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Ditch Garmin for phone based Cadence App?

  • 24-04-2025 02:27PM
    #1
    54and56
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,845 ✭✭✭


    Hi all,

    I've a 7-8 year old Garmin Edge which is working fine but the battery is slowly degrading and sometimes doesn't last a longer spin so I end up carrying a charger in my top bar pouch to connect to it when it's on it's last legs.

    I saw a few impressive review videos like this for the Cadence app.

    As I bring my phone with me on all spins any way and the max weekend spin I typically do is 120k - 150k I'm thinking even if I pay the $40 annual fee for the full elite version (gives turn by turn navigation, radar integration for Garmin Vario etc) I'd be far better off switching to this Cadence app rather than spending €500 - €700 to buy a replacement Garmin device.

    The only concern I have is whether exposing my IP68 rated phone to the Irish elements where it often rains for an entire spin will affect the phone or not.

    Anyone using Cadence instead of a bike computer? How is your experience?

    Tagged:


Comments

  • #2
    fiacha
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 803 ✭✭✭fiacha


    Have you looked into replacing the battery in your Garmin ?

    Unless you have a waterproof phone or case, I'd imagine the Irish weather (and dust etc) wouldn't be long causing issues.

    I'd also be paranoid about the phone getting destroyed if I drop the bike.



  • #3
    54and56
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,845 ✭✭✭54and56


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123385649#Comment_123385649

    Thanks @fiacha, no I'll look into a battery replacement.

    I'm not so worried about damaging the phone as I carry it in my jersey pocket as is so if I have a spill it's likely to sustain more damage as 100kg of me lands on it or it gets thrown out of the pocket than if its in a quad lock mount on the bike!!

    The IP68 rating my phone has enables you to actually swim with the phone so it should handle the odd shower no problem but if it's torrential (I'd rarely venture out in those conditions) then there's a "poncho" cover you can slip over the phone to protect it which is easily carried in the top bar bag for such occasions.

    I actually quite like the idea of having just one device rather than bringing both a Garmin and my phone on spins. One less device to charge + the weight saving 🤔



  • #4
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,982 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123385750#Comment_123385750

    Can I ask what the point in the cadence app is ( I haven't seen it before) if it is in your pocket, does it do more than measure cadence?



  • #5
    54and56
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,845 ✭✭✭54and56


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123387141#Comment_123387141

    Hi @CramCycle, I haven't started using it yet but from the list of features and reviews I've read it seems to have a full suite of high end bike computer performance tracking features such as GPS, turn by turn navigation and Bluetooth sensor connectivity (heart rate, power meter, cadence sensor, Garmin Vario radar etc) all of which which can be customised to display over 150 data points to suit your own preference or training requirement including upcoming climb data etc



  • #6
    MojoMaker
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,445 ✭✭✭MojoMaker


    Garmin Edge 530 down to 170 now - all the bike computer you'll ever need.



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  • #7
    loyatemu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,579 ✭✭✭✭loyatemu


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123387985#Comment_123387985

    where?



  • #8
    MojoMaker
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,445 ✭✭✭MojoMaker


    Got one in Decathlon early in the new year for 170. Periodic sale item so you need to keep an eye on their website via an alert. But sale prices usually reflect the actual value of the item, just with higher retail margin stripped off.

    Regular price I think around 215 maybe? But at that, still the best bike computer pound for pound out there, and nothing like E500-700.



  • #9
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,982 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123387448#Comment_123387448

    Just had a gander, personally not for me as I would hate to have my phone on my handlebars in the case of a crash and if it is in your pocket, is there any benefit over Strava?

    Lastly, not all those features are free, in case they are important to you, just looking at your comment and comparing to the site:

    • GPS - seems to be free
    • turn by turn navigation - only in the Elite version
    • Bluetooth sensor connectivity (heart rate (free), power meter(Pro or Elite package), cadence sensor(free), Garmin Vario radar(Pro or Elite package)
    • All of which which can be customised to display over 150 data points - not in the free version

    This said, hardly pricey but it is 20 for the Pro and 40 for the Elite per year.

    Won't auto dim the screen which means I suspect you need to use the screen on during an activity which will kill your battery, you cannot import routes in the free version.

    None are deal breakers if that's what you want but I normally look at my data on the bike



  • #10
    54and56
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,845 ✭✭✭54and56


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123389307#Comment_123389307

    Hi @CramCycle, yep, understood, the free option is (obviously) limited but personally I find €40 a year for the full bells and whistles version to be very compelling Vs buying a separate device.

    If I am going to replace my Garmin Edge Explore the Edge 530 @MojoMaker suggested looks like a great option, especially at sub €200.

    If I do decide to go the Cadence Route it won't be because of additional features it'll be because I've decided bringing one device on my spins (with a bigger screen) instead of two is the way to go.

    BTW, looks like it does have a customisable auto dim function to optimise battery usage.

    image.png
    Post edited by 54and56 on


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