Pedalling Into the Electronic Age
Even the world of cycling is moving into the electronic age. We're doing this primarily with two kinds of devices: cyclocomputers and GPS units. There are several other kinds of electronic gizmos bikers often carry - cell phones, cameras and expedition watches with altimeters, barometers, etc. - but these categories are too broad to cover here.
Cyclocomputers
A bicycle computer isn't the most essential biking accessory, but I feel naked when mine isn't working. It tells me my speed and trip distance, and I have become very reliant on it, particularly when I'm on tour. My basic model actually can tell me a lot more, like total distance travelled, clock time, elapsed time, top speed and average speed - and it has a stopwatch. However, a lot of bikers use computers as a training device when they ride, so there is an advanced level of computer for measuring biometrics as well as bikometrics. These devices can measure cadence, heart rate, temperature, altitude and incline; some even include a GPS function. Cyclocomputers are available in wired or wireless configurations.
Wired   The computer is usually mounted on the handlebars where you can see it easily. The data is recorded by means of a magnet attached to a spoke in the front wheel, which is read by a sensor attached to the fork each time it passes. This records your rpm. The computer allows you to input the outside diameter of your tire, so the correct conversion can be made from rpm to speed and distance. The data is passed up through the wire to the computer, where it is processed and displayed as speed or other metrics. The magnet must pass close enough to the sensor to register but not so close that they hit, which can be a little tricky to set up. After it's set up, though, you can pretty much forget about it until you have to take the wheel off (to change a flat, for example). Just remember to put the wheel back on facing the same direction, so the magnet is still on the same side as the sensor. If it doesn't record when you start back up, usually a little finger tweak of the magnet position is all that's needed. Newer models use magnetic field sensors to measure spoke angle and tend to be more accurate.
Wireless   A wireless setup provides the same data to your computer without the complication of wiring. And it is a little complicated, since the wires have to be secured to the frame in some way, such as tape, so the wiring doesn't snag and tear. Plus, it always looks a little messy.
       However, riders report a drawback to wireless systems. Since a tiny transmitter in the reader sends the data to your computer through the air, there is interference and bad readouts when you ride near high voltage power lines and even some traffic lights and hospitals. Newer technology seems to be reducing that problem, though.
       There is also a 27" limit to the broadcasting range of most transmitters, which means the transmitter can't be more than 27" from the computer. If you've got a longer throw, for example on a LWB recumbent, you'll have to use a computer with an extra long wire (most wires are 27") or spend bigger bucks on a system with a stronger transmitter. Computers designed for training use two sensors - one on the front wheel for basic bikometrics, one on the crank arm for cadence. The wire for the crank arm is longer, so you can cut off the front wire and sensor and use the cadence wire for the front wheel.
      You'll pay $25 to $40 for a decent basic unit up to $350 for a training model with GPS.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
This system, driven by geosynchronous military satellites recently cleared for civilian use, can pinpoint your location anywhere on the earth within a few feet. This is not only way cool, but enormously useful, and commercial makers of GPS units have elaborated considerably on that basic service.
How It Works
The basic unit is both a receiver and transmitter. The transmitter queries the sattellite system, which triangulates your position on the ground, then sends you the data on your position. The GPS unit then shows your position relative to landmarks depending on what kind of software came with your unit.
On-Road    If you purchased a system with roadmap software, the unit uses the data to place you within the highway system and shows your position on the map; if you have logged in a trip destination, it also gives you verbal turn-by-turn directions to your destination. Most GPS units are designed for cars, however, so directions may not work very well if you're on a bike. In fact, since bike riders want to use bike trails, back roads and shortcuts amenable to bikes (and don't want to use superhighways), trying to follow the driving directions may not make sense at all - you can use just the positioning service and the map to find your way. It's still infinitely better than a paper map - you can see your actual location in relation to the roads around you.
      In a car, one would leave the unit on for the whole trip, since 1) the unit can be powered from the cigarette lighter and 2) the car trip will be shorter. On a bike, with only battery power, you may want to turn it on just at rest stops to confirm your position or at points where you think you may be off course.
Off-Road   Hikers and packpackers use GPS units which don't use highway software; they use software which shows natural ground features, instead, such as mountains, rivers and trails. Mountain bikers will probably want this kind of software package rather than one with highway maps.
The Software's The Thing
It gets even better. Software packages come with waypoints loaded. Waypoints are such things as motels, restaurants, laundromats, gas stations and other amenities which travellers may want to locate. Your GPS will show you the way to any such amenities in your area. You can even load your own waypoints if you want to stop at particular spots along the way. It's a nearly foolproof navigation system. Some systems offer fuel prices, weather, voice-operation, touch-screen controls, integrated flashlight, expandable memory, you name it. This technology improves almost daily, so you'll find amazing new features when you do your own research which haven't yet been released as of this posting.
      Many serious bikers use a training-specific GPS unit (such as the Garmin Edge) rather than a cyclocomputer because it's more accurate and offers more features for training. They're more expensive, though - these units generally run from $180 to $350.
What To Look For
There are an amazing number of options and vendors now in GPS - you really need to think about what you want before you buy.
Software Features   In particular, know what uses you'll have for a unit before selecting features - there are bells and whistles galore, but they all cost more. Will you use this on your bike, in your car, as a training device for biking or running? All of the above?
Size   The screen sizes are still pretty small for the visual information displayed, but they're improving. The bigger the better (but also the more expensive). 3.5" to 4" is a decent size.
View   Some offer a flat, maplike, bird's-eye view, some offer a 3-D, forward-looking view. Both have advantages - choose based on which you feel more comfortable with.
Color   Color is a lot easier to read. The only reason to go B&W is to get the absolutely lowest cost.
Cost   Anywhere from $100 to $600, depending on features.
GPS systems are sold everywhere, so you'll want to Google for the best prices. If your phone has GPS, of course, don't bother - you're in luck!
Smart Phones
Newest and best of all is the new generation of smart phones which do everything - gps, internet, email, games, books, movies, photos - they even make phone calls. If you already have one of these, I don't need to explain anything. If you don't, you will soon. There are so many variations on this theme that it's meaningless to go into any detail, but the major players are the iPhone and the Android, by Samsung. The chances are you will have already selected one based on many considerations besides biking. They are quickly making all other electronic gadgets for the bike obsolete. There are many great apps for bikers, including excellent navigation apps, for both platforms.
      One detail to note is that a device with true GPS will be able to access a signal anywhere, while devices using cell towers for navigation (e.g. Google Navigation) will have dead spots occasionally where cell service is not available. Also, pads, iPods and laptops which don't have a contract for bandwidth will only be able to use navigation features where there is a WiFi signal. This means you may be able to get service at a McDonald's if you're travelling in civilization, but if you're out in the country, forget it.

Cyclocomputer Manufacturers CatEye Planet Bike Vetta Sigma Sport VDO iBike Cycle Ops Mavic		GPS Manufacturers Celestron Garmin TomTom Sanyo Magellan Navigon
© 2010 - 2012 Bob Beach