Cycling Computers - The Least Expensive Cycling Coach Ever

Cycling computers are small calculating devices that measures, in real time, several important indicators. For example they will typically measure distance ridden (for today’s ride), average speed, elapsed time, pedal cadence and maximum speed.

The main or receiving unit mounts to your handlebars with the magnets mounted on the spokes of your wheel and crank arm. The sensors are mounted on the frame to read signals sent by the magnets. These sensors are connected either by small wires or wirelessly to the main unit mounted on your handlbars. Wireless cycling copmuters are neater (no wires) and more elegant. Naturally they are more expensive.

In the beginning I did not do anything with the new information. Just mentally noted it at the end of each ride. After a while, I started to write down a few facts about the day’s ride in a spiral notebook. You can keep a more formal diary or log about your rides. (look here for more information on keeping a diary)

When purchasing your cycling computers you should consider purchasing one that has the magnets and sensor mounted on the rear wheel. When your cycle computer is mounted this way and you are forced to ride indoors by rain, cold or time constraints (and you will no matter how tough you are) you can still track your stats while riding your indoor trainer.

And a final tip. Put a repeating reminder on your calendar (I have it in my Palm) about 3 days before January 1st each year. You can purchase a new battery to install on January 1st. You enter the year with a fresh battery.

It is not fun to have the batteries in your cycling computers die in the middle of a century ride in the middle of July. You will be really bummed.

Also this tip will allow you to begin each year with zero miles on your odometer. You can track your miles ridden from year to year. This is good for bragging rights.

This will be more accurate and simpler than adding up the miles in your riding diary/log, if you are like me and (occasionally) forget to write down the details of your day’s ride. I know that I forget now and then. It is happening more and more the busier (and older) I get.

Polar CS100B Cycling Computer With Heart Rate Monitor CS100B Cycling features include wireless speed (current, average and max), distance, pace and etc. Wireless heart rate sold separately. Wireless cadence sold separately (CY0206). Data features include computer connectivity via Uplink and 1 exercise file. Bar or Stem mount. Colors: silver and black. Retail Price $89.95 You pay only $69.00

Polar Wireless Cycling Computer CS200cad The triple wireless CS200cad is the complete packgage, and the most loaded cycle computer for the money. Speed, cadence and heart rate, all wireless. Four lines of data on the display that scrolls automatically. Exclusive Polar features that links to your PC, the CS200cad is more than just a cycle computer. Combines body feedback and cycling data, which helps you achieve your cycling goal. ?Wireless Polar CS cadence sensor : new advanced sensor measuring the pedaling rate (presented as rpm). Wireless Polar CS Speed Sensor : new advanced sensor measuring the cycling speed. Cycling Intensity : tracks the cycling workload as kcal/h and kcal/km. Memory Files : stores the training data of the last seven sessions. Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) : enables you to foresee the time of arrival based on your cycling speed. SpeedPointer : indicates the relation between current speed and average speed. Polar OwnCal : counts and displays calorie expenditure. Polar OwnCode : prevents cross-talk from other heart rate monitors. Polar OwnZone : determines personal heart rate limits for a training session. Retail Price $189.95 You pay only $137.00 and get FREE SHIPPING