What to buy?.. New Computer or New Bike Rack
08-17-17, 08:34 AM
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What to buy?.. New Computer or New Bike Rack
Back and forth on what to get. Just purchased a new car and I'm really considering getting a Yakima roof rack for my Tarmac. I can fit my bike in the car but since i ride a lot with my girlfriend it would make it much easier to throw a bike on top as well so we don't have to jam both bikes in or take two cars. Although, I'm also looking at the new Wahoo Elemnt Bolt and have heard it is really useful to have a computer. Any opinions on which one to buy?
FYI //
I am new to cycling, I ride about 80 miles a week. I'm always travelling with my bike as I like to ride new areas and my girlfriend is not near by. Thanks for the help in advance!
FYI //
I am new to cycling, I ride about 80 miles a week. I'm always travelling with my bike as I like to ride new areas and my girlfriend is not near by. Thanks for the help in advance!
08-17-17, 08:59 AM
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I bought a bike rack before I did anything serious with the bike computer. I've been tearing up the inside of my car trying to fit the bike in the back.
08-17-17, 09:01 AM
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Computer is nice but necessary. Rack, on the other hand, makes things much easier for transport, and if you travel with your bike this makes much more sense.
08-17-17, 09:09 AM
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Agreed, Rack first.
08-17-17, 09:18 AM
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I use my rack a few times a year and my bike computer on every ride.
08-17-17, 09:27 AM
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Thanks for all the replies.
I transport my bike alone probably a few times a month. Most of which is highway driving. My girlfriend made the same comment saying id use the computer on every ride. I think the biggest thing is i hear a lot of good things and so so things about the computer. Some people tell me its so great and others say its absolutely not necessary. I know I'd use the rack (not a ton) but enough it's worth it. On the other hand, i guess I'm not sure if the computer would be used more if its apparently that useful.
I transport my bike alone probably a few times a month. Most of which is highway driving. My girlfriend made the same comment saying id use the computer on every ride. I think the biggest thing is i hear a lot of good things and so so things about the computer. Some people tell me its so great and others say its absolutely not necessary. I know I'd use the rack (not a ton) but enough it's worth it. On the other hand, i guess I'm not sure if the computer would be used more if its apparently that useful.
08-17-17, 01:17 PM
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I transport my bike in the bed of my pick up. Bike also has a computer. Every time I use one I use the other so they get equal use.
Jon
Jon
08-17-17, 03:28 PM
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Sell the new car.
Buy a second bike with a power meter.
Train like a madman and if you become real buff you can upgrade the wife or the girlfriend.
Buy a second bike with a power meter.
Train like a madman and if you become real buff you can upgrade the wife or the girlfriend.
08-17-17, 05:01 PM
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FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY, develop a method of knowing when you have the bikes on the roof rack. There are so many instances of people driving into a garage or other such thing and making a mess of their bike, garage and car because they forgot they had a bike on the roof. One technique is to hang something from the rear view mirror as a visual reminder when you have bikes on the rack.
08-17-17, 05:16 PM
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You can get an app for your phone to use on your bike. It is much more convenient to be able to transport 2 bikes for an adventure somewhere. Plus you can always get a cheap computer for your bike.
08-17-17, 06:01 PM
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FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY, develop a method of knowing when you have the bikes on the roof rack. There are so many instances of people driving into a garage or other such thing and making a mess of their bike, garage and car because they forgot they had a bike on the roof. One technique is to hang something from the rear view mirror as a visual reminder when you have bikes on the rack.
I hide my garage door opener in my center console when I leave for a ride.
08-17-17, 06:23 PM
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FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY, develop a method of knowing when you have the bikes on the roof rack. There are so many instances of people driving into a garage or other such thing and making a mess of their bike, garage and car because they forgot they had a bike on the roof. One technique is to hang something from the rear view mirror as a visual reminder when you have bikes on the rack.
Ben
08-17-17, 06:29 PM
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FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY, develop a method of knowing when you have the bikes on the roof rack. There are so many instances of people driving into a garage or other such thing and making a mess of their bike, garage and car because they forgot they had a bike on the roof. One technique is to hang something from the rear view mirror as a visual reminder when you have bikes on the rack.
My suggestion is...disable any integrated car garage door openers and 'always' keep your hand held garage door opener in the trunk of the car. Once you develop this habit your bike will be safe.
08-18-17, 07:22 AM
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FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY, develop a method of knowing when you have the bikes on the roof rack. There are so many instances of people driving into a garage or other such thing and making a mess of their bike, garage and car because they forgot they had a bike on the roof. One technique is to hang something from the rear view mirror as a visual reminder when you have bikes on the rack.
08-18-17, 07:30 AM
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Could always get a less expensive computer. Lezyne and others have cost effective models.
08-18-17, 09:54 AM
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I think this is the perfect question if having to choose between a rack and a computer. You can get the rack now and buy a more robust computer later. Until I bought my Garmin I used the free version of Strava and a $30 CatEye to watch speed / averages.
08-18-17, 12:00 PM
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good for you for getting the car, now go get both before your girlfriend becomes your wife 
08-18-17, 01:03 PM
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I rode for years with my iPhone as my bike computer using Wahoo bluetooth sensor of varying types. Phone battery was my biggest issue. I recently tried the Wahoo RFLCT and found it lacking so I went for the Wahoo Bolt. They have the Wahoo Mini now, if you have good eyesight. I have zero regrets with the Bolt. Coupled with Strava Premium it does wonderfully to point out how much I suck compared to the KOM holder of various segments.
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