Odometer

Do all of you guys use an odometer? I have no idea how far I'm riding...not too far though since I just go around the neighborhood, but I would like to start keeping track and set up distance goals. Thanks.

Be forwarned that as soon as you get a computer you will become obsessed with your speed :D...

But it really is helpful. I would recommend getting a computer with a cadence function. It was hugely helpful for me when I was still getting the hang of figuring out what gear I should use when.

It's immensely motivating to watch that odometer go up. It never goes down! (I have LOUSY luck with the things, though.)

It's a very nice toy to put on your bike. You can challenge yourself; "I went over that hill at 10mph last time, let's go for 11"
or you can see how far you're really going.Yes, it is addictive.

I love my cyclocomputer---a Cateye that includes a cadence meter. Having it on board pushes me along a little, by making me a little more conscious of my average speed, and by reminding me to spin faster and not mash the pedals, among other things.

In more general terms, the cyclocomputer gives me a good feel for my overall 'progress' as I log miles week after week---which, for me, is valuable positive reinforcement. I don't stare at the numbers as I'm going along, but I do monitor the readings on and off and use them to 'inspire' me to pedal a little faster or go a little farther......

I keep a ride journal in my truck, too. I jot down route, weather, distance, average speed, and max speed, as soon as I finish a ride. Nothing very detailed, but enough to capture the essence of the ride....I like being able to compare rides on the same routes, a week or a month apart, so I can see in black and white that I'm gaining strength and endurance slowly but surely. :) (I also log my rides on bikejournal.com as a member of Team Estrogen.)

I think most of us probably have some sort of odometer. I'm a numbers-person in that regard and like to keep track of how I'm doing. It's a really good way to set goals and improve your rides. But beware, it is addicting. I have a total of 4 now and 3 bikes between my husband and me. :D

And then you start wondering if you can justify a garmin....and, and, and.....

It's a sickness:D:D

And then sometimes you take the computer off, and ride because you want to ride. Sometimes it's TMI and I just need to enjoy being on the bike.

Seriously - yes, I usually use one. I try not to pay too much attention to it. But, I suck at estimating distance:)

CA

CA is right when she says it's a sickness. I managed to trick my husband into letting me keep the Garmin he said I had to return since I got my new bike. :D It is truly a sickness but you'll find yourself in good company on this board. ;)

I like the odometer because it makes it easy to keep track of when I need to change my chain (every 1000-1500 miles), and how old in miles other parts on my bike are. My first odometer was walmart $12 and I was pretty upset when it went braindead at ~3700, and again at ~4000. I replaced it with something from Nashbar, not the cheapest but nothing expensive, because I had better things to spend my money on, like new drivetrain and shifters and brakes. All I can say is, if you have to get super cheap walmart odometer, plan to replace it in less than a year, and keep an eye on the total miles so you know what to set the new odometer to when the cheap one fails.

I really wanted one. I got one for Christmas. It is on the bike, but I can't make it work. If I ever figure it out, I want to know mileage for everything. Cadence would be nice for training, but I am more obsessed with the 'how far have I gone?' aspect of riding.

I'm another with one on my bike that won't work. Which right now is fine since I can't make my pump work so my tires are flat. Maybe I should look into another sport. :) May have to go embarrass myself at the bike store and beg for lots of help. Or just keep buying new tires? ha ha ha

For a long time I did not use a computer because I thought it would detract from the ride.

I got a computer so that I could follow cue sheets on club rides.

I don't find that the computer detracts from my riding, after all. I like it, and I like knowing the stats after my ride. It's also good for intervals, and for motivation.