Bike Computers

OwenB

Hi, I'm looking for a new bike computer as the one I had (an Aldi wireless one) has broken down.
I quite like the idea of being able to see my cadence but don't fancy the idea of loads of wires so would prefer one which was totally wireless.
Also as I like to log my rides and distances I'm wondering if I should go down the GPS route, I currently use my android phone but in honesty lately it's not been particularly reliable and it totally sucks all the life out of the battery so think perhaps a dedicated cycle computer would be best.
So if you could recommend any particular models I'd really appreciate it, I reckon I could persuade the Mrs to let me spend about £200 max but obviously if there's something that suits my needs for less I'd look that way first.

MattC59

Garmin Edge 500.

Simple !!!

I've got the Edge 800 which has the SatNav mapping, but to be honest I may as well have bought the Edge 500 as I've not used the mapping that much. As far as I know, they are the same other than the mapping.

OwenB

Thanks Matt, I've looked at the Garmins but have been nervous to part with the cash as none of the local bike shops seem to stock them and don't know how useable they are.
Are you aware if you can follow a route on the 500's?

MattC59

I believe that you can follow a breadcrumb trail on the 500, but I'm not sure.

Failing that, you could save a bit more cash and get the Edge 800 with none of the extras. You can then use the GPS to monitor speed (rather than a rear wheel speed sensor) and download one of the free map packs. Most people seem to vouch for http://www.velomap.org/

I understand that it's as good as the Garmin road maps, but it's free !!! You can then buy a speed/cadence sensor at a later date.

Havig said I've not used the mapping much, I've plotted a number of rides over the past few days, and am now looking forward to using the navigation feature.

These guys have the Edge800 for £279 !!!!
http://www.lovingoutdoors.co.uk/garmin-edge-800-comparison-review?gclid=CODL0-_qtq0CFYEhtAod7lDzGw

Actually, I've just found it here for £254 !!!
http://www.simplyelectronics.net/mainproduct.php?pid=12910&sd=cont

tight_git

Edge 800 at £253 or 500 for £142

http://www.handtec.co.uk/product.php/35 ... -edge-800-

godders1

If you could do without cadence the new Edge 200 is worth a look at £100. It's like the 500 but with no sensor capability (for HR, cadence etc).

http://www.dooleys-cycles.co.uk/product ... uctID=1667

Loving mine!

ForumNewbie

I've just got the Garmin Edge 200 and I like it. The only disppointing thing for me is that I can't change or customise the display to show the info I want, like I could with the older Edge 205 model I previously had. For example I would have liked to have been able to see the current altitude when I was out on the bike climbing like I could with the 205, but with the 200 you can't see how high you have climbed until you have downloaded the stats.

rolf_f

Bryton 35 - has everything the Garmin 500 has for £125 - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/bryton-rider-35 ... uter-Black

It's probably glitchier than the Garmins and the breadcrumb trail function currently doesn't (a long promised firmware update is due) but it has all of the flexibility of a 500 for about £10 more than the 200 - and it probably looks better!

Alternatively, the Bryton 20 is a variation of the Garmin 200s approach to stripping things down a bit. I'm not actually sure how available it is at the moment (probably about £100) but whereas Garmin restrict the display and eliminate ANT, Bryton ditch the navigation and altitude, but retain more of the screen flexibility and give you ANT cadence and HRM capability.

There are also the Holux units that are even cheaper but I know nothing about them. I suspect all options are OK so there's never a need to default to Garmin these days!

jim453

I've been looking into this over the past few days. It turns out there are a number of viable options as mentioned.

Garmin seem to be the best if only because they allow direct upload into third party sites like Strava or Endomundo. However, this is a convenience which comes at a high price. I can't help but think these things are outrageously overpriced, I dread to think what they are produced for. Literally next to nothing I should imagine.

Because of this and also because I have no money to throw around I'm considering a Holux GPsport 245 for £55

Pretty much does exactly the same job as the Garmin 200 but for around half the price.

That said, I'd get the Garmin if I had the scrilla.

deadhead1971

I've used VeloMap on the garmin edge 800, and other "open" maps.
In my experience, they're just nowhere near as good as the proper ordnance survey discoverer maps.
I wrote an article about it:
http://www.scarletfire.co.uk/2012/01/garmin-edge-800-why-you-shouldnt-bother-with-custom-osm-maps/
I hope it helps someone to make a more informed decision

mark.gilmour

i didnt bother getting a computer. I got a samsung andriod phone and put on an app. did everything i needed including sat nav etc. plus its a phone and is really usfull when not on the bike

knownothingbozo

If your budget doesn't stretch to garmin levels consider cateye options, you can get the strada double or v2c at less than £50 and much cheaper online. Both are wireless and tell you cadence, speed, average speed, distance, time etc.
+1 for phone apps as well they allow tracking of progress entering challenges etc and are completely free mostly.

One Man And His Bike

Polar CS 200 CAD is what I currently use but would to upgrade to maybe the 600 with Power.

I log my rides with my HTC and Endomondo.