Cycling Computer vs Smartphone (How to Use A Smartphone As A Cycle Computer)

[@rvamaker5152]

Very interesting, although I no longer use anything to record my ride. I found it was more fun to chuck all that stuff and just enjoy the ride. Most of the time I don't even kit up other than cycling shorts. Keep up the good work friend. Cheers from the Colonies

[@FL-cq2ig]

a simple speedometer is more than enough

[@Toujourscroireensoi]

Yes the simple life ! too much stuff is never good.. :)

[@JimmyB_Bikes]

Great analysis! As a relatively new cyclist I cannot justify the price of a decent cycling computer while I can get all my ride info on my iPhone in combination with my Apple Watch. I run “Cyclemeter” app on my phone because I like the map/ info displayed better that Strava. So I run Strava at the same time from my Apple Watch. Not only do I get a good comparison between the two, but I also have a backup in case one craps out during my ride. I I am now considering adding Bluetooth components for cadence and speed since you mentioned it, as I didn’t know that was available. I also use a “juice pack” to keep my iPhone battery charged. Great video, Leonard !

[@Da.Onus.Burger.618]

...same. I mean, you're going to take your phone with you anyway, right?

[@adrianlw2750]

I have been using Cyclemeter Elite for many years. I have it connected to my bluetooth earpiece and Cyclemeter announces what I choose, like distance, elevation, ride time, average speed and so on, at specified intervals. It is a great combination I find, and for a modest annual sub (for the Elite version). Like you, it is connected to a juice pack for assured battery life on any ride. I can also run an OS Maps app for easy navigation when handlebar mounted. Cyclemeter is also great for when I go hiking, no separate dedicated gadget required!

[@mziphomvani2347]

Excellent video. You actually cover the real practical issues when thinking about using your phone as a cycling computer. The other similar videos online only seem to cover superficial issues like size and aerodynamics, and completely miss the real issues like what can connect to the phone, battery life and reliability. Well done! I have just subscribed to your channel.

[@cleftoftherock6797]

Cyclemeter is the very best app out there. Use it paired with a Polar H10 for my HRM and the Newer Cadence and Speed Sensors (one fits in the front wheel hub and the cadence is in the non chain side crank arm) from Wahoo. Use a Ancor Core 26800 battery stuffed in a handle bar bag. It will last for months on a single charge. This works great with my iPhone 6 Plus. Use an Arkon Bike Handlebar Phone Mount. Not great for rain but I don’t ride in the rain. So far this year rode and tracked 1,148.95 miles. I have the routes, the stats, the mileage...it’s a reliable system. I measure to motivate myself. Not bad for going on 66! Cheers. Keep riding. My goal is to ride till I croak! Good video instruction.

[@douglasherr4725]

I like cateye

[@cidron3843]

I was a Garmin user for years, and had fairly good luck. I switched to Wahoo element bolt and couldn't be happier with the battery life, and app.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I wouldn't mind trying out one of the Wahoo computers myself.

[@cuebj]

Further to my other comment. My old Samsung J5 did everything I needed but the OS and apps are now sloppy software that fills the storage despite moving everything that can go on SD card. Got second hand S20 - it's waterproof with massive computing and storage capacity. Was £900 plus in 2020. Now barely £300. Almost wish I'd been able to afford the big version to use as a small tablet working computer. Well worth stretching my budget from the £200 new phones I was looking at. Quadlock to mount on bike, in car, on rucksack strap - expensive, but there are alternatives. Stopped using a bag because the clear plastic becomes a mirror so you can't see the phone screen in many lighting conditions or with darkened goggles. Superb clear video and speech. 4 years old makes it well out of date in terms of the specific tech but, as a result, even more useful as a list of principles to consider

[@retroonhisbikes]

Another great clip. I started using my iPhone as a cycle computer, but then I ran out of juice. So I had to get a frame bag, cable and battery. I had to get a special case to receive the data from the cadence and speed sensors. Then a new phone came out and the special case didn’t fit. Then the Garmin edge 1030 come out, now I keep my phone for making calls and creating routes on Komoot and uploading to the edge. The sensors are cheap enough to fit on both bikes. I would never go back to using the phone as a cycle computer after all you never know when you’d need to make a call only to find you have no power.

[@TheMischiefmadness]

Thanks, it's straight to the point. In the end it comes down to what device that is "considered" to be accurate enough, suits your needs (measure speed, cadence, distance, GPS / map, etc.) and looks best for your bike. Greetings from Indonesia

[@reidwagner1508]

For convenience, I use my iPhone when I’ve forgotten my computer. It’s a bust at that point. My phone records directly to Strava. Nothing missed. I pay for Strava, but it costs a bit. It also sucks down my iPhone power. I don’t need to see my numbers because I go slow anyways. Power cell? I’ll check into that. Great analysis! You’ve given me some more to think about.

[@lybanhamar6230]

I'm relative new to cycling and enjoy watching your video. I like how you explain things that are new to me. Thanks man

[@jen3800]

nice advice, thanks ! you know how airplanes have warnings for pilots that tell them when they are too close to the ground? " pull up, pull up " .. i would like to see something predictive and responsive for helping in races and training on fast descents and sharp turns. something that would display the ideal line and angle on the glasses lens. something to warn of excessive angles at certain speeds, with an audio feed in the arm of the glasses to warn you in advance of turns or when off the ideal pace or line that is possible and would be ultra cool also something to record excessive shocks from potholes or collisions, timestamped and logged. that way we could build a database warning city riders of upcoming road hazards.

[@MoyMacGill]

I am currently asking myself this question. I'm going bikepacking so apps versus bike computer is my situation. Thanks for covering this it REALLY helps.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Hi Amoy, glad to be able to help. Bikepacking sounds like it could be fun. Good luck.

[@MrCyclist]

I owned a Garmin Touring Plus and hated it due to the things you mentioned and eventually the external off/on button disintegrated. I bought the Garmin 820 and love it. It does occasionally give error readings but tolerably . My friends with smartphones complain about the use of data, overheating and battery life. Oh yes, the voice commands can be a little annoying while trying to enjoy a quiet ride.

[@clockworkchaos784]

Trying to be frugal, my phone does all that I need it to do - however, I’m rather leery of mounting to the handlebars. Instead, I keep it stashed away safely and have opted to use a Wahoo RFLKT to display the metrics *(really too bad it was discontinued)... Otherwise? Using the Wahoo speed and cadence sensors along with a Scosche Rhythm+ optical heart rate monitor. Instead of a separate power bank for the phone, I invested in an integrated battery case for the phone itself: it only adds a humble 4000ma but does so with minimal bulk and will easily get me through a 6hour ride with the power hungry GPS/Glonass enabled.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I get the feeling that many people are a little retissent to mount an expensive smartphone on their handlebars so your solution with the RFLKT sounds pretty good. Must admit that I’ve not heard of it before but I imagine it just reflects all of the data that your phone is recording?? The idea of the power case is also a good one. I had one for my old iPhone 4 which doubled the battery life, although by the time I upgraded it, it was only lasting around 30 minutes.

[@clockworkchaos784]

Yes, that is correct. The RFLKT is a customizable LCD display *(the Cyclemeter app has great integration for it)... They can still be found at Amazon and On eBay, however Wahoo has deprecated the device over a year ago and no longer providing firmware updates for it. It’s does solely rely upon your phone, however. It cannot display any sensor info without it. I believe Cateye still makes a comparable display unit *(Padrone Smart Plus) that can be used stand-alone or integrated with your phone GPS but at a price point that you might as well just get a Garmin Edge 25 or Lezyne SupeR GPS.

[@mooganoid]

Thanks for sharing. My thoughts are the same entirely-we're already carrying a more powerful device, so why step down when a simple extra battery would suffice. The money extraction......

[@jollygoodvelo]

I would love to develop an all singing, all dancing cycling computer app for smatphones

[@mziphomvani2347]

@@jollygoodvelo Have you had a look at the Cyclemeter app? It’s pretty good and cheap too.

[@vincewhite5087]

For navigation I think a handle held like Garmin Oregon 700, with maps & can navigate on the fly. Can have it offer routes to get you back on route, also save it, take pics if needed, can have topos for off road & hiking, fishing , hunting, can attach HR & cadence. Don’t upload to Strava yet, but I hav a Garmin smart watch that can track that & upload to connect.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I’ve been testing the Hammerhead Karoo and it’s great.

[@ppetounis]

your video was so helpful Leonard. I like your clear arguments about both devices and your calm tone of talking. It's so weird why vlogers have to talk like crazy... !!!

[@jollygoodvelo]

Hi there Peris, glad you found it useful. I know that many presenters on KZbin are very enthusiastic the they speak. I personally find it hard to keep up with them to be honest. I make films at a pace that I understand!

[@StephanieManley]

Very helpful! Your videos inspired me to get the old bike out, air up the tires and give it go ;) Much appreciated.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks Stephanie. Email me and perhaps we can discuss a colab? [e-mail]

[@caduceus1977]

Thanks, I've used my phone for all my cycling needs using strava but not being able to see my stats was a big issue and planned on buying a high end cycling computer. Thanks for the advice and I think I'll save the money. I have a Mophie case which lets me ride for 100-120 miles when not constantly on so I will need to see how it does with constant display, plus I'm sure there are better battery packs now since I bought mine 5yrs ago. Great vid and thanks for the advice. Plus I hate the idea of having my cell in my back pocket.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks for watching.

[@cuebj]

3.10 "Do we need..." - No. At 67, the only 'computer' I ever had on a bike was decades ago - Cateye measured speed and cadence using magnet on a spoke and a crank. Now - just a phone but not as a bike computer. Following a heart attack in 2020, I did get a Polar HR10 strap to monitor heart rate using my phone as display. Don't need it now but still use it to make sure I warm down after a big effort indoors or outside rather than letting HR drop fast. The only thing my wife needs me to have is a phone so she can call me. I also pack a charging cable and plug because, in my experience, hospital wards don't have them

[@steved8878]

I’ve used the Map My Ride app on my iPhone for a couple of years. It’s never given me a problem , even when I’m in rural areas with spotty cell service.

[@jollygoodvelo]

I've heard goof things about Map My Ride. I really must look in to it a bit more.

[@anablandinadea.p.carvalho2252]

Thanks for the video, well made I understand you well and the video is clear! The information was very useful to me, I am beginning to ride again and everything is so modern!

[@john-r-edge]

I remember being upset that Polar tried to make you buy a new speed sensor when it's battery went flat. That was in the pre-GPS era when speed measured by a magnet on your wheel being close to the sensor. You can replace the battery in Garmin cadence sensors.

[@mariadigiovanni1168]

Great video, I just returned my Garmin today as it spent entire battery life (4 hours) trying to locate where I was). Back to my Google Pixel phone, always reliable, just need an external battery source.

[@bigmallly7863]

www.amazon.co.uk/Blueshadow-Universal-Detachable-Motorcycle-Navigation/dp/B07DPLW1DW/ref=pd_rhf_ee_p_img_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=8NAKB5CPAFTZXFMWFYWV

[@greatvedas]

Such good review. Liked the choice of music too.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks.

[@rodbrown8306]

Yes I have to agree, I don't see the point now with Strava HR and CAD, just bought a HRM through Alibaba and another sensor for very little, first ride tomorrow with the HRM, still waiting on the cadence senor to arrive. Fool proof setup, that's as cheap as chips and up to date tech. All up under $50 Australian for upgraded Magene products that have received hi praise on KZbin.

[@Bullitluna]

Well for me I'm happy with my Garmin fenix 3 watch and it has a good GPS. The new watches have new things add to like heart rate sensor as well, my fenix 3 did come with a strap to wear to get my heart rate but it died on me and never replaced it.

[@TimFromWales]

I've used a Garmin Edge 800 a few times a week for about 6 years - and it has never let me down.

[@jollygoodvelo]

They can be pretty reliable.

[@markgilder7757]

I found out, by mistake that you can put the phone into airplane mode and just turn on Bluetooth for the sensors, it just needs a gps signal to record route. Plus it saves on battery power. Thanks for the vid, but I couldn’t work out why I would need to pat £200 for the privilege of a cycling specific computer when my iPhone would do the same job. Will look at cardio sport though.👍🏻

[@jollygoodvelo]

Hi there Mark, that’s a great tip about switching the phone to aircraft mode. As I say in the film THE big deciding factor is usually battery life. In my experience, iPhones are the worst. Cardiosport have some great sensors and I believe they are now selling on Amazon.

[@kierenkd]

You can also invert the colours or have mostly dark colours to save battery on OLED screens

[@Gribbo9999]

Even better some apps can cache maps so you can still consult, say, Opencycle Map off line in flight mode if you cache the area before you set out. Try "Soviet Military Maps" app it works really well. With loads of map sets and satellite images to choose from.

[@Bicyclefarms]

Mark Gilder If the phone just needs a GPS signal, is this still available in airplane mode, or does it come from another source?

[@chaim0001]

I have a Garmin Edge 520 and I am very happy. In the past I used my cellphone and besides the eventual loss of gps or flawed routes, the shaking transmitted to the cellphone broke the screen connector inside the cellphone. It started loosing the screen until riding I saw the screen go black on a slight bump on the road and bingo, it was not software but the hardware damaged. We might get used to the vibration from the street to our body, but the cellphone might not survive. I had a Nexus 5 and used the Cateye app that was very good but now I use the Garmin that is built for this punishment.

[@jollygoodvelo]

+chaim0001 That’s a good point. Smartphones probably aren’t designed to take that kind of vibration where as cycling computers are.

[@casualguy3938]

I bought a 6000mA battery case for my iPhone 8 (works for iPhone 6 and iPhone 7 as well) which will recharge my iPhone 8 at least 3 times from 20%~100%. It cost me $40, and will easily get me through a day of cycling. BTW, I also have a Wahoo Bolt, and love it.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Those power banks can make all the difference. I’ve heard great things about Wahoo.

[@calablanca]

I nearly “boil” my iPhone while riding. Runkeeeper + Adidas training + Strava + Relive, all at the same time. Plus the cycling app on the watch, which adds heart rate data. Loving cycling, pitty Able to practise only on weekends. Leonard, sublime

[@jollygoodvelo]

That’s quite a lot to be running on the phone.

[@yorkshireman6650]

Great advice on cycling computer even i have never use one at in all the years i was cycling great video

[@TheNovaNorm]

I picked up a Bryton rider 10 (dirt cheap) to try. Love it. Does everything I need and auto uploads to Strava and Training Peaks. Thanks for the gear tips.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Must admit that I know nothing about the Bryton range. It’s good that you are enjoying using it.

[@TheNovaNorm]

Cheap Chinese make. I honestly thought it would be crap. Pleasantly surprised it isn't. Has the same look and feel as the Cardiosport sensors.

[@moochincrawdad]

I have a Bryton Rider 100 with a busted start/stop button - unusable now. 🙁

[@brittweir8844]

Great thoughts, I gave up on bicycle computers, unreliable, but I miss the data,. Been using IPhone only for sometime now . Cheers

[@jollygoodvelo]

If it works...

[@ravingcyclist624]

2 plus years happily using smart phones!! Wahoo Fitness app. Wahoo speed and cadence sensors. Wahoo Fit heart rate monitor that works on the forearm instead of the chest. The phone records a FIT file compatible everywhere. I email mine from the phone to my laptop and use Golden Cheetah software to graph and analyze my ride data. Additionally, I use the phone to control my drone and drive my GoPro camera. The phone works via GPS when I'm jogging. Same Wahoo app. The phone works with Zwift! Just don't get the phone wet in the rain. It becomes worthless.

[@marcopolo3936]

Yeah but doesn't the sunlight destroy the smartphone screen. If you ride for 4hr in the sun will you have any long term damage on the screen?

[@ravingcyclist624]

@@marcopolo3936 Never experienced any problems with sun damage.

[@jensenhealey907efi]

I use Runtastic Road on my android phone and put it in my back pocket while I am riding. To see my speed and the time of day while I am riding, I have a cheap $15 - $20 cycling computer mounted on my handlebars. Then when I am done with the ride, I download the gpx file from the runtastic web site and upload back into Strava. I tried the Srava andoid app and discovered it had a terrible user interface and was not very reliable about actually recording a ride. To save power on the phone since it is in my back pocket, I lock or blank the screen. I also turn off any sort of live updates or live coaching in the runtastic app. By doing all of this I do not seem to have a problem riding for 3 - 4 hours on a fully charged phone. I am not sure I could do a century but for short 30 - 50 miles rides it seems to work just fine. I could probably do a metric century as well.

[@davetarrant6888]

Jensen Healey My son used his android phone and Strava app for the week long RAGBRAI ride. Just put his phone in airplane mode all day and it still recorded everything. Once we finished riding just turn airplane mode off and synch. Worked great.

[@mateagoston8145]

Mostly I would like to use it as a GPS and if I record datas like speed, wattage, distance etc. then I am absolutley fine with checking them out at home after the ride. Would you recommend smartphones then over cycle computers or anything else?

[@jollygoodvelo]

Yes, I think your phone would be ideal as long as you could keep it powered.

[@mateagoston8145]

@@jollygoodvelo Thanks! I mostly do 2-3 hour long rides, so hopefully I will be okay with charging it up before the ride and not during the ride with a powerbank.

[@CycoWarriorx]

Absolutely loving the videos - and the choice of music is outstanding! Great info... Before settling on the Wahoo Elemnt, I did my fair share of homework on the Garmin, and a few others. Some of the horror stories I read and other riders shared with me made the Wahoo an easy choice. It has its own little annoyances, but nothing exceptionally frustrating. I was using Strava on my iPhone that was fitted with a Mophie, but the bulk, in conjunction with a finding a mount to use, made keeping it in my jersey pocket the logical location. However, stopping to check the map to see if I was going in the direction I planned the night before (and not the normal ‘explore’ ride I’d normally do) became cumbersome and again, annoying. Ultimately I don’t regret getting the Wahoo, but if all things were equal, I’d opt to use my phone instead.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Glad you are enjoying the films. As I said a couple of weeks ago, I am really trying to increase the production values and music is a real big part of that. From the reports I have heard, they Wahoo computers or pretty reliable. Using a smartphone is great but it has its own set of challenges. One of the things that I would find very frustrating with Strava is the inability to record heart rate and cadence but, thankfully, there are other apps that will. I think, for the moment I’m going to stick with my Garmin as it does everything that I want it to (and more) plus it isn’t costing me anything more. I might change my mind the next time it throws a wobbly but, until then, I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed!

[@CycoWarriorx]

leonardmlee The music is excellent. I’ve probably played this video about seven times just for the music... and of course the info... 😉...

[@jollygoodvelo]

Hopefully the info is good too!! If you follow me on Twitter (@jollyvelo) you can PM me your email address and I’ll send you the MP3.

[@CycoWarriorx]

leonardmlee done... same Bob Marley avi...

[@fatyowls]

I had a Garmin edge 1000, and had nothing but problems with it, freezing, and the mapping was absolutely crap. Whilst in Scotland out for early morning ride's before work it would send me down roads for MTB. I had to be back before 7 to be ready for work and a couple of times I ended up using my phone. I sold it in the end and now I use my phone with the app ride with GPS, yes you're right it does eat through the battery, but the app is great.

[@jollygoodvelo]

While the Garmins can be incredibly flaky, generally the batteries seem to be pretty reliable. Maybe you were just unlucky with yours?

[@isaacgarcia6626]

Hi Leonard. Ive bien using my iPhone 7 with the polar app for a cuplé of years mounted on my quadlock supurt. I totally agree with your proposición of using a smartphone instead of a cycling computer. I would like to add cadence información to the rest of the data but Im not shore if polar beat will show me this info. I have a trek and I was thinking in buying bontrager duo trap S, are the y compatible?. Thanks for your time and regards. Isaac

[@jollygoodvelo]

Hi there Isaac, oddly enough I am having the same issue. I use Polar Beat for my spinning classes and I love it but, unfortunately, none of the cycling settings in the app allows cadence to be displayed. I would suggest using another app such as Wahoo Fitness. Good luck.

[@daniellai9370]

Battery is my concern using a phone. I use a lezyne which serve me well and haven't got any hic-cup so far and it auto upload to Strava as well.

[@DerrickGarrett]

Found out the hard way that my Android smartphone overheats after about 3 hours of using it as a GPS computer on the bike... it gets so hot that it won't accept a recharge until it cools down. Ugh. It's time for a dedicated unit.

[@enriquejaimes3368]

Mine runs out of battery pretty fast. Especially in cold weather the battery just drains like crazy : /

[@MJarthur95]

For some reason an iPhone doesn’t have these issues, but when using an Android phone dim the screen and try eliminating the powerhungry background apps. This helped me when I was using my Android device before switching camp

[@eecak1973]

I use a Garmin 800 for looking at live data while i ride and have my phone running Strava in my pocket as a backup. My Garmin is super reliable after 2 years of service, while Strava has crashed a few times. I then connect the Garmin to retreive my ride stats.

[@dambuster6387]

I have a Garmin 800 only one issue I have had once only it froze I let the battery run down and that solved the problem other wise very good.

[@shaikmuhammadabdulrazak5419]

what do you think about Komoot?

[@jaythizzle1969]

Well done on the production value of this video.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks. I try my best!

[@lucians3000]

Started by using a smartphone and ended up buying a Garmin edge with cadence and hart sensors. Garmins are good when they work!

[@gavinjmcgrath6983]

Argh. Now I am even more uncertain! Received Garmin HR sensor and cadence sensor as birthday gifts. Am now looking at the 520 plus. But divided reviews about Garmin. I find battery issues significant using my iPhone. So, now, after this video, I am all the more confused 🤷‍♂️ But I do like your videos!

[@LeoInterHyenaem]

The Sigma ROX 12.0 appears to be among the best bike computers available today. It's not without its flaws: - It will navigate you to a street, but has no database of house numbers. - It crashes every so often (recovering the settings might take you half an hour). I've had one since a month - Mine crashed on the second day of a 3-day tour two weeks ago. Hadn't crashed since, touch wood! - The stated 16 hour battery life is, as expected, a bit of an exaggeration: the actual battery life when navigating and logging the track and metrics is less than half that. I think, the same applies to most of its current competition. - The "Draw a route to follow" feature is very appealing on the surface, but tends to take you to a singletrack, regardless of the settings. - The screen quality is very rudimentary, but so is the Garmins'. All that aside, it is as good a device for the task as any. The Garmin's best is probably just as reliable, has some more features, but also lacks some (i.e., "Draw a route to ride" feature). It is compatible with ANT+ sensors (Garmin sensors will work fine!) and has a WiFi chip (but no Bluetooth!).

[@DynamiteDB]

You must hold the KOM on Strava for the old UK to Ghana segment 😆

[@superstrada6847]

The Wahoo RFLKT+ simply mirrors your favorite cycling app running on your iPhone screen. Thus you can see all your data on your handlebars; best of both worlds. Of course this is too good to be true thus Wahoo has stopped making the RFLKT units. PS I have two of them. 😉

[@jollygoodvelo]

I've heard of this computer before. Sounds good and yes, its a shame that Wahoo have stopped making it. I think you can still get them on Ebay, though.

[@thenomadwanderings]

Hi Leonard - Which is the best app to connect with cardiosport heart rate strap monitor - TP5.

[@smujiodome]

Great film. Thank you.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks for watching.

[@peppermintpaperclips]

You are truly hilarious! Love this vid. I am new to cycling and investigating my options. I will be going with my iPhone 11 Pro Max and the QuadLock mounting system. Heart rate is measured by my Apple Watch. Software is the “BikeComputer” app for iPhone😊 Now... time to ride! 🚴

[@FredFinnerty]

Great video, am currently thinking about going with the Wahoo Blue SC, because I’ve already sent a lot of money on an IPhone and Apple Watch, seems like that will get ma all the info I’ll need, since I’m not a professional cyclist, think I’ll survive tiny inaccuracies in measurements.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks Fred. I think anything by Wahoo would be a great investment, plus the measurements will be pretty accurate.

[@treadwelljones]

I use an I phone with a wahoo cadence sensor and my I-watch for cardio. My app is ride with GPS. I have great results with ride with GPS. Soo soo on the i watch and good results with the cadence sensor. I tend to do ten hour rides so I am carrying a battery pack. Nothing so far has compelled me to consider getting a Garmin. But I also don’t have that kind of cash laying around.

[@jollygoodvelo]

If it works, no need to change it.

[@jaycollins6792]

Wahoo for the win. As for loading to Strava the wahoo dose it all. No fuss no mess just crisp clean numbers and maps

[@jollygoodvelo]

Hi Jay, must admit I’ve never used a Wahoo computer but I’ve heard some really good things about them. There’s still a lot of life left in my Garmin but I’m certainly going to consider the Wahoos when I need to upgrade.

[@84imreplica]

I have a cheap, basic cycling computer on my bike that displays speed, average speed, etc., and I also have my iPhone 6 mounted on a Quadlock mount. As mentioned in the video, the main problem using a smartphone is the battery. I'm thinking of getting a small external battery for my phone so I can use it on longer (3 hours) rides. Any recommendations? Also, where and how would I mount it?

[@joshpodejko7305]

Works as advertised!

[@chrisronan]

Nice video. I’m right at the point of trying to figure this out. I have a Garmin Fenix 3hr. It collects all that I need. One think I wish I had was a head unit so I can watch particular strava segments. The idea of another gadget does not appeal to me. My daily carry is already a MacBook Pro, iPad, iPhone, camera, ... you know the routine... love the idea of using my iPhone as a head unit. One less gadget in my arsenal. How long does your iPhone last from a full charge (without extra battery) on a ride?

[@jollygoodvelo]

Hi Chris, if you want to see Strava segments I believe an iPhone can do it but, as you say, the battery will. E the issue. I have no idea how long it will last as it can vary enormously between devices. All I can suggest is try it and see.

[@helldorado1489]

For US$30 I have a CatEye Velo 7 wired bike computer that tells me current, average and max speed, trip and total distance, ride time, and current time. My mobile phone stays in my jersey pocket and the battery stays charged for when I need to take a photo, check the map or make a call or text; I don't need to carry an extra battery or two either. I plan the ride out ahead of time and so staring at real time GPS data is unecessary. All this obsession with tech might make sense if one is a pro peloton racer, but otherwise just muddles up The Ride and distracts from the scenery and sheer joy of experiencing the road under ones wheels and the passing beauty of it all. Lift up thine eyes from thine screen and see the world as it is!

[@LeoInterHyenaem]

On My very first long-distance (Amsterdam to Rome) in the summer of 2007, I had a Garmin GPSmap 60CSx mounted on the handlebar for navigation and logging of My tour. It recorded the first 3.5 days of My journey fine, but stopped recording the remainder of the trip past Jülich. It still served part of its purpose by navigating Me to the destination and POIs underway (not nearly as effectively or in as straightforward a fashion as a proper bike navigation device ought to!), as well as saving POIs of significance to Me (i.e., B&B, campsite, pension, café, restaurant and supermarket locations availed of on My tour). Its antiquated by the standards of its time processor, VRAM and cache management must have caused it to crash randomly a couple of times, then reset itself out of logging My journey by recovering the settings to factory defaults without a warning. I was, and still am - incensed about its insufferable unreliability, particularly given the sentimental value the tour in question holds for Me: of all the tours I've done to date, My first one is My favourite by far. Like the first great love, the first such undertaking is particularly precious - at least, it is to Me: I'd say, those 22 days were the best overall I have experienced by now (they weren't easy, mind you - I rode a folder (albeit, a light and fast one) with a 30kg packed to the brim Arcteryx Naos rucksack on My back) - the sense of newfound freedom, the adventure, the change of scenery I hadn't experienced before, the slowly changing climate and geology... I lament now as much as ever that the bloody thing did not record the entire tour. I fail to fathom the plethora of positive reviews of the device online. A piece of junk most users raved about with rabid zest - 4.5 to 5 stars on Amazon for a device that wasn't worth one-fifth that rating. Perhaps, the vast majority of these reviews were posted by semi-literate inbred hunt'n-fish'n hicks, as such devices cater to the inbred lot with a life mission of shooting down creatures who can't defend themselves from bullets, bolts and arrows: the thing is, proper bike computers did not exist back then, while car navigation units would be little use owing to their poor battery performance - and thus, I settled for a device widely acknowledged as the best available for My intended purpose.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks for sharing. It’s testing times like this that make us realise that we were living in an exciting moment.

[@rsantos15]

Is it a regular feature of either cycling computers or apps to record the gradients of your ride segments? Does the cardiosport sensor do that?

[@jollygoodvelo]

Pretty much every cycling computer can measure gradients and they don’t need sensors to do it.

[@Nix_sound]

Good video, cheers. I would like a cycle computer, but would only consider buying one for navigation. I am not interested in stats and only want a screen with an arrow to follow on a detailed screen like google maps for when I tour. I don't see any reviews on cycle computers where navigation (aside from the obvious benefits of battery life and ruggedness) is compared to smartphones and that is the area I'm most keen to see if it's justified buying a dedicated cycle computer.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Not sure there is one that just does navigation.

[@Nix_sound]

@@jollygoodvelo sure, I should be more specific. They do have all the data, it's just that I would like one that was particularly good to follow in navigation mode, showing clear roads, paths and place names with colours etc. Like a sat nav in a car I guess.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Nixsound The Hammerhead Karoo does exactly that. I review it on the channel.

[@Nix_sound]

@@jollygoodvelo nice one, I'll check it out. I'd not heard of it before 👍🏻

[@damon123jones]

Good point on battery life with the screen on all the time

[@joakimlann1873]

You can also get a Samsung or Xiaomi phone with ANT+ onboard.

[@randomtech787]

w0t?? srsly??

[@Anony3141592]

My setup (as relative n00b, intent on bike-packing not 'racing'): Phone [Samsung - android with ANT+ & btle] in a top tube bag designed to hold most phones (clear cover, velcro...). Polar H10 HR monitor, Polar watch, Bontrager DuoTrap S (rev & cadence) sensor on the bike [Trek frame is designed to house same]. IPSensorMan app (free) to control sensor connections on the phone, the companion app to IPBike (must pay under $2 after 1million wheel revs) which logs ride (and other training) data (incl power & calorie estimates) as well as providing navigation/maps (which I don't use) through OpenStreetMaps. Recent firmware update to the Polar H10 gave ANT+ (in addition to btle). Allowing both watch (or Polar Beat, or...) and IPBike to log HR data simulataneously. The top tube puts the display out of immediate view, which is a bit of a drawback, but my needs don't demand constant attention to it; so, although a more forward mount would be more convenient, not a big priority. I've not really explored other bike apps, or things like Strava; IPBike did what I wanted and more... [Daughter has suggestions for if/when I depart from major roads...]

[@jirrenno]

If power and glare are a problem, how about an e-ink smartphone? They have a super efficient screen, and are easy readable outside

[@jollygoodvelo]

+jirrenno Must admit, I’ve not heard of e-ink smartphones. If they are anything like the hi contrast kindle screens that I have seen, they should be pretty easy to see in sunlight.

[@waltp3373]

You ended up in Ghana! That's too funny. You must've got your speed way up to use the rock of Gibraltar to jump over that body of water. As always, an interesting video Mr.Lee. I use my old non-GPS speedometer/computers. That way, if I get lost, I rack up a lot more miles finding my way back. :)

[@jollygoodvelo]

Yes I did!

[@tonyhands-heart1057]

Great info many thanks for your time

[@andyk4676]

I have a quad lock for my note 9,and use strava as my computer. I rode 6 and half hours last night with it using the route planner on strava, no worries

[@andyk4676]

My HRM works with it no worries

[@jollygoodvelo]

Hi Andy, do you use any external power for your phone? 6 hours is quite a battery life.

[@andyk4676]

@@jollygoodvelo nope! I brought 2 battery banks with me last night because I've never ridden that long and I went after public transport had finished. No worries at all, Samsung Note 9 has amazing battery life. Granted my brightness was low because it was night time, but I didn't have power saver turned on

[@jssworld]

What if i just want a simple speed and distance app for my phone which I will mount on my handlebars? Maybe next preference would be integrated directions like Waze. That's all I care about. What do you recommend?

[@hans6304]

Try Komoot app

[@jameshakala3940]

I like the idea. How about a good source for like bike trails and such?

[@Roger101Watson]

I work within the cycle trade and never recommended a Garmin product. If I can't convince them I tell them to never buy a newly launched Garmin product as they are so buggy. I prefer my Suunto watch to be honest, I find it easy to use, very accurate and has a built in wrist HRM.

[@jollygoodvelo]

That’s very interesting coming from someone in the trade.

[@richardharker2775]

Thanks for the video Leonard. I've been using my phone with RideWithGPS for the last few years after failures with Garmin products. Mostly for the longer Audax rides. Unfortunately my phone has been unreliable with power consumption and I do like to see data as I ride. My phone doesn't like to charge either when it gets cold, unavoidable at times. I'm now on the edge of getting a new bike gps but so much choice and confusion. The simplicity of an eTrex 30x stands out but few riders I know use them and those I do swear by them. Have you any experience with these?

[@jollygoodvelo]

Hi Rick, Unfortunately, I've not had any experience with those. Many people say very good things about the Wahoo products, though.

[@richardharker2775]

@@jollygoodvelo Thats where my brain is looking to. There seems to be a learning curve with the eTrex with some limitations. I've just found out I can simply transfer a route from RWGPS straight to a Wahoo wirelessly. Sounds good to me. I've been trying to avoid carrying battery packs and such to keep things simple but, I don't want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere (a lot of that in Australia) in the middle of the night trying to figure out how to re route myself. I think the Wahoo might be the choice. Thanks again.

[@beatlexus1143]

i loved this video...thank you a keep up the good work =)

[@Neil-Aspinall]

I just want a simple bike puter (trip meter, total distance and speed). 'Bike Computer' seems like a good app would you recommenced or what?

[@mizzorian]

I never experienced problems with my Sigma Rox 10...I think the problem with you is the clouds...they block GPS signal....as for the computer going to Africa, I cant explain it...A smartphone is not designed to keep GPS reading for long times, and then it's bulky, and then it's much more expensive to replace in case of crash, then not every phone is water-resistant, then it's not as integrated for speed cadence and heart rate sensing, then you might need your phone's charge for emergency.....

[@mikebauer9948]

I've come back into cycling after a few decades away. In the good old days, I used a Cateye wired cycle computer and felt really cutting edge. Now, with front shocks on the new bike, I've been looking at wireless and have hit a logjam with all the reports of computer flakiness. Being a radio ham as well, I'm not convinced the problems are all ratty software - I think there's a lot of interference from poorly shielded devices all competing in similar frequencies (for instance, 2.4MHz). I'm thinking other digital devices, such as USB-chargeable lights, that need to be repositioned away from the computers. So, while I continue my researches in the various computers - also considering I don't want to get a mortgage to buy one - I've stumbled onto cell phone apps. Avoiding Strava for the moment, because I'm a contrarian at heart, I've stumbled onto "Ride With GPS" which seems to work really well on my Android, and has a bit of a web-based ecosystem to support the app/users behind it. I am enjoying the outside scenery too much to be staring at my phone screen, so I leave it tucked into my small handlebar bag, quietly recording my ride stats. "Map My Ride" also ties in with "My Fitness Pal" (which I use for dietary logging); however, I don't like MMR as well as RWG. This isn't a long-term solution, due to the power situation (and I like your idea of riding with the external batt plugged in - I hadn't thought of that, just of carrying them for charge topoffs during ride breaks). At this time, though, I'm only riding for 60-90 minutes as I get some training/base miles in, but as the season approaches (East Coast USA harsh winter right now), I'll have to think of something more robust. Keep up the good work with these videos.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Hi Mike, I also used to have a CatEye wired computer and it worked well. For the most part the Garmin works well too but it does have its moments. Interesting the you mention the interference: I’ve noticed some strange readings when I have my front light on flashing mode. I know I should be enjoying the scenery more but I am a bit of a geek when it comes to ride data.

[@dambuster6387]

I have a Garmin 800 no longer in production no problems from RFI even running 400 watts pep on 40 m does not effect the Garmin 800. 73 G4LMZ.

[@douglasherr7422]

Dont kid yourself, youre doing great! 5000km in two hours, not bad. Haha

[@ADCFproductions]

riding over water even, i'm very impressed!

[@jennyhorner9109]

I very much enjoy your videos but I think you missed the mark with this one. I've had lots of botched results when using phone(s) for recording rides and so have many others I know. Garmin (and others) may not be perfect and I have experienced a few problems (such as pairing to phone) but I've yet to come home and discover a failed recording in over 20,000 miles and hundreds of rides. I work in a bike shop and when someone comes in complaining that they keep losing portions of their rides on strava the first question I ask is if they are using a phone to record them with. Inevitably the answer is "yes".

[@jollygoodvelo]

I think we each have our own favourite devices. As I said in the film, I have had quite a few issues with my Garmin but the few times I’ve used the phone it has been fairly reliable. These days I’m using a Karoo which also has its own unique issues. I suppose nothing is going to be 100% reliable.

[@tangoalpha6013]

Very good advice, but does wahoo has maps for trails?

[@jollygoodvelo]

Unfortunately I have never used a Wahoo so I don’t know, sorry.

[@jamed63]

Very informative thanks, I'm using the strava app this is ideal for me my rides average 10-20 mile so the app is perfect for the hour or so I do.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks James, do you measure HR using Strava?

[@jamed63]

leonardmlee No I’m going on instinct. Which is how I trained for RR Crits and Time Trials in the 80s when the only way to check mileage was an analog tachometer wired to the front wheel 😳 these days my cycling is for pleasure and to get in some cardio alongside weight training, yoga, kung fu and stretching.

[@Zardoz125]

I use the Strava app on my iPhone 6plus. Using a Wahoo HR monitor. As a 67 yr. old re entry rider, I am blown away by the technology available. Now...I just have to get my butt, on the bike and ride. So far so good. Taking it slow...already feeling better, after each ride. Making small gains.

[@dcmsr5141]

Another great video sir!!!!

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks.

[@DarcyWhyte]

Did they remove the item from their site?

[@LUKKA2020]

Leonard, would you do a video on saddles? How to find the right saddle. I have gone through several of them and still cannot find the right one for me. Thanks!

[@jollygoodvelo]

I'll see what I can do. Stay tuned!

[@LUKKA2020]

Cheers !!

[@G-man45444]

I use Brooks leather saddles ... I have so much faith in their comfort and quality that I have three ... one on my mountain bike, one on my road bike and one on my cyclocross bike. Break-in time is a bit of a chore but they’re worth every penny. I used snoseal tops and bottoms of all 3 for weather protection and a tiny bit of softening. Here in Canada they each ran about $170

[@TimStJohn-xp8rv]

Brooks is the way to go!

[@navderm]

You can buy an old smart phone for super cheap and use that as a cycling computer. Been working great for me.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Good idea.

[@fatyowls]

I had a Garmin edge 1000, had nothing but problems with it, now I use ride with GPS it's excellent..

[@jollygoodvelo]

+fatyowls Yep, Garmins certainly can be very flaky. Have to admit that I don’t know too much about Ride with GPS.

[@fatyowls]

I was doing a lot of rides in Scotland and my Garmin let me down badly, not once but at least 6 times, i had to my phone with me and use google maps to find my way back to the hotel. I can recommend ride with gps 100%..

[@robowen66]

You can't sync power meter data to Strava using your phone.. it can you?

[@phildelgiudice3448]

No disrespect mate. Good reviews and thanks for the info. I’d suggest you try riding without data once in a while. It’s fun, gets us away from technology and in the end who really counts every past quarter of a mile. Just a thought.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Hi Phil, yes, I might give it a go sometime but I have to admit I do like the numbers!

[@maxonmillion]

Very informative and engaging, thanks

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks.

[@JeremyHansenblue2kid3]

Second video I watched of yours. Subbed.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks for the sub.

[@DANEX7799]

+1

[@kierenkd]

I dont want to risk my main phone but find it hard to justify a wahoo bolt or garmin 520 when I could get a Samsung A3 phone for 1/2 the price to use as a computer. Its waterproof and supports Ant+ & bluetooth.

[@kierenkd]

Even adding a quadlock to mount it, there is still change

[@jollygoodvelo]

Cost is definitely a factor. Like I say, the main issue would be power.

[@rmarkf]

No problems with my Wahoo...yet

[@jollygoodvelo]

As far as I’m aware, Wahoos are pretty reliable.

[@twitch1965]

Love my Wahoo!

[@Jimmy_experience]

hello will it be a concern if you expose your smartphone on hot sunlight all day? will it damage the phone in the long exposure 😢

[@jollygoodvelo]

It’s certainly possible that prolonged exposure to sunlight might damage the screen

[@johngrossbohlin7582]

My son and I had problems with our cycling computers while on a long distance self-supported bicycle tour. We'd end up with nonsensical statistics which was annoying at a minimum and problematic when we were using them for navigation. Ultimately we figured out that the corruption was happening at the convenience stores we stopped at for food and beverages. It seems that the wireless digital gasoline (petrol) self-service pumps were fouling up the wireless cycling computer. The pumps have a wireless system that handles the credit card pay-at-the-pump transactions and those transmissions were interacting with the cycle computers. Should this be happening? Not that anyone would admit to...

[@jollygoodvelo]

That’s interesting. I know that WiFi repeaters can sometimes interfere with wireless heart rate sensors too.

[@andrewpons6227]

hi, i love your videos, but one think I really like is you blue jersey with the red and white stripes, could you please tell me what brand is and where I can buy it, I live in USa Omaha Nebraska, thanks in good cycling ✌🏻

[@jollygoodvelo]

+Andy Ponce Hi Andy, glad you are enjoying the channel. My blue jersey if from a company here in the UK called Chapeau. (www.chapeau.cc) my jersey is from their Cafe range but the have all kinds of other really nice ones. The good news is that, as far as I am aware, the deliver to the US.

[@marksadventures3889]

I got a cheap bike pc from Wilko's and it cadence on it, who knew? I only found it by accident looking for recording info and data transfer in the manual. Down sidevis it never switches off, it will run until the batteries as far as I can make out. I just wanted to know what my milage was to work per week and my weekend jaunts so I had to able to switch it to 2 bikes, no luck but, as they are cheap well just got another.

[@jollygoodvelo]

+Mark Doney-Mccloud A cycle computer from Wilcos and with cadence. Not bad. Shame it didn’t switch off. Would have been great if you don’t need anything complicated.

[@klousy58]

not a fan of garmin then lol. what you think about the wahoo element bolt? great vid btw

[@jollygoodvelo]

Would you believe I am having issues with my Garmin at the moment?

[@epexlinux]

Really great tips

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks Andy, glad you liked it.

[@kimdean8441]

Yes discovering that Garmin, mine the 1030, can decide to not communicate with Strava. It’s seems Strava’s own server can go down, well according to their message. Despite its promise of sweeping up old rides from, source Garmin, I think for the last 90 days, it can get stuck. You may need to tell Strava to re connect with your Garmin account. For sure if you have a ride stuck in Garmin, then create it as a file in your Garmin connect account, think .tcx option, and copy paste it into your Strava account, then all is good. Agree with Leonard. I have had rides split into 2 laps, unknowingly. Not a problem at the end of a ride, as in summary, it is all combined. Trouble is on the road you are looking at the stats from the new start position! Not sure how to counter this yet. Maybe it figures your break means it restarts? I will try hitting pause ride and see if it continues as one ride?

[@jollygoodvelo]

Between the Garmin being a bit flaky and now Strava's servers aren't playing ball it can be very frustrating and confusing posting rides.