Cycling Computers

In a recent post, I talked about heart rate monitors and how they can help you work smarter, not harder, and measure your efficiency while on the bike. Today I'm going to tackle the subject of cycling computers.

Similar to a pedometer that walkers and runners use, cycling computers can be as simple or as complex as you want them to be. Typically, they measure current, average, and maximum speeds, and current and total distance in miles. Some measure the current and total time in the saddle. Some also measure cadence, which is helpful when following training programs that use this as a measure of output. Others have a heart rate monitor built into them. Some are wired, and some are wireless.

The more advanced computers, and those that are wireless, will cost more than those that give basic speed & distance readouts. Cat Eye computers are a good example of this. Their Vectra (wireless) costs about $30 and will tell you current speed, maximum speed, and trip distance. It also has an odometer and a clock. The next level up will give your current speed, trip distance, average speed, maximum speed, elapsed time, and more, for about $40. It also includes a clock. The most advanced model is over $100 and includes all the functions of a heart rate monitor plus all the functions of a more advanced cycling computer.

If you are new to cycling, a basic cycling computer will be more than adequate. I do recommend the wireless models, as they are much easier to install and will not ruin the look of your bike with wires along the downtube or fork. Also, they are easier to change out, should you decide to upgrade as you become more experienced.

My hybrid bike has a basic computer (at left), which I used for my first charity ride last fall, of 40 miles. It helped motivate me to keep going when I faced those final hills and was ready to call it a day.

My new road bike, Grace, is what I'm going to ride for the century I want to do at the end of this summer. I'll be spending a lot more time on her this season, with a more organized training program, so I chose to get a more sophisticated computer for her, the Cat Eye Double Wireless Cycling Computer. I opted not to get one with the heart rate monitor, since I have a separate heart rate monitor that seems to work fine.

If you purchase your cycling computer from a bike shop, they can install it for you, but it is not very hard to do it yourself. For the wireless models, there are four components you will attach to your bike: the computer, two magnets, and a sensor.

Here is the box I picked up from my bike shop:

The first thing you will do is to loosely attach the sensor (the silver piece) to the chain stay with removable tape. Then you attach the circular magnet to the wheel spoke, and the ovalish magnet to the inside of the crank arm. Once these three pieces are loosely in place, you want to line things up, according to the manual, so that the black cadence "arm" on the sensor can pick up signals from the magnet on the crank arm, and the sensor can also pick up signals from the magnet on the wheel spoke:

Once these items are lined up with each other, you can secure them with the plastic ties that are included in the box.

Next, you attach the handlebar mount to your handlebars with a small screwdriver, and you clip the cyclocomputer inside:

Of course, the manual will give you more specific instructions and diagrams pertaining to your particular model. This is just to give you an idea of the different parts, and how they work together. Although I've put several links to the Cat Eye computers on Amazon, they and other brands are available through catalogs such as Performance Bicycles, Bike Nashbar, and your local bike shop.

As a beginner and reforming Luddite, I record the numbers from my training sessions in a blank journal. If you are more technologically inclined, you can create your own Excel chart, or take advantage of the free software out there too. The most basic rule for training is not to ride more than 10% of the previous week's mileage total. If you've recorded 20 miles for your first week, for example, the next week you should not ride more than 22 miles. This is why having the computer, and keeping track of your numbers, is so important.

For those who love their gadgets, and want jump in both feet first to the GPS/heart rate monitor/cycling computer phenomenon, see Knittin' Kitten and Suitcase of Courage to learn about the Garmin edge. You can record your rides, map them, and even race against yourself with dot races!

In other news:

Tour of California starts on Sunday!! If you have the Versus channel, be sure to note the racing coverage. If you are like me and are without cable, you can also watch clips via Versus' website, and on worldcycling.tv.com. You can get daily audio coverage via The Fredcast.

California cyclists -- the Floyd Fairness Fund has two events planned, Sunday, Feb. 18 in San Francisco, and Wed. Feb. 21 in San Jose. Please go out and support last year's T of C winner!

Comments

[Theresa]

Debby, I think it's great that you are acually doing a 'training program'. I'm not good at sticking to an organized program. So, I just ride...after it warms up!! My winter has turned into 2 days of spin classes, and 2 or 3 days of "body flow" (which is a class with yoga, tia chi, and pilates-based abd track. It's a good class, but doesn't burn the calories of being on the bike! I don't want to talk about weekends!! Although since Jan 1st, I've had to pick up an extra Sat., so that work 2 weekend s and off two.

Regarding your info on the cycle computer, well done! I use mine for the basics (although it has magic stuff I don't know how to use). At the end of my riding season last fall, my cadence function stopped working. Of course, I thought it was me, turns out I lost my magnet on my crank.

I think my goal this year is to ride more than last year! Not very specific, but there it is.

[Theresa]

VeloNews has a MOBILE tour of CA site for all stage including the prologue.

http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/docroot/wap/index.html

The prologue starts at 1pm Pacific time. Is that 4central/5 eastern???

[Greeley]

Did you see Cristophe on the Prologue coverage? The showed the Free Floyd tshirt at the Brooklyn Brewery Event. I *really* wish Versus had better cycling coverage. One day a week is insufficient. Less bull riding more cycling!