What Does a Speedometer Measure in a Bike

Introduction

(What does a bike speedometer measure)

The main job of a bicycle speedometer is to accurately and precisely measure your bicycling activity such as distance covered, altitude, speed, power, cadence, and heart rate.

Many cyclists are curious about their metrics, how far they traveled and how fast they ride. And this is exactly what a bike speedometer does - tells you all you want to know about your ride including your cadence and power.

Others also offer navigation that is a detailed direction for your route.

(Do you need a bike speedometer?)

But hey, that handset or smartwatch can also give you the required feedback about your rides. This is a good way of saving some cash while getting the whole information you need about your ride.

(How to Use your smartphone as a bike computer)

These apps also allow you to share your data and routes with your friends and correlate your rides with others in the online community. A good thing is that the basic functions of these apps like logging mileage and the routes you ride are free. For more premium features, you'll need a subscription.

If you got a cyclist app that meets your needs, the next thing is to get a bike phone mount that you'll use to attach your phone securely to your bike's handlebar.

A disadvantage of using a phone as a bike speedometer is providing ride information and navigation consumes a lot of battery power.

But if your phone battery is good, then this isn't an issue to worry about. However, just know that batteries in cycle computers and fitness trackers will surely last more than phone batteries. Some cyclists also shun the idea of using phone cyclist apps as they prefer to save their battery power and use it to call in case of accident or break down.

(How to Use a Fitness Tracker as a Bike Speedometer)

This is because most GPS-enabled fitness trackers feature a cycling mode that offers navigation aid and performance feedback and navigation aid. If you're the type that enjoys many activities and is a techie on each, then Fitness trackers are a good option for you. An additional important of using a GPS fitness tracker is there's no need to mount it on your bike as it will be on your wrist. Just look for a good and high-quality fitness tracker on Amazon or the nearest store and grab.

(How to Use a Cycle Computer as a bike speedometer)

Getting a real cyclo-computer as your bike speedometer will enable you to get more precise data and a wide range of metrics. Cycle Computers also feature customizable displays and a longer battery display for longer rides or tournaments. Just like any other gear, higher quality cycle computers provide you with more powerful processing, a more elegant user interface, and more additional features.

(Key Features of a Bike Speedometer)

1. GPS Functions

Some expensive bike computers come with a more sophisticated GPS function that enables you to connect to multiple satellite systems for precise and faster tracking.

1. Wireless Technology

The more sophisticated ones also work with added communication technologies like Bluetooth.

1. Cycling Functions

If you're intending to buy a speedometer and a special sensor, consider buying them together as bundle price is cheaper.

1. Mountain Bike Functions

If possible, get a bike speedometer that features mountain bike functions as you'll be able to enjoy getting more precise and accurate information.

1. Heart rate monitoring function

Cycling speedometers are worth buying, this is because they are purposely designed for this job.

They're high quality, crash-proof, waterproof, and aerodynamic, which makes them a safer option than phones and fitness trackers. Also, some advanced bike computers offer additional features like heart rate monitoring, cycling functions, and mountain bike functions. But, if you want to save some dollars your mobile phone or fitness tracker can do the job of a fitness tracker for you.

An important thing to take note of in bicycle speedometers is their water resistance. Generally, these gadgets are built to keep out heavy rain, but the water resistance level varies from brand to brand. Experience has shown that the bicycle speedometer model that has altitude functions should not be immersed in water, as they need a vent to enable the altimeter to work which is why they should be kept away from water as much as possible.

Another crucial thing to consider is the battery life.

Here, the type of cycling you do will determine how much battery life you will need. Bike computers are designed to be used for long periods and come with batteries that last for a long time, however, the life expectancy of the batteries varies. Make sure you choose a durable speedometer that has a long battery life, at least long enough for your rides.

Conclusion

This is one of the reasons why you're enjoined to get a bike computer rather than to use a fitness tracker or your mobile phone to track your riding information. As stated earlier, the main work of a cyclo-computer is to help you track your riding performance and at times provides navigation information, if you can't afford a bicycle speedometer, then you can use the STRADA app which is an excellent cycling tracking app that enables you to keep track of your performance and compare key statistics such as distance and pace.

With this app, you can track your progress, set goals and compare your progress with that of other cyclists in the app community.

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