GPS tracking is a vital tool for professional cyclists, but it’s also useful for recreational riders and mountain bikers.
These devices can be used to track speed, distance, elevation, calories burned and more.
There are many types of GPS units available on the market today, so we’ll go over some different features that you might want your device to have before making a purchase decision.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Pro cyclists use a variety of GPS devices for navigation and data tracking during their rides. |
| GPS devices provide real-time speed, distance, and location information to help cyclists optimize their performance. |
| Popular GPS brands used by pro cyclists include Garmin, Wahoo, and Bryton. |
| Features like accurate mapping, long battery life, and wireless connectivity are important considerations for pro cyclists when choosing a GPS device. |
| Pro cyclists often rely on GPS data analysis to track their progress, set goals, and improve their training routines. |
What GPS Do Pro Cyclists Use?
A GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a device that can help you track your performance on a ride.
If you’re looking to use a GPS for training purposes and want to know what pro cyclists are using, it’s important that you choose the right one. Here are some factors to consider when making your choice:
- Budget
- Purpose of use – whether you want to track performance, training or both
- Type of bike (road vs mountain)
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Training Log
A training log. This is essential for tracking your progress and making sure you’re getting enough time in to build up your endurance, stamina, and power.
Speed and distance tracker. It’s important to be able to keep track of how fast or far you’ve gone so that you can know if the next workout needs to be harder or easier.
Off-road routing. If you like riding in the woods or on other unpaved areas where there aren’t any roads, having a GPS device with off-road routing capabilities will help map out these types of routes for you!
Navigation, with turn-by-turn directions: This is something else that’s helpful when trying not just for yourself but also others who may be following along (for example if they want some pointers from someone who knows what they’re doing).
SOS and emergency help: If something goes wrong while out riding (like maybe picking up too much momentum around a corner), it’s good to know that there are ways within reach should anything happen unexpectedly.”
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| Strava | Social fitness network for tracking and analyzing training activities |
| TrainingPeaks | Comprehensive training and performance management platform |
| Garmin Connect | Integrated platform for tracking, analyzing, and sharing training data |
| Wahoo Fitness | App and device ecosystem for recording and analyzing training metrics |
| Polar Flow | Training and activity tracking platform with advanced analytics |
The table above provides an overview of various brands that offer training log solutions. These platforms enable athletes to record, track, and analyze their training activities, helping them monitor progress, set goals, and optimize their training routines. Each brand offers unique features and capabilities to cater to different athletes’ needs.
Speed And Distance Tracker
GPS speed and distance tracking is pretty much a staple of any GPS device. Here’s how it works:
When you’re using the GPS to track your speed and distance, the unit will give you a reading on how fast or slow you were going in miles per hour (mph).
It will also tell you exactly how far away from your starting point that you are at any given time. This information can be kept up with every second if need be, so if there are any sudden changes in direction or elevation while biking or running, they won’t throw off the readings too much.
With all this data at hand though, it may seem overwhelming to try and make sense out of what all those numbers mean – but don’t worry! We have some tips for using this feature effectively so that it helps rather than hinders training sessions
Off-Road Routing
If you’re a mountain biker, cyclocrosser, gravel grinder or road cyclist or even if you just like to ride with your friends on some country backroads off-road routing is important.
Off-road routes can be challenging and exciting. They offer a different type of riding experience than roads do: more gradual climbs and descents rather than steep hills; rougher terrain that requires more concentration; more technical sections where navigation skills are required; and sometimes mud!
In addition to making for an interesting ride, off-road routes also have the added benefit of being much quieter than roads (especially in areas away from traffic) so they can be good places for wildlife sightings or just quiet contemplation if that’s what you’re into.
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Navigation, With Turn-By-Turn Directions
If you’re looking for a GPS cycling computer that can help guide you to your destination, the best option is a GPS tracking device.
The most popular GPS tracking devices are smartphones and tablets, which users can use with apps like Google Maps and Waze.
However, there are also standalone GPS tracking devices like Garmin’s Edge 520 Plus (MSRP $550) that can be used without a phone or tablet.
GPS tracking enables cyclists to see turn-by-turn directions on their computers or phones as they ride along their route.
It also shows how far away they are from their destination and what streets they need to take in order to get there.
This feature eliminates the need for additional maps, making navigation much easier than it would otherwise be if riders had only written directions available while out on the road.
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| Garmin | Leading brand offering GPS devices with advanced turn-by-turn navigation features |
| Wahoo Fitness | GPS bike computers with turn-by-turn directions and route guidance |
| Bryton | GPS cycling computers providing accurate navigation and turn-by-turn instructions |
| Lezyne | Bike GPS devices with comprehensive navigation features and turn-by-turn guidance |
| Hammerhead | Smart navigation systems for cycling with intuitive turn-by-turn directions |
The table above showcases different brands that provide navigation solutions with turn-by-turn directions. These brands offer GPS devices or bike computers with advanced navigation features, allowing users to receive real-time guidance and instructions during their cycling journeys. Each brand specializes in providing accurate navigation and user-friendly interfaces to enhance the cycling experience.
Sos And Emergency Help
Most GPS units have an emergency SOS button, which will call for help in the event of an accident.
Some companies also offer emergency alert buttons that can be attached to your bike or jersey. These are designed to alert people in case of an accident without the need for you to reach for your phone or device.
In addition to these features, many devices allow you to set up contacts from whom your location will automatically be sent when you’re out on the road.
This can be useful in case something happens and no one else knows where exactly they should start looking for the missing rider (or if they’re even still alive).
Battery Life
Battery life is another important factor to consider when choosing a GPS. The more you use your GPS, the more battery it will drain.
If you’re going on a long ride, it’s best to make sure your GPS has at least 10 hours of battery life so that you don’t run out of juice halfway through your journey. And if you plan on doing multi-day rides or races, make sure the device has enough power for the entire event!
Battery life is affected by many factors the size and brightness of the screen being two of them. Other things like map detail and resolution can also affect how long your battery lasts between charges.
You can extend this time by turning down the brightness setting and using lower detail maps (if applicable). You might also want to turn off features like backlighting while riding; this will help preserve energy as well as safety!
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Heart Rate Monitor Compatible
As a cyclist, your heart rate monitor is your best friend. It can help you understand your body better and train more efficiently by helping to avoid overtraining and injury.
If a device is compatible with a heart rate monitor, it will have some way of connecting or pairing with the HRM so that data can be sent back and forth between them.
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| Garmin | Offers heart rate monitor compatibility across various GPS devices |
| Polar | Heart rate monitor compatibility available on their fitness trackers and sports watches |
| Wahoo Fitness | Supports heart rate monitor pairing with their cycling computers and fitness devices |
| Suunto | Heart rate monitor compatibility on their sports watches and GPS devices |
| Fitbit | Allows connection with compatible heart rate monitors for tracking heart rate data |
The table above presents different brands that offer heart rate monitor compatibility. These brands provide products such as GPS devices, fitness trackers, sports watches, and cycling computers that can be paired with compatible heart rate monitors. Users can utilize these combinations to accurately monitor their heart rate during workouts and training sessions, enabling them to optimize their performance and track their fitness progress.
Strava Compatibility, To Track Segment Times
The second thing to consider is Strava compatibility. Strava is a social network for athletes, and it provides you with a way to track your data (including your segment times) and compare your times with other cyclists.
It’s possible that you might be interested in using Strava segments as part of your training routine.
However, if you plan on doing this then you need to make sure that the GPS watch that you choose will work with Strava.
Most modern devices do support this functionality but it’s always worth checking before buying anything off the shelf just in case there are any issues down the line at which point it would be too late to return them or exchange them for another model
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Altimeter
Garmin Edge 1030 is the best GPS cycling computer you can get. It’s a powerhouse of data collection, including maps and navigation features.
The only downside is that it costs $529 (the Mapping Edition), but if you want more than just a basic GPS unit, this is the way to go.
The Altimeter option on your Garmin Edge 1030 will help you track elevation gain/loss during rides and races with precision accuracy that no other device can match.
This feature tracks changes in elevation so you see how much climbing or descending has taken place during an activity such as hiking or mountain biking.
The altimeter works by measuring air pressure in millibars (mb) to determine altitude above sea level where 1 mb = 100 meters (m).
For example: If you are at 815 mb then your altitude would be 815 meters above sea level which equates to 2132 feet above ground level (AGL).
Gps Tracking
GPS (Global Positioning System) tracking is a great way to keep track of your training. It can help you improve your performance, plan your rides, stay safe and even find new routes.
There are several types of devices that use GPS technology, including phones and watches. However, the best option for cyclists is a standalone unit like the Garmin Edge 520 Plus or Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt.
The advantage of using these devices over smartphone apps is that they offer more accurate data with fewer distractions during workouts and some models even include heart rate monitors so you can track how hard you’re working while biking!
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Conclusion
Now that you know what to look for in a GPS device, it’s time to buy one! We hope this article has helped you in your search for the perfect cycling tracker.
If you want to see some of these features in action, check out our top picks for best GPS watches on Amazon.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on bike computers and cycling GPS units:
- Best Bike Computers: Discover a comprehensive guide to the top bike computers available in the market, providing detailed reviews and recommendations for different cycling needs.
- Cycling GPS Units Buyer’s Guide: Get insights into various cycling GPS units through this buyer’s guide, which includes in-depth reviews, comparisons, and tips to help you choose the right GPS unit for your cycling adventures.
- Best Cycling Computers: Explore a curated list of the best cycling computers available, with expert opinions, features, and functionalities explained to help you make an informed decision.
FAQs
What are the key features to consider when buying a bike computer?
When purchasing a bike computer, you should consider factors such as GPS functionality, display size and clarity, battery life, data tracking capabilities, wireless connectivity options, and compatibility with other devices.
How do bike computers track and display speed and distance?
Bike computers typically use GPS or a combination of GPS and sensors to track speed and distance. They receive signals from satellites or sensors on your bike to calculate and display real-time speed and distance data.
Can I use a bike computer for navigation?
Yes, many advanced bike computers offer navigation features. They can provide turn-by-turn directions, maps, and even offline navigation capabilities to help you navigate unfamiliar routes or follow pre-planned courses.
How does a bike computer measure and display heart rate?
Some bike computers have built-in heart rate monitors, while others can connect to external heart rate sensors. These devices use optical sensors or chest straps to measure heart rate, which is then displayed on the bike computer’s screen.
Are bike computers waterproof?
Most bike computers are designed to be water-resistant or waterproof to withstand exposure to rain and sweat. However, the level of water resistance can vary, so it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure the device can handle your intended usage conditions.
Hellen James is an outdoor enthusiast, writer, and hiker. She loves to explore the world around her by immersing herself in nature and visiting new places.
