# Data fields the pros use **URL:** \ **Category:** Equipment\ **Created:** [July 14, 2022, 11:44am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/data-fields-the-pros-use/74361 "2022-07-14T11:44:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Pbase](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/pbase/32/969_2.png) [@Pbase](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Pbase)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2022, 11:44am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/data-fields-the-pros-use/74361/1 "2022-07-14T11:44:34Z")
Interesting article with lots of screen shots of what data screens the pros are using in the Tour. TLDR - about half of them are using a ton of data fields while the other half seem to only use the navigation screen with 2 data fields. This stood out to me since I’ve seen many amateurs suggest minimizing the number of fields and using small computers. > **[Gallery: What data screens do Tour de France riders have on their head units?...](https://cyclingtips.com/2022/07/gallery-what-data-screens-do-tour-de-france-riders-have-on-their-head-units/)** > > How do you like yours? And how do they compare to those of the world's best? ---
**Author:** ![Power13](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/power13/32/92171_2.png) [@Power13](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Power13)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2022, 1:04pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/data-fields-the-pros-use/74361/2 "2022-07-14T13:04:00Z")
> [@Pbase](#): > > other half seem to only use the navigation screen with 2 data fields Having the nav screen up is a huge advantage on descents you are unfamiliar with….I did this a few years ago during a trip to the mountains in western North Carolina. I could better anticipate what turns were coming up and how sharp they were. If I have my nav screen up, I just have speed and 5” Power showing. I personally don’t like a lot of data on my screen when riding outside….usually just have 5” Power, Speed, HR and Cadence. I’ll have other screens with more data, but that is my main screen usually. ---
**Author:** ![varmstrong](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/varmstrong/32/80523_2.png) [@varmstrong](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/varmstrong)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2022, 1:08pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/data-fields-the-pros-use/74361/3 "2022-07-14T13:08:43Z")
I think it is quite obvious they are looking at their body fat %. I kid! > [@Power13](#): > > Having the nav screen up is a huge advantage on descents you are unfamiliar with….I did this a few years ago during a trip to the mountains in western North Carolina. I could better anticipate what turns were coming up and how sharp they were. Agreed. This is the screen I have up all the time. Navigation and then 3 second power. Sometimes I’ll flip to the other screens to see how far I have gone and need to still go, what my average hr is, etc, but I prefer to see the map and upcoming turns at all time. Also just to confirm I am still on my proper route. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Russell\_Racing](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/jack_russell_racing/32/2201_2.png) [@Jack\_Russell\_Racing](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Jack_Russell_Racing)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2022, 1:30pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/data-fields-the-pros-use/74361/4 "2022-07-14T13:30:06Z")
“Less is more.” If I know where I am, my Garmin 830 shows a single data field: **time of day**. YES, I record and analyze a bazillion data points. But when I’m riding, those bazillion data points only serve to obscure (postively and/or negatively) the feelings in my lungs, legs, and head. There’s plenty of time to look at all the data once you’re off the bike. YMMV ! ---
**Author:** ![Pbase](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/pbase/32/969_2.png) [@Pbase](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Pbase)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2022, 2:51pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/data-fields-the-pros-use/74361/5 "2022-07-14T14:51:07Z")
> [@varmstrong](#): > > I think it is quite obvious they are looking at their body fat %. 🤣 Well played! ---
**Author:** ![Pbase](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/pbase/32/969_2.png) [@Pbase](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Pbase)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2022, 2:52pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/data-fields-the-pros-use/74361/6 "2022-07-14T14:52:55Z")
Interesting that so many amateurs take the “less is more” approach while many of the pros take the “more is more”. I personally would like to have the Zwift 50” screen in front of me!! ---
**Author:** ![rkoswald](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/rkoswald/32/28273_2.png) [@rkoswald](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/rkoswald)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2022, 2:53pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/data-fields-the-pros-use/74361/7 "2022-07-14T14:53:51Z")
For Garmin users, the MapDashboard Connect IQ app displays up to six data fields across a single wide block. Unless ClimbPro kicks in, I only ever use the Navigation map plus MapDashboard with speed, cadence, heart rate, elapsed time, 3s power, and distance. [![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/original/3X/b/e/beaf4cbf44e9795a9add69e65405fb3516c08790.jpeg "Garmin EDGE Map + SIX Data Fields // MapDashboard ConnectIQ Data Field") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCb7OFJqUj8) ---
**Author:** ![mcneese.chad](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mcneese.chad/32/15056_2.png) [@mcneese.chad](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/mcneese.chad)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2022, 2:54pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/data-fields-the-pros-use/74361/8 "2022-07-14T14:54:10Z")
The obvious answer is a HUD (Heads Up Display) projected into our glasses, with all fields humanly possible 😛 > **[Heads-Up Display for Cyclists: Everysight Raptor Glasses Review](https://gearjunkie.com/biking/everysight-raptor-ar-cycling-glasses-review)** > > A former Israeli fighter plane engineer brings his expertise to a startup company poised to disrupt the cycling industry. ---
**Author:** ![giventotri](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/giventotri/32/154888_2.png) [@giventotri](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/giventotri)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2022, 2:54pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/data-fields-the-pros-use/74361/9 "2022-07-14T14:54:58Z")
> [@Pbase](#): > > I personally would like to have the Zwift 50” screen in front of me!! I’m surprised nobody has taken the Google Glass / FORM goggles approach and applied it to those huge cycling sunglasses. They certainly have the real estate for it. Edit: Spoke too soon, dammit Chad. ---
**Author:** ![Pbase](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/pbase/32/969_2.png) [@Pbase](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Pbase)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2022, 2:57pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/data-fields-the-pros-use/74361/10 "2022-07-14T14:57:28Z")
I like this! Will have to try it. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Pbase](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/pbase/32/969_2.png) [@Pbase](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Pbase)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2022, 2:58pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/data-fields-the-pros-use/74361/11 "2022-07-14T14:58:38Z")
I knew a couple of guys who had the Raptors. They actually loved them, but I admit that’s a step too far for me. ---
**Author:** ![rkoswald](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/rkoswald/32/28273_2.png) [@rkoswald](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/rkoswald)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2022, 3:07pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/data-fields-the-pros-use/74361/12 "2022-07-14T15:07:24Z")
MapDashboard was easy to install (like most ConnectIQ apps). You can configure the data fields from ConnectIQ. I turned off field headers so that the numbers and units were larger / easier to read. ---
**Author:** ![STP](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/stp/32/15688_2.png) [@STP](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/STP)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2022, 4:48pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/data-fields-the-pros-use/74361/13 "2022-07-14T16:48:30Z")
> [@Pbase](#): > > Interesting that so many amateurs take the “less is more” approach while many of the pros take the “more is more”. I’d imagine if you’re riding for 4-5 hours a day in a 21 day stage race (or several hours a day in training) there is some “are we there yet?” simple boredom that sets in now and then. I won’t doubt if some of those data fields get used like on a long boring car drive when you randomly start zooming in and out on the GPS or scroll through the tire pressure, coolant and oil temp etc readings … As for nav, I can see that being great during the race but also for making sure you don’t get lost on the way to the start. Or worse, miss dinner if you took a wrong turn on one of those occasions when you ride back to the team hotel … Or this: > **[Pro Gets Lost After Paris-Roubaix. Police Had to Escort Him off Motorway](https://www.welovecycling.com/wide/2017/04/12/pro-gets-lost-paris-roubaix-police-escort-off-motorway/)** > > Andrea Guardini from UAE Team Emirates was captured on video riding along a motorway by Quinten Couckuyt, who didn’t hesitate for a second and posted the ---
**Author:** ![Un-QuittingBikes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/bb73d2/32.png) [@Un-QuittingBikes](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Un-QuittingBikes)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2022, 4:57pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/data-fields-the-pros-use/74361/14 "2022-07-14T16:57:57Z")
I only have mach number and G-force displayed on my head unit. It’s actually just a piece of cardboard with 0 and 0 sharpied onto it. ---
**Author:** ![SeeEl](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/seeel/32/15191_2.png) [@SeeEl](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/SeeEl)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2022, 6:33am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/data-fields-the-pros-use/74361/15 "2022-07-16T06:33:47Z")
There was some footage from a motorbike the other day, maybe TdF or Giro Donne, and the rider had the ClimbPro page showing. Knowing how long you have left to suffer is always fun. ---
**Author:** ![mailman](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mailman/32/101794_2.png) [@mailman](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/mailman)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2022, 2:09am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/data-fields-the-pros-use/74361/16 "2022-07-17T02:09:30Z")
After reading this thread, and both of the CyclingTips ones, I was interested in trying a graphical Power data field. I went for this one: > **[Power Bar](https://apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/d3ac6c51-2906-4ea5-8388-9335327582df)** > > Displays a graphical gauge showing current (3s average) power against your power zones. The current power zone is highlighted. A separate gauge registers the maximum power registered during the activity. The data field supports the following... As I am thinking / hoping it’ll be a similar effect to the lights on a Wahoo or digital tachometer from the 80’s etc. Question for anyone that has tried/uses any of the graphical Power fields. What limits/range do you use? I have the option to set FTP and zones as percentage of FTP. I’m thinking it’d be useful to set it to show from say 150 to 350W but maybe 100-400W (which is what I’ve done the initial set up with) is better/more useful? Same with zones, I think the green is Zone 2 and 3, so I’m wondering if I should set Zone Zone 2-3 to basically be my target power zone (i.e. start at like 70% and go up to say 90%) or just set them as per my preferred differentiation (Zone 2 starting at 60%, Zone 3 at 80%, 4 starting at 95% as not perfect examples)? ---
**Author:** ![WindWarrior](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/windwarrior/32/84679_2.png) [@WindWarrior](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/WindWarrior)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2022, 4:30am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/data-fields-the-pros-use/74361/17 "2022-07-17T04:30:09Z")
I use the standard Garmin graphs, and mostly do workouts where power range is set in TrainingPeaks and I’m riding against green/yellow/red zones. If did I install something for free riding (no workout loaded) it would likely be “Power Chart” > **[Power Chart](https://apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/7dd99308-fbf5-4fad-8edf-165f094600a4)** > > Displays a chart showing power for the last few minutes colored by power zones. The data field supports the following settings through Garmin Express or the Garmin Mobile App: \* Check box allowing display of horizontal grid lines for the power... ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/original/3X/9/4/94f3d87eb1d11f094bd8975d005742412d34d839.jpeg) as it slightly improves on the Garmin 2minute real-time color coded power graph. ---
**Author:** ![AussieRider](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/aussierider/32/95215_2.png) [@AussieRider](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/AussieRider)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2022, 4:32am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/data-fields-the-pros-use/74361/18 "2022-07-17T04:32:56Z")
> [@rkoswald](#): > > For Garmin users, the MapDashboard Connect IQ app displays up to six data fields This is what I use when I have a route. My six fields are. HR, 10 sec power, cadence, elapsed time, distance to go, grade. ---
**Author:** ![mailman](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mailman/32/101794_2.png) [@mailman](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/mailman)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2022, 4:36am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/data-fields-the-pros-use/74361/19 "2022-07-17T04:36:05Z")
That’s a good idea. Then you could see visually if you’re spiking too much etc. ---
**Author:** ![WindWarrior](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/windwarrior/32/84679_2.png) [@WindWarrior](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/WindWarrior)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2022, 4:37am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/data-fields-the-pros-use/74361/20 "2022-07-17T04:37:40Z")
Have you tried the standard Garmin field the shows 2-min real-time power with color coding by zone? [Next page](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/data-fields-the-pros-use/74361.md?page=2)