Cycling watch or computer

[CentralCommuter]

What is everybody using?

I just want simple. Maybe a watch, press a button to start and stop, loads to Strava. Can look at it mid ride to see how slow I’m going.

I keep thinking an Apple Watch might suffice but just not sure about Strava.

 

[Mo1959]

What is everybody using?

I just want simple. Maybe a watch, press a button to start and stop, loads to Strava. Can look at it mid ride to see how slow I’m going.

I keep thinking an Apple Watch might suffice but just not sure about Strava.

If you have an iPhone sticking with an apple watch makes sense, otherwise a reasonably basic Garmin watch would do. You can even just run Strava from your phone if you don’t mind the battery drain.

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

As a cheap option, the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Lite has a great built-in GPS for ~£40.

My main GPS computer is a Lezyne Super Pro, but the watch is a handy backup.

There's some great prices for brands like Coospo and igpsport on Amazon, was going to buy one until the Lezyne was in the Chain Reaction fire sale for £26 in '23.

 

[YMFB]

I use a Garmin computer so I don’t end up with a flat phone battery.

 

[oxoman]

Unless your riding all day just use your mobile. I've a samsung s23 which lasts me 200km easily for basic recording. Iphones used to struggle with battery life, not sure if any better. Loads more cheaper gps's available not just garmin.

 

[CentralCommuter]

I don’t so much mind the iPhone battery drain, it’s the faffing with getting it in and out the back pocket, particularly when I have a rain coat over the top.

Looked at quad locks etc but not sure that’s a great place to store a phone in all conditions!!

 

[Ming the Merciless]

How often do you intend to look at it during a ride? If it’s just once mid ride I would go with the Strava app on your phone.

 

[oxoman]

If I'm following a route I have a bryton gps, if its just pootling around I use my mobile, just load strava up and press start

 

[roubaixtuesday]

What is everybody using?

I just want simple. Maybe a watch, press a button to start and stop, loads to Strava. Can look at it mid ride to see how slow I’m going.

I keep thinking an Apple Watch might suffice but just not sure about Strava.

Just run strava from a phone in your back pocket.

 

[Dogtrousers]

How often do you intend to look at it during a ride?

I look at mine all the time. I also have a forward facing radar to alert me when I'm going to run into things.

 

[Oldhippy]

I carry a powerbank thingy in my bar bag and just plug garmin in that. Easy easy that way.

 

[PaulSB]

If you decide to go for a watch I can recommend the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro at £62.

Personally I would use a Wahoo.

 

[HLaB]

What is everybody using?

I just want simple. Maybe a watch, press a button to start and stop, loads to Strava. Can look at it mid ride to see how slow I’m going.

I keep thinking an Apple Watch might suffice but just not sure about Strava.

Whilst I have a garmin watch, trying to navigate or read anything off it on my wrist would be a pain, especially in winter. Battery life for a 3-4 hour ride would probably be a struggle for a watch too. So I prefer a computer.