Dave Noakes, one of our ambassadors at Attacus Cycling has been embracing the Cadence App: A Bike Computer Alternative.
Here's what he had to say about it:
For the past few months, I been using the Cadence app instead of a traditional bike computer, and I wanted to share my experience. While I did use my bike computer a couple of times when I broke my phone (a result of my own clumsiness, not the app), my overall experience with Cadence has been very positive.
What is the Cadence App?
For those unfamiliar, the Cadence app essentially transforms your phone into a fully functional bike computer. It allows you to pair all your sensors, such as heart rate monitors, power meters, and smart watches. This level of connectivity makes it a viable alternative to a traditional bike computer.
Initial Impressions
Strava is great for tracking rides, but it doesn’t cater to training needs. When I discovered the Cadence app, I was genuinely excited. Full transparency: Cadence sponsors the channel, but I wouldn’t commit to replacing my bike computer with an app if it wasn’t up to the mark. The app does everything you’d expect from a bike computer, with the added benefit of a much larger display on your phone.
Pros and Cons
Before diving into the advantages, let's address the drawbacks, which are essential to consider:
Battery Life: The most significant downside is battery life, which varies depending on your phone. For instance, my older phone with 86% battery health struggles to last on 12-hour epic rides with the screen on full brightness, tracking data, and route navigation. For ultra-distance rides, a power bank is necessary. However, for daily rides, the app’s battery consumption is manageable, especially if you turn off the screen when not needed.
Phone Fragility: Phones are expensive and can break, just like bike computers. Using a sturdy case like a Quadlock helps secure your phone to the handlebars, but the risk remains. However, in the event of a crash, my primary concern would be my bike's condition rather than my phone.
The Advantages
Now, let's explore the numerous benefits of the Cadence app:
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Connectivity: Pairing all your Bluetooth devices, including power meters and heart rate monitors, is seamless. I’ve never had issues with devices not connecting.
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Navigation: The app uses reliable maps (Google Maps, Apple Maps) for route navigation, with a larger screen making it easy to follow. Re-routing works exceptionally well, something many bike computers struggle with.
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Cost-Effectiveness: The app is significantly cheaper than a bike computer. The free version offers substantial features, while the Pro version (£2.99/month) and Elite version (£5.99/month) provide even more functionality.
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Customization: The app offers extensive customization, allowing you to adjust screens, text colors, and data fields to your preference. Over 100 data fields are available, ensuring you have all the information you need.
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Cross-Platform Availability: Available on both iOS and Android, the app syncs with third-party apps like Strava, enabling easy route downloads and uploads.
Final Thoughts
For most cyclists, including myself, who ride daily, the Cadence app is a fantastic alternative to a traditional bike computer. It’s user-friendly, cost-effective, and offers extensive features. If you’re considering a bike computer or wondering if you can use your phone, give the Cadence app a try. The free version allows you to test it out, and if you like it, the monthly subscription is much more affordable than a new bike computer. Happy riding! 🚴♂️📱
