Experimenting with bike-to-phone navigation for a week's duration: observations and results.
The Cadence app, available on smartphones, offers a compelling alternative to top-tier bike computers for many cyclists. With its ability to connect and share data with popular platforms like Apple Health, Strava, and MyBikeTraffic.com, it rivals dedicated devices in many key cycling metrics and functions.
One of the standout features of the Cadence app is its large, bright phone screen. This makes it easier to perceive metrics at a glance, especially during longer rides, and provides smoother navigation than many bike computers. The app also integrates well with bike radar systems for safety alerts, enhancing the overall riding experience.
However, it's important to note that elite bike computers, such as the Garmin Edge 1040 Solar or Hammerhead Karoo, still excel in certain areas. These devices offer extensive specialized features, reliable ANT+/Bluetooth sensor connectivity, and seamless integration tailored for cycling use. For example, bike computers generally manage sensor data more reliably and tend to have longer battery life and ruggedness designed for outdoor conditions.
Phones with the Cadence app require compatible external sensors for accurate cadence, power, and heart rate measurements. Some users may find syncing delays or limitations compared to using a dedicated head unit. Nevertheless, the app's lower cost and comparable feature set make it a serious consideration for many cyclists, especially those valuing screen size, ease of use, and cost efficiency.
The reviewer, who has been using a Garmin Edge 1050 bike computer, has been considering using the Cadence app on their iPhone instead. The app's navigation features are easy to use, and the quality and size of the screen are most apparent during longer rides. Post-ride analysis is instantaneous within the Cadence app, as everything is stored within it, including all past ride data.
The app is a multisport app that supports both running and cycling. Users can adjust various options such as theme styles, data formats, map settings, and screen layouts to suit their preferences. To track more in-depth metrics like heart rate, power, and cadence, or connect a radar such as the Garmin Varia unit, additional sensors via Bluetooth are required.
The reviewer has added Favero Assioma Pro MX power pedals and a Garmin Varia RTL515 radar unit to their setup, ensuring accurate and reliable data collection. The Garmin Radar works faultlessly with the Cadence app, and the Live Tracking function is reliable.
In conclusion, for many cyclists, the Cadence app on a smartphone offers comparable metrics and functionality to high-end bike computers. While purpose-built robustness, sensor integration, and certain advanced cycling-specific features of top-tier bike computers may still give them an edge for dedicated riders or professionals, the Cadence app's lower cost, ease of use, and multisport capabilities make it an attractive option for many.
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