Getting my first "good bike". Currently using Strava on my phone to track rides. If you could build a system from scratch, what would you do? Don't need top-end stuff (I'm not going to be racing or anything), but don't need super budget either.

Thanks!

Cateye was a really nice brand when I was into cycling. Got the one that showed cadence. A little mor PIA to setup but I liked having that info.

what are you hoping to get out of a bike computer? Whenever I rode, I just used my Garmin to track distance, heart rate, power and all that. Do you ride where you need turn by turn navigation? To me, that would be the only reason to use one as a casual rider. If you are riding familiar routes I'd have a hard time splurging for that if you already have a watch that will pair with all your accessories/sensors. Once you are done with the ride, it uploads to Strave with all the data to look at.

Do you have a power meter? Just want something GPS?

I like the garmin eco space so I have an edge 840.

I've been happy with my Garmin Edge 530. Color screen with as many data fields you can throw at it. Mine doesn't have a touch screen, but I'm fine with old school buttons.

The mapping is helpful for gravel routes otherwise I never use the mapping feature.

Something to consider is a HR strap and what head units it's compatible with. Even if you get a bike with a power meter, having HR is a nice data point.

Fair question. Route, speed, cadence would be my main focus. I don't think I need dynamic routing; 90% of my rides are on the trails in Dallas.

As others have posted I'd look at the Garmin 540 / 840 series.

Other things I would consider are a heart rate strap and maybe a power meter. HR will be good for just base line tracking, PM if you're looking to improve. A PM alone won't make you faster, but is one of the best tools to do so if used correctly for training.

A lot of head units can do gps speed & distance, personally, I'm not a fan. I still like having a hub based speed/distance connected to the head unit. I still have a super basic Edge 500, with the Garmin speed sensor 2 on the hub. My power meter gives me cadence. My HR strap connects (or I can transmit HR from my watch).

Garmin edge series. Just look and compare the models online.

From there you can add a HR strap, power meters, cameras, rear radar detection, etc.

Go big or go home!



Kidding aside, just pick up a used Garmin.

Coros just released a bike computer. Their watch is great (less expensive than a Garmin but very highly rated).

GeorgiAg said:

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Go big or go home!

Kidding aside, just pick up a used Garmin.

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That's gotta be DC Rainmaker. The best place for reviews of all things bike tech.

I think that's where the pic was from. Yeah, great reviews, OP - DC Rainmaker.

I'm a Garmin homer. In addition to the built-in features, Garmin also allows outside applications for things like my Notio, Xert, and other sensors.

IF you want to go cheap but functional - Look on Temu and AliExpress. Are they as good as name brand - No. Do they do all the basic just as well - yes.

I have only used Garmin, currently have an edge 820, so I am biased. Nonetheless, it has been great and works well with many add ons in the future that you may not have yet.

Having speed, cadence, etc.is good but you are likely going to want a power meter at some point. Monitoring your power output is, IMO, a better way to monitor your improvement. If you a month ago, you averaged 180 watts on a ride but can now do it in 200, you are getting stronger. Your speed average can vary greatly based on terrain and/or weather/wind. On windy days or hilly rides, I average a slower pace. However, I know I'm doing well if I'm maintaining the same or improving my power output.

The other feature I love on my Garmin is the radar (add on device) that notifies me of vehicles approaching and their distance. I know I can't control approaching drivers but having an increase situational awareness helps keep me safer.