Phone as bike computer

[PedalGoat]

Hi. I have a spare phone that I want to use as a bike computer. Looking for a steady stem bracket. also want to track my power. Can I buy a sensor that just pairs with the phone?nothing too expensive. Will be on an mtb. Thanks

[Bikalot]

Hi @PedalGoat our business is the importer of the SP Connect phone mounting system. We have phone specific cases and universal clamps or sleeves with various mounting options. Check out: https://sp-connect.co.za/ and shout if you have any further questions. Not able to advise on sensor unfortunately.

[Mongoose!]

  On 11/7/2024 at 8:15 PM, Bikalot said:

Hi @PedalGoat our business is the importer of the SP Connect phone mounting system. We have phone specific cases and universal clamps or sleeves with various mounting options. Check out: https://sp-connect.co.za/ and shout if you have any further questions. Not able to advise on sensor unfortunately.

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You have some cool stuff on your website 👌👍

[Mike Dewing]

  On 11/7/2024 at 8:15 PM, Bikalot said:

Hi @PedalGoat our business is the importer of the SP Connect phone mounting system. We have phone specific cases and universal clamps or sleeves with various mounting options. Check out: https://sp-connect.co.za/ and shout if you have any further questions. Not able to advise on sensor unfortunately.

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Those look really good.. pretty sure youll come right there.. 

ive never heard of a stand alone power meter device.. its always pedals or cranks.. so never cheap

[PedalGoat]

Yeah. Some good stuff there. I guess you right as that is dependent on the rotational velocity of the pedals. Only cadence sensor then. Tx

[BuffsVintageBikes]

I can vouch for the SP Connect product. I have a phone mount on my adventure motorbike and mountain bike and it's performed outstandingly over the years despite putting it through some hectic terrain 👍

[droo]

What kind of sensor are you after? 

Speed will work off the phone's GPS, if you want HR or cadence you'll jut need to make sure whatever sensor you get transmits Bluetooth. The default is ANT which your phone won't pick up.

[Mike Dewing]

  On 11/8/2024 at 5:39 AM, PedalGoat said:

Yeah. Some good stuff there. I guess you right as that is dependent on the rotational velocity of the pedals. Only cadence sensor then. Tx

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Oh yeah, cadence sensors just attach to the crank and arent expensive.. but yes make sure its Bluetooth compatible..

[Mamil]

At first glance a smartphone might seem a good alternative to a bike computer but they aren't really fit for the purpose. 

Weather is a factor. USB ports don't like getting wet. So a good waterproof protective case is needed. Also screen visibility in sunlight can be an issue.

By the time you've covered those costs you might be better off investing in a Garmin 130 or similar which will come with a mount.

 

 

[Mike Dewing]

  On 11/8/2024 at 12:23 PM, Mamil said:

At first glance a smartphone might seem a good alternative to a bike computer but they aren't really fit for the purpose. 

Weather is a factor. USB ports don't like getting wet. So a good waterproof protective case is needed. Also screen visibility in sunlight can be an issue.

By the time you've covered those costs you might be better off investing in a Garmin 130 or similar which will come with a mount.

 

 

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Legit comment.! 

and maybe a black friday bundle deal will happen.. 

[ChrisF]

  On 11/8/2024 at 12:23 PM, Mamil said:

At first glance a smartphone might seem a good alternative to a bike computer but they aren't really fit for the purpose. 

Weather is a factor. USB ports don't like getting wet. So a good waterproof protective case is needed. Also screen visibility in sunlight can be an issue.

By the time you've covered those costs you might be better off investing in a Garmin 130 or similar which will come with a mount.

 

 

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And phones dont like being in direct sun for hours on end ... if he plans on longer rides.

[Mamil]

  On 11/8/2024 at 1:03 PM, Bike Dewing said:

Legit comment.! 

and maybe a black friday bundle deal will happen.. 

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  On 11/8/2024 at 1:18 PM, ChrisF said:

 

And phones dont like being in direct sun for hours on end ... if he plans on longer rides.

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And gloves on smartphone screens ... Or even sweaty fingers with sunscreen on them....

 

[ChrisF]

  On 11/8/2024 at 1:03 PM, Bike Dewing said:

Legit comment.! 

and maybe a black friday bundle deal will happen.. 

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Keep an eye on CWC / CL .... just do your homework !!

 

Last year they actually had a some GOOD prices on a number of Garmin products.

 

My go-to guy for these looked at their add and his screen ... checked again .... shook his head .... he could buy it cheaper from CWC than his dealer price from Garmin.

 

 

again .... just do your homework, as CWC has a bad reputation for inflating prices beforehand to make the "discount" look good.  On these products they actually had a very real and very good discount.

[Mike Dewing]

@ChrisF navworld as well.. get most of  my garmin stuff there.. 

[PedalGoat]

 Thanks all. I understand that the phone has its limits. I currently only ride with my Fenix 5.i want to ride longer distances and have been following some on Strava to use their routes. For now, cadence sensor is fine, HR from Fenix and a cheap phone as a computer. Strava and Bike trails offline apps a good start. 

[ChrisF]

Why do you want a device ?

 

Do you want to record your ride data ?

 

OR

 

Monitor the data while riding ?

 

 

OR BOTH ??

 

 

 

I started with an entry level Polar watch.  Great for recording, not so great for checking data on the move.

 

If you are new to the sport your training and progress may well require monitoring data on the move ....

 

 

Garmin 130 is a very good entry level device.

 

Couple of generic brands may meet your requirements.