Best Value Cycling Data Acquisition System for Strava?
Discussion
Hi All,
Currently using the Strava App on iPhone which logs position, altitude, speed etc so I get a nice plot at the end of the ride. However I don't have any additional sensors for things like cadence or heart rate. So I've considered buying these and connecting to the App.
However before taking the plunge I wanted to ask about alternatives, because I know some people use a Garmin system which will produce a log file to upload to Strava. That would be an obvious choice for someone without a smart phone, but since I do (iPhone 5 if it makes any difference) it seems to make sense to use that? Or does a dedicated system do a better job? Seems like some people have trouble with the iPhone battery on longer rides?
Basically can someone explain what else I could/should be logging (heart rate seems like the main one?) and what the best way to go about this will be?
Cheers
Currently using the Strava App on iPhone which logs position, altitude, speed etc so I get a nice plot at the end of the ride. However I don't have any additional sensors for things like cadence or heart rate. So I've considered buying these and connecting to the App.
However before taking the plunge I wanted to ask about alternatives, because I know some people use a Garmin system which will produce a log file to upload to Strava. That would be an obvious choice for someone without a smart phone, but since I do (iPhone 5 if it makes any difference) it seems to make sense to use that? Or does a dedicated system do a better job? Seems like some people have trouble with the iPhone battery on longer rides?
Basically can someone explain what else I could/should be logging (heart rate seems like the main one?) and what the best way to go about this will be?
Cheers
It really depends if you just switch the phone on and stick it in your pocket or have it on view whilst you're riding so you can see speed, distance etc. if you just pop it in your pocket, I'd keep using the phone but if you want a dedicated unit, a Garmin edge 200 does loads of good stuff and they are well under £100 now. You can plot routes on map websites, send them to the unit and follow them on the bike, loads of other nice features and of course, strava compatibility too.
What are you going to do anything with the cadence/heart rate data? I rarely look at mine because I'm not using it as part of a particular training methodology and you soon learn when you are pushing hard!! I think you'll need the edge 500 for that sort of thing but it just seems overkill for most people.
What are you going to do anything with the cadence/heart rate data? I rarely look at mine because I'm not using it as part of a particular training methodology and you soon learn when you are pushing hard!! I think you'll need the edge 500 for that sort of thing but it just seems overkill for most people.
Thanks for the reply. Basically I'm cycling for to lose weight so would like to be able to see improvements. Of course if you ride the same route then you can check your average speed, but that doesn't really tell you how hard you're working, and it's a bit of a blunt tool to tell if you're improving.
Will also be handy if I can log turbo trainer sessions somehow. Actually having g heart rate data visible will mean I'm able to get my hr in the fat burn zone n keep it there whilst on the trainer and on the road will be particularly useful for sufferfest d da as would ur be a good proxy for perceived effort?
Would the strava app show live hr info if I could mount it on the bars? Or is a Garmin the more sensible option? How do the accessories compare?
Cheers
Will also be handy if I can log turbo trainer sessions somehow. Actually having g heart rate data visible will mean I'm able to get my hr in the fat burn zone n keep it there whilst on the trainer and on the road will be particularly useful for sufferfest d da as would ur be a good proxy for perceived effort?
Would the strava app show live hr info if I could mount it on the bars? Or is a Garmin the more sensible option? How do the accessories compare?
Cheers
Edited by mrmr96 on Thursday 6th February 22:57
I have a Garmin Forerunner 305, which is quite old now, but I love it. It is a large wrist-watch type device, but does most of what a 500 does. I don't use it to plot routes, but that might be more me being lazy to work it out. You can get similar things from Suunto, Polar, Nike etc. It is also good for running, skiing, even just walking. It comes with a strap for HR, but the cadence sensor was extra.
One tip for losing weight - go out in the morning before breakfast, and try and do a good hour or two before eating. That way your body is forced to eat in to your stored energy (fat) rather than what you have consumed before you started.
One tip for losing weight - go out in the morning before breakfast, and try and do a good hour or two before eating. That way your body is forced to eat in to your stored energy (fat) rather than what you have consumed before you started.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
Better value still if you use your British Cycling membership for an additional 10%
The Bryton software has a pretty good breakdown on the HR zones. Although I rarely use that. Strava will happily map out your HR info across the ride.
You'll need to buy a Speed\Cadence sensor. They're about £30 on ebay if you shop around.
They're a good unit. Very impressed with mine. Having your HR info in front of you helps too.
Better value still if you use your British Cycling membership for an additional 10%
The Bryton software has a pretty good breakdown on the HR zones. Although I rarely use that. Strava will happily map out your HR info across the ride.
You'll need to buy a Speed\Cadence sensor. They're about £30 on ebay if you shop around.
They're a good unit. Very impressed with mine. Having your HR info in front of you helps too.
Gribs said:
For an ANT+ cadence sensor the cheapest appears to be Decathlon @ £16.99. Works perfectly well with my Bryton rider 20. These are currently £65 at merlin with a HRM. You'll spend as much as that just buying iphone compatible sensors.
Ooooooo, I read somewhere that Decathlon sensors didn't work. I shall pick one of those up next time I'm near a store.Dixie said:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
Better value still if you use your British Cycling membership for an additional 10%
The Bryton software has a pretty good breakdown on the HR zones. Although I rarely use that. Strava will happily map out your HR info across the ride.
You'll need to buy a Speed\Cadence sensor. They're about £30 on ebay if you shop around.
They're a good unit. Very impressed with mine. Having your HR info in front of you helps too.
http://www.merlincycles.com/bryton-rider-20-gps-co...Better value still if you use your British Cycling membership for an additional 10%
The Bryton software has a pretty good breakdown on the HR zones. Although I rarely use that. Strava will happily map out your HR info across the ride.
You'll need to buy a Speed\Cadence sensor. They're about £30 on ebay if you shop around.
They're a good unit. Very impressed with mine. Having your HR info in front of you helps too.
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