I often feel like I am the only cyclist around to ride without my bike computer. I just I feel like I don’t need it. When I used it, I was constantly focused on numbers it was showing to me, that I totally lost the enjoyment of riding. Pushing yourself to get better is one thing, but I became too obsessed that I was riding only for those numbers. I didn't even stop to greet my friends, because I was in the middle of the segment for example. So do you I even need it?
by skodawelovecycling
47 Comments
But… if you don’t track it, did it happen?
No. I’ve found cycling without a computer way more enjoyable but to each their own
No
No.
I often tour without one..
You don’t *need* a bike computer for anything. If you don’t want one, don’t use one.
Quite the road youre biking on 😱
Before the invention of Strava, cyclists simply never rode their bikes.
Just use the phone to record it straight to Strava?
Badass shot. If this was my picture of me on my bike it would 100% be my phone’s wallpaper.
No.
Did Strava for a while and realized it was taking the joy away from cycling & turning a ride into a contest. So I just…didn’t anymore.
I found the same thing as you. I ended up staring at it too much and counting numbers. I became obsessed with my average speed. I eventually realized I wasn’t actually enjoying this, and the bike computer was controlling me. Now I just ride at a speed I feel comfortable with and go until I feel like turning around.
No. But when I start my ride, it’ll send a link to a live gps so my loved ones always know where I am in case something happens to me. That alone makes it worth it
Unless you are specifically training to a regimented plan or you frequently get lost on your cycling route you do not need a computer at all
You should always make a point to just cruise some days.
Stop and take pictures
Enjoy a sunset
This is for you, not anyone else
Bike and time. That’s what you need.
Babe, I don’t even have a Fitbit.
You don’t need a computer for racing either.
My personality has always been quite addictive. The computer made cycling not as much fun for me. There was a constant need to reach a mileage goal for week, achieve a power output for a ride, or work within a certain zone for a workout segment. I wish I had taken the chance to ride more just for fun. Once riding became a job, I lost the thrill of just being on the bike. I have been retired for a few years now, and it is starting to be fun again. I ride with my kids, and there is no competitive aspect to it. We all start because we love the bike. At some point, if we get close enough, we learn to resent it. Then, perhaps, we fall in again.
The less I track the more I enjoy
Depends on what you want.
I like to track my rides and my health care give me for sport tracking 0.50€ the day back
Ya I can see that being nice to just go sans cpu. For me I like the live stats and even if I’m not staring at it (which I do) I can see a new route I may have found or have stats to look later if I feel.
I set my phone at the beginning of the ride and barely look at it, it’s good to know exactly when to turn around to make it a solid 40mi ride or whatever I’m aiming for. Its also fun to see I hit 45mph once in awhile and when I hit PRs etc. I definitely don’t obsess about it
No, I just use a cateye
I like a simple one with just the time the speed and the distance That’s it..
KOMs just become fishing stories at that point
You don’t even have to use a computer if you’re training, although you’ll probably be more effective with one. As someone else pointed out, people were riding bikes before we had computers. If it’s distracting you from enjoying your ride, don’t use one.
I have a headlamp zip tied to the place where my computer is supposed to be.
I don’t own one and have no plans to buy one. I don’t like being in my head while I ride.
You don’t ever need it. Just ride. If you have it and want to use it. Use it. If you don’t. Then don’t. Doesn’t matter.
People have been (re)discovering this ever since bike computers were invented. At the other extreme we have people riding with follow drones making a video or livestreaming or whatever the hell they are doing to monetize their lives. Live your best life.
Nope you don’t need one. I like having a bike computer because I can look down and see my speed when I’m going downhill or how much elevation I have gained, but honestly it’s really about just tracking my routes so I can explore or plan future rides. I don’t get too caught up in the data when I’m actually on the bike and you definitely don’t need one to have a good time.
Turn it on and put it in your bag/pocket. You’ll likely want the data later
A computer is a fun interactive way to track progress. I enjoy mine
Honestly, if you know the route then not really. In my case it serves a few other purposes, for example, my radar is connected to it so I get visual and audible confirmation of traffic behind me. But that’s more of a qol feature than a necessity to ride.
Only because without it I get lost. “It” being my cell phone mounted on my bars.
Define a bike computer.
You don’t need to post your rides at all, but I think at least a simple, cheap computer that shows you current speed and distance ridden is a necessity. You want to know how fast you’re going at the moment and how long the ride was at the end of the day. You don’t need to tell anyone.
I don’t own a computer and just use my phone for tracking and navigation. I don’t really care about stats and definitely don’t care about segments, but it’s cool to be able to look back and see how far I went, what my max speed was, etc. and I like to be able to revisit specific routes again. I definitely don’t need it, but I feel like it adds to my rides so I like it 😉
I use mine to log my miles and could care less about KOM’s
Careful, next you’ll be asking if you need a cadence sensor for casual riding.
I hit record on Strava on my watch and just go.
Honestly, if you’re not buying sensors and hr monitors and such you really don’t need a bike computer. Get a decent phone mount and you’ll get all the info you need with plenty of metrics for casual riding.
Don’t ride with one anymore. Was too focused on numbers as well. I do still record on Strava but manly to see my end of year stats more than anything. Don’t care about segments anymore.
Agree 100%. Life is to be lived, not micro-recorded and enhanced. I was a lot happier when I gave up strava and just rode to ride. But to each his own. It’s all what you’re solving for. Different strokes for different folks.
Has this been posted to r/bicyclingcirclejerk yet ?
You don’t need a bike computer for any rides.
I mean you got a phone that’s not old af right