new bike computer

[mrbikeman]

Hey,

I just bought a polar m460. link here: https://www.polar.com/en/products/pro/M460-gps-bike-computer

I'm really looking forward to get more into biking this summer, got a heart rate monitor as well. :)

I'm wondering if I need something to measure my speed or cadence. Is the gps sensor good enough to measure that for me? If I need a sensor of some kind can you guys recommend one please?

 

[Batavus]

Hello! You probably need a special pedal arm to measure cadence, but speed shouldn't be a problem. Things change and get new names, but I believe post-ride analysis is possible with this watch/addition: https://www.polar.com/en/products/sport/M430-gps-running-watch
Beware, though, that it'll keep telling you to get out and move about. ...I usually go for a cup of coffee or a smoke to stop it annoying me.

 

[Stumpy]

You can buy any BT Smart compatible cadence sensor from Polar, Wahoo, Garmin or any other brand. I prefer the crankarm mounted version.

 

[GustafH]

I like the Wahoo RPM that can fit on your shoe meaning that it's much easier to move between bikes without a lot of faffing about.

 

[mrbikeman]

Hello! You probably need a special pedal arm to measure cadence, but speed shouldn't be a problem. Things change and get new names, but I believe post-ride analysis is possible with this watch / addition: https://www.polar.com/en/products/sport/M430-gps-running-watch
Beware, though, that it'll keep telling you to get out and move about. ... I usually go for a cup of coffee or a smoke to stop it annoying me.

Thanks, I meant that the m460 polar I got has gps and post ride analysis built in & it tells you your speed based on coordinates. Just was wondering if a dedicated sensor for speed on the bike is better for measuring speeds compared to gps.

 

[mrbikeman]

You can buy any BT Smart compatible cadence sensor from Polar, Wahoo, Garmin or any other brand. I prefer the crankarm mounted version.

Is there some difference with speed sensors, or is it a "cadence sensor," I should go for?

 

[hahel]

Is there some difference with speed sensors, or is it a "cadence sensor," I should go for?

I'm not sure what you want to meassure, you'll need a cadence sensor for measuring pedal frequency and a speed sensor for the speed, there are combined sensors that can give you both measurments.
I've given up on speed sensors and rely on GPS for speed, not a critical value to me. I'm more intrested in cadence and power.

 

[Stumpy]

Is there some difference with speed sensors, or is it a "cadence sensor," I should go for?

No need for a speed sensor, unless you ride a lot in tunnels or on indoor tracks.

 

[Batavus]

GPS takes a lot of battery, if that is critical to you.