Training aid, worth upgrading?
Discussion
Currently use a "Cateye" to monitor my rides/training, just time and distance. Now thinking about moving to "Strava" with something like this:
http://www.sigmasport.co.uk/p/21694/garmin-forerun...
Anybody use something similar, good idea?.....advice please? Thanks.
http://www.sigmasport.co.uk/p/21694/garmin-forerun...
Anybody use something similar, good idea?.....advice please? Thanks.
Are you actually going to be training using heart rate zones? There's little point in spending the extra on a HRM-equipped device if you aren't going to use it to determine training zones, effort profiles, lactate thresholds etc.
You can usually find a cheaper device that will do all the GPS stuff without the HRM stuff, if that's what you're after (or use a phone app if you carry a phone on your rides).
You can usually find a cheaper device that will do all the GPS stuff without the HRM stuff, if that's what you're after (or use a phone app if you carry a phone on your rides).
ewenm said:
Are you actually going to be training using heart rate zones? There's little point in spending the extra on a HRM-equipped device if you aren't going to use it to determine training zones, effort profiles, lactate thresholds etc.
You can usually find a cheaper device that will do all the GPS stuff without the HRM stuff, if that's what you're after (or use a phone app if you carry a phone on your rides).
Would like something to use on the bike and in the gym (weights, Concept 2 rower, treadmill and spinning), and then be able to track/record daily/weekly training. HRM/training zones?.....yep.You can usually find a cheaper device that will do all the GPS stuff without the HRM stuff, if that's what you're after (or use a phone app if you carry a phone on your rides).
Garmin, Polar, Suunto are all good brands for this sort of thing. Garmin being GPS-led and Polar/Suunto being HRM-led.
It's probably worth investing in a lactate threshold test too to allow you to find out your heart rate zones properly. For running it's 3mins on a treadmill at a set pace (very easy to start with), a quick fingerprick for a drop of blood (that is analysed in a handheld machine), then repeat at 1kph faster and again and again until the lactate levels spike. Then plot the results against heart rate and look at where the curve changes. This gives you an idea of what pace relates to what heart rate and how both relate to your aerobic threshold. From that you can plan effective training.
Most decent sports training centres will have people who can do them although I don't know how it works for cycling.
It's probably worth investing in a lactate threshold test too to allow you to find out your heart rate zones properly. For running it's 3mins on a treadmill at a set pace (very easy to start with), a quick fingerprick for a drop of blood (that is analysed in a handheld machine), then repeat at 1kph faster and again and again until the lactate levels spike. Then plot the results against heart rate and look at where the curve changes. This gives you an idea of what pace relates to what heart rate and how both relate to your aerobic threshold. From that you can plan effective training.
Most decent sports training centres will have people who can do them although I don't know how it works for cycling.
mrmr96 said:
Strava has a FREE app that runs on Android and iPhone. So why not use that? If you want the heart rate stuff then I think you can get that to talk to the phone too, so you don't need to get a GPS reciever.
Mmmmmm? I just use a Nokia mobile to make a few calls/texts so smartphone stuff is not for me.gra001 said:
mrmr96 said:
Strava has a FREE app that runs on Android and iPhone. So why not use that? If you want the heart rate stuff then I think you can get that to talk to the phone too, so you don't need to get a GPS reciever.
Mmmmmm? I just use a Nokia mobile to make a few calls/texts so smartphone stuff is not for me.Interesting, and a decent answer if you want to look at the screen whilst you're riding. Since I already have a compatible phone I'm using the free app and I have to say that I've not had any problems with the GPS trace. (When I used it on an iPhone 3G it was s
te, but works just fine on a 4S and 5.) So to get 'live' info whilst I'm riding I've ordered a cycle computer with cadence. The GPS data about route and climbs and things I'm happy to review when I get home.
However, having said that, if money was no object (or if I didn't already have a suitable phone) then getting the garmin which does both functions in one box (i.e. live updates on speed/cadence as well as the logging and gps trace for review later) might be the better shout. I'm just bias as I think strava is "free" since I have the phone to run it already.
te, but works just fine on a 4S and 5.) So to get 'live' info whilst I'm riding I've ordered a cycle computer with cadence. The GPS data about route and climbs and things I'm happy to review when I get home.However, having said that, if money was no object (or if I didn't already have a suitable phone) then getting the garmin which does both functions in one box (i.e. live updates on speed/cadence as well as the logging and gps trace for review later) might be the better shout. I'm just bias as I think strava is "free" since I have the phone to run it already.
OK, I've now narrowed my choice down to Garmin Edge 500 or 800. Maps is a nice feature on the 800 but as I plan to spend much of the year in Oz I will also have to purchase appropriate updates at £100++...not convinced it's worth it. So, if I go for the 500 can I use in UK and Oz with no changes?
what you hope to get out of Strava? seems like a lot of money to spend just to go plod around the same routes trying to get a bit faster. once you know the route, you dont need half the features.
the value of those garmin edge things is the maps where you just go off in one direction, get completely lost after 30 miles or so and then let it find your way home. if all you want is a HRM, GPS and a pacing tool, have a look for a Garmin 305 forerunner. i've used one for years and its a good piece of kit, there are some on ebay around £100.
alternatively, spend £50 on a HTC Desire smartphone and a pay as you go sim, download the app and just use it for strava, the gps is just as good and keep your nokia for calls etc. by having the payg sim, you can call people if there is an emergency, accident, triple puncture etc etc...
the value of those garmin edge things is the maps where you just go off in one direction, get completely lost after 30 miles or so and then let it find your way home. if all you want is a HRM, GPS and a pacing tool, have a look for a Garmin 305 forerunner. i've used one for years and its a good piece of kit, there are some on ebay around £100.
alternatively, spend £50 on a HTC Desire smartphone and a pay as you go sim, download the app and just use it for strava, the gps is just as good and keep your nokia for calls etc. by having the payg sim, you can call people if there is an emergency, accident, triple puncture etc etc...
gra001 said:
OK, I've now narrowed my choice down to Garmin Edge 500 or 800. Maps is a nice feature on the 800 but as I plan to spend much of the year in Oz I will also have to purchase appropriate updates at £100++...not convinced it's worth it. So, if I go for the 500 can I use in UK and Oz with no changes?
Free Garmin maps for the entire worldhttp://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/OSM_Map_On_Garm...
You can even have multiple maps on one Garmin by simply renaming your existing OSM map to GMAPSUPP_UK.img and then copying the map for Australia onto a Micro SD card using the original name of GMAPSUPP.img, then when you've finished using it just rename the Austrlia map to something else and rename your original UK map back to GMAPSUPP.img
gra001 said:
OK, I've now narrowed my choice down to Garmin Edge 500 or 800.
DC Rainmaker (Google it) has very in-depth reviews of these.I haven't used the 800, but did own its predecessor the 705 until it got nicked. I found the navigation very irritating for various reasons, and replaced it with a 500. Now I have a smartphone too I tend to pull that out when I get very lost. The usability of the navigation functions on the 705 varied quite a lot from country to country and place to place, and depends on density of streets and other factors. It can take an age to recalculate the route and has no usable "divert" function.
Garmin bike products have nowhere near the sophistication of the car products, from the perspective of mapping.
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