Best products from r/Strava

I can't speak to that Bose product, but that's way more money than you need to spend. I would recommend just getting a standard Bluetooth heart rate monitor from a reputable company like Wahoo.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00INQVYZ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_rvlIybY9TTXSG

And then a decent Bluetooth set of headphones. I've been using these ones for about 7 months and they are great.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BV2BPVS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_DylIyb4X7HYKQ

This combination will cost you about $80, rather than the $150 will. Good luck!

The Garmin Forerunner 35 has just been replaced by a newer model (the 45) but the 35 is still a great watch and perfect for most beginners. And it can be used for cycling as well as running.

New model for $120

Renewed model for $100

I've just bought a Garmin 800 performance bundle (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-Touchscreen-Computer-Performance-Bundle/dp/B00424LN5G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406030600&sr=8-1&keywords=garmin+800+performance+bundle) for the exact reasons you list. Used it last week on a mini tour of Britain and it was invaluable. If you don't need the mapping, get a 500, but honestly, just seeing my heart rate and cadence, rather than guessing what they were makes an enormous difference to my performance. I usually go for rides around 50-60km, and simply knowing how my body was actually doing, allowed me to average 112km a day for 5 days.
I was umming and arring for ages about getting one, and I'm so so so happy I did.

I have a garmin Fenix I bought for hiking, but it is a big bulky bastard. My personal suggestion would be to buy a something like a garmin 500 cycling computer. I find that my moto360 watch is awkward to use on the bike since to use it requires a left arm wrist rotation and a right hand for button manipulation (if doing more than glancing at the watch) which requires me to take both hands off the bike. With a mounted cycling computer you have a constant display and easy button manipulation, and turn by turn navigation if you plan a track.


But it all depends on if you want one device to work for multiple sports, and only one device, then a watch maybe the fastest way to get there. But if you are able to afford separate tools for separate jobs, my advice is that a dedicated cycling gps/computer is optimal. Then you can get an affordable fitbit for non-cycling activities. Miniaturization of components and battery life aren't there yet on gps watches in my opinion.

A dedicated head unit is the best option. Phone GPS is always inferior. This Cateye is a very affordable option. Some of the basic Lezyne units might be a good middle road between the Cateye and Wahoo/Garmin.

Edit; scratch that, I read the Cateye wrong, its just piggy backs on your phone. Your cheapest option for a head unit is likely the Lezyne product line. You might also have luck buying a used head unit.

You need a cadence sensor that broadcasts to BTLE if you are using your phone. There are two types:

Magnetless, accelerometer based

Magnet based, does speed and cadence more accurate speed than GPS.

I have both of the linked sensors on different bikes. Actually like the magnet one better. There are a bunch of different brands, but getting one that is dual ANT/BTLE is a good idea in case you get a head unit in the future.

If you are adding sensors, I'd also suggest a heart rate strap. I actually rely on HR more than cadence.

Thanks for the recommendation. I don't think that's the right solution for me. I found this Sigma BC16.12 which I think I am going to go with.

A refurbished 235 would do the trick without breaking the bank. I got mine 18 months ago and it's been awesome.

Yes, then you would also need a heart rate monitor, it sucks but Strava won’t work with the Apple Watch and the sensors together, yet. I own this heart rate monitor to: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00INQVYZ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_iRhrDbEMXZHRK

> Do you also wear a tinfoil hat under your helmet? You really think an insurance company is logging it, doing a search for certain individuals

You're obviously too young to have tried to purchase life insurance.

> Besides, Strava only guestimates

Well you've revealed that you don't actually have a resting HR of 34 because you don't wear a heart rate monitor.

> if you're that paranoid.

take your trolling back to /r/gaming

If you go riding in the summer with your phone's screen on (I play Ingress, personally), you'll need a battery that doesn't actually charge your phone. If you get one that does, between your phone's screen being on, the GPS staying locked, the processor running, and then the internals heating up because it's being charged, all the while baking in direct view of the sun... Your phone is going to overheat and shutdown


I use this small Anker, and while it doesn't charge my battery, it keeps my battery from dying. So if I start a trip with freshly topped off phone battery at 100%, I'll arrive at my destination later at around 96%. I keep the Anker battery in an aero fuel bag and run a short cable to my phone.

I use this Topeak I got for cheap as it was an Amazon Warehouse deal. Works fine. No extra apps needed.

I typically run at night and wear a vest that has flashing lights on the back. It has a little pocket just big enough for a phone. Amazon Link Here

Kata M2

A bit off topic but have you read this book? I am about half way through & can't put it down.

http://www.amazon.com/City-Bikes-Story-Amsterdam-Cyclist/dp/0061995207/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1462896627&sr=8-2&keywords=in+the+city+of+bikes

You could always get these for the supreme dog face kick of fury =)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006HWTZYM/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER