Since you mentioned you're trying to keep costs down: I've been using Magene Cadence and Speed sensor (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085Q5C62J ), which is $35 for the pair. I've been happy with them.
On Zwift you only *need* a speed sensor, but I found their cadence was pretty inaccurate (like it would show my cadence as 80 even when I counted 90).
You will need the ANt stick - I don't think the garmin speed/cadence sensors broadcast over anything but ANT. You can pick it up on Amazon. There's the official garmin one which will definitely work, and also the decooler knock-off which is cheaper but IME is a little hit and miss in if it will work or not. I've got two of them and one of them is a total dud. To be on the safe side I'd probably just order the Garmin one, especially since they've reduced the price on it to something more reasonable (it used to be more like $50 - looks like right now it's $36. ant stick
Not sure about where to attach a speed sensor on the bike, but you can put the cadence sensor on the pedal crank arm.
Amazon has cheap speed/cadence sensors for around $20. But they will only do one at a time (either cadence or speed but not both) It works with my forerunner for cadence.
Magene S3+ Cycling Cadence Or... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08252X8VS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
What's your budget? Before I switched to a dedicated gaming PC for 4K graphics, I used a 2 year-old laptop with integrated graphics and was able to get 1080p. You'll also need a Garmin ANT+ dongle: https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-USB-Stick-Fitness-Devices/dp/B00CM381SQ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=6DWXC5N7XBZM&dchild=1&keywords=garmin+ant%2B+dongle&qid=1606940536&sprefix=Garmin+ANT%2Caps%2C242&sr=8-3
Sure. Did a quick & dirty experiment last night. Used an economical cadence sensor from Amazon which I taped to the side of the wheel of my 9.5i Nordic Track elliptical. I used a different IQ Elliptical app (Free) and input the 20" stride length designated for the Elliptical (quick check of dimensions of the wheel, pivots and foot platforms, and would have guessed 18", but whatever). Had an easy connection of the sensor to my Epix2 with the IQ app, input 20" in metric (0.51m), and away I went, with the watch giving me the same rpm as the elliptical's console. Took it for a spin and came out of it feeling like a have a good way to measure rpm, but the app is lacking - it will give rpm and avg rpm while looking at the watch face during the activity, but in the end, only ended up with a graph of rpm, a nice picture but no numbers. I plan to try it next with the F3b app. I may also post a review to the first app, and through that see if the app developer can include more data in the activity summary.
Hope this helps!
Take Care!
I've tested it with an xbox controller, and also have it working with no controller at all. But it should technically work with any gamepad that's recognized by your phone. It would be great to get you to test it and let me know if it works though!
Stationary bike at the gym should work fine, except you need to attach a small ~$20 USD adapter to the cranks (something like this should work).
I'll DM you with details on how to download.
Yup that could still work, however you'll need to get a ~$20 USD bluetooth adapter for it (like this one on Amazon). Let me know if you want me to send you the details on how to download the test app. Thanks!!
good eye and questions! The game connects to bluetooth devices that broadcast bike-related data. If you have a smart trainer then that would work, but if you only have access to a stationary bike, then you'd have to get a ~$20USD cadence sensor for it (kind of like this on Amazon)
Interesting.
I simply got one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FPHKKDP?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
And mounted it on the mounting screws that are on the least obvious part of the bike. I mean it’s clearly visible, but I have so many accessories mounted to my bike that they will not quickly spot it, recognize it, and be able to remove it (security screws). At least not till they get to wherever they are going, of which I would know where.
Is there somewhere on or in the bike to hide an AirTag?
https://www.amazon.com/TagLock-Bicycle-Reflector-Tracker-Anti-Theft/dp/B09D5MVB96
Those are supposed to work like “Find my phone” if you have an iPhone. It will ping through any nearby iPhone to tell you where it is. It won’t prevent the theft but it might might help you track down your bike. Then perhaps you could repurpose the cut up u-lock…
Just kidding! (Kinda)
Ich habe den Wahoo Elemnt Bolt und benutze ihn mehr für Navigation als für Trainingswerte. Kartendarstellung und Navigation klappen in aller Regel super und das Ding wirkt deutlich robuster (und wasserdichter...) als ein Handy. Ich benutze ihn gerne, wenn ich mit dem Rad dienstlich irgendwo hin muss (habe kein Auto) und zwischendurch nicht dauernd mein Handy rauskramen möchte. Die Eingabe von Strecken erfordert allerdings schon einige Schritte mehr als das z.B. bei Google Maps der Fall ist und ich habe den Bolt mal bei einer Verlosung gewonnen, so dass sich die "lohnt sich das wirklich?"-Frage nicht unbedingt stellte.
This is probably the cheapest sensor out there that can do cadance or speed (not at the same time) and will work with any app or cycling computer. Really if you're just getting into it. I would grab a cheap cateye computer or something similar and monitor your distance/time/speed/cadance. You want to focus on spinning fast/light (I try to keep my cadance around 95-100 rpm). This will really help you to cycle well without putting a ton of strain on your knees/legs.
If you're interested in GPS and tracking lots of other stuff, there are many options out there but the price goes up pretty quickly. You can even use your phone as a cycling computer and it'll work with sensors. You jsut want to make sure you get a good mount where your screen won't crack and your camera won't vibrate until it's broken.
Honestly, unless you're really into stats or racing, most of the hardware "upgrades" are meaningless. Your legs and lungs are what will make you go faster/longer and no amount of stats will change that. That said, some of the basics when you're starting out will help you to train yourself in a good way and set you up well for some serious riding.
Enjoy and have fun!
I got this, it can go many places on the frame, I have it on the back of vertical post near the rear wheel. It looks like its part of the bike.
I use this one: SUPMEGA Bike Mount for AirTag,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FPHKKDP?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It’s a metal enclosure but range seems okay, can’t mess with torx security screws. I keep mine visible and not hidden under a bottle cage. Even if the AirTag doesn’t work 100% it’s at least a deterrent for a thief that might look for another bike that isn’t being tracked
I tested the under bottle cage holder and the inside the rear reflector holder as well so far. Inside the reflector seems way more discrete.
I also picked up a third one that I haven't got a chance to test out yet. Looks like it can also be pretty hidden. It's the headset tube one - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B09QWB7KHC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
EFEALL AirTag Bike Mount for Air Tag, Anti-Theft AirTag Bicycle Mounts, Bike AirTag Mount to Hidden Air Tag, Airtag for Bike Holder Fit Headset Tube 31.8mm(Not Included AirTag) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QWB7KHC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_327R2V3EFK7CRF1Y0JZG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Oh wow. These are all really good tips, thank you so much for this wealth of information! Some of this stuff I didn't consider at all like the personal alarm. Haha.
But yeah I think if I'm going to incorporate my bike into my lifestyle, I want to be as safe as possible and properly do it y'know?
As for reflective wear, I was thinking more along the lines of a cleverhood. It's subtle and not super garish like wearing neon clothes but has a reflective thread for added visibility + protecting me from the Michigan elements.
Another thing for security I was thinking about getting was these air tag reflector mounts so I can hide one of the air tags I will attach to my bike in plain sight.
I'm reeeally paranoid about theft haha.
The best part of going all out though and buying this is that it still nowhere even comes close to the cost of car ownership so I'm happy. Plus I'm excited for the inevitable health benefits.
But yeah thank you for your ramble :) I'm probably going to get black though I'm torn between the two. I get black everything and while I like the white, every time I deviate I end up regretting it lol.
I got this one for my garmin and light. It looks great and it’s a perfect fit.
Dymoece Aluminium Alloy Bicycle Computer Mount for Road Bike Integrated Handlebar,Compatible with Garmin Edge 130 200 500 510 520 810 820 1000 1030 and Flashlight https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081S3C8ZH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_XM6T6KNRJNHYE3KVK9D2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This is what I use (Wahoo version). Has the standard gopro mount on the bottom. Plenty of light manufacturers have mounts for gopro now. Plus it also lets you mount a camera on the front if that's your style.
This is what you want. I got the similar one for the Wahoo mount and it works perfectly.
Most folks go with something like this. Get the one pacK for $20, NOT the two pack that Amazon tries to sell. You only need one.
That is the entry level solution. There are indoor bike trainers ($600) that you can use attached to a regular road bike that offer “dynamic resistance”, meaning that as you climb hills in VR the trainer adjusts the difficulty of the ride automatically. I suggest entry level first, just to see if you like the experience. Most folks just manually adjust or program their exercise bike based on their own routine. I personally use the trainer as I am using this app daily and it gives a more realistic feel to riding, but again, I don’t suggest it right out of the gate.
The software stitches together 360 degree Google street view photos to make you feel as if you riding. The process can cause some distortion, especially when objects are close to the road. It can take some getting used to. It is NOT everyone’s cup of tea, but I personally enjoy it.
You can get the same ones off aliexpress too, but i'm not allowed linking it (had a previous comment deleted)
This is what I’m going with. Once I have it I’ll let you know if it suppresses the sound or not. TagLock | AirTag Bike Mount, Hidden Apple AirTag Bicycle Reflector, Bike GPS Tracker, Anti-Theft AirTag Case, Air Tag Holder, Apple Tag Holder, Bicycle GPS Tracker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09D5MVB96/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_ADY81KSAK5XTA0YN24ZX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This is similar to what I used, but you can also probably find some 3D printing plans online if you have one/ know somebody who has one.
Get a cheap Amazon one. I can’t imagine paying these crazy prices from “established” brands. I use a generic out-front stem mount that holds my bolt and a light underneath.
I’m crossing 7k miles on the year and it’s been set-and-forget.
Product:
wileosix Out Front Bike Computer Combo Mount for Wahoo Elemnt,Wahoo Elemnt Bolt, Wahoo Elemnt Mini,Gopro and Bike Light Adapter https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07V4JGBPK/
The K-Edge is pretty exspensive but I do like their stuff. When I got my Ultimate I got the Dymoece version for $25
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081S3C8ZH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
No longer available
You will need to buy M4-0.7 x 16mm screws, since the included ones are either too big or too long, can't remember. I went to a local hardware store and guy kindly just gave me too. I later found out my dad had a whole box of them which he gave me
Honestly IMO there all the same. You could even probably 3D print one if you had the time and resources
I went with the oLight RN 1500
https://www.olightstore.ca/rn1500.html
It uses a standard Garmin mount, so I picked up a dual mount for the integrated bars
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081S3C8ZH?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
I have the K-Edge Garmin mount which is better quality, but the one I bought does support the bottom light and apparently you can't upgrade it to support it so I guess it's just going to sit in the box now.
Cheaper AirTag holder for bikes
ACRUNU Bicycle Tracking Compatible with Airtag Air Tag (not Included) for Bike Tracking https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09F36GZLM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_6NGCZF3YV86Z1BYC5KH5
Hi, this is the one I bought, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08252X8VS. Its under $20. Just attach to one of the pedals. There are others as well but this is the one I use.
You can also put this sensor on a rower or elliptical.
Hey! It is Wahoo specific with a gopro compatible mount underneath. Amazon links below.