Smart phone or bike computer

[eccc whippet]

I would like to fit a device to my bikes to record cadence...heart rate and routes that i travel.

 

Not sure what to do...buy a garmin device and fit it to the bike option 1...complete package...from R5000- R10 000 depending on the unit.

 

Or 

 

iphone 5 with a quick release and waterproof case...already have an old iphone 5...but then need to get the attachments for the bike...not sure of price yet...but it seems iphone 5 accessories are easy to find and available in a huge variety...with apps to run everything.

 

Or

 

sony Z1...suppose to be dust and water resistant...but wouldnt take a chance...the phone has already been repaired due to water damage...the phone is huge and it doesnt feel that robust...and i am not sure that i will find a suitable cover...unless i just fit one of those canvass bags on the crossbar or stem...the only reason i am considering the z1 is because it has been repaired and become a disposable item...if it breaks i throw it away...i am also not sure how well it works on strava or wireless devices.

 

The smart phone route also allows me to use the device for walking...running etc...if i get around to it...i then also dont have to carry a spare phone just in case...never used a garmin device so i dont know anything about them...the other bonus using the phone is if you go for a run or walk...you can plug in headphones and have tunes.

 

what do you use or think would be a better option?

 

 

[Lurch the stalker]

I gather from the comments that either phone you are contemplating is not your primary phone.

Firstly, you'll need a SIM and data for this to work.

Secondly, with neither being a new device, you might need to consider battery life. If you ride long distances you are going to possibly have it die on you.

 

The up side of course it is much cheaper than buying the Garmin.

 

I guess you could use both phones until they die and then get the Garmin after that

[DJpak]

Go for Garmin.

U cant compare between iphone and garmin.

[shaper]

Garmin, you will not regret it! Take a look at the Garmin 25 or 520

[Deeno]

After I got an upgrade I use old phone as bike computer. Mounting easy. .. one of those cellphone holders mounts in the stem bolt. For bout 100 bucs @LBS.

 

Anway: advantages:

running my favourite apps Strava, Runtastic pro at the same time

listen to music while you ride.

Answer phone calls while you ride (with earphones obviously)

save some $$$ (use it rather on components or kit)

you can even use as gps and pre load routes.

 

Disadvantages

screen can be dull in the brightest sun and dusty routes

battery can last to 4-5 hours if you switch screen off now and then 6 if you push

if you fall... its not very shock proof!!!!

remember to keep it charged!!!

[GaryvdM]

If you have an unused old phone, they work great. I use a water damaged S2. The cell phone does not work, but the GPS does. If you are using an android phone, I recommend this app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.maps.mytracks

 

I would not recommend using your primary phone, and if you are buying, get a Garmin.

[GaryvdM]

I can go 12hrs on my S2. This is with no sim card, and WiFi and Bluetooth off.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I've had both, and if I had the cash I'd go for a dedicated fitness watch like the Fenix 3, so that it can do the normal exercise bit but just have that extra bit of functionality. The GPS systems in the dedicated units are that much better, plus you don't want your phone just chilling on the bars or stem. It's just asking to be damaged. I used to stow my Note 3 in my pocket or camelbak, which was paired with my ant+ Garmin belt, and could have paired with the cadence and speed sensors and any ant / low power Bluetooth power meters etc.

 

However. It absolutely drains the battery. If you want to see the info as you ride, get a dedicated unit. Don't mount your phone on the bars. If you want to record just for post ride analysis, use your iphone and get the required bits to make it work.

[eccc whippet]

Update...my primary phone is an iphone 5 at the moment.

 

the secondary phone is still new...battery life is around 2-3 days not used much..water resistant sony Z1 which got wet and the screen went dead...sent it in to find out why...was told it was water damaged beyond repair...at voda shop...sent in in to another shop...R230 later the phone is reset and working working fine.

 

So now i have a choice...iphone as primary phone and sony as bike phone or sony as primary and iphone as bike phone...or blow R5000 + on a garmin.

 

one good thing about the iphone are the accessories...you can get just about anything for an iphone from quad lock bike attachments to a bullet proof...water proof...dust proof cover.

 

The sony Z1 not so easy to find accessories.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Update...my primary phone is an iphone 5 at the moment.

 

the secondary phone is still new...battery life is around 2-3 days not used much..water resistant sony Z1 which got wet and the screen went dead...sent it in to find out why...was told it was water damaged beyond repair...at voda shop...sent in in to another shop...R230 later the phone is reset and working working fine.

 

So now i have a choice...iphone as primary phone and sony as bike phone or sony as primary and iphone as bike phone...or blow R5000 + on a garmin.

 

one good thing about the iphone are the accessories...you can get just about anything for an iphone from quad lock bike attachments to a bullet proof...water proof...dust proof cover.

 

The sony Z1 not so easy to find accessories.

Use the iPhone, buy one of those low power Bluetooth hr straps that is compatible with them, premium strava and the speed / cadence sensor. Wahoo make a great package ftgaor that.

 

Just make sure that if you put it on the bars, that it's a proper clamp.

 

That'll have all the functionality you need

[shaper]

Seems to me you have already made your mind up to go phone.

 

And a garmin is less than R5000 for what you want it to do, look at the Edge 500 or even the 200

[Mrgreeky]

Get the Wahoo RFLTK+ about R1700 from shopandship.co.za it has a build in altimeter, it is small,  fits like a normal bike computer. It is made for iPhone, you can download the Wahoo bike apps for free. Unit works with BT, pair to your iPhone which you can then switch off and have over 6 hours of battery. Wahoo have a great Heartmonitor  about R800 which also links via BT on iPhone to the RFLTK as well as a cadence and speed meter  about R800 which fits on the bike and shows data via same channel. It has an app which registers all the Km's done with specific bikes. The app is great but the unit also works with Cyclemeter and Strava. you can receive spoken messages and can be followed on FB. If you on Vitality download Polar Beat, it links to Wahoo heartrate monitor and you can upload immediately from the phone for full vitality points. I've tried them all this is the best all rounder and extreemly reliable. unbelievable amount of data is downloaded on the iPhone. 

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Just about to get my old note3 back, which will form my dedicated fitness unit. Already have my old Garmin strap, which is compatible with the note thanks to the phone's ANT+ capability.

 

Just need to add a cadence sensor for my roadie sessions, and it's all good to go.

[Bub Marley]

I use an iPhone 5s as a bike computer. It works but I think if you can afford a garmin, go that route. If you use your cellphone, your screen needs to be off mostly otherwise your battery will never last which can be a bit of an annoyance. I normally average around 15% battery use per hour and that's obviously with minimal screen touching. The more times you touch your screen, the faster your battery will die. So far my phone hasn't fallen, fingers crossed, but its come close especially on steep descents where the roads are not that great. Any slight bump in the road could cause the phone to pop out.

[canadonis]

Hi

 

Firstly for many reasons mentioned above a garmin is much the only way to go to measure ur cadence speed history etc....yah yah I know there are others like polar, suunto etc I've had them all nothing better than a garmin. The only question is which garmin..I've got an 800 it's amazing bit of over kill tho if had to do over 500/510/520 would be sufficient for my needs..I would also suggest the same for you...

 

My proposal is as follows..sell the iPhone 5, take the money to buy the garmin use the Sony as ur primary phone..problem solved..what's the big deal u really don't need 2 phones.

[Lurch the stalker]

So far my phone hasn't fallen, fingers crossed, but its come close especially on steep descents where the roads are not that great. Any slight bump in the road could cause the phone to pop out.

 

This does not instill confidence.

That is on the road, and isetech's cycling interests say MTB, sounds like one phone about to go MIA...