Tech Corner
BIKE COMPUTERS. Another computer!?!? I ride gravel to get away from technology!
There are a lot of choices when it comes to bike computers - and for each one of those choices, there is a differing opinion. Here are some helpful links to help you decide which computer may be right for you.
Gear Junkie’s 8 Best Bike Computers of 2021
Outdoor Gear Lab’s Best Bike Computers
Cycling News Best Cycling Computers
Average Joe Cyclist’s 7 Best Bike Computers of 2021
You might also wonder if you even need a bike computer when you are just getting started? Can you use your phone? Can you use a fitness watch? The answer is yes (to both)!
Phone vs Cycling Computer (video)
Bicycling.com’s Best Smartwatches for Cycling
Cycling News Best Smartwatch for Cycling
Average Joe Cyclist’s 7 Best Fitness Trackers for Cyclists in 2021
GARMIN vs WAHOO. The epic battle. (Only not as cool as a dance battle…)
While there are many manufacturers of cycling computers, Garmin and Wahoo are the frontrunners in this space. But, even after you have decided on a manufacturer - you still have to decide on a model! Too many choices!!! This is where reviews become vital. Below are links to reviews for the top selling models from these two giants.
Wahoo Elemnt Bolt vs. Garmin Edge 130 Plus
Wahoo Elemnt Bolt vs. Garmin Edge 530
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs. Garmin Edge 130 Plus (Premium vs. Budget)
Garmin Edge 530 vs. 830 vs. 1030 Plus
Garmin Edge 130 (road.cc Video Review)
Garmin Edge 130 (DesFit Video Review)
Garmin Edge 530 (MTB Rad Dad Video Review)
Garmin Edge 530 (Kian Zandi Video Review)
Garmin Edge 830 (Cycling Weekly Video Review)
Garmin Edge 830 (Ride Adelaide Video Review)
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus (Bike Radar Video Review)
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus (Cycling Weekly Video Review)
Wahoo Elemnt Bolt (Bike Radar Video Review)
Wahoo Elemnt Bolt (Two Wheel Cruise Video Review)
Wahoo Elemnt Roam (Cycling Weekly Video Review)
Wahoo Elemnt Roam (Bikepacking.com Video Review)
And we didn’t forget the smartwatches!
Garmin Vivoactive 4 Smartwatch
Garmin Forerunner 745 Smartwatch
I bought it! Now how on earth do I set the darn thing up?!?!
So you decided you wanted to buy a cycling computer. You read and watched all the reviews. You brought it home. And it feels like you should have a degree in rocket surgery to set it up. Thank goodness for all those dorks on YouTube!
Garmin Edge 130: Getting Started
Garmin Edge 130: Navigation Features
Garmin Edge 830: Unboxing and Setup
Garmin Edge 1030 Plus: Long and Detailed Setup Instructions
Garmin Speed and Cadence Sensor Setup
There is an APP for that!
So chances are you have heard people talk about Strava (“If it isn’t on Strava, it didn’t happen” - this is actually a real t-shirt), Ride with GPS, Map My Ride, and other apps they use to track and plan their cycling adventures. This can be a little overwhelming - but trust us - the apps are user friendly and will make your riding more enjoyable. Here is how to get started or maybe discover some apps you didn’t know about.
Bicycling.com’s Best Apps for Cyclists
Cycling Weekly’s Best Cycling Apps
Strava 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Using Strava (video)
How to Use Ride with GPS for Voice Guided Navigation
Gravel Route Planning Pro Tips with Ride with GPS (LONG video)
What is Komoot & How Do We Use It? (video)
Introducing Map My Ride (video)
Training Peaks Explained (video)
Cycling Weekly’s How to Use Training Peaks to Hit Peak Form
To Zwift or Not to Zwift! That is the question. (Well it’s A question, anyway.)
Just like with phone apps, you have probably heard people talk about Zwift, Sufferfest, TrainerRoad, and other indoor training programs they use when they can’t get outside or when the weather just stinks. So, what’s it all about? We thought you would never ask…
Cycling Weekly’s Best Indoor Training Apps for Cycling Compared: Which is Best for You?
Bike Radar’s Best Indoor Cycling Apps Compared: Which Training App Should You Use?
TrainerRoad: The Beginner’s Guide to Indoor Cycling Training
TrainerRoad: Your Ultimate Guide
Best Sufferfest Workouts to Kickstart Your Indoor Training
Sufferfest: Your Ultimate Guide
We know that there is a lot more gadgetry out there when it comes to cycling. You literally could ride like Inspector Gadget! Go Go Gadget Legs! (Wouldn’t that be wonderful to get up hills!) There are trainers, power meters, electronic shifting, gps trackers…the list goes on for days. Stay tuned for expanded information on all things tech!