Comparison Garmin Edge 520 vs Polar V650

Cadence display functions provided in this cycle computer. Note that these functions require the installation of a separate sensor, which is not always included in the package.

Cadence is called the frequency of pedaling (pedaling). This information can be useful, in particular, for choosing the optimal gear and for evaluating the overall effectiveness of the training. The cadence should not be too low (this increases the load and wears out the knee joints) nor too high (this leads to rapid fatigue). Its optimal values may be different, depending on specific conditions; information about this can be found in special sources.

In addition to displaying the current cadence, cycling computers may have a function to display the average cadence (usually for a trip) and the maximum cadence (for a particular period, depending on the model). This data can be used for a variety of purposes, mainly for professional athletes and keen enthusiasts.

The number of lines on the screen of the bike computer.

In this case, only lines intended for displaying basic data are meant — values of speed, time, etc.; strings for service characters are not taken into account. Thus, the number of lines is the number of parameters that can be simultaneously displayed on the bike computer display: for example, on a two-line screen, you can see the current speed and ride time. And in some models, there may be two parameters per line. The lines themselves in most bike computers are two, less often — three or four, it makes no sense to use more.

Touch screen — similar to those used in modern smartphones. Allows you to control the cycle computer by touching the image on the display.

Such control itself often turns out to be more convenient and visual than traditional buttons: you can display a variety of controls (lists, switches, sliders, etc.) on the screen, as well as explanations for them, which allows you to make the most of the device simple and intuitive. In addition, touch screens are extremely convenient for maps and navigation.

In general, it makes no sense to install touch screens in simple devices with basic capabilities, but they can be very useful for advanced models with extensive functionality. However, even among these models, touch displays are rare, due to a number of reasons. Firstly, for comfortable work, the screen must be quite large — however, even in the most advanced bike computers, its diagonal usually does not exceed 3.5", and in some it does not even reach 2.5". This is quite a bit for a touch screen. Secondly, it is almost impossible to work with the sensor by touch — unlike the buttons; and the probability of accidentally clicking “in the wrong place”, especially on the go, in this case is much higher. Thirdly, it is difficult to work with such devices in closed-type gloves (without cut off fingers): such gloves must have special inserts on the fingers, and the accuracy of pressing decreases noticeably — which can be critical, given the already mentioned small screen sizes.

— GPS module. The built-in GPS satellite navigation module is responsible for determining the current geographic coordinates of the device. How this data is used can vary. With some models, using GPS, the accuracy of speed and/or distance measurements is increased, others are able to record tracks of the routes traveled, which can be viewed on an external device or even on the bike computer itself. GPS data can also use an altimeter. And in the most advanced models, even full-fledged navigation with built-in maps is supported.

— Bluetooth. A wireless communication technology used to connect directly between different devices. The most popular application for such a connection is to connect a wireless sensor (see "Type"); in this case, one of the advantages of Bluetooth is its excellent noise immunity and the almost zero chance of overlapping different signals one on another, even with an abundance of wireless devices nearby. In addition, Bluetooth can be used to connect to a smartphone / PC (see "Functions"), as well as for more specific purposes, such as connecting a wireless headset and receiving voice prompts from a GPS navigator.

— Thermometer. Sensor for determining the ambient temperature. It can be useful both for assessing the current situation (for example, if a cyclist gets into the saddle hot after a warm-up...and is not sure about his perception of temperature), and, in some cases, for predicting the weather.

— Altimeter. Sensor to determine the current altitude above sea level. Altitude can be determined by two main methods: barometer and GPS (see relevant paragraphs). In the first case, the pressure difference between the reference and current altitude is determined; in the second, a database is used about the height of the terrain with certain coordinates. The height designation format can also be defined: in some models it is indicated relative to sea level, in others it is relative to a conditional zero point specified by the user. Anyway, the information from the altimeter can be useful for assessing the elevation changes during the trip.

— Heart rate monitor. Ability to determine the current heart rate. The pulse is one of the most important parameters for more or less serious training; for different purposes (weight loss, keeping fit, gaining muscle mass), it is required to maintain different heart rates during exercise (its specific value can be determined using special methods). The heart rate monitor sensor is usually made remote and fixed on the body — this is due to the peculiarities of this type of measurement. Note that the mention of a heart rate monitor does not necessarily mean the presence of such a sensor in the kit — it may need to be purchased separately. Also note that the bike computer itself can support advanced heart rate monitor functions: maximum heart rate, average heart rate, signals about work in the optimal range, etc.

— Barometer. Sensor for determining the current atmospheric pressure. This information may be used for various purposes. So, in some models, the operation of the altimeter (see the relevant paragraph) is based on data from the barometer. And changes in atmospheric pressure can be a sign of certain changes in the weather — for example, a sharp "fall" in the barometer usually indicates the approach of rain.

— ANT+ support. Bike computer support for ANT+ data transfer technology. This technology has been specially developed for use with sports devices, including compact ones. It features good connection reliability and economical power consumption. In cycling computers, ANT+ can be used both to connect sensors and to connect the computer itself to a smartphone or other gadget that supports this technology. At the same time, ANT + devices are compatible with each other in terms of basic capabilities regardless of the manufacturer, which allows, for example, to supplement the bike computer with “non-native” wireless sensors if the standard ones are out of order.

— Slot for memory cards. Slot for removable memory cards, most often in microSD size (specific supported varieties may be different, they should be specified separately). Such maps not only expand the built-in memory of the bike computer, but can also be used to exchange data with other devices: for example, using such a carrier, you can upload GPS trip tracks to a laptop or download navigation maps from the same laptop. This feature is found mainly in advanced models.

— Impact protection. The presence in the device of enhanced protection against shocks and concussions; in some models, increased resistance to vibrations is also claimed. It is worth noting here that any bike computer is made with the expectation of shaking and jolts that inevitably occur when riding a bike. Therefore, shock protection usually means increased durability, allowing you to endure not only standard road shaking, but also extreme use like downhill or cyclocross. At the same time, it would not hurt to clarify the specific degree of such protection separately.

— Connecting to a smartphone. The ability to connect the cycle computer to a smartphone — usually via Bluetooth (see "Sensors"). Theoretically, it is possible to connect with other gadgets, but the smartphone, unlike them, can be used on the go (mounted on the steering wheel or just kept with you). Connecting to a smartph...one can include many different functions, their set should be specified separately. One of the most popular options is “live broadcast” of data from a bike computer to a fitness application on a smartphone, or even to special social Internet services for training.

— Connecting to a PC. The ability to connect the bike computer to a PC or laptop. The classic way to use this feature is to download the data collected by the bike computer to a PC for further processing. Note that the connection itself can be carried out in different ways: some models use a simple USB cable (usually included in the kit), others use a wireless adapter that must be purchased separately.

— Mount on the hand. The ability to mount the bike computer on the user's hand. This feature is found exclusively in wireless models (see "Type"); usually, a special strap is used for this, purchased separately. For some users, this mount is more convenient, and in extreme driving it can be even more reliable than a standard handlebar mount.

— Calculation of calories. The function of calculating the calories expended by the user. Note that devices with this feature do not measure actual energy consumption — they calculate the number of calories burned based on speed, distance, altitude difference, heart rate, etc. The result is approximate, but perfect accuracy is not required in this case.

— Building a route. A feature that is found exclusively in models with a GPS module (see "Sensors"). Usually, it involves connecting to a PC and building a route on the map in a special application, after which this data is loaded into the bike computer — and the user can follow the route, receiving hints about directions from the device screen. And after the trip, you can upload the actual route with the results of the race. Some models with this feature even have integration with “social” sports services that allow you to share routes and compete with other users.

— Automatic start-stop. Function of automatic start and stop of measurements. Models with this function turn on at the start of movement, when the speed sensor gives the first signal, and turn off (stop recording parameters) some time after stopping. This saves the user from having to turn on/off the cycle computer manually.

— Clock. The presence in the cycle computer of its own clock. This means not just a time counter that allows you to record the time of the trip, but a full-fledged watch that displays the current time of day. In addition to general convenience (the ability to find out what time it is at any time), this function has more specific applications: for example, the clock tracks the change of day when counting the daily distance traveled (see "Indications").

— Timer and stopwatch. Opportunity of work of the bicycle computer in the mode of the timer and a stop watch; usually both of these possibilities are provided, so they are combined in this case. These functions differ from travel time readings (see "Indications") in that the countdown can be started and stopped at the user's command — usually by pressing a button. A stopwatch can be useful, in particular, for measuring the total travel time, taking into account all stops; timer — for counting a specific training time.

— Battery level. An indicator showing the current battery level. It can have a different appearance and specifics of use: for example, in some models, the charge indicator is displayed on the screen at the user's command, in others it is displayed constantly, usually in the upper part. The indicator readings are quite approximate, but it still makes it much easier to monitor the state of the battery and reduces the risk of running out of charge at the most inopportune moment.

— Non- volatile memory. The presence of non-volatile memory in the cycle computer. Various information, especially measurement data, is stored in such a memory even during power outages — for example, when removing the battery or discharging the battery to zero.

— Fuel economy statistics. "Ecological" function, designed mainly for those who are worried about the preservation of the environment. Allows you to estimate how much fuel the user saved by riding a certain distance on a bicycle instead of using a car. However, environmental awareness is not limited to: data on fuel economy can be a powerful motivation from a financial point of view.

The type of power source used by the device.

— Non chargeable battery. Replaceable standard-size battery. Most often, we are talking about a disposable battery: most modern bike computers are designed for batteries like the CR2032. One of the main advantages of this option compared to rechargeable batteries is the ability to quickly, literally in a minute or two, replace a dead battery with a fresh one. However, batteries have to be purchased periodically, which is associated with additional costs. Nevertheless, cycle computers with such power supply have low energy consumption, and the batteries themselves are quite energy-intensive so the life of one element can be measured in weeks or even months.

— Rechargeable batteries. An option found exclusively in high-end cycling computers with an abundance of functions and high power consumption. Using primary batteries in such devices is not justified — they would have to be changed once a day or two. Instead, a battery is provided, usually built-in, that can be recharged as needed. However, charging takes time and a source of energy; but, usually, such a battery is enough for at least a day of intensive use, which allows you to put it on charge in the evenings and use it in the morning. During a long bike trip “away from civilization”, difficulties may arise with this; but they can be solved with a power bank or other portable power source.