Cycle computers
Discussion
Tall_Paul said:
I have a wahoo bolt and a Garmin Forerunner 245 music watch, the bolt has been very reliable with just the odd quirk, same for the forerunner.
I have been tempted to change to a Garmin MTB GPS, mainly for the fact that when riding, I have to record on both devices as the bolt has better elevation accuracy and cycling features, but I use the forerunner as my overall fitness tracker, so runs/rides/sleep/steps etc. and to get a workout from the bolt to the garmin connect, is a right faff. And I'd quite like trailforks etc on the GPS, would be really handy.
My forerunner syncs strava courses just by starring them and then syncing in connect, do the newer GPS units not do this?
Also looks like there's a way to get RWGPS to sync via a connect IQ app, has anyone tried that? https://ridewithgps.com/help/iq/
I mainly run but I use cycling as supplementary / cross training and it's much easier to track overall progress within the same ecosystem, so I moved from a Bolt to a Garmin 530 recently. Works really well and the 530 feels like a significant upgrade over the Bolt to me. I particularly like the ClimbPro feature, but the navigation is better as well, as is the implementation of Strava Live segments.I have been tempted to change to a Garmin MTB GPS, mainly for the fact that when riding, I have to record on both devices as the bolt has better elevation accuracy and cycling features, but I use the forerunner as my overall fitness tracker, so runs/rides/sleep/steps etc. and to get a workout from the bolt to the garmin connect, is a right faff. And I'd quite like trailforks etc on the GPS, would be really handy.
My forerunner syncs strava courses just by starring them and then syncing in connect, do the newer GPS units not do this?
Also looks like there's a way to get RWGPS to sync via a connect IQ app, has anyone tried that? https://ridewithgps.com/help/iq/
Happy with the switch to the Garmin.
Thanks guys for the replies to my problem. So, I did a factory reset yesterday, deleting all my settings and data history, deleted the Edge from my phone Bluetooth, and deleted and re-installed the Garmin Connect phone app just to be on the safe side. Then gradual re-paired to the phone, re-built my profile and data screens (tedious for a new user as it's not always evident which sub-menu you need to drill down to find certain data fields.......) then introduced my 4 sensors to the unit.
It went smoothly (apart from the time taken) and the Garmin immediately synced a new route I'd just set up in Strava. Went for a short 90 min spin this evening and everything worked again with no drops outs or freezes and the ride automatically uploaded to Strava. Fingers crossed problem sorted!
The only thing I did different this time was disable Auto Sleep, which supposedly disconnects all sensors and Bluetooth after 5 min inactivity. Hopefully this will help as problems tended to arise following a short stop.
The sensor connection protocol seems to differ between Wahoo and Garmin. With the Wahoo I was never aware of sensors connecting - they appear to be 'always on' once the unit has warmed up and found satellites - yet the Garmin tells you each time a sensor (re)connects. I don't understand how these things operate - most sensors have to be nudged to activate them (battery saving measure) but I don't know if there's still some very low level signal the head unit can latch onto even when the sensor is 'asleep'.
The other general thing I struggle with is why a GPS unit can perform perfectly out of the box and then progressively deteriorate as the weeks go by? Clearly the hardware hasn't changed (apart from occasional firmware updates which I accept can trigger problems) but perhaps repeated powering on and off somehow leaves confusing duplicate memories of device profiles within the software and these have to be cleared out eventually? Probably I'm spouting rubbish as I'm no software engineer!
My final comment is that Garmin has a tremendous reputation for state-of-the-art GPS and digital displays in aviation, including even an auto-land option for light aircraft for when the pilot conks out. If they can get this right where there's zero tolerance for errors and system crashes why can't we have the same reliability in our humble running and cycle computers? Does the aviation division have a better calibre of engineers (and testing obviously to a more thorough level) or is it simply that in aviation all peripherals will be hard-wired and not rely on flaky Bluetooth connections?
It went smoothly (apart from the time taken) and the Garmin immediately synced a new route I'd just set up in Strava. Went for a short 90 min spin this evening and everything worked again with no drops outs or freezes and the ride automatically uploaded to Strava. Fingers crossed problem sorted!
The only thing I did different this time was disable Auto Sleep, which supposedly disconnects all sensors and Bluetooth after 5 min inactivity. Hopefully this will help as problems tended to arise following a short stop.
The sensor connection protocol seems to differ between Wahoo and Garmin. With the Wahoo I was never aware of sensors connecting - they appear to be 'always on' once the unit has warmed up and found satellites - yet the Garmin tells you each time a sensor (re)connects. I don't understand how these things operate - most sensors have to be nudged to activate them (battery saving measure) but I don't know if there's still some very low level signal the head unit can latch onto even when the sensor is 'asleep'.
The other general thing I struggle with is why a GPS unit can perform perfectly out of the box and then progressively deteriorate as the weeks go by? Clearly the hardware hasn't changed (apart from occasional firmware updates which I accept can trigger problems) but perhaps repeated powering on and off somehow leaves confusing duplicate memories of device profiles within the software and these have to be cleared out eventually? Probably I'm spouting rubbish as I'm no software engineer!
My final comment is that Garmin has a tremendous reputation for state-of-the-art GPS and digital displays in aviation, including even an auto-land option for light aircraft for when the pilot conks out. If they can get this right where there's zero tolerance for errors and system crashes why can't we have the same reliability in our humble running and cycle computers? Does the aviation division have a better calibre of engineers (and testing obviously to a more thorough level) or is it simply that in aviation all peripherals will be hard-wired and not rely on flaky Bluetooth connections?
Tall_Paul said:
Might have to see if santa can bring me an edge 1030 plus this Christmas 
It is handy sometimes having both devices recording and connected to my heart rate strap, watch with HR as the single screen and then everything else on the GPS.
Good news! It is handy sometimes having both devices recording and connected to my heart rate strap, watch with HR as the single screen and then everything else on the GPS.
With my 530, I always find it better to open Garmin Connect on the iPhone before turning on the computer, and I've read this is the way to do it. Has stopped any BT problems since.
One thing to remember, the order in which things take priority when syncing (for eg heart rate zones) is garmin connect web 1st, garmin connect mobile 2nd, watch/gps 3rd.
So, if you set custom HR zones on the watch but still have different ones on garmin connect web, it'll change back to the old ones.
Best way is to set them in garmin connect web, let that sync to garmin connect mobile and the watch/gps.
It's a really annoying thing, and I don't know why you need 3 different places to set 1 one thing, but hey ho...
So, if you set custom HR zones on the watch but still have different ones on garmin connect web, it'll change back to the old ones.
Best way is to set them in garmin connect web, let that sync to garmin connect mobile and the watch/gps.
It's a really annoying thing, and I don't know why you need 3 different places to set 1 one thing, but hey ho...
Tall_Paul said:
One thing to remember, the order in which things take priority when syncing (for eg heart rate zones) is garmin connect web 1st, garmin connect mobile 2nd, watch/gps 3rd.
So, if you set custom HR zones on the watch but still have different ones on garmin connect web, it'll change back to the old ones.
Best way is to set them in garmin connect web, let that sync to garmin connect mobile and the watch/gps.
It's a really annoying thing, and I don't know why you need 3 different places to set 1 one thing, but hey ho...
I'm guessing they might be working with the same development team who works for Microsoft, they also love doing the same thing through 1000 different places.So, if you set custom HR zones on the watch but still have different ones on garmin connect web, it'll change back to the old ones.
Best way is to set them in garmin connect web, let that sync to garmin connect mobile and the watch/gps.
It's a really annoying thing, and I don't know why you need 3 different places to set 1 one thing, but hey ho...
I use a Giant Neostrack currently, which up until Saturday has been great. It has the features of the Garmin 520 at half the price. However, Saturday's ride it ran out of charge before I finished, so I couldn't save the ride. Recharged it, went out for an epic ride on Sunday, and something was up from the second I turned it on, culminating in NOT recording my epic ride. Tuesday's commutes also didn't record, despite me deleting a lot of route files on it (I thought maybe the internal memory was full or causing the problem) so I tried a hard reset. Had to reenter all my settings via the units buttons, which is a pita, but a short test ride round the block seemed to restore everything. Then the full ride to work the screen froze about 5 minutes from the end, and is still frozen now, 5 hours later!!!
So I think I need a replacement, the Garmin 530 seems to offer everything I want, although I can't find one under £220. The Wahoo options are in that ball park but aren't as attractive to me (apart from the set up on the app
).
So my question is are there any viable alternatives to the 530 that are cheaper? Lezyne seem to offer some rivals but their range is confusing. Any other makers out there? What's the XOSS like?
So I think I need a replacement, the Garmin 530 seems to offer everything I want, although I can't find one under £220. The Wahoo options are in that ball park but aren't as attractive to me (apart from the set up on the app
). So my question is are there any viable alternatives to the 530 that are cheaper? Lezyne seem to offer some rivals but their range is confusing. Any other makers out there? What's the XOSS like?
Daveyraveygravey said:
I use a Giant Neostrack currently, which up until Saturday has been great. It has the features of the Garmin 520 at half the price. However, Saturday's ride it ran out of charge before I finished, so I couldn't save the ride. Recharged it, went out for an epic ride on Sunday, and something was up from the second I turned it on, culminating in NOT recording my epic ride. Tuesday's commutes also didn't record, despite me deleting a lot of route files on it (I thought maybe the internal memory was full or causing the problem) so I tried a hard reset. Had to reenter all my settings via the units buttons, which is a pita, but a short test ride round the block seemed to restore everything. Then the full ride to work the screen froze about 5 minutes from the end, and is still frozen now, 5 hours later!!!
So I think I need a replacement, the Garmin 530 seems to offer everything I want, although I can't find one under £220. The Wahoo options are in that ball park but aren't as attractive to me (apart from the set up on the app).
So my question is are there any viable alternatives to the 530 that are cheaper? Lezyne seem to offer some rivals but their range is confusing. Any other makers out there? What's the XOSS like?
Stick to Garmin or Wahoo. DC Rainmaker has tonnes of information on cycle computers and really detailed reviews too so is a good place to get more info on what would work best for youSo I think I need a replacement, the Garmin 530 seems to offer everything I want, although I can't find one under £220. The Wahoo options are in that ball park but aren't as attractive to me (apart from the set up on the app
). So my question is are there any viable alternatives to the 530 that are cheaper? Lezyne seem to offer some rivals but their range is confusing. Any other makers out there? What's the XOSS like?
+1 for DCRainmaker, though I guess he doesn't always hold onto stuff long enough for reliability issues to emerge. Reader comments on his reviews should add extra flavour.
Certainly I'd tend to steer clear of small or new 'niche' brands as there must be a question mark over support if they fail to sell enough to achieve critical mass in a competitive market.
Another option might be to find a good condition used Garmin or Wahoo on eBay. Eg Bolts go for around £100+ - that's what mine fetched with perfect screen and 12 hr battery life though casing was scruffy. Even if you buy new, and have to exchange after problems, you might not get a brand new unit. A friend of mine returned a Garmin 820 to Evans and found the replacement unit already had a dozen rides from somebody else on it!
Certainly I'd tend to steer clear of small or new 'niche' brands as there must be a question mark over support if they fail to sell enough to achieve critical mass in a competitive market.
Another option might be to find a good condition used Garmin or Wahoo on eBay. Eg Bolts go for around £100+ - that's what mine fetched with perfect screen and 12 hr battery life though casing was scruffy. Even if you buy new, and have to exchange after problems, you might not get a brand new unit. A friend of mine returned a Garmin 820 to Evans and found the replacement unit already had a dozen rides from somebody else on it!
millen said:
+1 for DCRainmaker, though I guess he doesn't always hold onto stuff long enough for reliability issues to emerge. Reader comments on his reviews should add extra flavour.
Certainly I'd tend to steer clear of small or new 'niche' brands as there must be a question mark over support if they fail to sell enough to achieve critical mass in a competitive market.
Another option might be to find a good condition used Garmin or Wahoo on eBay. Eg Bolts go for around £100+ - that's what mine fetched with perfect screen and 12 hr battery life though casing was scruffy. Even if you buy new, and have to exchange after problems, you might not get a brand new unit. A friend of mine returned a Garmin 820 to Evans and found the replacement unit already had a dozen rides from somebody else on it!
The USB port on my first Bolt became loose after I used cheap USB cables with it (lesson learned) and Wahoo sent me a new unit fully boxed with accessories under warranty as a replacement, no questions asked Certainly I'd tend to steer clear of small or new 'niche' brands as there must be a question mark over support if they fail to sell enough to achieve critical mass in a competitive market.
Another option might be to find a good condition used Garmin or Wahoo on eBay. Eg Bolts go for around £100+ - that's what mine fetched with perfect screen and 12 hr battery life though casing was scruffy. Even if you buy new, and have to exchange after problems, you might not get a brand new unit. A friend of mine returned a Garmin 820 to Evans and found the replacement unit already had a dozen rides from somebody else on it!
I've been looking at buying a navigation device for exploring on my road bike. My plan is to have a vague route pre-loaded, but then will deviate off this, and might want to edit things as I go and find places on the way.
At the same time as performing multiple navigations, I want it to record the entire trip as a single ride for Strava.
Do they all cope with this, or do they have a single 'active' route at any one time?
I've been looking at Garmin 530 and Wahoo Roam
At the same time as performing multiple navigations, I want it to record the entire trip as a single ride for Strava.
Do they all cope with this, or do they have a single 'active' route at any one time?
I've been looking at Garmin 530 and Wahoo Roam
alock said:
I've been looking at buying a navigation device for exploring on my road bike. My plan is to have a vague route pre-loaded, but then will deviate off this, and might want to edit things as I go and find places on the way.
At the same time as performing multiple navigations, I want it to record the entire trip as a single ride for Strava.
Do they all cope with this, or do they have a single 'active' route at any one time?
I've been looking at Garmin 530 and Wahoo Roam
On the Wahoo side the Roam does but the original Bolt and Elemnt don't. The main difference in that respect between Wahoo and Garmin is that the tweaks to your route will be done through your phone with Wahoo (which will update your unit automatically) but on the unit with Garmin per my understandingAt the same time as performing multiple navigations, I want it to record the entire trip as a single ride for Strava.
Do they all cope with this, or do they have a single 'active' route at any one time?
I've been looking at Garmin 530 and Wahoo Roam
alock said:
I've been looking at buying a navigation device for exploring on my road bike. My plan is to have a vague route pre-loaded, but then will deviate off this, and might want to edit things as I go and find places on the way.
At the same time as performing multiple navigations, I want it to record the entire trip as a single ride for Strava.
Do they all cope with this, or do they have a single 'active' route at any one time?
I've been looking at Garmin 530 and Wahoo Roam
The map detail and the user interface with the map on a 530 aren't good enough to do that. That's iPhone territory or similar, or a combination of both. What you could do is load a course to the 530 and use the iPhone google maps or even OS Maps to deviate. Rerouting to the planned course or not as you see fit.At the same time as performing multiple navigations, I want it to record the entire trip as a single ride for Strava.
Do they all cope with this, or do they have a single 'active' route at any one time?
I've been looking at Garmin 530 and Wahoo Roam
As for the interface to Strava, the 'course' loaded is ignored. Only the actual route travelled and associated biodata is uploaded to Stava.
Edited by ian in lancs on Friday 17th July 08:24
I had a first issue with Garmin 530, for some reason the GPS coordinates had not registered for first minutes of my ride yesterday. Every other sensor did including speed/distance. Not a major inconvenience but frustrating as from now on I will have to check if everything is locked on before setting off.
Not read all the replies, but I went through 5 Garmins in less than 8 months 4/5 years ago. I then switched to Wahoo when the Elemnt was the only option.
Immediately far better (B&W mapping aside). 100% reliable, longer battery, I was immediately a convert. Incredibly intuitive, fully customisable and a doddle to map, upload routes, download rides. It just works.
I bought a ROAM last year and that has jumped up the game yet again. Battery life is phenomenal (I did a 13hr/360km charity ride and the ROAM still has 22% charge, despite being used for navigation as well).
Big difference is, Garmin is a tech-led GPS company, cycling is an offshoot. Wahoo is a company set up/owned by a cyclist. That small difference shows massively.
Immediately far better (B&W mapping aside). 100% reliable, longer battery, I was immediately a convert. Incredibly intuitive, fully customisable and a doddle to map, upload routes, download rides. It just works.
I bought a ROAM last year and that has jumped up the game yet again. Battery life is phenomenal (I did a 13hr/360km charity ride and the ROAM still has 22% charge, despite being used for navigation as well).
Big difference is, Garmin is a tech-led GPS company, cycling is an offshoot. Wahoo is a company set up/owned by a cyclist. That small difference shows massively.
I have an edge 530 and thought I'd share my experiences. I bought the unit about a year ago as my first cycling computer after watching some reviews online. In the time I've had it, I've used it for about 3000kms of riding and have had two issues in all of that time. The first was the sensors getting stuck at a specific reading until the ride finished. That has happened only that time for me. The second was the unit rebooting during a ride. In that case it came back on still showing the ride and recording properly. I lost maybe 200m of data while it restarted.
The downsides are how fiddly it is to set up. Once I'd made my road and MTB profiles, it was just an occasional tweak to change a data field. It's a bit annoying to get yourself started, but in theory you shouldn't have to do it more than once.
As for connectivity, mine does it all over wifi. I leave it in sleep mode rather than powered off so it can do it's own firmware updates. I can browse my strava routes using the connect IQ app. It uploads automatically at the end of each ride without me intervening. Battery life is impressive too. I did a 200km ride last week with navigation and it still had 43% battery at the end.
When some years have passed and I'm looking to upgrade it, I'll look at all the options. Being into tech, I'd probably try something else just to have a broader experience. That can wait a while as the next purchase is a power meter...
The downsides are how fiddly it is to set up. Once I'd made my road and MTB profiles, it was just an occasional tweak to change a data field. It's a bit annoying to get yourself started, but in theory you shouldn't have to do it more than once.
As for connectivity, mine does it all over wifi. I leave it in sleep mode rather than powered off so it can do it's own firmware updates. I can browse my strava routes using the connect IQ app. It uploads automatically at the end of each ride without me intervening. Battery life is impressive too. I did a 200km ride last week with navigation and it still had 43% battery at the end.
When some years have passed and I'm looking to upgrade it, I'll look at all the options. Being into tech, I'd probably try something else just to have a broader experience. That can wait a while as the next purchase is a power meter...
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff