What data fields do you show on your GPS/computer?

I've had mine set to show time of day, time, distance, and speed, but I just ordered a cadence sensor, so I'll definitely want to add cadence. Also would like to add grade. Only have max of four on mine, and it's a tough decision to make. I guess I can get rid of time of day, but I'd like to see the rest. It would be nice if you could push a button to view a second set of four, but it doesn't seem like that's an option.

I'm curious as to what all of you think is important enough to have at hand all the time.

What computer are you using?

Veronica

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Originally Posted by Veronica

What computer are you using?

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Garmin Forerunner 305

Oh, but you do have that option!

I have a Garmin 305. It rotates through 3 screens-

one has just altitude and grade.
The others have 4 readings on each screen.

I don't remember the exact arrangement on the rest, but during the rotation i see:

speed
average speed
distance
heart rate
cadence
how long I've ridden
and I forgot the other two

My DH set it up - I could ask him how to do it.

Each screen is actually customizable with 2 - 4 data points. I have one screen that only shows three with speed largest, distance and time smaller.

Veronica

My computer will scroll if I set it right, but since it's really easy to reset if I push the wrong button, I just let it sit on the odometer (since I don't mind doing a little mental math) and current speed. I wear a watch while I ride, so I don't need the time.

Mine has three screens, but the first has the four fields, the second the map, and the third shows how to get to my destination.

I'm sure I'll get it figured out eventually. Thanks for letting me know it's possible! I feel kind of stupid now for not realizing that it has the feature I want.

Okay, it looks like this is what you do:

Settings -> General -> Display -> Auto Scroll Timer Pages: Set to speed you want

I wonder how much faster this will run my battery down.

Thanks for letting me know I can view more fields! Still would like to know your answer to my question, since now 12 is a lot! I'm trying to set the first two screens to things that will also help for hiking, and then using the bike-specific one for bike-only stuff (like cadence).

When the bike is in the trainer I show HR, time, distance and speed. Really I could just cut it down to HR and speed for those rides. I do have a cadence sensor, but I don't really care about cadence anymore.

Outside I show speed, distance and time.

You can change modes on the forerunner 305. In running mode I show pace, distance and time.


Veronica

You don't have to auto-scroll if you don't want to, although it shouldn't affect battery life if you do. On my Forerunner 310XT I can manually scroll through the windows using the up/down buttons - IIRC it was the same on my old FR301. What might affect battery life is your backlight options. Manual scrolling turns on the backlight if it's set to on - I'm not sure if auto-scrolling would turn it on or not, but you can set it to not come on.

I honestly wouldn't bother with grade on a Forerunner. Without a barometric altimeter, real-time grade readings just aren't even close to being accurate. I actually had grade displaying on my 310 when I first got it, but I took it off, because it was so inaccurate.

I do like to display sunset time.

On the bike computer, I primarily use one window for pacelining (where I have elapsed time and speed prominent), and another for solo riding (cadence and distance prominent). The Edge series only gives me two windows, but up to eight data fields in each. I use six, so I can have two fields large and easy to see with my old eyes.

On the Forerunner, it depends on what workout I'm doing. On a long run or a recovery run I'll display only heart rate and cadence ... that'll keep me from stressing about pace.

I have the Edge500 but I show- ride time, heart rate, speed, power, and actual time.

When I have a specific workout that requires a certain cadence, i add that and take off actual time.