On a bike, you know, competition never fails! So, whether it is for competition, ambition or simple curiosity, it is possible to monitor speed, distance covered and many other parameters through bike computers. These instruments, which used to be referred to as bike odometers, have undergone rapid evolution and diffusion in recent years, making them almost indispensable for every cyclist, whether a road rider, a biker, or a ‘commuter’ who uses a bicycle as a means of transport.
The cyclocomputer is in fact a small wireless device, compact and light, which is usually attached to the handlebars for visual convenience and use while pedalling, either by means of a special bracket or directly on the handlebar stem, and allows you to keep track of a lot of information including
- distance travelled
- speed of travel
- travel time
[these first three represent the basic functions of a common bike computer]
- pedalling frequency
- cyclist's heart rate
- training history and performance progress
- altitude and elevation profile
- gradient (expressed as a percentage)
The most modern and complete wireless cycle computers you can find on the market are equipped with GPS and are in fact called gps cycle computers: this means that in addition to all the features found in a normal device for keeping track of your workouts, you can use maps, keep track of routes travelled, and suggest routes in advance. They also provide information about the route as the journey progresses.
The high level of technology allows the best smart cyclocomputers with GPS to be connected to smartphones, tablets or PCs to be able to analyse training data, make statistics and programmes. In addition, they are often equipped with Bluetooth or ANT+ connectivity to connect to external sensors, such as heart monitors or power sensors.
Among the best and most loved bike computer brands, we cannot avoid mentioning GARMIN: the US company, founded in 1989, has been present and leading the market for over 30 years and excels in the production of GPS devices and cycling computers, offering advanced and innovative solutions for performance monitoring, heart rate, navigation and route data, and much more. Garmin developed the first cycling computer with integrated GPS in 2003, paving the way for a new era of cycling technology.
The latest cycle computer model unveiled is the Garmin Edge 1050. Why choose it?