

Ride-Tracking Gadgets for Data-Hungry Cyclists

Today's wireless bike computers and GPS units offer cyclists pretty much any information they want or need: speed, distance, cadence, power, heart rate, and even where they stopped for coffee.
The Basic: Sigma BC 1009 STS
1 of 4
The Basic: Sigma BC 1009 STS
Those who want just the simplest ride information can't do much better than Sigma's basic wireless model. The unobtrusive unit fits on most handlebars or stems and is a breeze to install. The lightweight computer logs your current, maximum, and average speeds, plus trip distance and mileage total. It's simple to use, with a face that's large enough to making reading real-time data easy. Best of all, the Sigma is by far the least expensive option. You likely won't spend more than $50. The mileage and speed data should be just as accurate as a GPS unit that costs four times as much.

The Sigma maintains cumulative mileage, but if you want to keep a more detailed riding journal, you'll have to manually transfer your daily ride data to a spreadsheet.

2 of 4
Follow Your Heart: CatEye Strada Digital Wireless Bicycle Computer
Training for a century ride or triathlon? Consider a more advanced unit that measures heart rate and cadence as well as speed and distance—we like CatEye's Strada. This tool will gauge your training efforts as its cadence sensor measures pedaling efficiency. Cycling coach Whitney Burdzilauskas believes heart rate can be one of the best ways to monitor your progress as an athlete. "[Heart rate] is a great way to measure fatigue resistance, measuring what happens to your heart rate over multiple efforts of the same intensity," Burdzilauskas says. "As an athlete becomes more fit, he or she experiences smaller jumps in heart rate, and it comes down quicker."

These units are typically a bit more versatile than a basic bike computer, but expect to spend about double the cost. When buying one, make sure you know exactly what you're getting. Many manufacturers sell the cadence sensors or heart-rate-monitor strap separately.

3 of 4
Feel the Power: Garmin 510
Stat junkies love the functionality of the Garmin 510. The 510 measures all the information provided by the other units and adds GPS and ANT+ capabilities. Ride data can also be automatically downloaded to training software and social media via Bluetooth.

On the bike, the 510 not only tracks your speed, mileage, and location, but also can update you on the weather. The 510's more expensive sibling, the Garmin 810, adds even more bells and whistles, including downloadable maps and turn-by-turn navigation.

Many of these units work with ANT+ compatible heart rate monitors and power meters, but the power meters are almost always sold separately and can cost more than twice as much as the GPS-enabled computer itself.

4 of 4
Tapping Your Smartphone: The Topeak iPhone DryBag
Many people carry a powerful computer and GPS unit in their pocket every day. Transform your Apple smartphone into a functional bike computer with a waterproof, handlebar-mounted case such as Topeak's iPhone DryBag. Paired with an app like Bike Ride Tracker, you have an effective bike-computer/GPS unit for one-tenth the cost.

Most fully charged iPhones can be used as a GPS unit for about 4 hours before the battery runs down. If you tend to do more epic rides (or if you crash a lot), a stand-alone unit may be a better option.

Before moving forward with any of these gadgets, ask your more experienced cyclist friends for their suggestions. Stop by your local bike shop, try out different units, and confirm that what you get is compatible with your bike.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
More From Sports