Tag: cycling computer

Garmin Mounts Up

It had to happen. Several companies have introduced cycle computer mounts for Garmin computers, including the Bar Fly that we noted last week, as well as the K-Edge, Quarq and 3T. Now Garmin has seen that it is likely just supporting the aftermarket when they could be jumping on that band wagon.

This week the company introduced a new composite material mount that features a hinged mount for easy installation when the insertion point for mounting the computer can be rotated. Thus the Garmin Out Front Mount ($39.99) can be used with road, mountain and even time trial bikes, and it works with all Edge devices. Mount up!

Garmin Official Website

Bar Fly Raises Bar With TT Mount for Cycle Computers

Handlebar mounts for cycling computers are fairly common and we’ve seen a few that have been truly innovative in how it places the computer right where it can be seen without requiring the rider to take their eyes off the road for an extended time.

Several makers have road and mountain bikers covered but now the Bar Fly TT mount from Above Category will let those who are likely really moving on a time trail or triathlon bike get all the digital details as well. Instead of placing the cycle computer near the stem, where it could be hard to see when it the tucked position, the Bar Fly TT is designed to mount on the aerobar extensions, putting it right where it truly needs to be. Continue reading Bar Fly Raises Bar With TT Mount for Cycle Computers

Polar RCX3 BIKE Ready for the Road

We really love the Polar RCX5 Tour de France training computer that is ideal for cycling, running, swimming and other sports. But for those who simply want to stick to the wheel the RCX5, which costs more buck, probably offers more bang than is needed. So rather than buying a monitor and not use all the functionality, those riders should look to the RCX3 BIKE, which can measure speed, distance, cadence and heart rate.

It is available now in a GPS version, and includes a zone optimizer so users can adjust heart rate zones for a ride, to track current condition, as well as fatigue, recovery and hydration.

Data can be shared with friends for some friendly competition in training, and the RCX3 can track routes, speed and distance – combining the benefits of having a cycling computer and heart rate monitor.

It offers a training benefit program, with instant performance feedback on each session – and that data can be analyzed in greater detail on Polar’s personal training website.

Polar Official Website

Climbing Computer

Cycling computers can do it all these days, but that’s not always a good thing. Cyclists – especially at the pro level – aren’t all generalists or general classification riders. There are sprinters and there are climbers too, and the latter could use some specialized equipment.

This is where the PRO Scio Alti comes in. The wireless device can track the usual stuff such as maximum and average speed, total distance and even temperature. But it also can track current and average gradient, as well as current altitude. This way you can know how much you’ve climbed… or have to climb!

Pro Official Website

CES 2012: iBike Trains for iBike POWERHOUSE Release

With a handful of apps, the iPhone doubles as a cycling computer, but a new app and companion case from iBike will offer custom readings depending on the user’s goals. One such app-plus-case is the iBike Cycling Computer. The iBike POWERHOUSE is what the company is calling an “intelligent cycling computer” that automatically adjusts to exercise goals.

Those exercise goals offered by iBike POWERHOUSE include “iSlim,” “Express Fitness,” “Brazilian Butt,” “Kid Fit,” “Weekend Warrior,” “Zero to 50 miles in 3 weeks,” and “Healthy Heart.” The program guides you through a series of 45 to 90-minute bike rides. During each ride, the user is coached to pedal at specific levels of effort. Continue reading CES 2012: iBike Trains for iBike POWERHOUSE Release

Velocomp iBike Coach Pushes Riders

Gone are the days of the cycling computer with one or two buttons that cycle through speed, distance, cadence and limited readings. The smartphone is the perfect venue for the cycle computer, with the appropriate app. It’s got a nice big screen, and connectivity offers real-time maps and location data along with those stats of speed, distance and time on the bike.

Velocomp just introduced its iBike Coach for the iPhone. It’s a handlebar-mountable case that holds the iPhone and protects it from water and other damage. The case encloses the phone and protects it in the event of a crash or other blunt force.

Video after the jump

Case Turns iPhone Into iBike Cycling Computer

The iBike Dash CC (Cycling Computer) is a case and app combo that turns your iPhone or iPod Touch into a cycling computer. The iBike is a top-loading case that fully encloses your iPhone and mounts it to your handlebars. The phone then displays a number of readings such as maps, speed, heart rate and other data.

Five colored heart rate zones tell you how hard you’re pushing it. You can use the meter to tell you when you’re at 50 percent to 100 percent of your max and when you’re in a fat-burning zone if that’s your goal.

Continue reading Case Turns iPhone Into iBike Cycling Computer

Apple Spins Patent for Cycling

Apple's diagram for its Smart Bike patent application currently in development.

Looking for a cycling computer? There’s an app for that. Apple recently filed with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office for various concepts of a newly-advanced Smart Bicycle System. Reportedly in development, the app will use the iPhone’s (or iPod iTouch) accelerometer and gyroscope to measure speed, distance, time, altitude, elevation, incline, decline, heart rate, temperature, weather, wind speed and other factors relevant to cycling. A few other add-ons such as a heart rate monitor strap and sensors to place on the wheel will likely be required to take full advantage of the app.

Other news outlets are reporting the iPhone and app that pro cyclists could adopt and even used to communicate while racing in a stage. Most teams already have cycling computers that read all the same settings and report back to the team’s manager in the team car. Garmin-Transitions Slipstream, for example, has Garmin as a sponsor and part of the GPS manufacturer’s commitment is in supply of cycle computers and other equipment. It is possible some teams will opt for the iPhone app, and certainly will be open to a sponsorship. Several new teams have been announced and it wouldn’t be all too surprising to see an Apple team form in the next year or so.

Whether the app is used by competitive cyclists, expect to see plenty of hipsters on track bikes with their iPhones mounted to the handlebars. We just hope they refrain from text and ride practices.

[via: Patently Apple and Huffington Post]