rageroad

Hi everyone, I'm new on here and am guessing this has been gone over a million times but I"m looking for advice on a cycling computer for my road bike. I use my phone with strava and am pretty happy with that but would like a computer that can show distance, mph & average speed, cadence, and heart rate (all at the same time). I think that's what will do me the most good but am open to suggestions, and not looking to break the bank on this. Thanks to all who reply in advance.

Doge

It is all about the cloud and compatibility these days.
Choose you "cloud hub".
So is it Garmin Connect - that feeds Strava, Training Peaks, VeloViewer?
Is it Strava that feeds....

Then choose the device that feeds that hub.

The Garmin line is well connected, but not the only show in town. I like the hardware on other devices more, but we stick with Garmin for continuity from prior Garmin devices and uploads going back a long time.

Elvo

Any Garmin with bluetooth will auto upload to the Connect app on your phone which auto uploads to Strava/MyfitnessPal/Training Peaks/etc

Seattle Forrest

A computer won't make you faster or more comfortable or give you bike handling skills. It can tell you your heart rate and which way to turn, and stuff like that. Just make a list of what you need, and get the cheapest one that checks all the right boxes.

Doge

But I thought training with power made you faster. And for that you need a computer that measures power - and a power meter.

Seattle Forrest

Being fitter makes you faster. Training is a good way to get fitter, and training with power is very effective.

You already knew that. And we're not helping the OP by playing word games.

Sy Reene

I was about to say that if you were happy with your phone, then to look at a Wahoo RFLKT+, but I just noticed that this is now discontinued. Too bad as it represented a decent entry price. May be able to find one used or NIB from random sellers though.

TimothyH

Polar V650 GPS with heart rate strap - $192.49
Polar V650 Strava GPS Cycle Computer with HRM | Chain Reaction Cycles

It is $207.49 but use code JAN17 and get an additional $15 off. This is an incredible value.


-Tim-

budgetbike

Garmin Edge 500...can get them new/used for pretty good price. Note, this product has been out for a number of years and its fairly basic but I think you will find it does everything you want. My main gripe is that when I'm done riding I have to plug it into my laptop to upload the ride information. I was aware of this before buying. The newer Edge computers have a wireless connection to your phone and can upload that way which is nice but they're much more expensive. There are obviously more features that differentiate the newer units, but being on a budget like you, I still went with the Edge 500.

SpeshulEd 

I've seen Garmin 510s as low as $150 and Garmin 810s as low as $200 in the local used market.

hsuehhwa

If you're new to road cycling, cadence sensor and HRM will help you a lot.

TimothyH

I'll say it again... The V650 is an incredible value at this price.

Apparently enough people agreed with me that Chain Reaction is now sold out.

scott449

That's why the pros never use them.

memebag

Garmin Edge 25. Look at the British cycle web sites for a good deal.

Seattle Forrest

Dentists?

VinceB

There are several apps for your phone (I use Cyclemeter) that can show all that data, for quite a bit less $$ than buying a dedicated cycling computer. You'll need to get some Bluetooth sensors (Wahoo Fitness | Connected Cycling, Running, and Fitness) to get that data to your phone, and probably a good phone mount.

Certainly, there are many reasons why a Garmin is better, but it costs a lot more, and just switching apps on your phone may give you what you need.