor for 100 euros. Works fine for me (and strava), only the turn by turn navigation is a bit hit and miss..Considering strapping an old phone with a power bank to my bike for longer rides into the unknown and just use google navigation. Or I might even upset my fellow riders by putting one of those phone bags on my top tube even though it'll seriously mess with the weight and airodynamics ;)
Dieter Bierman try Komoot for turn by turn navigation
@@heidijarvis777 Thanks, I'll give it a shot!
The CATEYE Velo 7 is a bit to simple, is there a wireless alternativ, which looks more tidy without cabels? Strava is not that important to me.
Cateye velo wireless, Cateye strada wireless, Sigma wireless ones are good too. I am thinking of getting one myself.
Any chance you might be buying the Karoo 2? I know your a big fan of the Karoo based on past videos.
Hopefully I will be reviewing one when they are available.
Power meters, biggest investment after the bike. Not even close compared to the cycling computer.
I love my Garmin 1030 for the screen size. Had a Garmin 520 that died and replaced it with a Wahoo Elemnt Bolt. But the data I like to have on my sceen meant I was struggling to see it all. Got the 1030 and very happy with it. Wahoo does some things better, Garmin does other stuff better. The difference is not night and day. For me, screen size was king :)
Yes, I believe the 1030 screen is much bigger. My issue with the Garmins is their flaky nature.
Im planning on buying a garmin 820.
I'm probably the only one here who has only a 15 GBP wired cycle computer with only the basic functions. Actual Speed. average speed. max speed (downhill), distance and cycling time.
Maybe go for an XOSS G+ (25€ has ANT+ and GPS/GLONAS/GALILEO) only downside no navigation, and can't connect to powermeters, but perfectly fine for uploading to strava and check heartrate cadence and stuff. Has helped to motivate me to ride 3000km this year so far.
Leonard I am 63 years old I love cycling I currently ride a cube e bike i don't have a smart phone never needed one .I am retiring in 2021 im planning to do some long rides 100 miles plus . I would love to buy a cycle computer so I can use komoot but I am confused by all of them is there a certain one you would recommend l can spend a couple of hundred quid thanks at David
You can’t really go wrong with the Wahoo cycling computers. Everyone I know that has one says they are great.!
@@jollygoodvelo thank you
At the moment, I mostly train by heart rate and speed (the terrain is completely flat where I live). How about cadence? Is it relevant?
What about suspension forks should I work about the wire flexing to much I have a hybrid with a front suspension fork
Unfortunately I know nothing about suspension forks, sorry.
That's ok I'll just get a wirles one
I used to keep my laptop camera covered too.
I keep mine covered to. I dont cover it with tape, I've got a special sliding door that sticks onto the lens. This means i can block the lens, but slide it open if I need to use it.
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/363010654077
How to choose: take any of the wahoo elemnts. Voila!
Nice informative video
Wahoo....enough said.
Any thoughts on a watch versus a cycling computer? I have a Garmin Forerunner 235, just wondering what benefits a cycling computer would add...?
Oh, think you missed the link for the description of the smartphone option:
ruclips.net/video/bTRD8hL0sTQ/видео.html
Keep up the videos. They're well filmed/edited and informative. Thanks!
If you don't have sell service your incident report will not be sent. My Garmin died within a year. Expensive. They sent me back a refurbished one. That worked for another year and quit.
Any thoughts on Wahoo?
I've heard that they are very good although I have never used one myself.
Useful info; which one do you use?
This is quite an old vlog now. I use a Hammerhead Karoo these days.
@@jollygoodvelo Ok; I did consider that, however, I decided to go with the G 1030 plus. Just want to say I really enjoy watching your vids...love your relaxed style, wealth of knowledge and experience. Could you recommend a decent camera for recording rides etc?
@@nikeyagr If you don’t need broadcast quality video, many of these budget action cameras are great.
My 520 Plus has enough data, features, and metrics for me. I'm training myself to stop staring at it, and ride.
Make a video about electric bikes, please
I would love to but that would mean buying one to try out.
I like my Bryton 530
Happy to keep using my old garmin 810, just needs a reset once or twice a year..
If it works, no need to change it.
Bought an used Garmin 200 for 50 euros and it is fine for me! I like to ride not watching the computer
Just for speed..in kilometers.
Love the short hair
I'll have you know that pack of wild dogs taught me how to cycle 🚴
Me too!
@@jollygoodvelo Excellent, I believe this means we're step brothers 👊
"Essential gadgets"? Come on man! There isn't anything essential about these things and just because some of you are obsessed with numbers doesn't make it so either. As for the numbers, plenty of that you can estimate roughly from thinking about it, or having a feel for it, or doing a little math equation later, and you get time from a wristwatch or the clock on the wall when you get back. Some of it is just a matter of feel for faster/slower, stronger/weaker. The whole idea about being on a bike is to remove yourself from all of this crap, put yourself into a more traditional pursuit, and feel good about yourself, especially spiritually.
Yes, I would call them essential. For me the numbers and the gadgets are all part of the fun.
Tires are essential Lenny, not a bike computer. Also, I get at least as much out of all this as you do without those things. For that matter without it, your mind would simply be occupied more elsewhere.
Go with bryton , they have everthing a very low price
I use a couple of older very basic Cateye computers but have been using the Bikebrain app on my IPhone. As I carry the phone in the top tube bag with a clear top made specific for phones hooking up a external battery isn't much fuss. The battery anxiety goes away and if I just want to see the basics, altitude change, speed, map, etc. I don't even have to reconfigure it switching from bike to bike. Thanks for showing all the options lowest to highest as it can be intimidating if the local shops only want to push the latest and greatest.