Product test

How technology helps you measure your performance

21.8.2018

Translation: Eva Francis

If you’re an ambitious road cyclist or mountain biker, you probably want to know for a fact if you were faster, climbed higher or cycled further than in your last training session. Read on to find out how to equip your bike if you want to collect more performance data to boost your motivation.

A few months ago, Category Marketing Specialist Daniel Feucht put the Garmin Edge 1030 to the test (article in German). This high-end bike computer has received good ratings in many reviews, but also got its share of criticism from users. Daniel's verdict: This gadget is only worth its price if you're an ambitious cyclist who makes full use of all its features and technical possibilities.

Product test
Garmin Edge 1030 in test - the computer for ambitious cyclists
by Daniel Feucht

The question is: Which other possibilities are there if you want to dig even deeper into the features of tracking devices for bikes and analyse your training from start to finish? Here are some of them.

Entry-level device: easy-to-install sensors

These small speed and cadence sensors by Garmin are truly no technological revolution, but they’re easy to install and they deliver reliable data, making them very popular. The cadence sensor fastens to any crank arm with rubber bands; the speed sensor attaches to the hub of either wheel. Data is transmitted to your device via wireless technology ANT+. If you’re looking for exact data rather than an approximate speed based on GPS data, these sensors are an affordable solution. They’re also easy to move between bikes.

Bike computer accessories

Garmin Speed/cadence sensor

Next level: measurement with the power meter

It's difficult in other sports but works quite well for biking: measuring performance in watts. On a mountain bike, for instance, with the QuarQ Sram XX1 Power Meter Q-Factor, which measures the power distribution between the left and right pedal. This system allows you to analyse your pedalling, optimise your sitting position and regulate your training intensity much more precisely than based on your pulse only. This builds a database that makes it possible to create and control training plans in a very targeted way. As power meters are more expensive than sensors, they're especially suitable for athletes who want to take an in-depth look at their training data and interpret it in great detail. If you're prepared to do this, a power meter gives you the most relevant data for your training efforts and aims.

Bike cranks

Sram XX1 Power meter Q-Favtor 168 QuarQ

175 mm

Chest strap: the heart rate monitor

A chest strap that monitors your heart rate and transfers your data onto a display is a low-price alternative. While measuring your performance with a power meter takes no account of your form on the day, your body's reaction is a direct indication of your training intensity. Again, you have to know how to interpret the data you collect. If you take data seriously and don't want to rely on estimates and rules of thumb, a performance diagnosis is a good idea. The disadvantage of heart rate measurement is that, unlike power measurement, it reacts with a delay if you're training at short intervals. Other factors, the temperature for example, also influence your heart rate, so training at the same heart rate isn't necessarily equivalent to training at the same performance level.

Heart rate belts

Garmin Premium heart rate chest strap

High end @ home: premium indoor bike trainer

If you'd like to train in any weather and under exactly the same conditions every time, the Tacx Neo Smart T2800 might be the one for you. This indoor bike trainer simulates different road surfaces, ascents up to 25 percent and descents. Your performance data is transferred to multiple devices at the same time.

Product test
Tested: The king of bike trainers
by Daniel Feucht

Bike trainers

Tacx Neo Smart T2800

Be on the safe side: tail light

Do you cycle in the dark and are not only keen on tracking your activity but also staying safe? If so, this tail light is for you. It’s not just a light; it’s one that warns you of vehicles behind you. The Garmin Varia RTL510 knows what’s going on up to 140 meters behind you and lights up in green, yellow or red traffic lamps if a vehicle is approaching. If you’re not looking at your display at all times, don’t worry, this device also provides audible alerts. At the end of the day, a successful training session is one that takes you home safely. Should anything happen on the way, devices such as the Garmin Edge 1030 can register the accident and send your position to selected contacts.

Bike lights

Garmin Varia Rtl510

20 lm

As you can see, technology can do a lot for you and help make your bike smarter and your performance more measurable. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you stay safe on your bike tours and enjoy analysing your training sessions.

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Michael Restin

Senior Editor

Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.ch

Simple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.

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How technology helps you measure your performance

Garmin Edge 1030 in test - the computer for ambitious cyclists

Entry-level device: easy-to-install sensors

Next level: measurement with the power meter

Chest strap: the heart rate monitor

High end @ home: premium indoor bike trainer

Tested: The king of bike trainers

Be on the safe side: tail light

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Garmin Edge 1030 in test - the computer for ambitious cyclists

Entry-level device: easy-to-install sensors

Next level: measurement with the power meter

Tested: The king of bike trainers

Be on the safe side: tail light

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