Bicycle computers
 

I thought we had a thread on this but search says no.

So, I want to upgrade my data collection to include heart data, calories, elevation among the other cool stuff like power.

Garmin Edge 130+ looks good but I'm asking you all for any personal recos.

TIA

It's been several years since we did the MS150, but we had Wahoo Elemnt computers that tracked heart rate, rpm, speed, elevation. We didn't have power meters. Something (I can't remember if it was the computer or strava) estimated calories. They could be used stand alone, but I think they provided even more capabilities if you had a linked smart phone with you. If you didn't take your phone, the data would sync to your phone when you got back to your phone. At the time, the Wahoo Elemnt (can't remember which) got good reviews and, I think were competitive with the Garmin stuff.

The Edge 130 is compatible with the Garmin Varia.

I would get that one for that reason. I love my Varia!

FB - You can get all sorts of stuff from Garmin. It all depends on what you want it to do...

My last two Garmins did all the regular stuff: Speed, Cadence, HR, Distance. Both record the ride. I think both Autostarted. And Both were Bluetooth and could wirelessly transfer the data.

The more advanced ones can communicate continuously, connected with various websites for tracking data. And the top units had GPS with mapping data and a display. You could upload planned routes and it would give turn by turn directions as you ride.

The Edge 130 Plus looks like a good Unit that includes Bluetooth. It has a Black/White non-touch display. Honestly, this is about all you'll need. It even has crash detection! It will send a text with your location in the event of a crash to your emergency contact.

Really like my wahoo bolt. Black and white, easy to read. Compact. Programing occurs from phone, which I find easier than using the device itself.

This is the one I have...but there is a newer version out that has more features.
Can be paired to the Garmin Edge 130

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I just got off a big ride, and was thinking about data.

I've got a Garmin 1030 for the gravel/mtb/road, and older SRM for the road.

The biggest thing is to buy something where you can get power data transmitted from the pedals or cranks. Not an estimated power, but something synched to an actual transmitter.

Power + HR is where the training really begins.

Temp, altitude, distance, maps, gradient, timer. All fun stuff, but if I had to choose 2.....

Power and HR.

What I like about the Garmin is the customization. One can set as many (or few ) screens as wanted, to display, whatever they want in whatever sequence they want. I try to keep the screens simple, with big numbers that are easy to find when the HR is maxed out, or one is going fast. Then, a second screen with more geeky features like max speed, ave speed, temp, etc, to mull over when I'm at a more relaxed pace. I've got one screen that's just a big arse timer. I try to keep it simple so if one accidently swipes from the preferred screen during a high intensity moment, it's easy to swipe back to it.

Sorry can't help you there. I don't have one. I just ride until I am just about to puke then I let up for a second or two or slow down a mile or two.

I don't care about distances, speed, or cadence. a 63 miles ride vs 70 isn't too much difference since the suffering is about the same after 60 miles.

I would like a heart rate monitor one day.

Th Edge 130+ is ANT+ and can connect a power meter

I'm 70 yo now. I can't ride for speed anymore. Distance is more of a friend to me but i'd like parameters other than how far how fast I traveled. I'd like to track power, heart rate, elevation and do cool statistical stuff. However, power and heart rate are the two main things given recent events. The other goo gaws are fun. If'n I'm gonna do the work I aim to have some fun too. :D

HR monitor is really important. If your HR is up with low exertion, you are seriously dehydrated.

One thing I liked about my Garmin was the "alerts" feature. You can set time, distance, HR, for alerts. I put an alert to chime every 5 miles and every 15 minutes to remind me to drink.

this worked for me great as a kid!

https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/soviet-military-surplus-bicycle-light-set-with-bottle-dynamo-new?a=2224681&szc=000&clrc=000&pm2d=cse-spg-15-pla&utm_medium=pla&utm_source=google&utm_campaign= ci&gclid=cjwkcajw5s6wbha4eiwacgnczw1xwhyygg1zbumjr tp-mqf-omecjxnhmqzbpsniqibbj4vk1dwl4xockokqavd_bwe

^^^ Hah...I had one of those also. It was quite a bit of tech for the 60's!
I remember the drag that it would create when the generator was flipped to the tire.

When I lived in Japan in the late 70s, a lot of Japanese folks rode bicycles, and almost all of them used that sort of lighting setup. I think I even had one even though at 8, 9, & 10yo, I don't think I ever rode after dark. But it was REALLY cool!

yup, I had one on my 3 speed Raleigh "english racer".

i don't think you will be disappointed with the Edge. a great product.

You'll find power meters are jaw-droppingly expensive.

so these are like a fit-bit for the bike and rider ?

just bought the wife a fit-bit high level thing she wanted

IDK Fit-Bit. This tool gathers data on distance, speed, elevation gain, pedal cadence and heart rate with a monitor. I've been riding for many years measuring myself only with speed and distance. Now I want to geek out a bit with more data. I'm fortunate enough to have the $$ to spare on such a toy.

I have a 1030 and an 530

130 does the same basics( speed, distance, elev. ) but w/ a smaller b/w screen
1.8" vs 2.6" or 3.5" my old eys like bigger screens

to do h/r, cadence, power you need the extra sensors, I get h/r from my Garmin watch(Foreunner 35) but you can also wear a chest strap which I hate

cadence has a sensor attached to the bike
there are also speed sensors that attach to the bike for heavily forested areas where the GPS signal is weak or absent) and canyons, ditto

the power sensors are very expensive and replace the pedals, nice, but no thanks I/m not that interested

The 530 , 830 and 1030 all do route maps, again the bigger the screen the better situational awareness you get, screen for 530 & 830 is 2.6" for 1030 3.5"

all communicate w/ Garmin.com which is like Strava and keeps a record of your activity, including maps and weather

1030 is by far the best w/ modern e-shifted bikes and has bells and whistles lacking in lesser models, similar progression for 830 compared to 530 and 530 compared to 130