The Ultimate Guide to Bike Computers
Cycling is not only a fun way to stay in shape, but it can also be an intense and competitive workout. One of the best ways to enhance your cycling experience is by using GPS bike computers such as Garmin or Wahoo. These amazing devices not only enable you to track your progress and performance, but they also make cycling safer and more enjoyable. In this blog, we’ll be looking at the benefits of using bike computers and the features to consider when purchasing one.
Performance Tracking
The first benefit of using bike computers is that they enable you to track your progress and performance. You can track your distance, speed, and time (and much more thanks to the embedded GPS). This allows you to set goals and monitor your progress over time.
Course Tracking & Itineraries
You can view your route on a map and see where you’ve been, which is particularly helpful if you’re exploring a new area. Uploading a course using a GPX file is useful when participating at a race that you're not familiar with or a multi-day tour on your gravel bike.
Safety
Some bike computers even have an incident detection feature that sends your location to an emergency contact if it detects a fall. It sends a text message or calls your emergency contact.
Connectivity
An important feature to consider when purchasing a computer is whether it’s compatible with other devices. For example, some devices can connect to your smartphone, allowing you to receive text messages and calls. You can even control your music or use your GPS navigation app without having to take out your phone.
Sensors
Bike computers allow you to connect to other sensors, such as heart rate monitors and power meters. This enables you to track your heart rate and power output, which are crucial metrics for cyclists.
Versatility
Another thing to look for when purchasing a bike computer is whether it’s compatible with different types of cycling. For example, if you’re a road biker, you might want a device that has a barometric altimeter to measure your elevation gain. If you’re a triathlon cyclist, you might prefer a device that has a lighter and more aerodynamic design. If you're a mountain biker, you're interesting in mountain bike dynamics such as grit and flow metrics.
Price
Prices of bike computers vary from about a hundred euros or dollars to a few hundred euros or dollars. Gone are the days that we had to pay more than 1'000 euros or dollars for a bike computer.
Look at the budget knowing that even the entry level devices have great functionalities. They tend to be smaller as well which will reduce weight on your bike.
Whether you’re a casual cyclist or a seasoned rider, using a bike computer can take your cycling to the next level. By tracking your progress and performance, staying connected to your devices, and choosing a device that’s tailored to your specific needs, you can enjoy a safer, more enjoyable, and more competitive cycling experience.
With so many great options on the market, there’s never been a better time to invest in a bike computer. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore!
