View Poll Results: Which do you use while commuting?
Voters: 74. You may not vote on this poll
Computer vs Smartphone (or both)
#2
Yo

Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,610
Likes: 1
From: Ozark Mountains
Bikes: 2003 Yeti AS-R, 2018 Waltly ti
I used to use a polar bike computer and it was good, but now I use an iPhone 7 plus with motifit ride and it's much better. More data than you can shake a stick at. One problem though, the elevation is always way off. My other gps apps are right on so I don't think it's the phone.
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,272
Likes: 11
From: Ottawa,ON,Canada
Bikes: Schwinn Miranda 1990, Giant TCX 2 2012
Not really a bike computer, but my VivoActive HR tracker with a cadence sensor. Plus my phone since I started using it way before the tracker and have my history on it.
#4
Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,632
Likes: 2,359
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Specialized Rockhopper, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
I use a bike computer. I just want current time, current speed, distance, temperature and average speed. I used to be interested in cumulative distance over the year, but not so much anymore. I tried a couple of smart phone GPS apps, but it took too much involvement for my taste, and the accuracy through downtown (Colorado Springs) was not good.
But for those who want to track, chart, analyze and share, you can't beat the convenience and flexibility of a smartphone.
But for those who want to track, chart, analyze and share, you can't beat the convenience and flexibility of a smartphone.
#6
Both, but only rarely do I use either one on commutes. In the mornings I use a "sweat-meter" - how damp my jersey is - trying to keep that to a minimum to skip the shower at work. The bike computer, used for speed only, is mainly for a reality check on perceived effort. On the more rare occasion that I do use Strava on the way home, it's on the phone, in my pocket.
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 385
Likes: 8
From: Endicott, NY
Bikes: Electra Loft 7i, Fuji Crosstown 2.5, Gravity Liberty FB, Schwinn Voyageur
I use a Sigma BC5.12 on one bike. Nothing on the others. I have a nice Sachs Huret Multito I want to put on my Loft at some point. I just like keeping track of the mileage.
#11
Senior Member


Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,865
From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
I don't see any need for info of any kind while commuting. It's a relatively short trip on a known course, so what else could I need to know.
If I were a surgeon, I'd probably keep a cell phone in my back pocket in case someone had to reach me in an emergency, but I'm not so I don't.
Though I don't use one on tours, I can see the use of a cell phone or GPS for navigating or making arrangements on the fly, and I'll probably start taking a smart phone for lining up hotels near the end of the day, if only a means to shop for better rates.
If I were a surgeon, I'd probably keep a cell phone in my back pocket in case someone had to reach me in an emergency, but I'm not so I don't.
Though I don't use one on tours, I can see the use of a cell phone or GPS for navigating or making arrangements on the fly, and I'll probably start taking a smart phone for lining up hotels near the end of the day, if only a means to shop for better rates.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#12
Neither one. I leave at the same time every day. I arrive at work at the same time, give or take five. I don't need no stinking computer to tell me that I'm only doing 18 km/h into a miserable headwind!
#13
Garmin EDGE 810 for all bike rides, from a commute to a century to a ride to the store. All rides are uploaded to Strava once they are done. Keeping excellent track so far this year of all rides, miles per bike, etc. Have lived here in town for 39 years so getting lost really isn't an issue. Have found that the GPS unit is more accurate than just running Strava on my phone, and it saves the battery on the phone.
#14
Tortoise Wins by a Hare!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 7,393
Likes: 945
From: Looney Tunes, IL
Bikes: Wabi Special FG, Raleigh Roper, Nashbar AL-1, Miyata One Hundred, '70 Schwinn Lemonator and More!!
I voted neither one, even though I do have a bike computer on one bike. But I've mostly been riding my commutes fixed gear, and those bikes have nothing on 'em. And since I've never had a cell phone of any sort, there's none of that nonsense.
#15
Newbie

Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 32
Likes: 4
From: Chicago
Bikes: Schwinn Varsity 1975, Mongoose Threshold 1995
Simplicity and reliability has its value
I have used my Cateye for 12 years and 56,000 miles, in winter and summer. An iPhone would be better for the wealth of data but simplicity and reliability has its value.
#16
Senior Member


Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,528
Likes: 152
From: midwest
Bikes: 2018 Roubaix Expert Di2, 2016 Diverge Expert X1
I have started using the phone in addition to a Garmin 520 so I can broadcast livetrack and see text messages.- really the phone is only for emergency location since I do ride out on some trails.
#17
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 22,676
Likes: 2,642
From: CID
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
I'm really only interested in total mileage and current speed, and hate the thought of wasting cellphone battery life to do the job. So I use the cheapest wired bike computers I can get.
#18
Are you serious? Curious to know what your age is.
#19
Tortoise Wins by a Hare!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 7,393
Likes: 945
From: Looney Tunes, IL
Bikes: Wabi Special FG, Raleigh Roper, Nashbar AL-1, Miyata One Hundred, '70 Schwinn Lemonator and More!!
Absolutely serious. It tickles me that so many can't fathom getting through life without 24/7 phone access. It wasn't all that long ago that EVERYBODY somehow managed to survive without cell phones. Only kids and young adults haven't.
On top of all the money I have saved (well over $10,000!) by not buying a phone and paying for monthly service, I rather like not ever being pestered by it... and the reaction I get when people learn I don't have one!
Oh, I'm 56.
On top of all the money I have saved (well over $10,000!) by not buying a phone and paying for monthly service, I rather like not ever being pestered by it... and the reaction I get when people learn I don't have one!
Oh, I'm 56.
#20
Absolutely serious. It tickles me that so many can't fathom getting through life without 24/7 phone access. It wasn't all that long ago that EVERYBODY somehow managed to survive without cell phones. Only kids and young adults haven't.
On top of all the money I have saved (well over $10,000!) by not buying a phone and paying for monthly service, I rather like not ever being pestered by it... and the reaction I get when people learn I don't have one!
Oh, I'm 56.
On top of all the money I have saved (well over $10,000!) by not buying a phone and paying for monthly service, I rather like not ever being pestered by it... and the reaction I get when people learn I don't have one!
Oh, I'm 56.
#21
Senior Member


Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,865
From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Absolutely serious. It tickles me that so many can't fathom getting through life without 24/7 phone access. It wasn't all that long ago that EVERYBODY somehow managed to survive without cell phones. Only kids and young adults haven't.
On top of all the money I have saved (well over $10,000!) by not buying a phone and paying for monthly service, I rather like not ever being pestered by it... and the reaction I get when people learn I don't have one!
Oh, I'm 56.
On top of all the money I have saved (well over $10,000!) by not buying a phone and paying for monthly service, I rather like not ever being pestered by it... and the reaction I get when people learn I don't have one!
Oh, I'm 56.
Currently I have a cell phone on a pay as you go plan that ends up costing me about $100/year. I got it because it's cheaper than a land line, and it lives where my home phone used to. I will occasionally take it out of the house, but that's the exception, and everyone knows not be expect me to be reachable 24/4.
Like you, I'm kind of surprised that what a short time was a luxury for the rich became a necessity for everyone.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#22
Absolutely serious. It tickles me that so many can't fathom getting through life without 24/7 phone access. It wasn't all that long ago that EVERYBODY somehow managed to survive without cell phones. Only kids and young adults haven't.
On top of all the money I have saved (well over $10,000!) by not buying a phone and paying for monthly service, I rather like not ever being pestered by it... and the reaction I get when people learn I don't have one!
Oh, I'm 56.
On top of all the money I have saved (well over $10,000!) by not buying a phone and paying for monthly service, I rather like not ever being pestered by it... and the reaction I get when people learn I don't have one!
Oh, I'm 56.
#23
Interesting. I am a consultant (computer networking). I have carried a cell phone since the early 90's and wore a pager before that. There was a transition period where I carried both and only turned the phone on to return a page. If I had never used a cell phone, I would be a lot poorer today or in a different career. I spend a lot more on travel for work than I do on the cell phone. It is just the cost of doing business.
#25
CatEye Strada Cadence, and I pretty much keep it set on cadence. Monitoring my cadence bumped my comfortable ride distance up by quite a bit within a month of getting the CatEye. Until my phone battery started getting unreliable, I was using Strava as well to keep track of daily/weekly/monthly mileage.
Seriously considering one of the Lezyne GPS computers with cadence and HR, since adding GPS to the computer would keep me from needing to keep the phone active if I start doing some light to moderate touring. Even with a new battery, the phone is only good for 2-4 hours of active GPS tracking.
Seriously considering one of the Lezyne GPS computers with cadence and HR, since adding GPS to the computer would keep me from needing to keep the phone active if I start doing some light to moderate touring. Even with a new battery, the phone is only good for 2-4 hours of active GPS tracking.
















