Cadence monitor?

[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