computer for tracking distance
04-10-12, 01:52 PM
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Nashbar Computer Selection
They have a quite a variety, and they are all on sale pretty much. Plus an extra 15% once its in the cart. Shipping runs about 6 bucks and takes about 5 days.
I personally use the Blackburn Delphi 4.0. Its wireless, displays cadence, and has a two bike function. Its been a pleasure for the last few months.
They have a quite a variety, and they are all on sale pretty much. Plus an extra 15% once its in the cart. Shipping runs about 6 bucks and takes about 5 days.
I personally use the Blackburn Delphi 4.0. Its wireless, displays cadence, and has a two bike function. Its been a pleasure for the last few months.
04-10-12, 02:00 PM
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It eludes me why, in today's world of GPS equipped smartphone pocket-computers*, you would need a gadget specifically to track your distance progress on your bicycle. Unless you are a serious retro-grouch or just plain love gadgetry: you can use your phone for accurate distance measurement, it will even make a map of where you dorked out too.
*assuming you have a GPS equipped smartphone pocket-computer
*assuming you have a GPS equipped smartphone pocket-computer
04-10-12, 02:01 PM
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It eludes me why, in today's world of GPS equipped smartphone pocket-computers*, you would need a gadget specifically to track your distance progress on your bicycle. Unless you are a serious retro-grouch or just plain love gadgetry: you can use your phone for accurate distance measurement, it will even make a map of where you dorked out too.
*assuming you have a GPS equipped smartphone pocket-computer
*assuming you have a GPS equipped smartphone pocket-computer
04-10-12, 02:45 PM
#30
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so after much diliberation and comparing I decided to go with the Cateye Commuter. Deciding factor was the ability to see multiple things on the screen at the same time without having to push buttons to rotate through functions. And also the carbon offset thing seems intriguing to me! Thanks all for the advice. I'll let you know what I think when it come in.
04-10-12, 02:58 PM
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This product shows some promise :
https://www.wahoofitness.com/Products...for-iPhone.asp
But I think it's a bit too much in terms of price, and not an elegant solution.
If I were to do this product, I'd have the phone broadcast to a smaller digital display, and write my own program to shut down all of the phone's running programs to run only the GPS to create a track.
If Strava had any brains at all, they'd work with some supplier to manufacture a bluetooth solution for cheap, and ship them out as free kits to premium members. The amount of signups would double, and all they'd have to do is ship out a plastic gizmo that interfaces with your phone. Bam, now they have real-time distance recording for premium members.
(Still nowhere near as awesome as Garmin's dedicated devices)
https://www.wahoofitness.com/Products...for-iPhone.asp
But I think it's a bit too much in terms of price, and not an elegant solution.
If I were to do this product, I'd have the phone broadcast to a smaller digital display, and write my own program to shut down all of the phone's running programs to run only the GPS to create a track.
If Strava had any brains at all, they'd work with some supplier to manufacture a bluetooth solution for cheap, and ship them out as free kits to premium members. The amount of signups would double, and all they'd have to do is ship out a plastic gizmo that interfaces with your phone. Bam, now they have real-time distance recording for premium members.
(Still nowhere near as awesome as Garmin's dedicated devices)
04-10-12, 03:02 PM
#32
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This product shows some promise :
https://www.wahoofitness.com/Products...for-iPhone.asp
But I think it's a bit too much in terms of price, and not an elegant solution.
If I were to do this product, I'd have the phone broadcast to a smaller digital display, and write my own program to shut down all of the phone's running programs to run only the GPS to create a track.
If Strava had any brains at all, they'd work with some supplier to manufacture a bluetooth solution for cheap, and ship them out as free kits to premium members. The amount of signups would double, and all they'd have to do is ship out a plastic gizmo that interfaces with your phone. Bam, now they have real-time distance recording for premium members.
(Still nowhere near as awesome as Garmin's dedicated devices)
https://www.wahoofitness.com/Products...for-iPhone.asp
But I think it's a bit too much in terms of price, and not an elegant solution.
If I were to do this product, I'd have the phone broadcast to a smaller digital display, and write my own program to shut down all of the phone's running programs to run only the GPS to create a track.
If Strava had any brains at all, they'd work with some supplier to manufacture a bluetooth solution for cheap, and ship them out as free kits to premium members. The amount of signups would double, and all they'd have to do is ship out a plastic gizmo that interfaces with your phone. Bam, now they have real-time distance recording for premium members.
(Still nowhere near as awesome as Garmin's dedicated devices)
04-10-12, 03:06 PM
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Strava is meh.
I personally don't care to see where others have ridden, nor do I care to show people where I've been.
Next there will be apps to show people what we at for dinner.
Oh....wait... that does exist.
I personally don't care to see where others have ridden, nor do I care to show people where I've been.
Next there will be apps to show people what we at for dinner.
Oh....wait... that does exist.
04-10-12, 03:10 PM
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As for Strava... the encouragement received, and showing off your physical prowess (essentially bragging) through your ride is sometimes fun. I'm guessing that social aspect is what keeps it going.
On another note, Strava is a stalker's paradise. You have plenty of tracks that indicate exactly where people live, on a map. BRB editing some of my rides...
04-10-12, 03:31 PM
#35
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It's not bad, if you already have a phone anyways.
As for Strava... the encouragement received, and showing off your physical prowess (essentially bragging) through your ride is sometimes fun. I'm guessing that social aspect is what keeps it going.
On another note, Strava is a stalker's paradise. You have plenty of tracks that indicate exactly where people live, on a map. BRB editing some of my rides...
As for Strava... the encouragement received, and showing off your physical prowess (essentially bragging) through your ride is sometimes fun. I'm guessing that social aspect is what keeps it going.
On another note, Strava is a stalker's paradise. You have plenty of tracks that indicate exactly where people live, on a map. BRB editing some of my rides...
04-10-12, 04:57 PM
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if someone really wants to find out it's kinda easy, all you need are 3 different rides starting at different places and you can pinpoint with some accuracy where that person start the route.
04-10-12, 06:00 PM
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I got busy over the last day and couldn't get back and respond correctly to my post and the counter-posts about strava earlier. First, let me say that I really am not a fan of strava specifically. I assumed, based on what the OP said, that he was looking for a solution that was more commuter specific.
Garmin 500 seems like a giant leap ($250) to a problem that had a free solution, using a free app connected to his Android-based phone. Yes, I understand, all too well, the problems associated with many of the Android phones and their battery consumption when using GPS. I personally have one of the original EVO 3Gs, so I assume that's enough said.
Yes, there are a smorgasbord of amazing gadgets that will tell him when he is ovulating, when his heart is working, or not, and even when his microwave is done; these devices range from what, $20 all the way up to several thousand dollar powertap systems. My theory is and always will be that the less I have strapped to my bike, the less its going to get attention from vultures.
My rambling has more to do with defending my stance, that programs like mapmyride and strava offer the non-competitive athlete tools that help them limit the number of items they carry around even when training. I run with my Evo while using Strava (run) and have little issue. I have tried running with an iPod Shuffle, a Garman 200 and my phone and frankly, it was stupid and overstimulating.
tl;dr
I still stand behind Strava.com when it comes to managing something as simple as commuter mileage; no Garmin500 is required for this purpose, nor a cadence system.
Garmin 500 seems like a giant leap ($250) to a problem that had a free solution, using a free app connected to his Android-based phone. Yes, I understand, all too well, the problems associated with many of the Android phones and their battery consumption when using GPS. I personally have one of the original EVO 3Gs, so I assume that's enough said.
Yes, there are a smorgasbord of amazing gadgets that will tell him when he is ovulating, when his heart is working, or not, and even when his microwave is done; these devices range from what, $20 all the way up to several thousand dollar powertap systems. My theory is and always will be that the less I have strapped to my bike, the less its going to get attention from vultures.
My rambling has more to do with defending my stance, that programs like mapmyride and strava offer the non-competitive athlete tools that help them limit the number of items they carry around even when training. I run with my Evo while using Strava (run) and have little issue. I have tried running with an iPod Shuffle, a Garman 200 and my phone and frankly, it was stupid and overstimulating.
tl;dr
I still stand behind Strava.com when it comes to managing something as simple as commuter mileage; no Garmin500 is required for this purpose, nor a cadence system.
04-10-12, 06:03 PM
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IMHO dont put a computer on your bike if you just want to track miles. Just click in your route to www.gmap-pedometer.com works just fine. I have checked their distances VS actual distance on my cyclocomputer and its right on. I have taken the computers off of all my bikes because it looks better and I basically DGAF about distance anymore. My wristwatch with timer tells me all I really want to know...
04-10-12, 06:49 PM
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Yes, I use Strava (and MapMyRide) and my GPS-enabled cycling computer, but if you're anything like me, inaccurate data is useless data....which is why I also use the Speed / Cadence Sensor. The OP specifically asked about tracking miles on his bike - and I think it's safe to say that most people in this position would like accurate data under all conditions. Granted, some use it for maintenance intervals, and other various reasons where approximations are perfectly acceptable.
04-10-12, 07:08 PM
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GPS distance accuracy is FAR from 1/100th of a mile - especially if you ride in areas where GPS reception is spotty - near tall buildings - through tunnels - near tall and/or wide-canopy trees - on cloudy days, etc.
Yes, I use Strava (and MapMyRide) and my GPS-enabled cycling computer, but if you're anything like me, inaccurate data is useless data....which is why I also use the Speed / Cadence Sensor. The OP specifically asked about tracking miles on his bike - and I think it's safe to say that most people in this position would like accurate data under all conditions. Granted, some use it for maintenance intervals, and other various reasons where approximations are perfectly acceptable.
Yes, I use Strava (and MapMyRide) and my GPS-enabled cycling computer, but if you're anything like me, inaccurate data is useless data....which is why I also use the Speed / Cadence Sensor. The OP specifically asked about tracking miles on his bike - and I think it's safe to say that most people in this position would like accurate data under all conditions. Granted, some use it for maintenance intervals, and other various reasons where approximations are perfectly acceptable.
Last edited by Santaria; 04-10-12 at 07:41 PM.
04-10-12, 07:14 PM
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A $15 cycling computer with a wired magnet-operated sensor will certainly do the trick, and worked just fine for me for many years.
One of the main reasons I went with the Garmin 500 is because my Android phone battery dies after only about 2.5 hours with the GPS enabled, and Strava running. Sometimes, I'd like to have the option to make a phone call after a ride.
I'm a data-junky (& DBA), what can I say?
One of the main reasons I went with the Garmin 500 is because my Android phone battery dies after only about 2.5 hours with the GPS enabled, and Strava running. Sometimes, I'd like to have the option to make a phone call after a ride.
I'm a data-junky (& DBA), what can I say?
Last edited by ChrisM2097; 04-11-12 at 12:06 AM.
04-10-12, 07:42 PM
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I have the cheapo wireless computer from walmart on a couple bikes. One of them has been on there almost two years and 3000 miles. still going strong. If someone steals it, so what? usually ride with android in my pocket and strava on so the big data comes when I get home.
wireless is so easy to set up. I really can't complain other than that it doesn't turn on automatically like a wired computer, I usually make it a mile or so before I look down and remember what's up. Also, it's ********ly easy to reset (hold both buttons simultaneously for 3+ seconds) which dumps you to the initial setup with the wheel diameter and all that. Still, the price is right, and both the sensor and the computer mount are ziptied on.
Protip: you can run strava with only the gps signal on. you don't need data. On my phone I can run airplane mode with only the gps receiving signal. Big battery improvements there. And no calls while out.
wireless is so easy to set up. I really can't complain other than that it doesn't turn on automatically like a wired computer, I usually make it a mile or so before I look down and remember what's up. Also, it's ********ly easy to reset (hold both buttons simultaneously for 3+ seconds) which dumps you to the initial setup with the wheel diameter and all that. Still, the price is right, and both the sensor and the computer mount are ziptied on.
Protip: you can run strava with only the gps signal on. you don't need data. On my phone I can run airplane mode with only the gps receiving signal. Big battery improvements there. And no calls while out.
04-10-12, 07:45 PM
#46
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I have the cheapo wireless computer from walmart on a couple bikes. One of them has been on there almost two years and 3000 miles. still going strong. If someone steals it, so what? usually ride with android in my pocket and strava on so the big data comes when I get home.
wireless is so easy to set up. I really can't complain other than that it doesn't turn on automatically like a wired computer, I usually make it a mile or so before I look down and remember what's up. Also, it's ********ly easy to reset (hold both buttons simultaneously for 3+ seconds) which dumps you to the initial setup with the wheel diameter and all that. Still, the price is right, and both the sensor and the computer mount are ziptied on.
Protip: you can run strava with only the gps signal on. you don't need data. On my phone I can run airplane mode with only the gps receiving signal. Big battery improvements there. And no calls while out.
wireless is so easy to set up. I really can't complain other than that it doesn't turn on automatically like a wired computer, I usually make it a mile or so before I look down and remember what's up. Also, it's ********ly easy to reset (hold both buttons simultaneously for 3+ seconds) which dumps you to the initial setup with the wheel diameter and all that. Still, the price is right, and both the sensor and the computer mount are ziptied on.
Protip: you can run strava with only the gps signal on. you don't need data. On my phone I can run airplane mode with only the gps receiving signal. Big battery improvements there. And no calls while out.
In the end, there is no right or wrong answer here.
04-10-12, 08:11 PM
#47
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who are you? I wasn't replying to you.
and strava is just one more social media dickwaving contest. It will never get me paid nor laid, but it will get me out of the house and off my ass. Plus it's free. I have little more expectation from cycling than simply having a good time and looking good naked. Strava is just a loose metric for the days when those two don't cut it.
and strava is just one more social media dickwaving contest. It will never get me paid nor laid, but it will get me out of the house and off my ass. Plus it's free. I have little more expectation from cycling than simply having a good time and looking good naked. Strava is just a loose metric for the days when those two don't cut it.
04-10-12, 09:17 PM
#48
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Most of these guys use the Cateye Strada Wireless...but, heh, what do they know? AMIRITE GUYZ?!
https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/...-year-1/132692
https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/...lco-pro/175363
https://www.bikeradar.com/gallery/art...ders-21121/13/
https://www.bikeradar.com/gallery/art...lx01-21077/25/
https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/...-year-1/132692
https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/...lco-pro/175363
https://www.bikeradar.com/gallery/art...ders-21121/13/
https://www.bikeradar.com/gallery/art...lx01-21077/25/
04-10-12, 09:19 PM
#49
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$43 to $68 on Amazon (depending on special edition color or whatever)
https://www.amazon.com/Cateye-CC-RD30.../dp/B003GNTCJI
https://www.amazon.com/Cateye-CC-RD30.../dp/B003GNTCJI
04-10-12, 09:35 PM
#50
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Yup... for complete functionality, cateye works great.
I've seen people with SRM, powertap, etc. who are slow as all hell. It really comes down to what you want out of the computer. If strava is a big deal to you, your phone will work just fine. You'll even go "faster" because of how inaccurate it is.
I've seen people with SRM, powertap, etc. who are slow as all hell. It really comes down to what you want out of the computer. If strava is a big deal to you, your phone will work just fine. You'll even go "faster" because of how inaccurate it is.