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Hello Hive!
Today I want to make a small contribution to 
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Bike-Computer: The Basics of Basic Models
A bike-computer is an object that has existed for many years, of which I remember the beginnings: the classic bike odometer, which offered 3 main functions. What were they? Simple: Speed, travel time, and distance traveled.
The first one I bought was a 4-5 cm square, with a display showing this data. I placed it on the handlebar of the bike thanks to a fixed support. Then it was necessary to insert a magnet on the front wheel along with a sensor that transmitted to the odometer on the handlebar. After inserting a battery inside, we could turn it on.
the object where we have to fix the bike computer
the object where we have to fix the bike computer, placed on the bike
At the first start, I had to set the wheel parameters: in fact, knowing how much the distance covered in a complete revolution of the rim is, multiplying it by the number of revolutions, it is possible to obtain the distance traveled. With the distance covered in a certain period of time, the speed in that period was also obtained. Simple, right? Enough, but those were just the beginnings.
The bike-computers on the market today vary a lot, including both objects like the one seen above - very cheap and versatile - and more professional computers, with integrated data collection tools. What I decided to buy a few weeks ago falls into the second category, even if it is obviously not a top of the range. You can see it in the images of the post, even if I decided to remove the logos to avoid advertising.
FUNCTIONS
After having seen how the basic models work, I'll make you a list of the main functions that you find inside them. They are often provided when buying the bicycle, although it is always better to ask whether it is included in the price and the specifications on the features available.
- Time
- Distance traveled (for the single exit)
- Total distance traveled
- Speed in real-time;
- Average speed of the route traveled.
You may also find parameters such as maximum speed or the ability to divide the data collection into multiple segments.
Once these bases have been defined, we can move on to higher-end models, much more complete and professional (but also with a much more substantial cost). I want to indicate to you one by one which are the most important general parameters that are introduced.
1) Heart Rate
2) Pedaling frequency
3) GPS signal
4) Power meter
With the exception of the GPS signal, each of these parameters needs an additional sensor compared to just the bike-computer. These sensors can be sold together or separately, so remember to ask the dealer or view the product description sheet before purchasing it.
An example of the Bike-Computer Display
HEART RATE
Heart rate is the most important parameter if the goal is amateur but with cycle-tourism purposes of a certain depth. For short distance exits it may not be used, but it is more recommended if we want to try our hand at longer distance laps.
To measure heart rate we need a sensor. It is usually a small plastic object mounted on an elastic band. The band contains 2 electrodes which must be moistened before use for greater measurement effectiveness. We need to insert a battery inside the sensor and wear the band by placing the sensor just below the sternum.
Once started, the bike-computer will show the number of beats on the display, usually measured in beats per minute. Thanks to this tool it is possible to calculate some intensity levels, and based on this create training tables or manage our efforts during bike rides.
PEDALING FREQUENCY
Not essential in a cycle-tourism environment, but it can be a valid ally in other circumstances. I had never had it before, but it is very valuable in the case of training on the rollers, which lately I find myself doing, a little for the climate, a little for the bike, a little for the weather.
The sensor consists of a small plastic device to which a battery is added. It must then be mounted on the crank arm, precisely on the side between the crank arm and the bike frame. I'll show you better in the picture. This sensor will transmit every single pedal stroke to the bike-computer, which will show us the pedaling frequency in a certain amount of time (usually, in 60 seconds).
In addition to rollers, it is also used in the case of specific training tables to improve one's condition.
POWER METER
A little more complex and on which I have no direct experience. This type of function allows you to measure the function expressed by a cyclist while pedaling, but there are different methods and sensors. The sensors are usually sold together with some components of the bike: sensors on pedals, on cranks, attachable to the handlebars, etc. And in almost all of these cases, they can measure either on one or on both sides. They are not 100% exact but when set well they guarantee excellent accuracy, with minimal error compared to sophisticated measurement systems.
Its use for cycle-tourism purposes is not recommended but represents the most suitable method together with heart rate detection. In the case of competition, power measurement is the most effective method to measure and manage effort: it allows you to set intensity bands like heart rate, but with some more advantages. Why this?
If we get on a bike and start pedaling, then we increase our pedaling rate, and again, and again ... our heart rate goes up a lot, but our musculature may not be at its maximum potential and the effort is sustainable even in the long term. If, on the other hand, we pedal with what are called "gear ratios" (the options that the gears on which the bike chain slides offer us) that are challenging even at lower frequencies, we may not reach high heart rates, but make very intense efforts, normally unsustainable in the long run. This happens because our muscles have to use too much energy than the amount they can normally get. They begin to accumulate toxins that with the passing of seconds or minutes lead to a drastic reduction in the power that a person or an athlete can express.
Thanks to the intensity levels calculated with the use of the power detector, it becomes much easier to manage the intensity of efforts and to know how and when to intensify or decrease the effort.
GPS
The famous acronym for Global Positioning System has been integrated into the bike-computers of this second-level category. In the most recent models, we have bike-computers that use GPS to provide a service similar to that of real GPS navigators used for cars.
The GPS as well as I found it on my cycle computer allows you to have a measurement of parameters such as altitude or speed. In the case of speed: the disadvantage is that its measurement is carried out where the GPS signal is active and not where it does not arrive; the advantage is a more objective and uniform measurement that does not depend on setting errors during the first start-up of the bike-computer. Models like mine have the advantage of supporting both speed measurement via GPS and through the magnet seen for classic measurement: in case you often intend to reach places where the GPS signal is not guaranteed, I recommend using the classic method.
And finally...
Finally, I leave you with a clarification. First of all, the tools have seen above often allow to have several other derived parameters. An example: by measuring the frequency, I can have access to the change in frequency over time, the maximum frequency, the average frequency, etc.
However, each parameter can change as the manufacturer varies: some may not exist, others may require additional costs, and so on. I invite you to always ask for information in this regard, explaining your needs, or to compare them with the product descriptions.
And now I greet you. In an upcoming episode, I will explain how to do a simple homemade test to define intensity levels using heart rate. It is certainly not a precise and functional method for everyone, but it is a good approximation if you want to have some reference parameters with which to approach the next workouts.
See you soon Hive!
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