cycling computers

[tom]

old faithful cycling computer is on the fritz so i might be forced to upgrade from my current speed and distance only wired technology to something a bit fancier.

Suggestions/advice? Anywhere worth looking in Canberra or just online?

Dont mind the Garmin Edge 205, probably prefer to pay a bit less if possible though.
http://www.ryda.com.au/Garmin-Edge-205-Wristband-GPS-p/edge205.htm

[Hoops]

Depends what functionality you're after? Anything inparticular you must have?

Cad?
HR?
Data Upload Ability?
Altimeter?
GPS?
Power?

[tom]

havent lived with them to know what i really want. i like the sound of them all but dont know how much they will help my riding vs how much extra ill have to fork out. recommendations?

[bosworth*]

Unless you are analysing the data from your power meter, and using that to guide your effort in future training sessions, and monitor your progress, it is just an expensive and fun toy.

How often do you get lost while cycling? You probably don't need a gps.

Online is usually a lot cheaper than at a local store, and the product is exactly the same.

[tom]

so HR monitor? cadence?

suggestions of a decent brand/model that'll do the job?

[Hoops]

What's your budget?

[tom]

prefer to keep it below $200

[Hoops]

I don't really have any experience with units in the range you're after. Found a few on the net but can't really advise on anything.

Full Wireless:
Blackburn Neuro http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Blackburn_Neuro_50_Wireless_Cycle_Computer_With_HR M/5360036493/
Cateye V3 http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=A0185

Wired cad:
Blackburn Delphi 5.0 http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/productdetail.asp?productcatalogue=BLACCOMP3500000 00000
Blackburn Delphi 6.0 http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/productdetail.asp?productcatalogue=BLACCOMP4000000 00000

[SimonD]

Lots of people have HR and cadence and never use it. But it can be pretty handy for some training drills. I had a Blackburn Delphi which was great, but when I had a problem with it the Australian distributor was useless. Polar is more expensive, but the customer service seems pretty good.

[tom]

ta. if i spend more, is the garmin a decent choice?

[Hoops]

Not if you're looking at the 205.

I have the 305 which is the 205 +altimeter, cadence, HR. About $280 off ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Garmin-Edge-305-GPS-Bundle-with-Heart-Rate-Cadence_W0QQitemZ350263213207QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGP S_Devices?hash=item518d507c97

[Hoops]

About $200 if you go the Polar option. A few squaddies have used this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Polar-CS200cad-Heart-Rate-Wireless-CycloMeter-Cadence_W0QQitemZ150380720232QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCy cling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item230363b068

[LynV]

Hey Tom, I find the $200 Polar one useful, particularly as I have a morbid fascination with my HR, Cadence and speed and religiously record them in my training log - one day I hope to actually do something with all this data about myself

[SimonD]

If you go more, there's also the iBike which Kiwi Mike uses. It calculates power indirectly through a wind speed sensor, you weight an accelerometer etc. They are supposed to be quite consistent in the measurement. The better ones have downloadable data.

My personal opinion is that power is more useful than GPS.

[Glenn Doney]

Maybe the question to ask is what will you do with the data once collected?

Secondly how will the data make your legs go faster?

5 cents worth.


Glenn

[tom]

ill have a look around... which could be followed by more questions. thanks for the advice guys

[Startrek]

Maybe the question to ask is what will you do with the data once collected?

Secondly how will the data make your legs go faster?

5 cents worth.


Glenn

And this is why i don't train with a computer.

[Bean]

Maybe the question to ask is what will you do with the data once collected?

Secondly how will the data make your legs go faster?

5 cents worth.


Glenn
How do you make your legs go faster if you don't know how fast they are going?


Although i will defer to Glenn on cycling expertise anyday!:)

[SimonD]

Maybe the question to ask is what will you do with the data once collected?

Secondly how will the data make your legs go faster?


They are good questions to ask, but not rhetorical. Lots of people don't care - clearly Lee is one and Tor is another. Others love the data - me for example. All my polar details motivate me because I can see how an effort this month has improved from last, or I can look at my log and congratulate myself on a good training week. It just depends what you are into and what you've got to spend.

Then if you get a coach it can help you get the hang of specific efforts - set HR, power or cadence (again which can motivate you to push through an effort or indicate when you're tired and can stop). If you have a data log you can send it to your coach to check on what you're doing - is your 10 minute effort too hard at the start and weak at the end? Vice versa?

I think training recorders are a great tool, because most coaches aren't professional and do the bulk of communication by email. They can see what you're doing and tell you better what to do.

It's not the only way to train, but it is certainly a legit way to train. If it gives you pleasure and you have the money why not? (Same argument for my carbon frame and Dura Ace groupset: Do I need it? No. Do I want it and enjoy it? Yes.)

So the questions are sensible ones to ask but they aren't rhetorical and have answers one way or the other.

[SimonD]

Although i will defer to Glenn on cycling expertise anyday!:)

ACTAS coach of the year, SHMACKTAS coach of the year!

[gsavage]

Hi,

I have a Polar CS200 CAD that I bought on the web and it works great and the price was quite a bit off the list price. I am hooked on downloading the data on the Polar website and even bought a RS200 for running and crossfit training as well :).

The Polar unit I have stores training results for up to 10 rides and records speed, cadence, HR, time, distance and training zones. I agree however with Simon, it is a bit of a toy and I am far from being a great cyclist or athlete. But if you like to keep track of your HR and other stats you can't go far wrong with a Polar unit.

[j_young_80]

While we're talking about money vs return for cycling products - i'll wheel out this post from a Tri website that works out the cost-benefit of some of the big ticket items for triathlon. Some of the best value items are surprising and it breaks it down into most economical, most time saved etc. Some of the stuff is tri specific but a lot can be applied direct to cycling.

http://www.tri-talk.com/Top20.asp

[dadcram]

Arrr but the Polar S725X is so last millenium!
The S-Speed Sensor is being discontinued by Polar. ie the S725X is also being (been) discontinued.
This has been replaced by the RS800CX at the pointy end. CS speed and cadence sensors are now the go with a G1 GPS pod for some.

[tom]

you all took the time to give your 2 cents, thought id let you know im now strapped up with the polar cs200cad. seems alright so far. saved about $150 getting it on the net, cheers hoops

[Bean]

They're a good buy Tom. Many of us have them. It will be more than adequate and it sounds like it was a good buy. Enjoy.

[gsavage]

you all took the time to give your 2 cents, thought id let you know im now strapped up with the polar cs200cad. seems alright so far. saved about $150 getting it on the net, cheers hoops

Tom, great that you have joined the CS200 club, good unit however can sometimes have issues with the sensors if they get out of alignment or if you are using lights on your bike (at least mine does). However problems are minor, hope it works as well for you as it does for me. :)

[Hoops]

you all took the time to give your 2 cents, thought id let you know im now strapped up with the polar cs200cad. seems alright so far. saved about $150 getting it on the net, cheers hoops

No worries Tom. Hoops = Mailman. I.e., Always delivers!

[Avi]

No worries Tom. Hoops = Mailman. I.e., Always delivers!

Yet is unable to read the "no junk mail" sign.

[Hoops]

You can't 'BAM' your own post mate.

[Avi]

noone else will though.

[Bean]

Avi...

http://media.skateboard.com.au/forum/images/Easy-Off_BAM.jpg

[Avi]

Haha my BAM has been removed. Thanks Ben!

[Shridevi]

Ages ago when this thing was about bike computers the polar 200 was mentioned. Mine has a big blue mark in the middle of my screen- i dropped it and the result was the blue thing and its really annoying because it confuses me when im not sure if the number im reading is a 1 or a 7... has any one had a similer problem before?? how do you get rid of it or do i have to get a new one to get rid of it?

[tom]

bugger. similar thing happened when i dropped a phone. it was fixable if i got the screen replaced, but that wouldve cost more than it was worth.

[gsavage]

Ages ago when this thing was about bike computers the polar 200 was mentioned. Mine has a big blue mark in the middle of my screen- i dropped it and the result was the blue thing and its really annoying because it confuses me when im not sure if the number im reading is a 1 or a 7... has any one had a similer problem before?? how do you get rid of it or do i have to get a new one to get rid of it?

I know someone who has a spare CS200, maybe we can do a deal?:)

[Shridevi]

I know someone who has a spare CS200, maybe we can do a deal?:)

Oh cool!! sounds like a good plan to me.