My lad is slowly starting to enjoy cycling more, especially as he’s seen me do a few events and get medals etc, something he would like to do - I’d also like to encourage him here. He’s a very literal thinker, in that he needs to know he’s doing 10mph rather than “you’re going really fast well done”.
He has some additional needs and certain information really helps him out.
anyway! long story short, I’m keen to get him a bike computer so he can see things like that - again, he sees me use mine and loves it.
I’m a little lost on what to go for as my needs are far different to his. I’d like to have something that will track the route we take, so I can set him up with a Strava account - give him something he can look back on etc. Additionally, I’ll sign him up for a few conqueror challenge type things so he can earn actual medals which he can then display like I do with mine.
There are a couple of gravel bike events that will be suitable for him in a few months but again, in the meantime I’d like to feed his curiosity’s in ways I know work for him
Any suggestions on computer? I really just need to see speed and distance, but i’d like it to track the route taken so we can upload to strava
I don’t mind getting something used, he’ll be over the moon with anything
A Garmin Edge 130 Plus would fit the bill. It is even compatible with power meters. And I reckon your son’s youthful eyes wouldn’t mind the small screen.
I’ve never used one but for small and cheap (used sell for < £40-50 on eBay) there is the Garmin 25. Won’t ever support Power, has a small screen and unsure how slick the sync features are.
As someone who looks at their bike computer all the time, maybe best to start with a device that is all about looking back/strava, etc… and focus more on the riding and adventures while on the bike.
I would go with the same unit as you are using. With most modern computers you have a choice as to what’s displayed on the screen and how many screens you want. They last many years and can grow more informative as he develops.
The Garmin 130 Plus would probably be great ($170 right now at Walmart). From memory, the biggest downside of it is that it doesn’t support maps. So you can upload a route and it will say “Turn right in .2 miles” but it won’t have a visual map or say “Turn right on Maple Rd”.
The Garmin 540 is also on sale at REI right now for $250. That has enough features to grow with him until the battery dies and it spontaneously combusts. That’s also a pretty killer price for it as well.
If you go used, you can probably find a Garmin 530 or similar for like $100 or so (though TBH i’m pulling that out of my a…)
went for this one. Ideal for what I was after. He’s 6, I’ve no concerns about a power meter or any of that, he doesn’t need a map, simply something that says “you’re going this fast” and allow us to upload his adventures to strava so he can track it all. Thanks for the suggestion.