bike computers - /n/ (#2039903)

Anonymous
5/8/2025, 9:15:03 PM No.2039903
Screenshot 2025-05-08 221439
Screenshot 2025-05-08 221439
md5: 209323482b73fe04ae7f1b04421d2d7c🔍
I am currently using a xiaomi smart band 9 to track my rides (so thats GPS from phone + HR from band), I start and end the ride from the band and the app automatically transfers the route, speed and heart rate to strava
I am wondering if I should upgrade to a bike computer cus I am not worried about how much calories I burn nowadays, as I got the idea of it. I just want to know how far I went and how long it took me, and to keep track of cadence so I learn to ride optimally
I have been looking at XOSS G2+ (pic related) with 2 sensors - one for cadence on crank and other on rear hub for speed (rotation)
my questions about bike computers in general are:
>do the bike computer accessories (cadence, speed, HR) connect to it, or to the phone
>does only the bike computer connect to your phone and stay connected constantly, or only to transfer data to strava or an app once the ride finishes?
>can I just get on my bike and ride, and the bike computer will then automatically upload my ride to strava once I am done?
>can I still use my xiaomi band 9 to measure my HR? will I be able to see my HR on the screen? or the bike computer only connects to HR sensors and not other "smart" devices
>should I get a bike computer with an actual screen to show maps/route?
>should I even get a bike computer to begin with, I am riding actual gravel and trails, basically exploring my region on weekends and driving 2-3 times to work a week, will the sensors and shit survive the rough terrain?
>will my mechanical watch (8 year old skx007) get fucked by the vibrations from the single/double track?
Thanks
Replies: >>2039958 >>2039961 >>2040919
Anonymous
5/8/2025, 9:27:14 PM No.2039905
1. connection protocols are part of the spec on both the head unit and the accessories. you have to see if the head unit supports accessories of that type (say, hub mounted speed sensor) and if the protocol works (say, ANT+)
2. either/or. I get phone calls and texts on mine if I allow it. not all necessarily would, check the specs
3. the device has to be paired with a supported app and you have to start/end the ride from the device. once that's set, in generally it "just werx"
4. this one is a can of worms, but in general stand-alone HRM sensors (chest or wrist) that do only HRM are going to be the most painless, any multi-function device like a smart watch or a phone may or may not work, and may or may not require a bunch of crazy hacks
5. personally I'm not into that stuff but some are, sure
6. my opinion is that if you ride ore than once or twice a week it's well worth it, sure you can try to use your phone for everything but a head unit is so much nicer and also easier on your batteries
7. probably not, I used to ride with a turtle and it never seemed bothered by it. I wouldn't ride with an antique watch like a pre-diashock seikosha or your brand new GS koda remontoire, but skx is a modern simple movement that shouldn't be bothered by it
Anonymous
5/9/2025, 4:09:31 PM No.2039958
>>2039903 (OP)
>>do the bike computer accessories (cadence, speed, HR) connect to it, or to the phone
yes, but you should check the compatibility from the manufacturer.
>>does only the bike computer connect to your phone and stay connected constantly, or only to transfer data to strava or an app once the ride finishes?
I have this model and I just connect the computer after each ride to upload it to their app and then it syncs with strava
>>can I just get on my bike and ride, and the bike computer will then automatically upload my ride to strava once I am done?
yes, see above
>>can I still use my xiaomi band 9 to measure my HR? will I be able to see my HR on the screen? or the bike computer only connects to HR sensors and not other "smart" devices
it depends on the bike computer, but this model allows you to connect to HR monitors. I use my garmin forerunner to broadcast heart rate to the xoss and it detects it no problem.
>>should I get a bike computer with an actual screen to show maps/route?
it would be very helpful and convenient. This model is very basic and you can't change which data is being displayed on which screen layout (this one has 3)
>>should I even get a bike computer to begin with, I am riding actual gravel and trails, basically exploring my region on weekends and driving 2-3 times to work a week, will the sensors and shit survive the rough terrain?
It depends on the model and rating but I've used this one during heavy rain and it has survived. It also got banged up when my bike fell but it only broke off the retaining locks. Still works. It depends on what you want a computer for and if the data you really want the data it will give you.
no idea on the last question.
Btw, this model isn't as accurate when it comes to % gradients if you're looking for that. It is very basic and limited but it does the job for what I was looking for at the time.

Check out igpsport if you want customizable screens and data display (it's also very cheap)
Replies: >>2039959
Anonymous
5/9/2025, 4:14:17 PM No.2039959
>>2039958
wait, I have the old version (G plus) not this one. Ignore what I said about model specific stuff.
Anonymous
5/9/2025, 5:32:00 PM No.2039961
498400836fc673f5551e54cb3852015cd7f38eac-1027x768_jpg
498400836fc673f5551e54cb3852015cd7f38eac-1027x768_jpg
md5: 12842576ae44d14bf960da24656bb263🔍
>>2039903 (OP)
>Mogs your bike computer
Replies: >>2039962 >>2039987
Anonymous
5/9/2025, 5:40:55 PM No.2039962
>>2039961
You left out the external battery pack since using it for a computer will drain the battery in like 2 hours
Replies: >>2040025 >>2040251
Anonymous
5/9/2025, 5:41:55 PM No.2039963
>implying people who use phones for bike computers would ever even ride a bike for 2 hours
Anonymous
5/9/2025, 10:09:12 PM No.2039987
>>2039961
>destroys your camera
>is illegible during sunlight
>has no battery
Replies: >>2040025 >>2040251
Anonymous
5/10/2025, 2:24:41 AM No.2040023
bike computers feel like something completely unnecessary these days. Unless you just don't want to put your smartphone on your bars or think it's too big / bulky (they're not unless you have a giant phone), it's just an waste of money.
Strava tracks everything I do anyways, just open the app put my phone on my mount and ride.

I'm bringing my phone with me no matter what when I ride anyways.
Replies: >>2040928
Anonymous
5/10/2025, 2:26:13 AM No.2040025
>>2039987
>>2039962
wtf are you people even talking about.

I ride all the time over 3+ hours with my phone as a "bike computer" and never have any issues with battery or anything, what kind of shit phone are you guys using?
Replies: >>2040032 >>2040166
Anonymous
5/10/2025, 3:23:31 AM No.2040032
>>2040025
an expensive phone that I'd rather use as a phone and not as a shitty replacement for basic parts that aren't expensive and do a better job, I do respect you doordash guys though you work hard and it's a dangerous line of work to be in
Replies: >>2040251
Anonymous
5/11/2025, 5:25:03 AM No.2040166
>>2040025
Other anon is right, it takes time (anywhere from months to years, depends on a lot) but it's real. The two main things I hear all the time from phone mount users is the focus mechanism failing and battery failure.
Anonymous
5/12/2025, 2:42:43 AM No.2040251
>>2039962
wat? everyone has OLED screen.

>>2040032
how the fuck do you navigate?

>>2039987
I've been riding for like a year with my phone that has OIS and my camera is fine
modern screens are super bright unless you're using some LCD shit
battery lasts forever.
Anonymous
5/20/2025, 6:40:20 AM No.2040919
>>2039903 (OP)
1) Either. You can connect most of the bike sensors you find on aliexpress to your phone via Bluetooth, and use a free app like OpenTracks or Strava.
2&3) Depends on the model. For most models you connect the bike computer with your phone using an app, and you have to use the app to upload or download data. Not sure which models download the data and upload it automatically, check the model's data sheet.
4) Unlikely. See if you can install the HR2VP app on your watch (it must use WatchOS).
5) YES! lol. I bought an IGPSport BSC200 for $35. While it does almost everything I need, maps and routing are a great function to have, and the cheapest unit to do it is the Magene c506 for $120.
6)No! I first bought the bike sensors and paired them to my phone. However, I liked the idea of having a bike computer due to the longer battery, and saving the battery on my phone. The sensors are plenty tough.
Anonymous
5/20/2025, 12:41:16 PM No.2040927
Maybe this is a good thread to ask...

I got back into mountain biking recently and perhaps looking for a cockpit computer. ALL I want is a live GPS map that approximately guides my way. No need for anything else. No gimmicks. The map should be the main emphasis in terms of quality.

Is there something that just works for the purpose without much fiddling around?
Replies: >>2041218
Anonymous
5/20/2025, 12:43:39 PM No.2040928
>>2040023
>I'm bringing my phone with me no matter what when I ride anyways.
I haven't carried any kind of phone with me since the mid 2000s. I've been considering to get a nice compass and do the old school paper map thing. It has a wonderful feel to it.
Anonymous
5/23/2025, 1:09:59 PM No.2041180
vdo m1.1
vdo m1.1
md5: 8e9e86157e02f5550c443dd9f1923dca🔍
I feel like these expensive, GPS-integrated, wireless ones are actually the opposite of what a bike computer should be.
Picrel was $20, takes one battery, and gives speed/distance/time. If you're fancy, then you get the one with a second, wired sensor for cadence. Never needs to leave the handle bars other than to change the battery once in 18 months.
If you need directions, stop and take out your phone. But you don't need your phone on your handlebars.
Replies: >>2044561
Anonymous
5/24/2025, 12:34:03 AM No.2041218
>>2040927
The magene c506 is the cheapest bike computer that has map navigation.
Replies: >>2046743
Anonymous
6/15/2025, 2:29:42 PM No.2044561
>>2041180
the problem with those things is they get fucked up by those car detector things at stop lights
Anonymous
7/1/2025, 12:20:12 AM No.2046743
>>2041218
>show magene