Experimenting with swapping bike computer for smartphone for a week's duration - recounting the results encountered
In the realm of cycling technology, the Cadence app on iPhone is making waves, rivaling the functionality and metrics tracking of high-end bike computers. This app offers a comprehensive and user-friendly experience that is comparable to dedicated devices.
CyclingWeekly's review affirms that Cadence provides a riding experience akin to using a dedicated bike computer, with the added advantages of a brighter, larger, and crisper iPhone screen. This makes viewing metrics and navigation easier and more intuitive. The app supports advanced features such as Garmin Varia radar integration, live tracking, detailed ride analytics including speed, power, laps, splits, and even vehicle detection metrics, all stored and analysed within the app, eliminating the syncing issues common with separate devices.
The app's capabilities extend to include bike radar support (Garmin Varia and others), Strava Live Segments, offline maps, and integration with ActiveLook AR glasses, all enhancing safety and ride experience. Its analytics rival those of expensive dedicated head units, excluding some proprietary metrics exclusive to brands like Garmin.
However, while Cadence delivers on many fronts, top-tier dedicated bike computers such as the Garmin Edge 1040 Solar or the Hammerhead Karoo still lead in hardware-specific features like ultra-long battery life, specialized MTB trail functions, built-in crash detection with emergency messaging, and arguably more reliable GPS accuracy. These units also have highly optimized dedicated interfaces and add-ons not fully replicated by phone apps.
For the average cyclist, Cadence on iPhone offers functionality and metrics tracking at a level comparable to premium bike computers, with the extra convenience of a large, bright screen and integrated app ecosystem. For competitive training or extreme conditions, elite-level dedicated devices may retain advantages in specialized hardware features, battery endurance, and ecosystem-specific metrics.
The user, who typically cycles for 7 to 10 hours per week, found using Cadence easier to set up than a new bike computer, as they are already familiar with the hardware (iPhone) and user interface. They initiated a ride by hitting a big red start button and stamping on the pedals. To track more in-depth metrics like heart rate, power, and cadence, they added appropriate sensors via Bluetooth.
Swiping between screens in Cadence is easier due to the larger target, and the app is a multisport app that supports both running and cycling. The user used a Quad Lock mount to secure their iPhone to their bike bars and also used Favero Assioma Pro MX power pedals and a Garmin Varia RTL515 radar unit.
In conclusion, the Cadence app on iPhone is undoubtedly a strong competitor to the best bike computers available today, offering a user-friendly and feature-rich experience that rivals dedicated devices.
[1] CyclingWeekly Review: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/tech/cadence-app-review-iphone-cycling-computer-402984 [2] Cadence App Features: https://www.cadenceapp.co/features [3] Garmin Edge 1040 Solar Review: https://www.road.cc/content/review/372142-garmin-edge-1040-solar-review [4] Hammerhead Karoo Review: https://www.road.cc/content/review/382042-hammerhead-karoo-review [5] Garmin Edge 1030 Plus Review: https://www.road.cc/content/review/364641-garmin-edge-1030-plus-review
- The user, who usually spends 7 to 10 hours per week cycling, found the Cadence app on iPhone easier to set up compared to a new bike computer, as they are already familiar with the hardware and user interface.
- With its advanced features like smartphone integration, bike radar support (Garmin Varia and others), Strava Live Segments, offline maps, and even vehicle detection metrics, the Cadence app on iPhone offers a level of functionality and metrics tracking that rival high-end dedicated bike computers, such as the Garmin Edge 1040 Solar and the Hammerhead Karoo.
