Hello fellow bike packers!
I bought my first gravel bike(Diamant Nhoma gen2) last week and I would like to have a computer on my bike. I’m used with my electrical bikes to have a speedometer, but during my research I found out that there is much more than this. I’ve read about wahoo, garmin and hammerhead computers and I am inclined to choose the Garmin Edge 840. I would like to ask you if you find these computers useful while bike packing?
Also, i have seen that there is a bundle with heart monitor, speed and cadence sensors. Are you using something like this or it would be better to invest (later) in a power meter?
Safe roads!
by _erghe
3 Comments
Personally I find little benefit to having all that stuff but it depends very much on who you ask and how you ride.
I like to know how far I’ve ridden but i don’t like having a screen there in front of me all the time as I find it distracting.
I just use my phone. I have Strava running so i can record the route and see my distances and i have maps on there to check as required. I keep the phone on airplane mode in my pocket most of the time.
If you are interested in all the other stats and performance monitoring then a dedicated computer is probably a good shout but for basics and navigation a phone is fine.
I have an edge 1040 and it’s awesome.
Also, see into “Forumlader Pro” to hook on your dynamo. There’s one USB out for phone/GPS unit and another 2 cables for 12V, where you can hook on led strips.
(I’m considering LEDs myself for the back of my dog trailer, so that it is visible, but with a Quinled board, so I can make buttons/switches on my “dashboard”)
I use a Garmin tactics Charlie watch with the handlebar quick release for tracking metrics, hr, cadence and speed, gps data for the ride. I use my phone with RWGPS for navigation, music/audio books. For long rides or Bikepacking trips I roll with a couple power banks and charge up as needed. I would like to get a high end garmin edge with solar and what not but can’t justify the price when I have something that works.