Updating my training kit for cycling and ...

Updating my training kit for cycling and outdoor fitness.

Nov 06, 2020

It has been sometime since I have updated my cycling kit. I awaited for the technology to catch up with itself to see the new players within the markets and whom to choose.

I will be trialing Zwift for the first time ever this coming week. Granted, I will not be using a smart trainer as of yet, as again, I am awaiting to see the improvements off of the first generations. Thus far, I have my eye on Wahoo's KICKR and its newest addition of their Axis Action Feet. I would pair this with Wahoo's KICKR CLIMB. Once I had a dedicated space for my training, aka the Pain Cave, I will be taking a second look at the market and choosing what would work best for then.

But as of now, I have my Blackburn turbo trainer which is more than enough to entertain an occasional indoor training. I am hoping that the addition of my new sensors paired with Zwift across my 75" television will add to that fun to make it more of a routine than an occasional usage. The reason I decided to focus on more on indoor cycling for my first upgrades in a while is that there is not a lot of exciting scenery nearby and the general area kicks up a lot of micro dust particles; which is not ideal for training and increasing your lung health by any means.

Wahoo RPM Speed and Cadence sensor for iPhone, Android and Bike Computers

I already have CatEye sensors paired to a CatEye computer, and I was very happy with them. But they do not have the latest functions to pair these to the newest devices.

Initially I was impressed by Lezyne's offerings, particularly their design language. I opted for Wahoo because more than likely, I will be purchasing a Wahoo trainer and therefore, one of their onboard cycling computers thereafter. Otherwise, an Elite cycling trainer is a preference of mine yet they do not produce speed and cadence sensors to consider.

Garmin was another failed waste of time for research on both the topic of cycling sensors and their latest and greatest heartbeat sensor. Garmin as they have had performed for decades, seemingly under delivers for the price-point they command. No matter the category of product, Garmin just seems to not deliver for me and I never buy, no matter how enthusiastic I am going into the research on a Garmin product. Maybe if they put more thought into their product and less thought into mediocre marketing presentations, they would have something truly special.

As of 6 November 2020, these were listed for $69.99.

Buy, Check Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2TYadQ3

POLAR H10 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap - ANT + Bluetooth, Waterproof HR Sensor for Men and Women

Okay, this is what I am most excited about. Apart from a dedicated power sensor (I will consider a power sensor if I ever see Campagnolo get around to it), the heartbeat sensor is something I have always wanted. I was curious about them long before I entered the world of cycling. Once you dial in cadence, speed, and timing; you begin to wonder what else you can improve on. Any trip to the nearest gym to play with an integrated heartbeat sensor will leave you desiring one for your cycling or outdoor run.

So I did the research. I was preparing to purchase the latest Garmin sensor, yet realized this only functioned with Garmin. So then I was sold on the Wahoo TICKR X heartbeat sensor for their additional running sensors. When I performed research on running related sensors, specifically shoe pods, the reviewer compared the Wahoo TICKR X to dedicated running shoe pods and it failed miserably. Which told me it must then be the Wahoo TICKR or another marque. TICKR scored deductions from reviewers on both accuracy and comfort which left me with the king of the market since Day 1, Polar. I considered Polar for the cadence and speed sensors yet miserable reviews kept me away. Instead, they won my heart.

Now you may be wondering why I went with a dedicated heartbeat sensor for the chest than any other sensor, such as a Fitbit or an Apple watch? Well the answer is accuracy, comfort, and versatility. Fitbit does not connect with Zwift, and if it did, it would not be quick enough to be accurate and, therefore, useful for any dedicated training sessions. An Apple watch is a rabbit hole that ends in, it is nice presently, but not great for dedicated cycling training. And as for dedicated heartbeat sensors, I do not primarily swim within my current training and I do not wish to have something on my arm; so I opted for the chest sensor which is the king of accuracy.

As of 6 November 2020, this was listed for $82.29.

Buy, Check Price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3p5NOOU

What about cycling computers?

I am curious to see how these devices connect to my iPhone first with Strava, and I am interested in the Wahoo Fitness App, which I have yet to explore. I am not entirely sold on any one particular cycling computer at this time other than a Wahoo.

This would be because I have now Wahoo sensors, and I intend to possibly purchase a Wahoo indoor trainer within the near future. Garmin is a definite, No.

This leaves Lezyne. I adore the design language of Lezyne, yet I feel that I would likely purchase the Wahoo for technical proficiency with the exception of the Micro Color GPS from Lezyne. I would use this alternative as as a novelty sport watch and as a lightweight onboard cycling computer to be a direct replacement to my lightweight CatEye sensor. The other alternative would be the Lezyne Mega XL which features an uber bright screen and a large display.

Expectations, Thoughts.

I am expecting to not be extremely wowed by the new additions, more or less, mildly impressed. I am excited to engage the Polar heartbeat sensor on outdoor activities. And, I am also excited to connect my new speed and cadence sensors to Strava to enhance the experience therein.

Maybe, I begin leaving my thoughts on the products I have purchased on Amazon and around the web more often as I seldom do this.

In the meantime, I wish that this quick piece aids you in your immediate research or your future endeavors.

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