Cadence monitor?

[Catrin]

My LBS is starting a sale on HR monitors and cycling computers. I already have an HR monitor, but am considering a computer for my bike. I am assuming that a cadence monitoring function would be helpful in learning how to shift - is this correct?

Thanks!

[Crankin]

Knowing your cadence is a good idea overall; for improving your efficiency/pedal stroke/speed. So, it's not specifically about shifting, but it will make you aware of what gears you are using at certain cadences on different types of terrain.
I didn't get a computer with cadence until after I had been cycling for a couple of years. I found that once I was aware of it, my overall cadence went up about 10-15 points just by becoming aware. I was slacking a bit. I also found that sometimes my cadence goes up when I don't feel well and I start spinning like crazy because nothing feels right.
Don't try to over think the shifting. There is no "rule" for what gearing to use at specific cadences. Shifting becomes intuitive after a fairly short time; I remember being concerned about what gear I was in, but really, it's what gear feels comfortable to you, where you are not mashing (which is typical for beginners) or spinning wildly, at low speed.

[Catrin]

Knowing your cadence is a good idea overall; for improving your efficiency/pedal stroke/speed. So, it's not specifically about shifting, but it will make you aware of what gears you are using at certain cadences on different types of terrain.

This makes sense, and I was thinking that it might be good for me in general. At my last riding/practice session I was having major problems with my pedal stroke which may have had to do with spinning too fast in an incorrect gear at too low of a speed. It sounds like the cadence monitor would be a good overall training tool.

I am certainly good at over-thinking things, that is just how I am and am trying to avoid that trap. I will also check with my trainer before deciding which computer to get. There is a rather large price difference between the computers with and without cadence...so I need to decide what makes more sense for me right now.

[sarahspins]

This makes sense, and I was thinking that it might be good for me in general. At my last riding/practice session I was having major problems with my pedal stroke which may have had to do with spinning too fast in an incorrect gear at too low of a speed. It sounds like the cadence monitor would be a good overall training tool.

It could be, but for this specific thing, I doubt it would really help you much... knowing when to shift up/down is really more of a "feel" thing. You will eventually find a cadence and pedal resistance that is comfortable for you, and learn to shift to match. Just seeing what your cadence is won't really "tell" you when to shift.. Its like driving a standard car..there are always instances where you have to sort of throw the 'rules' out and just do what works. Bike gears are not that different.

I have a computer with a cadence monitor.. apart from the initial novelty I don't really pay attention to the cadence. What I use look at most on my bike computer is the HRM and the clock, and I appreciate the ability to keep track of distance, since I don't always rely on a set route and it's nice to see how far I rode without having to go back and "map" my ride.

I think something to consider is why you are are riding.. to a point some of the extra 'goodies' are just extras, and can just add complications.. if you're riding for fun you might do better to just let it be fun for a while.

[Catrin]

Thanks for your question, Saraspins. The main reason I want the cadence monitor is for training, this is for as much training as it is for fun :) I was just curious how useful it might be for shifting. Thankfully there are a couple of affordable computers out there with the cadence function, I just hadn't found them before my post earlier today.

[nscrbug]

The other thing you may want to consider is whether to get a "wireless" or "wired" cycle computer. This may be important to you, since you stated that you already use a HRM. Devices such as HRM's, lights, etc...are known to cause interference with many of the wireless cycle computers out on the market. If this is a concern for you, then you may want to stick with a wired version for the cadence & speed, as interference is not an issue with the wired models. Just something else to think about. :)

[macski]

I bought a bike computer when I got back into cycling a few months ago. I decided that I wanted one with cadence, although I really couldn't have said why. I had the notion that it would be useful to know how many RPMs I was doing.

I have found it to be really useful - although I agree that you need to work out gears by feel for example, I found that the cadence feature helped me to work out when gears were too high and also, conversely, when they were too low. After a while I didn't need to look at cadence and went by feel but it was useful initially.

And it's still useful to know when I'm slacking off ;)

[bikerchic]

My first bike computer had a cadence on it and I really did like it. I had to replace it a couple of years ago the rain in the northwest did it in. My new on is wireless which I love but no cadence and I do miss having it. I say if you can afford to get one do it you won't regret it.

As far as for shifting that's more of a feel thing, cadence just lets you know or helps you get into a good cycling zone and helps you push yourself harder, it is a good training device.

Happy pedaling!

[zoom-zoom]

One of my best days ever was when I realized that because I had the Garmin Forerunner 305 (with a HRM that I have never used in over 2 years--I bought the 305 vs. the 205, since it was during a rebate period and only ended up costing me $8 more) I could get the cadence/speed sensor kit and use my Garmin as both a running tool and a bike computer.

I'm a noob and have found paying attention to my cadence to keep me from using too high a gear and wearing myself out. I'm sure that I eventually won't need to pay attention, since I will become accustomed to what is appropriate cadence/effort to avoid overdoing it, but it's nice now. And the ability to see how "far" I am going while pedaling on the trainer indoors until the snow clears is sure nice, too.

[nscrbug]

One of my best days ever was when I realized that because I had the Garmin Forerunner 305 (with a HRM that I have never used in over 2 years--I bought the 305 vs. the 205, since it was during a rebate period and only ended up costing me $8 more) I could get the cadence/speed sensor kit and use my Garmin as both a running tool and a bike computer.

I'm a noob and have found paying attention to my cadence to keep me from using too high a gear and wearing myself out. I'm sure that I eventually won't need to pay attention, since I will become accustomed to what is appropriate cadence/effort to avoid overdoing it, but it's nice now. And the ability to see how "far" I am going while pedaling on the trainer indoors until the snow clears is sure nice, too.

Kirsten...how would you rate the Garmin 305 as a bike computer? Are the bike functions decent on it? Is the bike mount secure? What about the mounting of the cadence/speed sensor...is it secure and easy to do? Does the Garmin have an altimeter? Right now I'm using a Cateye Strada Wireless (no cadence), and would really like to add HRM, cadence, & altimeter...so I'm shopping some of the higher-end computers that have those features. I've considered the 305, because I do like the idea of being able to use it both on and off the bike...but ideally, I would like it to have accurate and decent bike functions before I pull the trigger on it.

Linda

[zoom-zoom]

Kirsten...how would you rate the Garmin 305 as a bike computer? Are the bike functions decent on it? Is the bike mount secure? What about the mounting of the cadence/speed sensor...is it secure and easy to do? Does the Garmin have an altimeter? Right now I'm using a Cateye Strada Wireless (no cadence), and would really like to add HRM, cadence, & altimeter...so I'm shopping some of the higher-end computers that have those features. I've considered the 305, because I do like the idea of being able to use it both on and off the bike...but ideally, I would like it to have accurate and decent bike functions before I pull the trigger on it.

Linda

No altimeter, so that would be one limitation. I don't know how easy the sensor is to attach, since our shop did that for me. Though I do know a couple of people who have had a tough time getting it to sync right, so maybe there is some trick to it.

I can't compare the 305 to any other computer, but for my needs it is perfect. I currently use that sort of soft rubber "wrist" attachment and strap it on when I am planning to ride. I also have the quick-release base if I want to get the velcro wrist-strap with the quick release plate, to use in a race scenario.

Though if my 305 died there is part of me that might be willing to drop the major coin on the 310XT. I like that it's waterproof...the 305 is not (I'm a little concerned about using it on the bike in the rain...at least when I run in the rain I can kind of protect it from too much water). I think it's supposed to have a better GPS sensor and work better for switching automatically between sports and figuring in transition times.

It seems accurate enough. The GPS wouldn't be so accurate alone at riding speeds (even at running pace it can be off if a person does a lot of sharp turns or is under heavy tree cover or around tall buildings), but the speed sensor on the wheel figures the speed and distance very accurately from what I can tell. It matches what my hubby's dedicated bike computer figures.

[OakLeaf]

I have a Garmin 705, but all the current Edge series use the same mount, and all Garmins use the same cadence/speed sensor.

The cadence/speed sensor isn't hard to install. It takes a few minutes to get it set up, and a work stand is a big help, but you can always just hold the bike up (or have a friend hold it) when you need the wheel to turn, and pedal backwards to make sure the cadence sensor is picking up. It installs with zip-ties, so it's plenty secure.

You don't need to worry about the 305 getting wet, it's IPX7 water resistant, which off the top of my head I think is 30 minutes at a 1 meter depth. It's not waterproof for swimming, and that's what's different about the 310XT, but all the Garmin heads are plenty safe for rain use. Water does tend to block the ports for the barometric altimeter, so you lose accurate elevation readings when it rains, but it's fine once it dries out.

What isn't waterproof on the Garmins is the cadence sensor. :( They need to be carefully protected when you wash your bike, and removed if you plan to ride in the rain. Carrying a set of nippers and a spare Ziploc bag, if you have room for them, is probably not a bad idea if there's a chance of getting caught in the rain. Garmin has replaced two of them for me under warranty no questions asked, but it's still a PITA doing without it while I'm waiting for a replacement (this summer, they were back ordered several weeks), so I really try not to drown mine.

The handlebar mount for the Edge series also isn't the greatest. It's just a snap-in plastic clip, and it wears out after the computer has been mounted and removed, oh, I'm going to estimate something between 300 and 500 times. The Edge needs to come out of the mount to charge and sync, and then you may want to take it with you if you're parking your bike somewhere, so that's like a year and a half of use, or less. There are buttons on both sides of the head, so what can happen is the computer just flies out of its mount when you push one of the buttons. It's happened to me two or three times, happened to a couple of my riding buddies, and there are several people on the Garmin forums online who've broken their screens or otherwise bricked their computers when the mount failed. If you go for an Edge, I definitely recommend a backup retention system of some kind. (I have a lens cap tether on my shopping list...)

The Forerunner 305 has a different mounting system that I'm not familiar with. With my older Forerunner 301, I could leave the wrist strap on and use it for backup retention (although that mount never failed).

Both my Garmins are quite accurate in 2D - the barometric altimeter is DEFINITELY noticeable in the Edge, and adds hugely to its 3D accuracy. Having the speed sensor is mainly useful against spikes, which occasionally happens with any GPS from interference from power lines, etc. I don't lose signal unless tree cover is both very heavy and wet.

Be aware when you say "305" that Garmin has both Edge and Forerunner models badged 305. It sounds like zoom-zoom is using a Forerunner and nscrbug is maybe asking about an Edge. On the bike, the difference is going to be the number of display fields, the size of the display, and the barometric altimeter. There may be differences in how the two computers handle workouts, but if there are, I'm not familiar with them.

[zoom-zoom]

You don't need to worry about the 305 getting wet, it's IPX7 water resistant, which off the top of my head I think is 30 minutes at a 1 meter depth. It's not waterproof for swimming, and that's what's different about the 310XT, but all the Garmin heads are plenty safe for rain use.

I'm not sure...I know a few people who have fried their Forerunner 305s on rainy runs. Mine has had condensation under the face after running in some downpours, but nothing too serious. I wear a wristband under it in the Summer or over my sleeve in Winter to keep sweat from finding its way into the speaker holes.

[maillotpois]

I have a Garmin 705, but all the current Edge series use the same mount, and all Garmins use the same cadence/speed sensor.


Except the new Edge 500.

[OakLeaf]

Except the new Edge 500.

I stand corrected. :o

Different handlebar mount (it does look more secure), but does it still use the GSC-10? It looks like it from the website.

[OakLeaf]

I'm not sure...I know a few people who have fried their Forerunner 305s on rainy runs. Mine has had condensation under the face after running in some downpours, but nothing too serious. I wear a wristband under it in the Summer or over my sleeve in Winter to keep sweat from finding its way into the speaker holes.

Well, that stinks - did Garmin replace theirs under warranty? Should have...

As for condensation, I think that has as much to do with manufacturing conditions as usage conditions. I always wear an absorbent sweatband under my 310XT for comfort, it's never been exposed to anything more than a few sprinkles, and it's supposed to be waterproof to 50m, yet it has condensation under the face when it's cold outside. As long as it keeps working, I'm treating it as a harmless annoyance...

[nscrbug]

Thank you Oakleaf and Zoom-Zoom for the Garmin info. To clarify...I was asking Zoom-Zoom about the 305 Forerunner. I liked the fact that the Forerunner has a smaller footprint than the Edge. Although, there is a fella on the triathlon forum that I frequent, who is selling a slightly used 705 Edge (complete package with maps, HRM, both sensors, etc.) for $300. That is almost a deal I can't pass up...until Oakleaf mentioned that the cadence sensor isn't waterproof...:(:mad: I'm not sure I want to drop 3 bills for something that will require me to remove the cadence sensor, every time I think a raindrop might fall from the sky. Call me lazy, but that sounds like a MAJOR PITA...and something I'd rather not deal with.

[maillotpois]

I stand corrected. :o

Different handlebar mount (it does look more secure), but does it still use the GSC-10? It looks like it from the website.

yes. and (knock on wood) for the record my edge cadence sensor has been through a lot of rain w/no problem.

they say the 500 has 18 hr battery life. we shall see. that would get me through anything except maybe a 400+k or dmd. no more battery pack for death ride!!

mount is very cool. i havent used it yet.

it is shorter and a little wider than the 350.