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October 21, 2020 By Mike H.

CycleOps Fluid 2 Indoor Bicycle Trainer Review

CycleOps Fluid Trainer

The CycleOps Fluid 2 Trainer is a great mid-range priced indoor bike stand trainer which allows you to workout indoors while the weather outdoors is not so great.

CycleOps is part of the Saris Cycling Group that was started in 2006 and they are specialists in indoor bike trainers and have a great range of products available along with parts and accessories to make your CycleOps trainer more comfortable.

All our reviews are independent of any manufacturers or advertisers and if you buy anything through our posts we may get a small share of the sale.

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Features and Specifications

The CycleOps fluid 2 trainer is based on a fluid resistance unit which basically uses a rotor in side a tube filled with silicon fluid to create resistance. A fluid resistance unit gives much smoother and linear resistance compared to a magnetic or wind resistance unit. The trainer provides the “power band technology” allowing for a greater range of resistance that works automatically with the bikes own gears instead of having an additional leaver attached to the unit.

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It also has a cooling mechanism which stops the unit from overheating and increasing the lifespan of the bike stand trainer. The CycleOps Trainer also has a larger flywheel than other trainers to increase the road like feel.

The unit is made of very solid 16 gauge steel and is very stable and firm in use, which cannot be said about some cheaper trainers.

The unit is not assembled when shipped so you will have to take car of assembling it. Fortunately the assembly is easy and can be done in less than 15 minutes.

The adjustment of the rear wheel against the resistance roller is made with a very handy tightening mechanism which will click when you have tightened the adjustment to perfect tightness.

The noise level is quite reasonable, especially when compared to a wind trainer, which can be really loud. This is a big plus if there is a change to disturb others or if you want to for example watch television while exercising.

The resistance is adjusted by changing gears on your bike, the trainer itself does not have resistance adjustment.

The main product features in a nutshell:

  • Large flywheel for the road like feel
  • Infinite resistance settings
  • Increased wattage
  • Cooling mechanism to stop overheating

Pros

This is a great looking indoor bike trainer, quite often they are made looking cheap and tacky with bright colors but the bronze design looks very upmarket. I like the curves on the trainer instead of solid straight lines which also make it look a great unit. Other benefits include:

  • Quiet operation.
  • Smooth and realistic resistance
  • Well built with high quality materials
  • Durable
  • Easy to assemble and use

Cons

My only dislikes are the size of the actual fluid resistance mechanism which makes the unit particularly bulky and heavy as this unit appears does not fold away for storage.

User Feedback

The User feedback is very positive. The general consensus is that this trainer is extremely quiet and the automatic resistance setting is very user friendly. Also the fact you can change the bikes gears allow you really simulate outdoor riding and use the range of indoor cycling videos that are available.

However some of the negatives being identified are its relatively short life span, the fact is vibrates after around 15mph and the resistance settings are quite low so are not great for advanced riders. And there a few comments that the instructions are a bit too simple and makes the unit harder to set up than others. But these reviews are more individualized as opposed to the universal view.

Conclusion

Because of the price and size of the unit I believe this would suit the more advanced cyclists who require speedy resistance changes due to cycling at high speeds. The CycleOps 2 Fluid Trainer comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty according to the manufacturers website.

I give this trainer four out of five stars.

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Filed Under: BTR

March 9, 2020 By Mike H.

Cycleops Magnus Review

CycleOps Magnus Smart Trainer

After using (and breaking) bike trainers for about six years I have come to the conclusion that the most important quality of a trainer is its reliability and durability. The Cycleops Magnus Smart Trainer does not disappoint at that front and has nice high-tech features to boot, so it was a pleasure to review this smart trainer.

All our reviews are independent of any manufacturers or advertisers and if you buy anything through our posts we may get a small share of the sale

If you want to see our top recommendations see our main article on bike trainer reviews.

Features and Specifications

FRAME                                           

First and foremost, a trainer must be reliable, strong and sturdy – as we want it to last for a long time. Less plastic usually means stronger durability.  This trainer uses the CycleOps Classic Series steel frame which pretty much guarantees an incredibly sturdy frame that you can rely on for many years to come. The life time warranty offered by Cycleops is a nice bonus. The frame’s clutch knob ensures that there is a perfect amount of roller to bike tension. Your biking experience will be consistent and will run with the same resistance setting each time.

COMPATIBILITY

CycleOps Magnus is compatible with most road and mountain bike frames. It fits 650b, 700c, 26”, 27”, and 29” up to a 2.0 tire.  It also has a quick release skewer and 3 setting for rear dropout spacing in 20mm, 130mm, and 135mm.  It will never require you to endlessly spin the tightening lever and try to find an exact spot each time. 

NOISE LEVEL

Many bike trainers are now advertised with a decibel reading, so you can compare one against another. Noise level is pretty low for this trainer as its noise level is 69 decibels at 20mph – a tolerable noise for indoor use compared to many other products that we have reviewed.

RESISTANCE

The type of resistance your trainer has will have a direct impact to different components of the trainer.  The responsiveness that reduces the dead time of this trainer is due to the very responsive electromagnetic resistance. It ramps faster than most trainers in the CycleOps smart series.

In my opinion Cycleops has stepped up its game as the the unit offers accuracy and realistic feeling, mimicking the road experience for a smooth road simulation. If you prefer a wind trainer but want the same quality you can check our Cycleops Fluid 2 review.

TECHNOLOGY

Today, more and more trainers and spinners are becoming “smart” much like everything else in the world. That means you can buy trainers incorporated dual ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart transmission.  With the Magnus trainer, it is already possible to integrate with trainer apps like TrainerRoad, Zwift, among others for virtual training.

For added control, you can add a cadence sensor to be able to detect your cadence. Even though Magnus trainer requires assembly, it won’t take more than 5 minutes as it has clear manual and quick release skewer.  Setup will never be an issue later on.

OTHER

Magnus smart trainer is PowerTuned with PowerTap technology to give +/-5% accurate power readings. Also, to get the most out of this trainer, you will need to calibrate it for 10-25 minutes by pedaling.  For detailed guide on calibration, you can use the CycleOps VirtualTraining app and go to Settings then “Virtual Bike” then “Trainer settings”. Find your trainer then under “Special Functionality” click on “Calibrate Trainer”. You can also use the other app whichever one you are using is fine.

PROS

There are a lot of reasons why Magnus smart trainer is a smart buy.  First, it is sturdy and strong. Its been made with great considerations to safety and convenience. With all the actions you will be doing in your trainer, you need to be assured that you are on a stable surface that can take all your pedals and spins.

Aside from that, it is lightweight and portable. Finding a storage won’t be a problem since it is collapsible and can easily be stored anywhere.  It only weighs 20lbs/9kg – almost a half lighter than most smart trainers. It is the perfect partner if you usually move from place to place. It is also ideal for families or groups with members having their own bikes. 

Since CycleOps Magnus fits almost all kind of bikes, mounting and dismounting will be hassle free. For its price, it is definitely a great deal considering it has all you need for a smart trainer.

CONS

The flywheel weight has to do with more road-like feel. However, Magnus has a smaller flywheel at 2.6lbs/1.2kg.  This might affect simulation experience if you really want it to be really road feel like. Yet, a lot of bikers tend to focus more on the accuracy that the road like experience. In the end, a trainer is just trainer! No trainer is made 100% just as real as the road bike.

USER FEEDBACK

Users seem to be generally very satisfied with the CycleOps Magnus trainer. It can be setup easily and gives a quality experience.  It is also easy to connect and pair with apps and devices – most users use Zwift.  Magnus is just the right combination of quality and competitive pricing. Though, there might be issues with tire slippage, which is very common on all wheel on trainers. The trick to address this issue is to find the trainer specific tire and use the clutch knob for a perfect tension.

CONCLUSION

CycleOps is no longer new in the bike trainer manufacturing business. Their trainers are already tested and proven both for quality and features.  From the electromagnetic resistance, steel frame, portability and technology – they all contribute to an excellent riding experience. We give this trainer five stars out of five!

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Filed Under: BTR

December 10, 2019 By Mike H.

Kinetic Cyclone Wind Trainer Review

The Kinetic Cyclone Wind Trainer is manufactured by Kurt Kinetic otherwise known as Kinetic by Kurt. Kurt manufacturing started building trainers for a competitor until they went bankrupt and Kurt decided to work on a new precision trainer using wind and fluid resistance. The company was founded back in 1947 by Kurt Kuban and has grown into an international business offering a wide range of products.

All our reviews are independent of any manufacturers or advertisers and if you buy anything through our posts we may get a small share of the sale.

Main features

The Kinetic Cyclone Wind Trainer has a lot of great features, it uses two fans (dual fans) to create a more realistic road cycling feeling with the flywheels allowing a smooth coasting experience. The resistance of this bike trainer is speed sensitive with a resistance range of one to 1000 watts. This trainer also boasts the compatibility of the unit to fit all bikes from 16 to 29” diameter which is a large range for a trainer and not many other units can offer this. This unit only weighs twelve pounds which is very light compared to other similar units.

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On a personal level the color and design of this product is very nice, it looks great and being a wind trainer this doesn’t always happen because of the ugly flywheels. But I have to admit I am very fond of this unit. The 2.2lb flywheels allow the unit to coast extremely smoothly which is a big plus because as a rider its important to be able to coast to drink or refuel without bumpy hefty mechanics. It appears to be a quieter unit which has got to be a positive claiming that the noise only becomes unbearable at 25 miles per hour and when you are cranking 349 watts which is pretty quick, and if this is the case it will be quiet for the most part of my workouts! The only thing I do not like about the product is its general size and it does not appear to fold away, and being so light it leads me to believe it may not be as stable as other units. Having said that, I personally prefer a trainer with fluid resistance such as the Cycleops Fluid 2 Trainer.

Price wise this model sits in the upper end of the range but it certainly gives a lot of bang for the buck. It is of an excellent quality and one of the biggest selling points for this unit is the unlimited lifetime guarantee that comes with every purchase giving the buying satisfaction and confidence they are buying a unit that will last for a very long time.

Who is it best suited for

The Kinetic Cyclone Wind Trainer would be most suited to more advanced riders who do not need an overly stable unit, and due to the high price tag a beginner may not want to spend so much on their first trainer. Customer feedback for this unit is all across the board. The positives from customers are about the easiness of detaching and reattaching the bike and the general look and stability of the trainer. However there are reoccurring negative themes such as the noise from the machine. Even though any wind trainer does produce significantly more noise than fluid trainers it appears to be too loud to bear and others have commented on its lack of resistance.

Rating

I would give this bike trainer 3 out 5 wheels on my rating because it does appear to be noisy and hard to set up with complicated attachments but the ability to cope with a high power output is a big plus for me.

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Filed Under: BTR

December 8, 2019 By Mike H.

RAD Cycle Products MAX Racer Bicycle Trainer Review

RAD Cycle Products MAX Racer Bicycle TrainerThis RAD cycle bike trainer is made by RAD Cycling which prides itself on being the industry leader in innovations for cycling trainers and accessories. The company concentrates on cycle accessories and in particular stationary bike trainers. There are many positive testimonials about RAD products on their website and their products have been featured on American TV show ‘The Doctors’. This particular model uses magnetic resistance with 7 variable settings to simulate different conditions. These settings can be altered from the handlebars with the click of a button. It weighs 18 pounds and is foldable to allow easy storage. This product also comes with a front wheel anti slip pad which is great to level the bike. It fits road or mountain bikes of 26 or 27” or 700cc wheels. It boasts easy set up and quiet operation.

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All our reviews are independent of any manufacturers or advertisers and if you buy anything through our posts we may get a small share of the sale.

Positives

What’s great about this trainer is not just the ability to adjust the resistance to 7 settings but the fact you can do this without getting off the bike which allows you to simulate hill training for example. Also if it comes with its own anti slip mat you can be sure that leveling the bike should be an easy task. It also comes with its own quick release system which is a huge bonus.

Negatives

On the downside I really dislike the look of this trainer, I believe it is offered in different colors elsewhere but it looks cheap and I would not want this in a trainer. The only other downside is setting up the cable to your handlebars, beginners may find this hard and get tangled up but seasoned indoor cyclists should find this easy.

What the users say

The RAD cycle bike trainer receives quite negative user feedback overall. Positive themes throughout the feedback are the fact it does have adjustable settings of resistance and the inclusion of the front wheel raiser so you don’t have to fumble around getting a makeshift one. Most users comment on the easiness to set up this trainer. However the negatives are quite significant, most have said that the actual levels of resistance are poor and the highest is very easy and hardly different from the lowest and so is not suitable for advanced riders. It appears that most have found it very loud and a few have commented on inaccurate parts to fit their bikes despite being advertised as suiting the various wheel sizes. Whether these criticisms are a bit picky is up to you but I believe this unit is good for beginners if the resistance settings are not that high but I would be put off as an advanced rider based on the reviews. I give this unit 4 wheels out of 5.

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Filed Under: BTR

December 8, 2019 By Mike H.

Blackburn Tech Mag 6 Indoor Bicycle Trainer Review

The Tech Mag 6 indoor bike trainer is made by Blackburn, a company that supplies over 200 products on Amazon alone. Blackburn is well known and very reputable cycling brand and they have products across all areas of cycling accessories from lights and bottle racks to trainers and bikes themselves.

> Click here to see our #1 choices per trainer type <

All our reviews are independent of any manufacturers or advertisers and if you buy anything through our posts we may get a small share of the sale.

Note: This Trainer has been replaced by the Mag 9 Trainer:

Blackburn Tech Mag Bike Trainer (Black/Tan, Mag 9)
Blackburn Tech Mag Bike Trainer (Black/Tan, Mag 9)
  • 750 WATTS - 750 Watts max of resistance at 40mph
  • 9-POSITION REMOTE - This indexed remote allows you to change the trainer resistance while riding, is simple to attach and easy to use
  • FASTCRANK MOUNTING SYSTEM - This system gives you a little extra leverage and allows for simple and quick installation
  • TELESCOPING LEGS ND FOLDS FLAT - For easy leveling adjustment and folding and making it easy to carry and store.
  • TRAINER QUICK RELEASE - Includes steel quick-release wheel skewer so that your original equipment does not get scratched
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Features and specifications

This indoor bike trainer is a higher specification than the Mag 3 which has been previously reviewed. Research conducted at Blackburn’s proprietary bike trainer R & D center has produced a high performance unit in the form of the Mag 6. An adjustable-height tubed steel frame gives the trainer exceptional stiffness providing great stability allowing riders to reach high speeds without compromising on balance.

Since this item is discontinued you may also want to check out our Minoura LR760 bicycle trainer review.

With this trainer using a magnetic resistance system, it has the added bonus of a fluid component to allow smooth and progressive power curves when adjusting the resistance settings to give riders a road like feel. Also with a remote shift feature it gives the rider the chance to choose between six different resistance settings to allow them to choose their own training zone.

The main product features are:

  • Adjustable height steel frame
  • Six resistance settings with remote shift
  • Lifetime warranty

This trainer is probably more suited to the regular rider and is more than likely to be an upgrade on a cheaper model.

Pros

It is a great looking unit in black and red which is one of the things I really like about the Blackburn Tech Mag 6 indoor trainer. The curved frame looks expensive and stable in comparison to other square looking indoor trainers which gives this a head start on others. Having a remote shift is a huge bonus for the Mag 6 as there is nothing worse than cycling hard and having to stop to change the resistance.

Also the resistance unit itself looks great and is very well-built with adjustable settings on the frame to change the height to suit any rider’s needs. The fact this trainer is the result of extensive research and testing gives me confidence that it meets the usual challenges regarding of stability, power output and noise generated by comparable indoor trainers.

Cons

In terms of negatives, there are very little. With a product boasting so many features based on research it is hard to find any major flaws. However, compared to some similar products in this price range which have over 10 resistance settings, the Mag 6 has only six which for a more advanced rider may not be sufficient.

User feedback

The user feedback for this indoor trainer is very positive The general positive themes include the trainers’ low nose level and the ease of use which both are huge selling points. It is very well built and many customers comment on the remote shift being easy and that changing resistance at the handlebars is great for a realistic ride.

The only reoccurring negatives revolve around the fact that the unit is quite difficult to set up with the biggest challenge coming from the lack of good instructions from not having any online sources such as videos to assist. With more complicated and complex trainers there is an element of set up in particular with the remote shift settings but with a bit of patience most customers should be able to overcome any problems in setting up the trainer.

I give this indoor bike trainer 5 out of 5 stars.

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Filed Under: BTR

October 21, 2019 By Mike H.

Blackburn TrakStand Mag 3 Indoor Bicycle Trainer Review

The TrakStand Mag 3 indoor bike trainer is made by Blackburn, a company with a wide range of cycling related products including accessories from lights and bottle racks to trainers and bikes themselves.

> See our reviews of the best bike trainers <

Note: This trainer has been replaced by the new Mag 1 Trainer:

No products found.

All our reviews are independent of any manufacturers or advertisers and if you buy anything through our posts we may get a small share of the sale.

Features and specifications

What this unit has to offer is a redesigned box steel frame that differs from other trainers as the v junction at the top is lower than others which changes the angle of the joint. This should help to change the sturdiness of the trainer and make it cater for different bikes. The trainer uses magnetic resistance which is traditionally quite loud but provides good and adjustable resistance.

There is a dual adjuster cone which allows the trainer to be adjusted to fit 700c and 26” bikes. A good selling point is the lifetime warranty for parts on this trainer giving the user some peace of mind.

The main product features are:

  • Boxed steel frame
  • Compact and light
  • Adjustments to suit 700c and 26” wheels

This model is priced in the mid-range and would most suit the beginner to casual rider market.

Pros

The main thing I don’t like about this trainer is the lack of remote shift which means little choice if you want to change the resistanceOn the positive side I do like the fact it is adjustable, compact and lightweight as with many trainers the sheer weight of the unit can cause a problem as many trainers are made from steel.

Cons

I’m not a big fan of the design of this indoor trainer it looks cheap and the resistance mechanism is housed in what looks like thin plastic which will not do a lot for preventing excessive sound.

Customer Feedback

The customer feedback is quite positive considering the negatives I found with the trainer itself.  The general theme which customer seem to like is the ease of use and the fact it comes ready set up to use so all you need to do is take it out of the box, which in my opinion is great and makes life easier. Also there are comments about the size being small so it doesn’t take up too much room and some users find the unit is surprisingly quiet.

The only repeating negatives in the customer feedback concern the lack of changeable resistance. However, beginning or casual riders claim this not to be a problem for them but many foresee that more advanced riders may find it too easy. As with most indoor bike trainers, many have suggested using slick tires and not mountain bike tires as this increases the noise generated by quite a bit.

Conclusion

All in all this indoor trainer comes across as a great option for the casual rider who is not looking to ride at any excessive resistance but just using for fun or as a hobby.

I give this indoor bike trainer a 3 out of 5 wheels.

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Filed Under: BTR

December 8, 2014 By Mike H.

Schwinn 20-Function Bike Computer Review

Schwinn 20-Function Bike ComputerThe Schwinn 20-Function Bike Computer is a tool to be had by any workout enthusiast! For an incredible price, the mini machine that will motivate your workouts can be yours! This bike computer attaches snugly to your bike handlebars, so there are no worries as to where to put the device; it is completely hands free. It is kind of hard to believe that such a small computer tracks so many different aspects of a biking workout. Everything from the calories burned, the miles pedaled, and how quickly you are pedaling to get there.

So many people are enticed to do more and go that extra mile when a visual is placed in front of them. Traveled 5 miles today on your bike? What’s an extra mile going to do? Make it 6! The motivation that this tool will bring you is insurmountable! Other features also include speedometer, trip meter, maximum speed, clock, freeze frame memory, speed comparative tool, speed tendency, and temperature (check latest prices at amazon.com).

All our reviews are independent of any manufacturers or advertisers and if you buy anything through our posts we may get a small share of the sale.

Small but Fully-Functional

This mini bike computer is a perfect gift for a casual cyclist or a seasoned biker. No matter which end of spectrum either yourself or the one receiving this gift is – there is just a bit of everything for everyone all combined in this mini bike computer package. For someone trying to lose weight, this device is such a tool, and for those who work out as a hobby, this bike computer couldn’t be a better pick. Seasoned bikers and amateurs alike can see where they stand as far as mileage and speed and try to beat their best times/averages.

Features

If cycling is being done in different types of weather, there is a handy temperature feature that can be referred to. It adds such luxuries to the already enjoyable sport of cycling. There’s more than just motivation involved as a perk; this little computer has a screen that is equipped with a back light. So no more squinting and moving your device around to try and see if you burned off those 500 calories from the mocha latte you guzzled down this morning! The back light will come in handy for both very sunny conditions and of course at night when it can be difficult to see devices that are not equipped with such amenities.

Simple and Durable

Some people may be worried that something so small may crumble if it lands in not so gentle hands – but no fear in that regard when it comes to this resilient product. Made out of a sturdy plastic, this product should be just fine for people of all ages and stature. Schwinn backs this product with years of experience and is known for offering exemplary customer satisfaction.

Since 1895 Schwinn has been making quality products for cycling enthusiasts. As mentioned earlier, the device sits attached to the bike handles, and to explain furthermore, there is a wire that runs from the device to near the wheel that has a magnet at the end of it which allows for the tracking of speed and distance to commence.

If you are an all-weather cyclist, this bike computer is for you. The Schwinn 20-Function Bike Computer is water resistant and serves the avid cyclist with much use. Once the device is affixed to the bicycle, this little computer is ready to serve faithfully for years to come! There really is not much thought that has to be put into purchasing this bike computer. As small as it may be, it is packed with features that will both entertain and delight those of all ages and experience levels. Besides, with a name like Schwinn backing this bike computer up, you really can’t go wrong. We award the Schwinn bike computer 4/5 stars.

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Filed Under: Cycling Computers

December 8, 2014 By Mike H.

Planet Bike Protégé 9.0 9-Function Bike Computer with 4-Line Display and Temperature Review

Planet Bike Protégé 9.0A Convenient and Easy-To-Use Biking Computer

The Protégé’ 9.0 biking computer gives you valuable information about your bike ride for training, keeping track of miles ridden, to improve speed and distance, and to help you keep records of your biking trips. It is small enough to fit on your handlebars, yet the LCD display is large and clear enough to easily read the display while riding. The LCD screen presents 4 lines of information which can display up to 5 pieces of data at a time, giving you the information you need at a glance. The computer automatically starts recording information as soon as you start moving, and stops when you stop so there is no need to manually start and stop the device.

All our reviews are independent of any manufacturers or advertisers and if you buy anything through our posts we may get a small share of the sale.

Great Features Packed Into a Small Device

The Protégé’ tracks various useful information such as your current speed, how much time has elapsed so far, your current trip distance, your average speed and your maximum speed, current temperature and time, and it has a dual odometer. The dual odometer is useful if you have a second bike. You can set the wheel size for each bike and simply swap the computer from one bike to the other. There is a button on the back to allow you to switch between bikes before you ride (see latest prices at amazon.com).

Easily Track Your Performance

Among the data displays listed above is the speed comparator. This indicator compares your current speed to the speed of your previous bike tour allowing you to push for better speedd in different situations and push yourself for better performance. It’s also useful for when you are attempting to maintain a particular speed through a course. In the upper left-hand corner of the screen you will see an arrow. When the arrow is pointing upwards you are going faster than your previous speed and if the arrow is pointing downward you are moving slower than your previous speed. A quick glance is all it takes to see how your speed compares with your last trip.

Easy Setup and Maintenance

The Protégé’ Bike Computer fits a wide range of handlebars from 25.4mm to 31.8mm, and the magnet fits up to 4mm bladed spokes. It comes with an 82cm wire mounting kit for the front wheel. Its case size is 40mm x 47mm with a height of 27mm with the bracket, and weighs 57 grams with the bracket and sensor. Battery removal and replacement is easy, simply use a coin to twist open the battery door and flip out the battery. It uses a cr2032 coin battery which is an average battery you can buy from most any variety store. The biking computer can be easily programmed for metric or imperial measurements by pressing the “mode” button and then the set button. You can also program the computer to match the wheel size of the bike you intend to ride. This is important because different wheels sizes will give differing speed and distance readings.

The computer’s mounting bracket attaches to the handlebars using zip ties, and the computer unit slides in and out of the mounting bracket. You should find a convenient section of your handlebars on which to mount the computer so that you can make display adjustments easily with a finger or your thumb. The magnetic sensor is strapped to your front wheel and sends speed and distance information to the computer attached to your handlebars.

Easy to Use While Riding

Changing display modes on the computer’s screen is quite easy. Rather than a row of buttons you would have to push, which may distract you from traffic and other safety hazards, you can change modes by simply pushing the computer upward in its bracket. You can easily reset the computer’s data display by pushing the computer upward and holding it for 3 seconds.

A Good Biking Computer for Enthusiasts

The Protégé Biking computer is most useful for bike commuting, moderate training and all-around riding. While the Protégé may not be the best fit for the professional athlete, its ease of use and large display are handy for the average biking enthusiast. We award it 4/5 stars.

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Filed Under: Cycling Computers

December 8, 2014 By Mike H.

Garmin Edge 800 GPS-Enabled Cycling Computer review

Garmin Edge 800 GPS-EnabledIf you are in the market for a cycling computer, the Garmin Edge 800 GPS-Enabled Cycling Computer is quite possibly the one for you. Once you use it, you may never look back.

All our reviews are independent of any manufacturers or advertisers and if you buy anything through our posts we may get a small share of the sale.

Touchscreen GPS Cycling Computer

A cycling computer is a convenient t and easy way to keep track of your cycling progress. The 800’s GPS function also ensures you never get lost! It is an incredible investment and will allow you to enjoy the sport of cycling even more than you already do. With the Garmin Edge, you don’t have to worry about going off the beaten path while riding. You can enjoy your surroundings and you can explore new places without worrying about getting back home. The battery life is 15 hours, so you don’t’ have to worry about your device dying while you are experiencing the great outdoors on your bike.

The greatest thing about the Garmin Edge 800 is that it’s touchscreen. In fact, it was the first touchscreen GPS bike computer on the market. The screen is sensitive enough to respond to taps through gloves. You can pan and zoom through maps with simple taps. The color display can be seen even in bright sunlight. This is a high end option for the serious enthusiast and is by no means cheap (check latest prices at amazon.com).

Track Your Ride with the 800 Edge

The Garmin 800 Edge records your location distance, speed, and ascent and descent. You can also use it with a heart rate monitor to track your heart during your bike wor out. For those of you who mountain bike, the Garmin Edge 800 is built to withstand even the roughest rides. It’s even waterproof (to IPX7 standards).

The body of the device is made out of carbon fiber. It comes in blue or white. There is a small mount you place on your bike stem or handlebars. The unit is securely locked in place but you can easily swap it between bikes with the reusable bands. The standard mount comes with the Garmin 800 Edge, but other mounts can be purchased from Garmin.

Garmin’s Exemplary Maps

So how does the navigation system work? The device comes with a built-in base map that shows all of the major roads and cities. You can also purchase Garmin microSD cards that have even more street and topography maps. You can use the Garmin Edge 800 to track you via the maps functions, or you can enter a destination and receive turn-by-turn directions and navigation prompts on the screen, just as you would in a car or when walking.

Cool Route Functions

One of the best-loved aspects of the Garmin Edge 800 is its ability to guide you along routes that other cyclists have recorded. There is a Garmin Connect website that allows anyone to upload routes. There are millions! You can set the navigation to guide you through these routes and you can even attempt to race the times set by others or yourself.

You can use the device to create your own route and upload it. This is great for group training or training for a specific course for a specific race. Alternatively, you could mirror elevation for an upcoming race in a different state or country. You can prepare a route on your computer and upload it to the 800 for route guidance and navigation. There are several websites that make it easy to draw out routes for your area.

The GPS function is ultra-sensitive so it stays on even under dense trees. It even adjusts automatically for the time zone you are in! For most beginners, a lower cost bike computer would be a more suitable purchase. However, experienced riders would be best suited by the Garmin Edge, as its features blow other competitive models out of the water. It earns a solid 4/5 stars.

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Filed Under: Cycling Computers

December 8, 2014 By Mike H.

Garmin Edge 500 Cycling GPS Review

Garmin Edge 500 Cycling GPSIf you are in the market for a cycling computer, look no further than the Garmin Edge 500. Cyclists new and old benefit from using a computer while cycling. The advantages are many. You can keep track of important information and continue to progress as a cyclist. Here is why the Garmin Edge 500 may be the bike computer for you.

The Garmin Edge 500 is ultra-lightweight, coming in at a mere 2.1 ounces. It is also water resistant, so you don’t have to worry when riding in the rain. It runs off of one lithium ion battery (which is rechargeable), which is included with the device. The battery lasts 18 hours, so you don’t have to worry about it dying when you are out in the wild. The device is available in three colors – neutral (black and gray), regular (blue and gray), and special edition (black and red).

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Tracking your Ride

You can use the Garmin Edge 500 to track your distance, speed, time, location and elevation as you ride. It is equipped with a barometric altimeter that tracks changes in your climb and descent. The device is equipped with both a clock and a timer. You can use the Garmin with other devices, such as a heart rate monitor, to track your physical output and calories burned. You can also use the heart-rate monitor to train in a certain heart-rate zone in order to get the most out of your workout. You can actually define which statistics you want on each screen. Other statistics include grade, gradient, air temperature, minimum speed and maximum speed. It also has a total odometer and can tell you your average pace and current pace (both in real time).

As you ride, the Garmin Edge records your data for your review after your workout. It also works with third party power meters (ANT) and can display you power output wattage as you ride. You can use this data specifically to determine how hard you are working in spite of condition affecting your ride, such as weather, hills, and traffic. This allows you to train better and smarter (check latest prices at amazon.com).

Using the Garmin Edge 500

The Garmin Edge 500 attaches to your bike stem or your handlebars on the mount that comes with it in the box. There are two bands that keep the mount in place. Once attached, it’s ready to be used. It’s easy to pick up a GPS signal with its high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix satellite prediction. The screen has a 128 X 160 resolution that can be seen even in the bright sun. There is also a backlight function, so that the device can be seen and used during the night. The device is used through a side button; the device is not touchscreen. There are six different pages that you can configure to show the stats of your choice. You can change between the screens during your workout.

Check Your Improvement with Courses

Another great addition of the 500 is the Courses feature. Using this feature, you can compare multiple rides over the same route to determine your improvement. You can create your own courses and upload them from Garmin Connect. The Garmin 500 Edge connects to your computer with a USB cable, which is also included with the device. (The device does not have any Bluetooth capability.) With your device you can connect to Garmin Connect, a website filled with cycling data from users all over the globe. On Garmin Connect, you can see other routes in your area, and upload these routes to your device. This makes it easy to train for a race or ride in a new area.

Overall, the Garmin Edge 500 is a solid cycling computer with advanced GPS features. It is awarded 4/5, and makes for a great all-rounder.

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