Q&A: What kind of computers are there for measuring distance on a bike?
Question by John Carter: What kind of computers are there for measuring distance on a bike?
I’ve found models that are wired to your bike catching each wheel rotation, and I would assume there are GPS computers. Which would be the easiest and cheapest way to keep track of my mileage during bike rides?
Best answer:
Answer by Bob A
The best and most accurate is a Schwinn cyclocomputer from Walmart. They are very accurate and measure wheel circumference down to the the mm. I have several that are 3 years old and they are very accurate. I had to replace the battery after 3 years. I have a county road mile marker in my front yard, to the next mile marker it is within 7 feet, much more accurate the any car odometer.
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GPS are the easiest, you just fit them and go, but they’re also the most expensive.
The other type are cheaper, but require more setting up.You can get lots of different ones that work off the number of revolutions that the wheel makes. If you follow the fitting and setting up instructions these are very accurate.
I have a Cateye Strada Cadence fitted to both of my cycles and they are accurate to within 0.5% of the readings I get from my GPS unit.
Look at various units and see which ones have the features that you think you’ll need, there is no point in paying extra for something you won’t use.
The only thing I will say is that if you are at all serious about your cycling, a cadence readout will be very useful.
EDIT: Just in case anyone thinks I’m a little crazy using a cycle computer and a GPS, I bought the GPS for running, but I’ve had to give running up because of arthritis in my ankles. I use the GPS on the bike on long rides because it has a HRM built into it.
GPS devices for bicycles are very expensive. First link below. If you can get by with one that simply tells speed/distance/average speed/time ridden that day, etc. – they are much less. Second link.
There’s only about 10,000 choices. How fancy do you want to get? I have two bikes & both have just a simpled wired unit. Very accurate on both.
A simple wired computer will do the job. They are inexpensive and accurate if properly set up. The more features, the higher the cost. GPS computers can cost in the hundreds of dollars, the simple ones, under $ 20