Posted at: Oct 1, 2021
Cycle computers are used to collect detailed data such as speed and heart rate on road bikes, but in fact, you can turn your iPhone into a high-performance cycle computer with just a few additional items.
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First, let’s take a look at the features that the cycle computer has that the iPhone does not. The cycle computer will be compared to the Garmin Edge 530, a popular standard for high performance GPS cycle computers.
| Function | Garmin Edge 530 | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Location | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou |
| Communication Functions | Bluetooth, ANT+ | Wifi, Bluetooth |
| Speed | Location, Sensor | Location, Sensor |
| Maps | Built-in | Application |
| Navigation function | Built-in | App |
| Heart Rate | External Sensor | External Sensor |
| Power Meter | External Sensor | External Sensor |
| Use time | up to 20 hours | 17 hours with video playback |
| Price | $400 | $799 |
In this way, we can see that there is not much difference between the Garmin Edge 530 and the iPhone.
In particular, the Garmin Edge 530 is better than the Garmin Edge 530 in terms of location performance, especially since the iPhone 12 now acquires location data from multiple location satellites other than GPS: GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou.
The other major difference is the communication function, where the iPhone has Wifi but does not support ANT+, while the Garmin Edge 530 does not support Wifi but does support ANT+.
The iPhone has an excellent location sensor, so if you can get the location information, you can use the following functions without any external sensor, just by using the app.
Speed (current, average, maximum, etc.)
So, if you just want a basic GPS cycle computer, you can install the app on your iPhone and use it as a cycle computer without any additional cost.
The following apps are available for the iPhone and have functions equivalent to a cycle computer.
All the apps are basically the same in terms of usability as a cycle computer, but when you consider the total ease of use and free range of data tracking and fitness data management, Wahoo Fitness is the best for free use.
Many modern cycle computers come with a navigation function, and the more expensive models can be used as stand-alone, high-performance navigation systems.
However, as far as navigation performance is concerned, the iPhone’s map application and Google Maps provide more information, such as route search and real-time information, because they can communicate with each other. Another advantage of the iPhone’s navigation function is that it is always updated with the latest maps.
Especially when using other means of transportation than bicycles, such as cycling, it is much more convenient to use the iPhone to navigate public transportation such as trains.
Google Maps: Free Bicycle GPS Navigator for Directions
This is a summary of how to use Google Maps as a bicycle GPS navigator for directions. It is completely free and very useful for bicycles.
Even with a high performance cycle computer like the Garmin Edges 530, you will need an external sensor to obtain the following values.
The latest products support both Bluetooth and ANT+, so if your sensor supports Bluetooth, you can use the sensor for your cycle computer as an external sensor for your iPhone.
XOSS ANT + Bluetooth 4.0 wireless speed and cadence sensor
| Manufacturer | XOSS |
|---|---|
| Measurement data | speed, cadence (exclusive specification) |
| Connection method | Bluetooth, ANT+ |
| Power supply method | button battery |
Garmin Rally RS200 Power Meter Dual Sensor
| Manufacturer | Garmin |
|---|---|
| Power Sensor | Dual sensors on both feet |
| Power Accuracy | ±1.0％ |
| Power supply method | button battery |
| Drive Time | Up to 120 hours |
| Supported cleats | Shimano SPD-SL |
| Weight(Pair) | 320g |
In addition, the Apple Watch, a smartwatch designed exclusively for the iPhone, can be used as a heart rate sensor in some applications, so you can use the Apple Watch to get your heart rate in real time for heart rate training.
How to choose and recommend a Bluetooth ANT+ sensor
We have compiled a list of recommended Bluetooth ANT+ sensors that are currently available in Japan, as well as how to choose and what to look for when selecting a Bluetooth ANT+ sensor.
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In addition to being a cycle computer, the iPhone has other things going on in the background, such as communication and processing apps. Also, the iPhone has a 5.4 inch display, even on the 12 mini, as opposed to a cycle computer which is considered a large screen even at 3 inches.
Of all the phones, the display is the one that consumes the most battery, so for a cycle computer that is supposed to be used with the screen on while riding, the battery consumption is too high.
As a countermeasure, use a mobile battery or use a case with a built-in battery. If you use it on a road bike, I recommend a built-in battery that fits on the handlebars. It depends on the product, but generally, a battery with twice the capacity of the iPhone’s built-in battery will last for several hours of riding.
In the case of a cycle computer, it is an accessory that is supposed to be used on a bicycle, so it comes with a mounter to attach it to the handlebars as standard, but in the case of the iPhone, such an accessory is not available as a genuine product.
However, if you have a third party phone holder, you can attach it to the handlebars of your road bike, so prepare a phone holder.
When choosing a phone holder, pay attention to the following points.
It depends on which iPhone model you are using, but the latest iPhone 12 has an IP68 rating, which is the highest dustproof rating (6) and the highest waterproof rating (8), so there is no problem using it naked.
However, if you attach it to the steering wheel, there is a risk of dropping it due to vibration, so it is better to put it in a case to protect it from shocks just in case.
The battery life varies depending on the iPhone model, as each has a different battery capacity.
However, since cycle computer apps constantly use GPS and keep the display on throughout your ride, battery life is significantly reduced. Even on an iPhone that would normally last a full day with regular use, you can expect only a few hours when used as a cycle computer.
For short rides of about an hour, it’s generally not an issue, but for longer rides of several hours, carrying a portable battery is essential.
The features of cycle computers vary depending on the model, so dedicated cycle computers are not always more advanced. Compared to inexpensive cycle computers, iPhone cycle computer apps can offer superior GPS accuracy and navigation features.
However, top-tier cycle computers from brands like Garmin, Bryton, and Wahoo are equipped with a wide range of features specifically designed for cyclists. These models are generally more advanced than iPhone apps and have significantly longer battery life.
If you plan to do serious cycling over various routes, investing in a high-end cycle computer from Garmin, Bryton, or Wahoo is the best choice, although they are more expensive.
| Manufacturer | XOSS |
|---|---|
| Measurement data | speed, cadence (exclusive specification) |
| Connection method | Bluetooth, ANT+ |
| Power supply method | button battery |
| Manufacturer | Garmin |
|---|---|
| Power Sensor | Dual sensors on both feet |
| Power Accuracy | ±1.0％ |
| Power supply method | button battery |
| Drive Time | Up to 120 hours |
| Supported cleats | Shimano SPD-SL |
| Weight(Pair) | 320g |
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Tips for turning your phone into a cycle computer
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How to turn your iPhone into a high-performance cycle computer
Cycle computers are used to collect detailed data such as speed and heart rate on road bikes, but in fact, you can turn your iPhone into a high-performance cycle computer with just a few additional items.
How to choose and recommend a Bluetooth ANT+ sensor
We have compiled a list of recommended Bluetooth ANT+ sensors that are currently available in Japan, as well as how to choose and what to look for when selecting a Bluetooth ANT+ sensor.
Smartwatch as Heart Rate Monitor for Cycling Controller
This is a summary of how to use a smartwatch as a heart rate sensor for a cyclocomputer. If you meet the conditions on the cyclocomputer side and the conditions on the smartwatch side, you can display the heart rate data on the cyclocomputer with the smartwatch alone, without having to buy an additional heart rate sensor.
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