The MAMIL Channel
In the market for a new bike GPS – one with all the features you (and the pros) need, but won’t break the bank? Look no further than this detailed comparison of the Edge 530 and the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT.
In this post I use the distinctly unscientific approach of dropping an Edge 530 into a glass of water in order to find out if it is waterproof…
Want to find out how your local climb compares to famous ascents of the Alps and the Pyrenees? This post explains the method Strava uses to assign climb classification ratings to your favourite cote.
My detailed review of the Bryton Rider 450. Offered at a good price with a decent range of features. But how does it perform? Find out within…
Bryton’s brand new top of the range bike computer, with colour touchscreen and onboard navigation whizzbangery, set at a competitive price point. But how does compare with higher end Garmins and Wahoos? Find out here.
I’ve owned a Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT for a while now (like nearly 3½ years), so it’s about time I shared my thoughts in the form of a review. If you’re thinking about buying a new cycling computer, this post will contain all you need to know.
In this blog post, along with an accompanying, short video I explain how to upload a GPS cycling route to the
For the example in the video, I used RideWithGPS as the mapping software, and in fact, someone else (the organiser of the Spring Forward Sportive) had created the route.
All I did was to sync it with the Wahoo ELEMNT smartphone app and, from there, sync it with my own GPS device. Simples!
So my current bike computer is close to giving up the goat. And the ghost.
I’ve been waiting for this moment for some time. Having been in new bike GPS purchase mode almost constantly for the past 4 years (who isn’t?), it’s time to thrust my short Yorkshire arms into those deep Yorkshire pockets and ‘level up’ my electronic bike bling.
What’s that? The Garmin Edge is not the only show in town, you say? (Shurely shome mishtake.)
But it is true, we have a new(-ish) biketech contender in town in the form of Wahoo Fitness, with what finally can be described as their ELEMNT range of bike computers (until recently they just had one model). And based on my research THEY ARE GOOD!
Read moreWahoo ELEMNT vs ELEMNT BOLT – What Are The Differences (And Which Is Better)?
In this post you will find my first impressions of the Bryton Rider 750 bike GPS, comprising:
For those short of attention span, I’ve been very impressed with it.
Imagine the blog post. Strava vs MapMyRide, in some sort of app-ocalyptic battle to establish which is best ride tracking software. A fight to the last breath gpx waypoint. Well, ideate no longer. This is that blog post.
And I can save you the trouble of reading it: Strava is better than MapMyRide. Considerably better.
It looks better. It is easier to use. It smells better*.
(*Okay, slipped that one in. They smell the same.)
For 99% of use cases, Strava provides a better experience, with the ability to record, store and then present back to you more interesting data.
The reason it is not better 100% of the time is because, yes dear reader, I am fallible, and it’s possible that I’ve missed off a crucial use case. No doubt that person will let me know in the comments.
When it comes to choosing which make and model of gears for your first road bike (or your first ‘proper’ one), there’s a good chance you’ll be deciding between a Shimano Tiagra and a Shimano 105 groupset.
For those that already ride with Tiagra, 105 seems the natural upgrade path.
But which offers the best value, given the relative prices? Is it worth upgrading to 105?
In this post I’ll explain the key differences (and similarities) between the two ‘gruppos‘ and give some thoughts on how best to decide.
In this superdooperpost, I’m going to compare the Garmin Edge 530 bike computer vs the
Garmin is the original OG in the bike GPS market, with many years to hone its product range. The 530 and 830 are two of the most capable bike computers on the market, used by pro cyclists and normal people alike.
But how do they compare to one another? What are the key differences?
Saddle up (pardner…?) and let’s find out.
Here’s a quick post to note down the main differences that you should care about between the Garmin
To be clear, I don’t own either of these devices (yet!). This post is intended to act as a reference point when I get around to buying one*.
(* Or, who knows, both, if this blog ever turns into a magic money tree…)
I’m publishing on the blog just in case YOU are also looking for this info and you’d like it delivered in a handy summary, all in one place.
I’ll keep my scribblings to the main differences rather than go into detail about what a bike GPS device is, etc. You can check out my other posts for that guff (like this one comparing the 1030 (non-plus) with the Edge 830).
Righty ho? Onward dear lycra-clad warriors!
Read moreGarmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Edge 1030: What Does The ‘Plus’ Mean?
I’ve owned my Elite Crono Fluid Elastogel turbo trainer for over six years. Which probably qualifies me to write a little review.
I’ve used it to prepare for RideLondon, to attempt to maintain some semblance of fitness over the winter (hashtag fail) and to complete the 30 Days of Cycling Challenge in June.
In this post I’m going to attempt to give you a flavour of what it’s like to use and whether I consider it a worthwhile purchase (although, disclaimer alert, it was given to me for my birthday).
Given that it has a rather unwieldy name, from now I’ll shorten it to ‘Crono Fluid’ (which sounds disturbingly biological). Be aware that this trainer model has a variety of similarly-named (but differently-specced) siblings. Make sure you’re clear on which one you want to buy (obviously…).
Read moreWelcome To My Pain Cave: A Review Of The Elite Crono Fluid Elastogel Indoor Trainer
The purpose of this post is to (wait for it…) compare the Garmin
(Essentially, is it worth you paying a bit more in order to get the extra 200?)
So we’ll be looking at (and comparing) things like size, weight, the screen, buttons (buttons!), as well as the software features, both basic and sophisticated, so you can decide which bests suits your road cycling needs (whether that’s your actual ones or your perceived, I’m-on-the-verge-of-turning-professional-at-age-45, needs).
Capiche? Alrighty. On with the show!
Read moreGarmin Edge 1030 vs Edge 830: A Comparison (Which Is Right For You?)
I am one of those terrible people that wears headphones whilst I’m cycling along.
Before you throw me on the heap as a negligent husband and father, and a liability on the road, hear me out.
I have a pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones. I ride with only one earpiece in, so I’m aware of my surroundings and can hear traffic approaching over my right shoulder.
It’s not an ideal solution though. Whilst I attempt to keep the wires in place by wendling them through the straps on my
And one ear of sound is not ideal, whether listening to the podcast (I tend to listen to people talking rather than singing) or listening out for other road users.
The solution, a set of headphones that don’t go in your ears, leaving your lugholes free to sense the white van rapidly approaching your rear end.
Enter the
I’ve been meaning to get a set of
Read moreAftershokz Trekz Air Bone Conduction Headphones Review: Safest Headphones For Cycling?
Everyone seems obsessed about power these days.
Chris Froome spends all his time looking down at the power figure on his bike computer (on his stem) so that he can measure out his effort over a ludicrous long distance time trial that results in him winning the Giro d’Italia.
Sticking with Team Sky, power meters are accused of being the main tool by which the Sky Train supposedly sucks the excitement out of life on every Alpine Tour climb*.
(* No I don’t believe that is the case).
Back in the (very much) amateur cycling world, I succumbed to the promise that having a power meter (I’ve got a ‘left only’ Stages crank-mounted one) would instantly transform my training approach and fire my fitness levels into the stratosphere (spoiler alert: it turns out you still have to do the work…).
The good thing about training indoors, if you’re interested in measuring power, is that there are many more options versus measuring power on an outdoors ride. And not all of them involve departing with vast amounts of moolah.
Let’s get into them.
The biggest (first world) problem in my life is finding time to do the things I say I want to do.
I’m not unusual – we’ve all got demands on our time. Work stuff. Partner stuff. Kids stuff. Houses stuff.
All that stuff tends to crowd out my time to get out on the bike.
No more is this felt than during the winter months.
Work always seems to be busier. The hours available to ride are fewer and there’s more likelihood that the hours that are available are marred by inclement (at best) or thoroughly miserable weather.
Read moreInto The Light: CatEye Volt 800 and Lezyne KTV Pro Drive Rear 75 Review
I’ve written quite a bit about removing the barriers to bike riding.
Not the big barriers – the lack of a bike, say, or an injury – but the little ones. The ones that, when aggregated, and mixed in with rain pelting sideways at your window, conspire to prevent you cycling, even when you want to.
The fact that you’ve packed your (treasured) lycra battlewear in the back of your wardrobe. That your water bottle is at one end of the house, your bike computer (out of charge) is at the other. That the screws attaching cleat to shoe are starting to come loose.
Read moreNew Bike Lights: Mont Discovers How To Cycle In The Dark…
When I first wrote this post, my brother-in-law’s old bike computer had finally given up the ghost and he was in the market for a new one. For his benefit (and mine), I decided to research and compare the Garmin Edge 820 vs the Edge 520 to see which might suit him better.
I then used this research to write this post, which you can use to help make your buying decision if you’re in the same boat (or on the same bike).
I could keep you in suspenders as to which one he went for (in fact, which one the family clubbed together to buy him for his birthday) until the end of this post…. but it’s really not that exciting (whisper: we went for the Edge 520).
If you want to want to find out which is best for you (and if I’ll buy you one for *your* birthday), read on (MacDuff).
The Edge 520 has been superseded in Garmin’s range by the Edge 530, and the newer version of the 820 is the
And what-do-you-know, I’ve written a similar post to this one comparing the two.
So click here to view that post: Garmin Edge 830 vs 530 – Which is Best?
… in case you didn’t read the introduction, today I’m comparing the:
(BTW, these are affiliate links – if you click one and buy something, I get a small commission and you pay no more than normal.)
Incidentally, both devices are great. I’m sure you’d be happy with either. But if you want to know how they differ (and which would win in a fight), it’s probably time to read on…
Ah, the perennial question (for a sub-set of road cyclists with a penchant for data and a secret desire to be a pro rider): which bike GPS to invest in?
Garmin ‘owned the space’ for many years. In recent years, competing up-starts have parked their tanks on Garmin’s lawn (with great accuracy, if they use GPS). Leading amongst these is Wahoo with its ELEMNT series of devices.
In this post I compare the
Bike GPS devices these days have lots of features. The differences across models and between manufacturers are many. I will endeavour to restrict this highly analytical report (opinion piece based on little hard evidence) to the key differences that I think are relevant to enthusiast road cyclists (such as your good self).
Read moreGarmin Edge 520 vs Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT: Which Should You Buy?
In an ideal cycling world, every day would be pleasantly warm, with little or no breeze to slow you down. The day would stretch out before you, with no work or family responsibilities to intrude upon your ride time.
But this isn’t an ideal cycling world.
In fact it’s piddling it down outside, the temperature is close to zero and you have just 30 minutes for a cycle session, or serious relationship repercussions are heading your way.
Cycling indoors is your only option. (“Turbo Wan, you’re my only hope”).
But what do we mean when we talk about indoor cycling?
Not all indoor cycles were born equal. Or something like that.
In this post, we’re going to look at the options for a cyclist that doesn’t want to go outside….
Want to know the best power meter for road cycling? Of course you do. Specifically, you want to know the best one one for you.
Well rejoice and look no further. In this post I’m going to discuss all your power meter options. Between us we’ll work this out. Trust me.
Oh right, you only just met me? No need to trust me then. Just read the article and make your own mind up.
So, I give you the Sportive Cyclist Guide to Cycling Power Meters. Let’s get powerful.
[Fanfare. Mont exits with a flourish]
Read moreBest Power Meter For Road Cycling: The Sportive Cyclist Guide
Choosing a cycle computer can be a difficult task. There are just so many on the market. It’s like trying to pick the best white sock out of a drawer full of white socks. If you need a solid breakdown of the features of the Polar M450 and the Garmin Edge 520, you’re in the right place.
This post will summarize the similarities and differences between these two cycle computers so you can spend more time doing what you want (riding and breaking your personal records) and less time doing what you don’t want (shopping.)
Updated February 2017.
Great question. And one I’m going to attempt to answer.
The purpose of this post is to give you an overview of the Garmin Edge range of cycling GPS devices as we stand (ride?) here in the first months of 2018.
My aim is to give you an idea of what each Garmin Edge model can do, what features each one has, so that you can go down the list and identify the model that is most appropriate to your own requirements.
(Then you can persuade yourself that you do need the latest pedal stroke analysis feature, even though you don’t have a power meter, and buy the shiny top-of-the-range model.)
Long-time readers (and maybe some short-time ones) will recall that I own a Garmin Edge 510. It is entirely functional and does everything I need from a bike computer (and quite a lot more).
And yet […wistful music starts to play…] I can’t help fantasising* over a new shiny piece of Edge-bling attached to my handlebars.
(*Too strong a word?)
So I find myself keeping up to date with bike tech (not least via the stupendous DC Rainmaker blog).
And from time to time I share some of this ‘research’ with you (you lucky people). Let’s begin!
So you’re in the market for a mid-range Garmin cycling GPS device and are considering whether to go for the Edge 520 or the 510?
Good, well you’ve come to the right place.
The
The purpose of this post is to summarise the main similarities and differences between the 510 and 520, for your delectation. Prepare to delect.
Read moreGarmin Edge 520 vs Edge 510: Another “10” – What Gives?
For some people, cycling is all about getting on a bike, getting out into the great outdoors, freedom, speed and cakes.
For me, cycling is also about recording data. Not an excessive amount (I don’t – yet – have a power meter), but enough.
Enough data to see where I’ve been. How fast I’m going. Whether I’m climbing that hill faster than last month. How many calories I burnt*.
(*Which gets fed into the Sportive Cyclist cake consumption optimisation algorithm).
And to record data, you need a cycling computer (ideally with GPS). And my cycling computer (thankfully, with GPS) is my Garmin Edge 510.
And this is my review after two (count ’em) years of ownership.
I’m sorry to be the one that has to break this to you, but winter is approaching.
The opportunities for riding outside start to dwindle. Work day evenings become dark and cold. Day time riders will gamble with rain, wind and, before too long, dangerous icy roads.
But fear not. Help is at hand.
An implement of torture for some, a beacon of hope for others, it’s time to bring out (or otherwise lay your hands on) the trusty turbo trainer.
And thus, herewith, my ‘Beginners Guide’ to this most noble of training partners for the time-starved indoor cyclist.
Read moreThe Sportive Cyclist’s Guide To Indoor Trainers (Or Turbo Trainers)
In this post, I compare the Garmin Edge 1000 and the Edge 810 bike GPS computers.
If you’re not lusting after your next bike (I know you’ve got your eye on something), chances are you’re lusting after a bit of bling to attach to your handlebars (no, not a diamante-encrusted bike light).
Blingiest of the blingiest in the GPS bike computer stakes is the Garmin Edge 1000. Being at the top of the Garmin range, it does almost everything for you except pedal.
But is the 1000 worth the price step-up versus the Edge 810 (the model it usurped)?
I look at the key differences (and similarities) between the two devices, in case you should ever find yourself having to choose between buying one or t’other (or neither).
Who stays? YOU decide. Or something. On with the comparison.
Read moreGarmin Edge 1000 vs Edge 810: Battle of the Bike GPS Heavyweights
As you may know, I’ve owned a Garmin Edge 510 for over a year (here’s when I ‘unboxed’ it; here’s where I compared it to an Edge 500).
In that time, I have been woefully bad at learning how to use all but its simplest features. I’ve done little more than use it to record where I’ve been and to display how fast (slow) I was whilst doing it. That’s all set to change.
One of the features that I’ve been meaning to try out is the ability to upload a route and then have the 510 give me directions as I’m cycling.
Other than the usual inertia, some light research had given me the impression that ‘cookie crumb’ navigation (i.e. using GPS waypoints rather than maps within the unit itself) was next to useless, and that the Edge wasn’t very good at giving advance notice of upcoming turns.
SPOILER ALERT: I was very wrong.
Read moreHow To Create And Upload A Route To A Garmin Edge 510
In this post I compare the Garmin Edge 810 cycle computer with its older relation, the Edge 800.
The older model is still being made by Garmin, and is available for less of your hard-earned Dollars/Pounds/Other (delete as applicable) than the newer 810. It certainly remains a viable choice for all your cycle GPS-ing needs.
I’m guessing you’re eager to know the difference between the two models and whether that justifies the step up in price. Let’s dive in.
In this post I’m going to compare the characteristics and features of the Garmin Edge 510 versus its predecessor, the Edge 500.
The eagle-eyed (or perhaps elephant-memoried) amongst you may recall that I am the proud owner of the 510 version.
I did seriously consider purchasing the 500, despite the newer model being available, but ultimately succumbed to ‘shiny new thing’ syndrome.
But let’s put a (metaphorical) cool towel over our heads and consider the two options side by side to see if I made the right decision (and perhaps help you in your decision-making process as well).
Read moreGarmin Edge 500 vs 510: What Do You Get With The Extra “10”…?
In this post I’m going to look at how Strava calculates the power generated over the course of a ride, specifically where the rider (like me) doesn’t have a device attached to the bike for measuring power.
Dedicated power meters are still an expensive addition to your bike. Is it worth spending that extra money when Strava can provide the data for free?
Last week it was my birthday (34th). I was lucky enough to receive a Garmin Edge 510 as a present from my wife.
It would have been spectacular if my wife had selected the Edge 510 without any assistance, or if she had purchased it as a result of reading my Which Bike GPS post.
That wasn’t the case.
In this post I will describe what a bike GPS device is and what it can do for cyclists. I’ll talk about the difference between a dedicated device and using the GPS functionality of your phone.
Finally, I’ll share with you a table that I have compiled, which compares the various characteristics (functions, size, weight, battery life etc) of the bike GPS devices currently on the market.
The purpose of the table was to help me choose which GPS device to buy. It certainly helped clarify my own thoughts (I went for a Garmin Edge 510). If you’re looking to purchase your first bike computer, or looking to upgrade, I do hope it will be useful to you as well.