How to Choose a Bike Computer
Pit yourself against someone you know well—yourself. Sure, bike computers tell you all sorts of nifty information and can help you with your training goals. But isn't the real reason for one of these gadgets to see how fast you can climb a hill or how high you can push your maximum speed?
- A bike computer should have at least the following functions: speed, trip distance, total distance and a stopwatch.
- The higher the price, generally, the more features you get.
- Cycle computers come in wired and wireless models. Wireless types cost more but are easier to assemble, plus there's no wire to get cut or tangled by accident.
How They Work
Most cyclometers use a magnetic counter to determine your speed. A magnet is attached to your bike's front wheel and a magnet pickup is attached to the fork. With each tire revolution, the pickup is triggered. Based on the calibration you set for your bike, the computer in the cyclometer calculates the distance you've traveled, your speed, and other measures, depending on the sophistication of your cyclometer.
Which Bike Computer Features Do You Need?
The cyclometer you need depends on your training goals. The casual mountain biker may need only a rugged, basic model with current and average speed plus trip and total distance. Someone training for a triathlon or a season of racing, however, is going to need a more advanced model—one with a multiple-ride stopwatch, a cadence measure and perhaps an altimeter. Some models even come with a pace arrow to tell you if you're riding above or below your average pace.
If you ride a road bike and a mountain bike, there are models available that can be switched between bikes. Consider this option if you regularly use more than one bike.
Some wireless models offer a coded transmission so that your cyclometer doesn't read the signal off your riding buddy. These are good if you ride mainly in a pack, road racing or training. Other models are mountain-bike specific and provide a readout even at a low speed level.
Models available from REI cover the full range, from the most basic and moderately priced to very sophisticated for the elite athlete or competitor.
Specification Descriptions
Weight
Important only if you're into saving each and every gram. Most cyclometers are light enough that their weight is negligible.
Current Speed
The higher your speed, the more adrenaline you have pumping through your body. This feature is common on all cyclometers and can help with pacing.
Average Speed
By slowly increasing your average speed over the same route, you can help increase your anaerobic threshold.
Maximum Speed
Downhill racers benefit most from this feature. It allows you to see just how fast you were going down that last, long stretch.
Cadence
Measures the number of pedal revolutions per minute, allowing you to choose the optimum gear for pedaling efficiency.
Trip Distance
Keeping an eye on your distance is helpful when following the route described in a guidebook. Plus, knowing your past mileage allows you to strategically increase your training loads by, say, two to five percent.
Odometer
This feature lets you know how many miles your bike has traveled. Make note of your mileage when you put on new tires and you'll know when it's time to change out those tires.
Stopwatch
Putting sprints into your workout can increase overall muscle and cardiovascular strength. Plus, nothing beats a race against the clock to improve your endurance. Some models feature an auto start/stop, so that only your time in the saddle is measured.
Altimeter
Measures the highs and lows of your ride. Useful if you're training for a specific race or to keep an elevation record of your tour.
Clock
Lets you know when it's time to head home for dinner.
Auto On/Off
Battery-saving feature. Higher-end models offer this feature.
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