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Caught in the tech trap

Old 11-23-12, 05:28 PM
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Caught in the tech trap

Please do not let this devolve into an I vs A slam fest.

I like tech, I am a nerd. I want a heart rate monitor, I want a dedicated speedo and odo for my bike, I want a cadence readout. First, I wanted a heart rate monitor to keep a better eye on my workout intensity vs cardio vs fat burning. So I started looking at HRMs, and not really to my surprise, found the new ones are bluetooth enabled-specifically bluetooth 4, which my phone has. Then I realized without the benefit of a HRM that I like to mash, and need to get my cadence up. So I started looking for a computer with a cadence sensor, and not really to my surprise, found that you can get a computer that does speedo, odo, HRM, cadence, and GPS if you don't mind spending a few hundred.

And then today, I find the Wahoo bluetooth cadence and speed sensor. For $75 bucks, I can get cadence, speed and odo, on my phone, which already has GPS-add in a bluetooth HRM for another $75, and I could be all set. If I had an Iphone, pad, touch.
Except I am an Android user, and alas, there is no app to tie it all together.
So, what say ye? Buy an out dated bike computer that does all the things I want? Or wait until someone develops an Android app just for me?
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Old 11-23-12, 05:49 PM
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How long are your rides? How long will an Apple device(or Android)
with the screen, GPS and bluetooth on run?
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Old 11-23-12, 06:53 PM
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Originally Posted by 1nterceptor
How long are your rides? How long will an Apple device(or Android)
with the screen, GPS and bluetooth on run?
Screen would be the battery killer. I typically ride about an hour during the week, and 2 on the weekends. Plenty of battery for that. The bluetooth 4 (newest) devices use so little energy,I doubt they would impact battery life. But definitely worth adding to the thoughts.
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Old 11-25-12, 09:49 AM
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I went through this debate a while back. I was looking at the exact Wahoo Fitness sensor you are. I went with a Garmin Edge 500. I just found that no matter how I sliced it, the iPhone w/ Wahoo setup would be a kluge. There would have to be a weather sealing solution, mounting solution, battery solution (I too was riding about an hour during the week and 2 on the weekend. That changed. Rode 4 yesterday.), etc. Plus once all that was taken care of, I would have an LCD screen that was difficult to see in bright sun, and I would be using data, which can be a concern. It became clear that a purpose-built device would be best. The Edge 500 takes care of all of the issues of the phone without giving up necessary functionality. You do lose some frills (maps, other apps), but those would be distractions for me that I do not need.

As for apps, is there not cycling app from Android that will accept the Wahoo sensor data? I find that hard to believe. I am sure there are several that would accept ANT+, so I would imagine they would accept the Bluetooth as well.
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Old 11-25-12, 04:15 PM
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[QUOTE=cashmonee;14982095

As for apps, is there not cycling app from Android that will accept the Wahoo sensor data? I find that hard to believe. I am sure there are several that would accept ANT+, so I would imagine they would accept the Bluetooth as well.[/QUOTE]
I have not found one yet. I've only found one that supports a bluetooth 4 HRM. And its the 4 that seems to be the problem, apparently nobody told the Android app developers that it exists, and they are moving at a snails pace to support it.

But,I think a dedicated bike computer is the way to go now. Phone screen too hard to read, no good mounting options, just not there yet.
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Old 11-25-12, 05:00 PM
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If you go to some of the older polar models like the S725, they have all that you want.. Speed - HR and Cadence - all wireless except the HR Strap

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Polar-S725X-...item3a7c03f49a

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Polar-S725x-...item35bf1f17a6
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Old 11-25-12, 05:20 PM
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ProBikeKit was selling the Garmin 500 for nice price.
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Old 11-29-12, 07:13 AM
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yeah, i think so, i like it , ProBikeKit was selling the Garmin 500 for nice price.thank you
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