Bike Computer options
 

So I've been using a Sigma computer for years ... very basic, has cadence ... no GPS capability.

But the cadence isn't working and I don't feel like chasing down whatever gremlin has caused it. I'd also like something with GPS capability, if it was compatible with my Polar HR strap that would be awesome. Obviously we all know about Garmins ... but are there others worth considering? Any hidden gems you guys are using?

I have the Garmin 25 but wish I bought the Wahoo Elmnt or a bigger Garmin. It's just too small and I am afraid of losing it.

820 here. Digging it.

Lezyne Super GPS, not perfect, but overall I've been satisfied, especially at that price point.

The Wahoo Bolt shows promise, again at a nice price point. I don't have personal experience but people who have the ELMNT and the Bolt rave about them like they're the best thing since pockets on shirts.

Oooh ... that Elmnt looks nice ... price isn't terrible either

The Bolt looks nice too ... and cheaper ... similar features to the Elmnt too ... hmmm

820 too, love it.

For the record, I hate pockets on shirts.

I have both the 500 and as of last fall the 820. I have not been able to really use the 820 much tho since my motorcycle accident has resulted in only one outside ride since October as of today. I have used it on trainer a few times and the option to choose indoor is a nice addition.


The times I've used it outside (3x since purchase) I like the map feature. I'm still dialing in the screens and what I want to see on them. I had my 500 pretty dialed in as to what I liked. It is still functional and I like it for its simplicity as compared to the 820.


One feature of the 820 was the friend tracking...tho I have no clue how that works or how to set it up. It would be handy for my team group rides. Last summer training for Cool Breeze one of the riders got lost and was not understanding route ... would have been nice to be able to know where she was.

I have the RFLKT from Wahoo and like it a lot.

Little different setup as it uses BlueTooth/ANT sensors for heartrate/cadence/speed and uses your Smartphone for the "computer". The part on the handlebar is a fully customized display that gets the data from the Smartphone.

Cellphone stays in the jersey and the RFLKT goes on the bars.

A friend of mine inexplicably bought a Polar head unit and really likes it. I think it was in the $150 range and seems to have most of the usual GPS related functions AND works with BTLE accessories, which garmin head units will not.

Last fall I needed to replace my Garmin 510. I purchased the 520. I'm still not real happy with it but am getting used to it. In hindsight I should have tried the Wahoo RFLKT.

Just the Garmin UI to set up is a major pain in the ass. Using it on the road is a pain as well. The buttons are too hard to push and poorly located. Some settings that were simple with the 510 are difficult with the 520. No touch screen is a hindrance.

Garmin assured me that the warranty will transfer if I sell the device, which I still may.

Right now I'm leaning toward the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt ... lots of positive reviews ... lots of functions, reasonable price. They're only in pre-order now, I think release is scheduled for 4/1. Might wait and see what the hands on reviews are like and then order.

+1 for the Lezyne. pretty intuitive, works every time, plus it has turn by turn, will work with bluetooth sensors and after this last update, you can add routes to it like you could a Garmin.

it syncs to my phone and then from there i can sync my routes to the cloud so i can see how hard my heart pounds and how slow i go uphill :notamused:

I run a CatEye Stealth 50.

it records the route (gps), cadence, heart rate, and power meter.

Pretty basic, but has served me well for a couple years now.

Not true. I ordered mine the day it was released and received it this week. I ended up with it by default. I started riding my trainer this winter and was looking for speed and cadence. Found the Wahoo sensors and they worked great on my phone in the basement. Then when the Bolt came out I realized I didn't want to strap my phone to my handlebar, so I had to drop the loot and pick one up.

Ah ... Wahoo's site said 4/1 I thought ... maybe it was a different site.

Initial thoughts on the Bolt?

I haven't had the chance to mount it or ride with it yet. But I like the size of it, and it seems to do what I need plus a lot more.

I'll be interested to hear your thoughts when you ride with it :)

I am hoping to ride with it in the next week or so. We just had a major snow storm, and I have a brand new bike. So I am kind of being picky on when I want to get out on the bike.

Totally understandable :)

Waiting for the weather to warm up here too

I can show you this is the kind of data that the Wahoo system puts out. These are results from the HR, cadence, and speed sensors while riding the trainer. I believe the Bolt will give this same kind of feedback in real time. Plus upload all data to Strava, and give you live Strava segment notifications. It will also display texts, and phone calls, not that I am answering or responding to any of that during a ride.

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...ef&oe=591EC5C9


https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...4a&oe=58E195C2

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...49&oe=591AF1A3

Bike speed and resettable distance traveled. Everything else just gets in the way. Any unit out there that can do this simple choir?

Take your pick really ... Look on Nashbar for Sigmas/Cateyes/etc ... should be able to find what you're looking for for less than $50

Still haven't done a ride with the Bolt yet, but I did mount and get it set up.

All of the pages have some zoom functions. This page is zoomed out so you can see all of the data. You can also zoom all the way in so all you see is speed, and distance. You need Strava Premium in order to see and interact with live segments. Unlike the original Elmnt you do not need to carry your phone with the Bolt.
https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...5d&oe=599AC879

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...7b&oe=5965A06C

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...95&oe=595B2B96

I got a Polar M450 because it was on sale. I like it. It does everything I need and syncs with Strava.