Confused!

[thecynic]

Hi,

I am new to biking and am having a hard time figuring out what kind of bike to buy. Would appreciate if someone out here can help.

My main objective is fitness. I have few pounds to lose plus I would like to build up stamina.

I rented a mountain bike (hard tail) for one week and rode it for about two hours a day, followed by a sort of a hybrid (larger wheels) for a week. I don't want the one where I have to bend too much due to a couple of slipped disk incidents in my lower back (the last one less than a year back).

A couple of days back I went to the used bike shop on Soi Chula 5 and tried a Chevrolet mountain bike with back suspension and found it to be comfortable. When I ride bikes with road bike tyres, I don't find them to be challenging enough. They are too light, and I get the feeling that they are not giving me enough exercise. For example, I felt tired after a two-hour ride on a mountain bike but not so much on the hybrid. Though the hard tail mountain bike did give me some trouble with my back at the end of the week.

So my question is, would a full suspension mountain bike be a better deal for my fitness goals? Or should I buy a hybrid? I don't think I will actually go mountain biking in the near future. I only plan to ride it in the city on roads. The heavier mountain bike also gives me a better sense of control, as going faster on a hybrid seems to feel like I have less control over the bike.

Also, as I am new to biking, I don't get how the gears work. On both the bikes, I actually just changed gears in the beginning to what I wanted (I couldn't tell you what number I was on), and never changed them after that. When I came across an incline, I just pedaled harder. From whatever I have read, I assume I just hit a middle gear. Basically, I pedal at a moderate speed. I might get better with time, but I am not sure what to begin with. I can't afford to keep on renting, as it is not cheap.

I am really confused. Please advise. Is there a no-gear full-suspension mountain bike out here (not too expensive, please)?

Thanks in advance!

thecynic

[adammike]

the tyers will make a difference knobbly off roads will make you work harder on the roads,the frame size v seat height v leg length and thats down to you, test ride.

[padsist4]

Go to big c tesco or any of the big supermarkets and pick up a cheap no gears pedal bike less than 2k mine was 1200 bt and give it a go or go to a small local bike shop and pick up a 3 gear bike for about 4k they will advise you happy biking stay safe and remember you will be invisible to the other road users including pedestrians keep you wits about you

[moonoi]

Ultimately go with what you are most comfortable with. But I seriously would not consider a full sus MTB for riding on the road. Better to stick with a hardtail XC (cross country) style MTB or hybrid. You might also consider a endurance road bike, which still has drop bars, but a more comfortable upright position.

If you find riding not challenging enough, just put more effort in and ride faster.

Anyway comfort is the most important factor, especially as you mention having had a back injury.

With regards to gears, you might want to take a look a single speed or fixie (fixed gear) bike if you really don't want to learn how to use the gears.

A fixie has a fixed hub so you can't coast and are forced to pedal all the time, so would definitely give you a good workout, if you decide to look at one though, make sure you fit a front brake in case you need to do an emergency stop for your own safety.

Edited January 9, 2015 by moonoi

[NeverSure]

I don't know if the term "hybrid" is the same everywhere but that's what I have. It has mountain bike components on a longer street length frame and mid-width tires. It goes smoothly down the road but can handle dirt and gravel unlike the real thin street bike tires.

It has a lightweight, thin tube chromoly alloy frame.

It has 21 speeds and I wouldn't want a fixie. I start out with the chain on the smallest front sprocket and on one of the back sprockets depending on the conditions. The largest rear sprocket will give the lowest gear. Sometimes I only shift the front sprocket and leave the rear sprocket in perhaps a medium ring on the cog.

I like the longer frame length because it's more stable and I don't need the quick turns available on the short frame. Yet I have all of the gears and the tires will go off road sometimes when I need it. I don't have a good picture but I'll post what I have.

Edited January 9, 2015 by NeverSure

[h90]

"When I ride bikes with road bike tyres, I don't find them to be challenging enough."

It is challenging enough, if you switch the gear. It is just that you go faster with the same effort. A street racing bike can be very challenging, but than you go with 30 km/h instead of the 20 km/h you would do on the Mountain Bike.

[bobfish]

The above is all good advice. If I had a back problem, I'd seek out specialist sports medical opinion. Sorry, I can't recommend anywhere specific, but I'd be looking at who provides support to the national/ Olympic teams. Not cheap up front, but may be in the long run.

[thecynic]

Thanks guys!

@moonoi - "But I seriously would not consider a full sus MTB for riding on the road"

Is there a good reason for this? I am thinking that a back suspension would lead to less pressure on my back.

I saw a few others today, and I feel better with a mountain bike. I don't need to get anywhere, so going slower or faster doesn't really matter to me. I just felt I was in more control with a mountain bike than a road bike.

Also, does anyone have an idea about Chevrolet bikes? The bike I liked at the second hand shop was for 6,500 baht with back suspension and gears, and the shop owner said it was two yeas old. Or should I go for a new bike?

[bobfish]

I second Moonoi's opinion. I don't know anything about Chevrolet branded bikes, but I 'll hazard a guess that a full Susser at that price point won't have reliable, tuneable or rebuildable suspension. The upside - if we're being 'cynical' - is that it would only be good for on road only. Short time. The possibility of rebound spikes may do your back more harm than good.

If you're looking for upright comfort, consider a name brand cruiser or even Oma bike ( all them Dutchies can't be wrong). Get gears, you apparently lose more weight at a higher cadence ( although I am ready to be proven wrong there).

Last thought; a second hand quality bike will very likely work out cheaper and more reliable than a bargain basement model.

[thecynic]

Thanks. I know nothing anout bikes or brands.

online, I read names like giant, shimano, merida etc. Couldn't find much on Chevrolet so not buying that one.

I will keep looking. Thanks again for taking the time.

[h90]

I second Moonoi's opinion. I don't know anything about Chevrolet branded bikes, but I 'll hazard a guess that a full Susser at that price point won't have reliable, tuneable or rebuildable suspension. The upside - if we're being 'cynical' - is that it would only be good for on road only. Short time. The possibility of rebound spikes may do your back more harm than good.

If you're looking for upright comfort, consider a name brand cruiser or even Oma bike ( all them Dutchies can't be wrong). Get gears, you apparently lose more weight at a higher cadence ( although I am ready to be proven wrong there).

Last thought; a second hand quality bike will very likely work out cheaper and more reliable than a bargain basement model.

I am a bit outdated on my knowledge, but it was always said on higher cadence, you burn more fat instead of sugar for the same power output. As you have limited resources of sugar but unlimited of fat higher cadence is better. But you need to get used to it. Clips (is that the correct english word, for locking yourself on the pedal?) help a lot on that.

[moonoi]

Bobfish covered the full suss question, but on the comfort stakes, depending on how heavy you are, could be worth looking at a Dahon/Dr.Hon or Tern folding bike. The long seatpost acts as a kind of suspension, isolating all but the nastiest of bumps, but they have a max rider limit of 105Kg

Cheapest ones start at around 10k thb

Really the only way to find out what suits you best is to test ride a few (as you have been) and go with the one you like the most.

If you go for an MTB though, I'd suggest swapping the tyres out for road going ones, rather than the knobbly ones that will come fitted. Will make riding on the road far more comfortable.

Edited January 11, 2015 by moonoi

[AnotherOneAmerican]

loads of s/h bicycles on olx.com

[thecynic]

Thanks again.

I bought a new trek mtb with no back suspension and I believe 8 or 9 gears this evening for 16k.

I got tired of thinking about it too much. Will get the tyres changed if find it too uncomfortable.

I am not nearly as overweight, just got bored of the gym.

Thanks again for the help. Hope I made the right choice.

Cheers!

[moonoi]

Thanks again.

I bought a new trek mtb with no back suspension and I believe 8 or 9 gears this evening for 16k.

I got tired of thinking about it too much. Will get the tyres changed if find it too uncomfortable.

I am not nearly as overweight, just got bored of the gym.

Thanks again for the help. Hope I made the right choice.

Cheers!

Nice, You'll probably find you've actually got up to 24 or 27 gears, depending on how many chainrings you've got up front ;-)

Happy riding!

[HooHaa]

I don't know if the term "hybrid" is the same everywhere but that's what I have. It has mountain bike components on a longer street length frame and mid-width tires. It goes smoothly down the road but can handle dirt and gravel unlike the real thin street bike tires.

It has a lightweight, thin tube chromoly alloy frame.

It has 21 speeds and I wouldn't want a fixie. I start out with the chain on the smallest front sprocket and on one of the back sprockets depending on the conditions. The largest rear sprocket will give the lowest gear. Sometimes I only shift the front sprocket and leave the rear sprocket in perhaps a medium ring on the cog.

I like the longer frame length because it's more stable and I don't need the quick turns available on the short frame. Yet I have all of the gears and the tires will go off road sometimes when I need it. I don't have a good picture but I'll post what I have.

3Mc3I53me5N45E65J7d3c55ced0bb4b8f1b54.jpg

seat is way too low, which means either you have it set wrong, or the bike is far too big for you.

running gear is just plain cheap. that bike wouldn't last a week under me. the frame may be cromoly, but it certainly isnt light weight.

these days you can buy a very decent bike sub 30k, the only thing Chinese garbage will do is discourage a new rider with its constant problems.

if you buy buy from a decent shop and buy a real bike that has been checked by the shop and has decent components.

[HooHaa]

Thanks again.

I bought a new trek mtb with no back suspension and I believe 8 or 9 gears this evening for 16k.

I got tired of thinking about it too much. Will get the tyres changed if find it too uncomfortable.

I am not nearly as overweight, just got bored of the gym.

Thanks again for the help. Hope I made the right choice.

Cheers!

good. i hope you had it properly sized.

[villagefarang]

Thanks again.

I bought a new trek mtb with no back suspension and I believe 8 or 9 gears this evening for 16k.

I got tired of thinking about it too much. Will get the tyres changed if find it too uncomfortable.

I am not nearly as overweight, just got bored of the gym.

Thanks again for the help. Hope I made the right choice.

Cheers!

The important thing is, you now have a bike. Personally, I ride Trek so support your choice. My first Trek was more of a starter bike and as my interest grew and I got stronger, my needs changed and the bike evolved with me.

Hopefully your bike will not end up being a piece of exercise equipment which ends up in some dark dusty corner but there is no way to know until you have had it for a while. Riding is a great way to explore areas too far for walking or inconvenient with a car. It is also a good form of exercise.

Some people find it motivational to have a buddy or a group to ride with but for now just enjoy your new bike. Let us know how you feel about your choice after a few rides.

[StreetCowboy]

Thanks again.

I bought a new trek mtb with no back suspension and I believe 8 or 9 gears this evening for 16k.

I got tired of thinking about it too much. Will get the tyres changed if find it too uncomfortable.

I am not nearly as overweight, just got bored of the gym.

Thanks again for the help. Hope I made the right choice.

Cheers!

The important thing is, you now have a bike. Personally, I ride Trek so support your choice. My first Trek was more of a starter bike and as my interest grew and I got stronger, my needs changed and the bike evolved with me.

Hopefully your bike will not end up being a piece of exercise equipment which ends up in some dark dusty corner but there is no way to know until you have had it for a while. Riding is a great way to explore areas too far for walking or inconvenient with a car. It is also a good form of exercise.

Some people find it motivational to have a buddy or a group to ride with but for now just enjoy your new bike. Let us know how you feel about your choice after a few rides.

I found getting a tracking app on my phone a great motivator; as well as boundless statistics, I can relive the trip again once I get home, check out all the wrong turns and alternatives, and spend hours planning future rides. I use Runtastic, recommended by a fellow-poster here

SC

[moonoi]

Thanks again.

I bought a new trek mtb with no back suspension and I believe 8 or 9 gears this evening for 16k.

I got tired of thinking about it too much. Will get the tyres changed if find it too uncomfortable.

I am not nearly as overweight, just got bored of the gym.

Thanks again for the help. Hope I made the right choice.

Cheers!

The important thing is, you now have a bike. Personally, I ride Trek so support your choice. My first Trek was more of a starter bike and as my interest grew and I got stronger, my needs changed and the bike evolved with me.

Hopefully your bike will not end up being a piece of exercise equipment which ends up in some dark dusty corner but there is no way to know until you have had it for a while. Riding is a great way to explore areas too far for walking or inconvenient with a car. It is also a good form of exercise.

Some people find it motivational to have a buddy or a group to ride with but for now just enjoy your new bike. Let us know how you feel about your choice after a few rides.

I found getting a tracking app on my phone a great motivator; as well as boundless statistics, I can relive the trip again once I get home, check out all the wrong turns and alternatives, and spend hours planning future rides. I use Runtastic, recommended by a fellow-poster here

SC

But Strava is better than Runtastic!

Another good tracking app is Endomondo, which also lets you setup personal challenges as well.

I use all of them, but Strava is my primary training aid (if you subscribe to premium, you even get some training videos from The Sufferfest for when you're in the gym or on the turbo trainer), soon you'll be wanting to add another bike, upgrade parts and thinking that those Lycra shorts are a great idea and before you know it you have a cupboard full of jerseys and matching bibs/shorts........or is that just me? ;-)

[thecynic]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Thanks again.

I bought a new trek mtb with no back suspension and I believe 8 or 9 gears this evening for 16k.
I got tired of thinking about it too much. Will get the tyres changed if find it too uncomfortable.
I am not nearly as overweight, just got bored of the gym.
Thanks again for the help. Hope I made the right choice.
Cheers!

The important thing is, you now have a bike. Personally, I ride Trek so support your choice. My first Trek was more of a starter bike and as my interest grew and I got stronger, my needs changed and the bike evolved with me.

Hopefully your bike will not end up being a piece of exercise equipment which ends up in some dark dusty corner but there is no way to know until you have had it for a while. Riding is a great way to explore areas too far for walking or inconvenient with a car. It is also a good form of exercise.

Some people find it motivational to have a buddy or a group to ride with but for now just enjoy your new bike. Let us know how you feel about your choice after a few rides.

I found getting a tracking app on my phone a great motivator; as well as boundless statistics, I can relive the trip again once I get home, check out all the wrong turns and alternatives, and spend hours planning future rides. I use Runtastic, recommended by a fellow-poster here

SC

But Strava is better than Runtastic!

Another good tracking app is Endomondo, which also lets you setup personal challenges as well.

I use all of them, but Strava is my primary training aid (if you subscribe to premium, you even get some training videos from The Sufferfest for when you're in the gym or on the turbo trainer), soon you'll be wanting to add another bike, upgrade parts and thinking that those Lycra shorts are a great idea and before you know it you have a cupboard full of jerseys and matching bibs/shorts........or is that just me? ;-)

Slow down there mate!

I did a 30-km ride this evening, but am having a hard time believing the wireless speedometer. I can't believe that I hit a max speed of 28k/h. I wasn't even trying that hard, just wanted to get the feel of the bike and tried different gear combinations. Hope the speedometer isn't incorrect, and hope I can stay motivated.

Cheers!

[StreetCowboy]

,,,soon you'll be ... thinking that those Lycra shorts are a great idea and before you know it you have a cupboard full of jerseys and matching bibs/shorts........or is that just me? ;-)

I'd need to get a girdle before I went out wearing lycra, or my beergut would frighten small children and passing dogs.

[moonoi]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Thanks again.

I bought a new trek mtb with no back suspension and I believe 8 or 9 gears this evening for 16k.

I got tired of thinking about it too much. Will get the tyres changed if find it too uncomfortable.

I am not nearly as overweight, just got bored of the gym.

Thanks again for the help. Hope I made the right choice.

Cheers!

The important thing is, you now have a bike. Personally, I ride Trek so support your choice. My first Trek was more of a starter bike and as my interest grew and I got stronger, my needs changed and the bike evolved with me.

Hopefully your bike will not end up being a piece of exercise equipment which ends up in some dark dusty corner but there is no way to know until you have had it for a while. Riding is a great way to explore areas too far for walking or inconvenient with a car. It is also a good form of exercise.

Some people find it motivational to have a buddy or a group to ride with but for now just enjoy your new bike. Let us know how you feel about your choice after a few rides.

I found getting a tracking app on my phone a great motivator; as well as boundless statistics, I can relive the trip again once I get home, check out all the wrong turns and alternatives, and spend hours planning future rides. I use Runtastic, recommended by a fellow-poster here

SC

But Strava is better than Runtastic!

Another good tracking app is Endomondo, which also lets you setup personal challenges as well.

I use all of them, but Strava is my primary training aid (if you subscribe to premium, you even get some training videos from The Sufferfest for when you're in the gym or on the turbo trainer), soon you'll be wanting to add another bike, upgrade parts and thinking that those Lycra shorts are a great idea and before you know it you have a cupboard full of jerseys and matching bibs/shorts........or is that just me? ;-)

Slow down there mate!

I did a 30-km ride this evening, but am having a hard time believing the wireless speedometer. I can't believe that I hit a max speed of 28k/h. I wasn't even trying that hard, just wanted to get the feel of the bike and tried different gear combinations. Hope the speedometer isn't incorrect, and hope I can stay motivated.

Cheers!

Try using one of the suggest apps on your phone to track your ride as well using GPS, then compare it to what you saw on your speedometer.

It's not that hard to hit those kind of speeds, but the challenge is to maintain it.

[moonoi]

,,,soon you'll be ... thinking that those Lycra shorts are a great idea and before you know it you have a cupboard full of jerseys and matching bibs/shorts........or is that just me? ;-)

I'd need to get a girdle before I went out wearing lycra, or my beergut would frighten small children and passing dogs.

Skins do great compression bibshorts, that do a great job of holding that beergut in as a side affect......not that I'd know anything about that ;-)

[HooHaa]

Thanks again.

I bought a new trek mtb with no back suspension and I believe 8 or 9 gears this evening for 16k.

I got tired of thinking about it too much. Will get the tyres changed if find it too uncomfortable.

I am not nearly as overweight, just got bored of the gym.

Thanks again for the help. Hope I made the right choice.

Cheers!

The important thing is, you now have a bike. Personally, I ride Trek so support your choice. My first Trek was more of a starter bike and as my interest grew and I got stronger, my needs changed and the bike evolved with me.

Hopefully your bike will not end up being a piece of exercise equipment which ends up in some dark dusty corner but there is no way to know until you have had it for a while. Riding is a great way to explore areas too far for walking or inconvenient with a car. It is also a good form of exercise.

Some people find it motivational to have a buddy or a group to ride with but for now just enjoy your new bike. Let us know how you feel about your choice after a few rides.

I found getting a tracking app on my phone a great motivator; as well as boundless statistics, I can relive the trip again once I get home, check out all the wrong turns and alternatives, and spend hours planning future rides. I use Runtastic, recommended by a fellow-poster here

SC

yes, strava is great, it is nice to know exactly how far you have gone and even watch your speed improve by setting segments.

[HooHaa]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Thanks again.

I bought a new trek mtb with no back suspension and I believe 8 or 9 gears this evening for 16k.

I got tired of thinking about it too much. Will get the tyres changed if find it too uncomfortable.

I am not nearly as overweight, just got bored of the gym.

Thanks again for the help. Hope I made the right choice.

Cheers!

The important thing is, you now have a bike. Personally, I ride Trek so support your choice. My first Trek was more of a starter bike and as my interest grew and I got stronger, my needs changed and the bike evolved with me.

Hopefully your bike will not end up being a piece of exercise equipment which ends up in some dark dusty corner but there is no way to know until you have had it for a while. Riding is a great way to explore areas too far for walking or inconvenient with a car. It is also a good form of exercise.

Some people find it motivational to have a buddy or a group to ride with but for now just enjoy your new bike. Let us know how you feel about your choice after a few rides.

I found getting a tracking app on my phone a great motivator; as well as boundless statistics, I can relive the trip again once I get home, check out all the wrong turns and alternatives, and spend hours planning future rides. I use Runtastic, recommended by a fellow-poster here

SC

But Strava is better than Runtastic!

Another good tracking app is Endomondo, which also lets you setup personal challenges as well.

I use all of them, but Strava is my primary training aid (if you subscribe to premium, you even get some training videos from The Sufferfest for when you're in the gym or on the turbo trainer), soon you'll be wanting to add another bike, upgrade parts and thinking that those Lycra shorts are a great idea and before you know it you have a cupboard full of jerseys and matching bibs/shorts........or is that just me? ;-)

Slow down there mate!

I did a 30-km ride this evening, but am having a hard time believing the wireless speedometer. I can't believe that I hit a max speed of 28k/h. I wasn't even trying that hard, just wanted to get the feel of the bike and tried different gear combinations. Hope the speedometer isn't incorrect, and hope I can stay motivated.

Cheers!

Try using one of the suggest apps on your phone to track your ride as well using GPS, then compare it to what you saw on your speedometer.

It's not that hard to hit those kind of speeds, but the challenge is to maintain it.

wireless spedometer? is it one of those things with a sensor on the spokes? thoes can be innaccurate if nt properly set up, calibrated for correct wheel size etc, etc. gps is far more accurate in the long run.

as has been said download, strava.

[HooHaa]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Thanks again.

I bought a new trek mtb with no back suspension and I believe 8 or 9 gears this evening for 16k.

I got tired of thinking about it too much. Will get the tyres changed if find it too uncomfortable.

I am not nearly as overweight, just got bored of the gym.

Thanks again for the help. Hope I made the right choice.

Cheers!

The important thing is, you now have a bike. Personally, I ride Trek so support your choice. My first Trek was more of a starter bike and as my interest grew and I got stronger, my needs changed and the bike evolved with me.

Hopefully your bike will not end up being a piece of exercise equipment which ends up in some dark dusty corner but there is no way to know until you have had it for a while. Riding is a great way to explore areas too far for walking or inconvenient with a car. It is also a good form of exercise.

Some people find it motivational to have a buddy or a group to ride with but for now just enjoy your new bike. Let us know how you feel about your choice after a few rides.

I found getting a tracking app on my phone a great motivator; as well as boundless statistics, I can relive the trip again once I get home, check out all the wrong turns and alternatives, and spend hours planning future rides. I use Runtastic, recommended by a fellow-poster here

SC

But Strava is better than Runtastic!

Another good tracking app is Endomondo, which also lets you setup personal challenges as well.

I use all of them, but Strava is my primary training aid (if you subscribe to premium, you even get some training videos from The Sufferfest for when you're in the gym or on the turbo trainer), soon you'll be wanting to add another bike, upgrade parts and thinking that those Lycra shorts are a great idea and before you know it you have a cupboard full of jerseys and matching bibs/shorts........or is that just me? ;-)

Slow down there mate!

I did a 30-km ride this evening, but am having a hard time believing the wireless speedometer. I can't believe that I hit a max speed of 28k/h. I wasn't even trying that hard, just wanted to get the feel of the bike and tried different gear combinations. Hope the speedometer isn't incorrect, and hope I can stay motivated.

Cheers!

Try using one of the suggest apps on your phone to track your ride as well using GPS, then compare it to what you saw on your speedometer.

It's not that hard to hit those kind of speeds, but the challenge is to maintain it.

wireless spedometer? is it one of those things with a sensor on the spokes? thoes can be innaccurate if nt properly set up, calibrated for correct wheel size etc, etc. gps is far more accurate in the long run.

as has been said download, strava.

[h90]

I love my speed-o-meter. Very small, once set up it is accurate, also works under the bridge, battery lasts forever, it is water proof, cheap, has cadence, etc.. But of course it doesn't show you the way (for this I use the Garmin software on my mobile phone, which isn't that great).

Never tried GPS on the bike, but in the car it often jumps around a few meter, which wouldn't make it that super exactly as well.

But that strava sounds nice, does it work offline or do you need to be online with your phone all the time?

(GPS+Online+Screen eats the battery very fast).

[moonoi]

I love my speed-o-meter. Very small, once set up it is accurate, also works under the bridge, battery lasts forever, it is water proof, cheap, has cadence, etc.. But of course it doesn't show you the way (for this I use the Garmin software on my mobile phone, which isn't that great).

Never tried GPS on the bike, but in the car it often jumps around a few meter, which wouldn't make it that super exactly as well.

But that strava sounds nice, does it work offline or do you need to be online with your phone all the time?

(GPS+Online+Screen eats the battery very fast).

I actually have a Garmin Edge 510, that connects to my phone via Bluetooth and automatically syncs to Strava via Garmin Connect. This solved the battery drain issues you mention.

What most of my friends do though is have the cheap wireless speedometer for viewing on the bike, and track the ride with Strava or similar on their phone say in their pocket. With the screen off the battery drain on the mobile isn't too bad.

Another solution is something like the Wahoo Fitness RFKLT, which uses your phone GPS and the Wahoo or Strava app on your phone, but with a low power consumption display on your handlebars.

The biggest drain on battery life on your phone is the display.

Edited January 13, 2015 by moonoi

[h90]

I love my speed-o-meter. Very small, once set up it is accurate, also works under the bridge, battery lasts forever, it is water proof, cheap, has cadence, etc.. But of course it doesn't show you the way (for this I use the Garmin software on my mobile phone, which isn't that great).

Never tried GPS on the bike, but in the car it often jumps around a few meter, which wouldn't make it that super exactly as well.

But that strava sounds nice, does it work offline or do you need to be online with your phone all the time?

(GPS+Online+Screen eats the battery very fast).

I actually have a Garmin Edge 510, that connects to my phone via Bluetooth and automatically syncs to Strava via Garmin Connect. This solved the battery drain issues you mention.

What most of my friends do though is have the cheap wireless speedometer for viewing on the bike, and track the ride with Strava or similar on their phone say in their pocket. With the screen off the battery drain on the mobile isn't too bad.

Another solution is something like the Wahoo Fitness RFKLT, which uses your phone GPS and the Wahoo or Strava app on your phone, but with a low power consumption display on your handlebars.

The biggest drain on battery life on your phone is the display.

"What most of my friends do though is have the cheap wireless speedometer for viewing on the bike, and track the ride with Strava or similar on their phone say in their pocket. With the screen off the battery drain on the mobile isn't too bad."

That is a nice idea.....I will do that in future....