computers with altimeters?
09-12-06, 10:12 AM
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computers with altimeters?
I've noticed a few on Nashbar, and wanted to know if anyone had any experience with them.
I live in a pretty hilly area, and it would be interesting to know the actual elevation changes of my rides without having to look-up elevation profiles for all of my routes.
Do the altimeters seem relatively accurate? Can anyone recommend any certain computer (preferrably under $150)?
I live in a pretty hilly area, and it would be interesting to know the actual elevation changes of my rides without having to look-up elevation profiles for all of my routes.
Do the altimeters seem relatively accurate? Can anyone recommend any certain computer (preferrably under $150)?
09-12-06, 10:28 AM
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Get the VDO 1.0+....$149.99
Or you can get the wired version for like $99 I think.
Or you can get the wired version for like $99 I think.
09-12-06, 10:29 AM
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Originally Posted by GuitarWizard
Get the VDO 1.0+....$149.99
Or you can get the wired version for like $99 I think.
Or you can get the wired version for like $99 I think.
do you have any experience with it? where can I get the wired version?
09-12-06, 10:35 AM
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All the non-GPS units will use a barometric altimeter, which is tough to keep calibrated from day to day because it's so easily thrown off by changes in weather, etc.
The good news is that they're still pretty good at measuring ascent/descent even if the starting altitude is off.
My Polar S725X is all screwy in terms of starting elevation (my apartment has risen and fallen almost 100 feet at times) but has been very consistent in terms of elevation gain over my usual after-work rides. That's the more important data to me anyway. I could calibrate it every day but it's not worth it.
I remember reading a favorable review of the VDO when I was shopping, though.
The good news is that they're still pretty good at measuring ascent/descent even if the starting altitude is off.
My Polar S725X is all screwy in terms of starting elevation (my apartment has risen and fallen almost 100 feet at times) but has been very consistent in terms of elevation gain over my usual after-work rides. That's the more important data to me anyway. I could calibrate it every day but it's not worth it.
I remember reading a favorable review of the VDO when I was shopping, though.
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09-12-06, 10:40 AM
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Originally Posted by DrPete
All the non-GPS units will use a barometric altimeter, which is tough to keep calibrated from day to day because it's so easily thrown off by changes in weather, etc.
The good news is that they're still pretty good at measuring ascent/descent even if the starting altitude is off.
My Polar S725X is all screwy in terms of starting elevation (my apartment has risen and fallen almost 100 feet at times) but has been very consistent in terms of elevation gain over my usual after-work rides. That's the more important data to me anyway. I could calibrate it every day but it's not worth it.
I remember reading a favorable review of the VDO when I was shopping, though.
The good news is that they're still pretty good at measuring ascent/descent even if the starting altitude is off.
My Polar S725X is all screwy in terms of starting elevation (my apartment has risen and fallen almost 100 feet at times) but has been very consistent in terms of elevation gain over my usual after-work rides. That's the more important data to me anyway. I could calibrate it every day but it's not worth it.
I remember reading a favorable review of the VDO when I was shopping, though.
are there any decent GPS units for relatively cheap? I'd never even thought about that...
09-12-06, 10:41 AM
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Originally Posted by aballas
do you have any experience with it? where can I get the wired version?
If the Garmin Edge was actually reliable, and the batteries didn't die after 6-8 hours, I'd probably get one of those.
09-12-06, 11:34 AM
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Originally Posted by aballas
I've noticed a few on Nashbar, and wanted to know if anyone had any experience with them.
I live in a pretty hilly area, and it would be interesting to know the actual elevation changes of my rides without having to look-up elevation profiles for all of my routes.
Do the altimeters seem relatively accurate? Can anyone recommend any certain computer (preferrably under $150)?
I live in a pretty hilly area, and it would be interesting to know the actual elevation changes of my rides without having to look-up elevation profiles for all of my routes.
Do the altimeters seem relatively accurate? Can anyone recommend any certain computer (preferrably under $150)?
Specialized has a good one on clearance on their web site that also is a HR monitor. I just bought one myself.
09-13-06, 09:17 AM
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Ditto what Dr. Pete said. I used an Avocet computer with altimiter for a decade, and now use the Polar 725x. It is still accurate for measuring vertical feet climbed no matter what the barometric pressure is. The only time it will be screwy is when the barometric pressure is rising or dropping rapidly...which is rare.
When you're around sea level and it is off by 100 feet it seems like a big deal, but when your at 6,100 feet and it says 6,200 feet it doesn't seem like a big deal.
IMO, climbing data is just as important as speed...I can't imagine using a computer without it. To show how accurate it is...check out this blog of my Blue Ridge Parkway trip, and look at the elevation profiles from the guide book, and the climbing data from my 725x...they look identical...not to mention the total feet climed on the trip is in line with the numbers in the book.
www.crazyguyonabike.com/journal/gerald
When you're around sea level and it is off by 100 feet it seems like a big deal, but when your at 6,100 feet and it says 6,200 feet it doesn't seem like a big deal.
IMO, climbing data is just as important as speed...I can't imagine using a computer without it. To show how accurate it is...check out this blog of my Blue Ridge Parkway trip, and look at the elevation profiles from the guide book, and the climbing data from my 725x...they look identical...not to mention the total feet climed on the trip is in line with the numbers in the book.
www.crazyguyonabike.com/journal/gerald
