Experimenting With Phone Replacement for Bike Computer: Week-Long Results Revealed
In the world of cycling, the Cadence app for smartphones is making waves, offering functionality and performance comparable to many high-end dedicated bike computers. Let's delve into the features that make this mobile app a strong contender in the cycling tech scene.
The Cadence app boasts a host of features often found only on expensive dedicated devices. It supports bike radar integration (such as Garmin Varia and Bryton Gardia), Strava Live Segments, offline maps, and live tracking with privacy settings. Its analytics provide detailed metrics like speed, power, laps, splits, and vehicle detection, mirroring the depth of data output from bike computers.
One of the standout advantages of using Cadence on a smartphone, such as an iPhone, is the improved visibility of ride metrics and ease of navigation and route importing. The larger, brighter, and crisper display offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies adoption compared to learning a new bike computer UI.
The app also performs smoothly with accessories like the Garmin Radar, offering real-time traffic alerts. Moreover, the app eliminates syncing delays by storing all ride data in one place, while some bike computers require intermediate syncing steps.
However, it's important to note that top-tier bike computers like the Garmin Edge 1040 Solar or Hammerhead Karoo offer hardware-specific advantages. These include ultra-precise multi-band GNSS for better GPS accuracy, solar charging, very long battery life, specialized MTB modes, hardware crash detection with automatic emergency messaging, and smartphone-independent operation. These features can be critical for high-level training, endurance rides, or remote conditions.
Despite these differences, Cadence offers a cost-effective solution. Its free and subscription tiers provide advanced functionality at a fraction of the cost of premium dedicated units, which can range from $450 to over $700.
For the user in question, the setup for the Cadence app was easier than a new bike computer due to familiarity with the iPhone and user interface. They use a Quad Lock mount to secure their iPhone to the bike bars and have been cycling for seven to ten hours a week, with a one-hour ride every weekday and a longer ride on weekends.
To track more in-depth metrics like heart rate, power, and cadence, the user adds sensors via Bluetooth. They also use Favero Assioma Pro MX power pedals and a Garmin Varia RTL515 radar unit. The user can adjust heart rate and power zones manually in the Cadence app and customize theme styles, data formats, map settings, and screen layouts.
The navigation features of the Cadence app are easy to use, with the screen real estate being particularly impressive. The app allows users to connect and share data with Apple Health, Strava, and MyBikeTraffic.com, and it supports multiple sports, including running and cycling.
As the user contemplates using the Cadence app on their iPhone instead of the Garmin Edge 1050, they find the initial ride initiation straightforward - a big red start button and a stomp on the pedals are all it takes. The user, having used a Garmin Edge 1050 for six years, having upgraded from the Edge 530, is considering a shift towards a more integrated and cost-effective solution.
In conclusion, the Cadence app on smartphones rivals many dedicated bike computers in terms of core functions and user experience, particularly for casual to serious cycling needs. It leverages the better display and powerful software features to provide a compelling alternative, especially when paired with quality mounts and accessories. However, the absolute top-end dedicated bike computers retain advantages in hardware precision, autonomous operation, and endurance-specific features.
The Cadence app expands its reach beyond cycling tech scene staples by offering smartphone users a way to replicate the performance of high-end dedicated bike computers, with features like bike radar integration, offline maps, and live tracking with privacy settings. For users who prefer a more integrated and cost-effective solution, the app synergizes well with smartphone technologies, such as the larger, brighter, and crisper display on iPhones, making ride metrics and navigation more visible and user-friendly.
