The Best Bike Computer for a Workout
Wahoo FitnessYoga recently introduced a new line of wrist-based bike computer monitors called the 'Garmin Edge Experience'. In this review I will compare the Garmin Edge Experience to two other top monitors in the same price range. In general, there are some key points that each monitor is lacking. These include:
-No rear cadence sensors. Both companies claim that they have eliminated the need for rear cadence sensors. In my experience though, once a rear cadence sensor is installed in the bike it never comes back out. So while the Garmin seems like it has eliminated this problem, the truth is you will still need a rear cadence sensor mount to get the most accurate information.
-No heart rate monitoring. Both companies claim that they have eliminated the need for heart rate monitors by using their own wireless transmitter. My review has found that the heart rate monitor mount that comes with the Garmin Edge has no heart rate port. You must have a separate transmitter to use this monitor.
-No magnet-less foot pedals. Many cycling and fitness enthusiasts like the fact that the Garmin Forestroke+ foot pedals don't have a magnet installed inside them. I am not so sure about this however. The reason why I say this is because the magnet can actually interfere with the accuracy of the unit when transmitting information to the bike computer. The problem is that the more sensitive the magnet is, the less accurate the transmission can be. This can mean the difference between getting accurate data from the bike computer to the unit or not.
-No smartphone holder. Both companies claim that their smartphones will work with their new bike computer devices. My review has found that neither the iPhone nor the Android smartphone works very well with either of these devices. The screen size on the iPhone is just too small and the interface just isn't as nice as it could be for cycling computers.
-No bottle cage mounts. These are two very popular bike computer accessories that you will find in many different models. I believe that the reason why these two items are not included is because they make it too easy to install the device without using any manual assistance. You have to remove the air pump from the bike computer and then insert the smartphone into it. The manufacturers probably wanted to limit the installation of these items since they are so popular.
-No phonebook. The companies claim that the smartphone allows you to do much more than you would do with a normal card. They also say that you will have better battery life if you ride with your phone, but you also may be able to enjoy all of the same features like the other devices. Unfortunately, the iPhone does not support any of the bike computer's features like GPS.
If you need those types of features, you will have to purchase them separately. If you need both phonebooks and cycling speed data, the best choice is to get a magnet-less adapter that will allow you both to share information. It comes with both a phonebook and a cycling speed data device. Although you may not be able to buy these items individually, you can often find them bundled together. All three devices will have the same basic look and are made by top-quality companies like Wicca, recumbent trainer, or Powertec.
-Cadence sensors. Most bike computer systems include some form of cadence sensors to help maintain your heart rate. You will have to set your heart rate manually each time you ride. With this feature, you can get detailed information about your performance and be able to better control your intensity during your rides. However, most units only include one or two cadence sensors.
-Magnet-free bike computer. Some bikes come with built-in magnetic sensor units. These units are designed to keep a close watch on your pulse, using magnet technology. Although the built-in units have a variety of advanced features, they are not compatible with the built-in cadence sensors found in many units.
If you want to avoid all of the hassle that comes with pedaling and monitoring your workout on a foot-pad or console, you should invest in a Wahoo Bike Computer. The Wahoo bike computer is small, efficient, and fun to use. Plus, you can get live quotes and track your progress from your smartphone so you can get real-time feedback on how you are doing.