cycle computers?

skyeflyguy

Hi,
I have good heart rate monitor, and a wireless bike computer. I was wondering if there was unit that combined both, without the expensive GPS bit which would be kind of wasted on me, I say wasted, I'm sure they have more benefits than purely telling you where you are?
Any recommendations?

Thanks Garry.

jordan_217

Do you go on the turbo a lot, or do you do interval sessions, e.g follow structured sessions on the bike?

skyeflyguy

jordan_217 wrote:

Do you go on the turbo a lot, or do you do interval sessions, e.g follow structured sessions on the bike?

Hi,thanks for the reply. Ive just started to do some Turbo training for the first time in years, and hope to build a more structured program than just jumping on and riding for an hour. I do spin twice a week, and I'm looking to get out on the road for longer rides when the weathers not to bad.

Garry.

jordan_217

skyeflyguy wrote:

jordan_217 wrote:

Do you go on the turbo a lot, or do you do interval sessions, e.g follow structured sessions on the bike?

Hi,thanks for the reply. Ive just started to do some Turbo training for the first time in years, and hope to build a more structured program than just jumping on and riding for an hour. I do spin twice a week, and I'm looking to get out on the road for longer rides when the weathers not to bad.

Garry.

I used to use a separate Cateye Strada and Suunto HRM. This often led to overcrowding on my bars when it came to putting a front light on, or attaching the resistance lever when on the turbo. All manageable but just a bit inconvenient and cluttered.

From your OP you have discarded a GPS unit, but but but. If you can afford it or there's a good deal on somewhere I'd seriously consider the Garmin Edge 500, with a cadence sensor and chest strap. This will replace the separate HRM/computer and also add a few little handy features, my favorite being that I can preload my workout onto the unit and follow the onscreen prompts during my session. Really handy as I follow a program 99% of the time.

There's also the convenience of having all the data on a single display, which you can configure to display just the data you're interested in.

I also sometimes use bikeroutetoaster.com to plan a route down some roads I've never been before, and upload the .TCX file to the Garmin. Granted it doesn't have a posh sat nav type display but it will provide some simple turn-by-turn on screen prompts.

If you really don't want a GPS unit then I know Cateye do a combined unit, the V3. Depending on the brand of your HRM you can also buy add-ons such as speed/cadence sensors so you can use your HRM as a computer. Sunnto do a skewer based speed/cadence sensor. I've never tried it but did give it consideration before buying the Garmin. IIRC Sigma computers used to get good reviews for their combined units too. Worth checking.

HTH.

arran77

Another vote here for the Edge 500 if funds will stretch to that, a very good GPS computer capable of all you need really

skyeflyguy

jordan_217 wrote:

skyeflyguy wrote:

jordan_217 wrote:

Do you go on the turbo a lot, or do you do interval sessions, e.g follow structured sessions on the bike?

Hi,thanks for the reply. Ive just started to do some Turbo training for the first time in years, and hope to build a more structured program than just jumping on and riding for an hour. I do spin twice a week, and I'm looking to get out on the road for longer rides when the weathers not to bad.

Garry.

I used to use a separate Cateye Strada and Suunto HRM. This often led to overcrowding on my bars when it came to putting a front light on, or attaching the resistance lever when on the turbo. All manageable but just a bit inconvenient and cluttered.

From your OP you have discarded a GPS unit, but but but. If you can afford it or there's a good deal on somewhere I'd seriously consider the Garmin Edge 500, with a cadence sensor and chest strap. This will replace the separate HRM/computer and also add a few little handy features, my favorite being that I can preload my workout onto the unit and follow the onscreen prompts during my session. Really handy as I follow a program 99% of the time.

There's also the convenience of having all the data on a single display, which you can configure to display just the data you're interested in.

I also sometimes use bikeroutetoaster.com to plan a route down some roads I've never been before, and upload the .TCX file to the Garmin. Granted it doesn't have a posh sat nav type display but it will provide some simple turn-by-turn on screen prompts.

If you really don't want a GPS unit then I know Cateye do a combined unit, the V3. Depending on the brand of your HRM you can also buy add-ons such as speed/cadence sensors so you can use your HRM as a computer. Sunnto do a skewer based speed/cadence sensor. I've never tried it but did give it consideration before buying the Garmin. IIRC Sigma computers used to get good reviews for their combined units too. Worth checking.

HTH.

Hi, thanks for the reply. I use the same Cats eye/Suunto set up at the moment, and like you I'm trying to get away from the "clutter". I'm not totally apposed to GPS and the functions you talk about sound really appealing.
Off to check the prices........GULP!

jordan_217

skyeflyguy wrote:

jordan_217 wrote:

skyeflyguy wrote:

jordan_217 wrote:

Do you go on the turbo a lot, or do you do interval sessions, e.g follow structured sessions on the bike?

Hi,thanks for the reply. Ive just started to do some Turbo training for the first time in years, and hope to build a more structured program than just jumping on and riding for an hour. I do spin twice a week, and I'm looking to get out on the road for longer rides when the weathers not to bad.

Garry.

I used to use a separate Cateye Strada and Suunto HRM. This often led to overcrowding on my bars when it came to putting a front light on, or attaching the resistance lever when on the turbo. All manageable but just a bit inconvenient and cluttered.

From your OP you have discarded a GPS unit, but but but. If you can afford it or there's a good deal on somewhere I'd seriously consider the Garmin Edge 500, with a cadence sensor and chest strap. This will replace the separate HRM/computer and also add a few little handy features, my favorite being that I can preload my workout onto the unit and follow the onscreen prompts during my session. Really handy as I follow a program 99% of the time.

There's also the convenience of having all the data on a single display, which you can configure to display just the data you're interested in.

I also sometimes use bikeroutetoaster.com to plan a route down some roads I've never been before, and upload the .TCX file to the Garmin. Granted it doesn't have a posh sat nav type display but it will provide some simple turn-by-turn on screen prompts.

If you really don't want a GPS unit then I know Cateye do a combined unit, the V3. Depending on the brand of your HRM you can also buy add-ons such as speed/cadence sensors so you can use your HRM as a computer. Sunnto do a skewer based speed/cadence sensor. I've never tried it but did give it consideration before buying the Garmin. IIRC Sigma computers used to get good reviews for their combined units too. Worth checking.

HTH.

Hi, thanks for the reply. I use the same Cats eye/Suunto set up at the moment, and like you I'm trying to get away from the "clutter". I'm not totally apposed to GPS and the functions you talk about sound really appealing.
Off to check the prices........GULP!

No worries. I believe HandTec are often the cheapest:

http://www.handtec.co.uk/garmin-edge-50 ... 29-13.html

Worth seeing if any voucher codes/offers are around to use on the likes of Wiggle and CRC.

Relaxitscool

Also worth having a look at the Bryton Rider 40, all the functions of the Garmin 500. Currently £99 including heart rate strap on Amazon.

kajjal

arran77 wrote:

Another vote here for the Edge 500 if funds will stretch to that, a very good GPS computer capable of all you need really

Very easy to setup and use while also being accurate when you set it to update your position every second. Mine works well on my road bike and also mountain bike.

supermurph09

Just get an Edge 500, balance in your life will be restored.

diamonddog

Supermurph09 wrote:

Just get an Edge 500, balance in your life will be restored.

^^ +1

skyeflyguy

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply. A Garmin Edge 500 it is then!

mc juice

Edge 500 rocks & there are good options for programs to choose from to download your data. i use strava & being able to look at segments & my performance makes road & mtb more fun.

kajjal

mc juice wrote:

Edge 500 rocks & there are good options for programs to choose from to download your data. i use strava & being able to look at segments & my performance makes road & mtb more fun.

Strava is very clear and easy to use. I find it helps no end on improving sections of rides I am relatively slow on.

Just watch out for Strava rage when trying to beat your best times :twisted: