GamJams Reviews: Computers

On a hard group ride a few months ago, one of my breakaway partners (we got reeled in just before the sprint) asked me how fast we were going. I was busy pinning it at the time, so I didn't answer. He asked again. And again. And again.

Finally, when he pulled through, I realized why. No computer. What kind of racer rides with no computer? It's fine if you don't care about speed or mileage, but wouldn't you at least like to know how long you've been out there?

The riders below do, so here's what they have to say about their computer of choice:

• Sometimes there's such a thing as too much information, at least according to The Flamenco Chuckwagon. "The Powertap helped me out a lot and I'm sure it will continue to do so on the offseason. But to the many out there for whom it would be a benefit, I will also offer the thought that sometimes it seems better to just put the black tape over that sucker and go."
• For those who have any of the Garmin Edge computers, you know that downloading the ride data can produce all sorts of fun charts and data. Karen knows that, too, but she really just wants the basics. " ... the little computer really likes to have its data downloaded to your PC. Except that I'm a Luddite, and I just don't do that."
• The best qualities of power meters are espoused by The Unholy Rouleur. "What the Powertap provides is efficiency ... it diagnoses your strenths and weaknesses ... It tells you when you're tired, and when you're fresh." Hey, way better than your teammates telling you you're weak. 
• There's a love letter to the iAero III by iBike at BRILF.net. It's pretty mushy and all, but also very interesting. There's no one quote to pull to demonstrate that, so just go check it out. You'll find very compelling reasons to rethink your power setup.
• Other than the SRM I used this winter, things are simple at Algomaha. Just a Cateye Strada Wireless. "It's easy to use. It can be mounted to the stem or handlebar. It's small and lightweight."

Next reviews: Bottle cages (July 16), Seat packs (July 23)

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About GamJams Reviews:
All cyclists are experts, at least when it comes to our equipment choices. We know why we chose what we chose, and what we think of the product after we've been using it. GamJams Reviews channels that collective expertise - category by category - into a tidy package of articles designed to help all of us make better equipment decisions. Buying what pros get paid to use is one way to go. But the candid testimonial of fellow racers who paid out of their own pocket - that's an endorsement that really counts.

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In addition to being GamJams Tech Editor, Bryan Redemske is a professional writer and Cat 3 racer. He drinks a lot of coffee.

Comments

[cs]

I dig within my mind and heart. ...passion and sensation. Screw computers, data files, etc. ...learn to listen to your body.

[Mike May]

But dude, you can't post passion and sensation files on your blog.

[Fifi]

Ahah absolutely right. Cant post passion or sensation files

[yoda]

power - speed - time. only three small aspects of a multiversed subject. you cant (yet) digitize analog experience. why bother? its all a superficial folly to trick you into believing in yourself. tap into something bigger than power. chew tobacco.