Cycle Computer Benefits: Discover the Advantages of Using One

There are three main purposes for using a cycle computer

There are three main purposes for using a cycle computer on a bicycle.

1. monitoring (to keep track of your ride data)
2. logging (storing ride data)
3. navigation (route guidance)

Monitor (to keep track of ride data)

The basic function of a cycle computer is to check ride data in real time. If you know your speed and distance, you can determine how fast and how far you have ridden.

In the past, the only data that could be obtained from a cycle computer was the hourly speed, distance traveled, and current time, but nowadays, by connecting an external sensor, it is possible to obtain the following data

• Cadence
• Power
• Heart rate

Power, heart rate, and other data can also be acquired by connecting an external sensor.

By checking such data in real time, training becomes more efficient.

Logging (storing ride data)

The second main purpose of using a cycle computer is the log function.

By storing ride data on your cycle computer, you can view details of your rides, as well as weekly and monthly ride data.

In practice, you are more likely to use a portal service such as Strava to manage your ride logs than to check the logs on your cycle computer alone, but by using such portals, you can do the following

1. compare with previous rides
2. compare with other users who have ridden the same route

These are modest but very motivating.

Navigation (route guidance)

Some models of GPS-equipped cycle computers can provide car navigation-like route guidance by themselves. However, navigation functions as sophisticated as a car navigation system are only available on top-of-the-line models.

As for route navigation, different cycle computer models have different navigation methods and route setting methods, but since it is not possible to check directions on a smartphone frequently during a ride, being able to check the route and map on the handlebars is more convenient than one might imagine.

The ability to track your route in real time means that you can also use things like time trials for each route using Strava Live segments, etc. (the cyclocomputer itself must be compatible).

Advantages of Wearing a Cycle Computer

Improve the quality of your training

The quality of training is very important for those who are on a bicycle diet or road racing.

There are various training methods, such as aerobic exercise for dieting and resistance training for race training, but if you connect a heart rate sensor to a cycle computer, you can monitor your exercise level in real time.

By knowing your exercise level, you can increase or decrease the load appropriately, allowing you to get a high quality workout even in a short period of time.

As a safety measure

Sport bicycles such as road bikes and hybrid bikes can reach about 30 km/h if you are not training at full speed. 30 km/h is the same as the speed limit for a moped, so it is quite fast. There is no speed limit for bicycles, and there is no requirement to carry a speedometer, but it is important to know your speed because it can be dangerous depending on where you ride.

In addition, hills and other areas can be even faster than flat terrain, so it is important to keep track of your speed as a point of reference to determine if you are going too fast and how much braking should be applied.

If you go too fast, the braking distance will be longer, and at worst you risk not being able to stop.

Convenient to have even if you don’t train.

Even if you do not need detailed data, it is very useful to know the current time and speed on the handlebars, as it is difficult to look at your phone or watch while riding a bicycle. Inexpensive cycle computers can be purchased for as little as $10, so it is a good idea to try one on as if you were buying a cheap watch.