What are your recommendations for tracking long rides? I’m inclined toward a wearable, but ultimately I want something that can last during a long trip. I’m wondering if a computer is inevitable, so should I just skip past a new wearable and go right to that?
I don’t need much past the usual array of ride stats, Strava integration, and route display as a bonus (I currently don’t need that, but will for some multi-day rides I’m eyeing). I’ve avoided a computer, because I’ve got my phone, but I’m seeing how battery management and weather will be more of an issue on long rides.
I’m not looking for a specific model recommendation, per se. I’m looking for hard-won wisdom about what the trade-offs are for different navigation and tracking setups.
Any tips or anecdotes are greatly appreciated!
Background:
I’m new to gravel cycling as of this year. I love it and I’m pushing more miles than before. I did my first 75 mi (120 km) ride recently and my Apple Watch (S10) basically zeroed out its battery right at the end of my ride. It woke me up to the need for a more purpose-specific option.
by ckrugen
7 Comments
Garmin 1040/50 edge
I bought one of the cheap cateyes several years ago and I love it. No GPS or any real computer features. It just measures speed, distance, time. But extremely reliable and simple
I bought a wearable for this very reason and it’s been great. However, I’ve since picked up a computer and now use it all the time as I can use it for routing information. It makes rides flow so much better when you take navigating out of the equation, I feel like a bit of a Luddite for not getting the computer sooner. I still like using my watch and wouldn’t get rid of it but would recommend the computer option as it’s easier to see. Hope this helps.
Any bike computer would be fine. But also carry a battery packs if the ride is long enough that battery life will be an issue. You are likely to carry bags as well on long rides anyway.
I find a top tube bag is a good place to put a battery. Mine (Apidura) even has a hole to pass the cable, you can charge as the computer stays on the mount.
Frame bags are also an option to carry the battery
I have both, a computer and a wearable.
The wearable (MiBand 7) tracks everything, also hiking and gym activities, but it doesn’t do navigation. Heart rate is also a bit questionable, when I compare it to my heart rate monitor that I connect to my computer, it’s quite off.
Also, it’s a bit difficult to watch when I want to know current speed or how long I’ve already ridden.The computer makes the last things a lot easier, as it’s just a quick glance down to see my stats.
Apple watch will do it, keep it on theater mode so the screen isn’t displaying all the time and it will last a long time.
Best option is Wahoo/Garmin but I think that’s overkill unless you need turn by turn route guidance and your bike has sensors or electronic group set to pick up all the other neat data.
or old school simple bike computer that works off magnet on the spokes, probably get one for $20 and gets the job done.
i’ve had several wahoo computers. generally the battery is 14-16 hours on a charge. i charge it about once a week, or it’s more than fine for a century. the only time i had to top it off was a 200 mile ride.
phones and watches using gps kills their batteries fast. the bike computers do it in a way more managed way.