Measuring and using cadence (and sensors)

[MTBc]

I've done a little research on cadence and from what I understand in terms of cycling, its a measurement of the number of cycles (of the crank). I've also been investigating computers (e.g. Garmin Edge 500 or FR 305 - seen a lot of discussion of this in the forums, thanks for all the feedback ), and see that they have cadence sensors.

 

Specifically, I've been looking at a SDM4 (foot pod) vs. GSC10 for use with FR305 - question 1 - would the SDM4 attached to a riding shoe somehow give an accurate measure of cadence on a bike, or is this module designed more for runners? And then I guess it would be a bit of a mission to attach to riding shoes.

 

With regards to the GSC10 from the easygis site: "The GSC 10 attaches easily to your bike, where the cadence sensor detects signals from your wheel" but I thought cadence was based on crank cycles, not wheel cycles. Am I misunderstanding cadence, or does the gsc10 attach to the crank some how?

 

I know the Edge is a much better option, but I'm leaning towards the FR because I could potentially get one for about half the price, and both offering HR, cadence and GPS (2nd hand FR & new GSC for R1200 vs R2700 edge500 bundle), and seems like a smarter option to go for (unless I'm overlooking something?)

[Bianchi]

No no.

The Garmin speed/cadence module, can be used on your crankarm and works the same way as it would as a normal speedometer. I think the website just has their wording wrong.

 

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1266&ra=true

 

That's what you use. It is compatible with the FR too.

Edited November 14, 2012 by Bianchi

[Minion]

"The GSC 10 attaches easily to your bike, where the cadence sensor detects signals from your wheel" but I thought cadence was based on crank cycles, not wheel cycles. Am I misunderstanding cadence,

The GSC10 attaches to your left chainstay and detects both cadence (from a crank magnet) and speed (from a wheel magnet that I presume they're referring to above).

[MTBc]

ok, got it. thanks

 

on the subject, what's the biggest benefit you get from GPS in a computer? planning prior to riding, navigation during the ride, or analyzing after? or a combination of all 3?

[Bianchi]

ok, got it. thanks

 

on the subject, what's the biggest benefit you get from GPS in a computer? planning prior to riding, navigation during the ride, or analyzing after? or a combination of all 3?

 

Yup.

You can do three things with a GPS (ok, maybe more)

Speed measurement during the ride

Post-ride analysis

Navigation (either like a navigation gps or breadcrumbs)

[Jeepdude]

Gps is supposed to be accurate than a manual speedo meter , combine that with the GSC10 speed sensor you have exact distance/speed measures. concerning the footpod that is only for foot strike rate... it acts like a pedometer and wont measure snot on a riding shoe. is pretty useless with a gps watch unless you go run on a treadmill