Cycling computer for hill gradients

CXrider

Does anybody know of a cycle computer that accurately measures the gradient of a hill that you on at the time (downhill and uphill of course) ?

My basic Garmin measures the usual stuff plus overall elevation but I would really like to know the gradient of some of the hills that I come across, partly for Ego knowing that I have managed to climb it without walking but mostly due to curiosity to answer the question that pops in my mind 'bloody hell, this is hard work, I wonder what the incline is'...

Thanks in advance!

meanredspider

The Garmin Edge 800 (and presumably 500) series measure "Grade" - I'm not sure how accurate they are though probably as good as it gets given they use barometric altitude. I've not tried it.

bernithebiker

Yep, I have the 500 and it does a fairly good job of working out the grade. You can check it on known sections of big climbs like Alp d'Huez or Ventoux, etc.

ai_1

The 910XT triathlon watch uses barometric pressure for elevation change and uses that to calculate gradient. This is the same as the bike specific 500 and 800 mentioned above. The accuracy will obviously not be especially accurate over short distances. I don't find it massively useful. I think I can probably judge the gradient better by experience and feel than by reading it off the screen but it's available if you want it. You can always calculate average gradients after the ride by looking at the distance and elevation data and the barometer does seem to improve altitude data.

slowbike

Below a certain speed the 800 gives up displaying gradient ... so when my Dad had to walk up a slope a few weeks ago, I took the computer and sprinted up a section so I could tell him it was 10% ...

TBF - he's not a cyclist ...

Mikey23

I have gradient % on my 500 main screen. I think it's as accurate as a barometric altimeter is ever going to be

kostya416

iBike Newton ( https://www.ibikesports.com ) has actual inclinometer.

http://veloreality.com

BenderRodriguez

Mikey23 wrote:

I have gradient % on my 500 main screen. I think it's as accurate as a barometric altimeter is ever going to be

Problem with the 500 (and 800) is that the barometric altimeter is not temperature compensated, so if you are going up an Alpine climb from a hot valley to a chilly summit, the unit will misinterpret the increase in air density due to the fall in temperature as being due to a reduced amount / rate of ascent. For an momentary measure of grade the accuracy of the unit will me compromised by the small measurement window but might give a reasonable estimate. However, it is seriously flawed as an altimeter.

CXrider

Ah, ok. I have the basic Garmin 200 which is great for my needs.
I might invest in a better one if it has features like this.

Thanks.

ai_1

CXrider wrote:

Ah, ok. I have the basic Garmin 200 which is great for my needs.
I might invest in a better one if it has features like this.

Thanks.

I wouldn't upgrade from the 200 to the 500 or above just for the gradient function. It really isn't of much practical use during a ride. You can still figure out the gradient after the ride using your 200 (assuming it can be used to log GPS data to Garmin Connect like the others?)

Stalin

kostya416 wrote:

iBike Newton ( https://www.ibikesports.com ) has actual inclinometer.

http://veloreality.com

Very interesting. But how does this compare with SRM.

What is Alex's opinion? I like the idea but does it work?