How to choose a speedometer on a bicycle? What is this device for?

Today it is quite difficult to find an inveterate bicyclist who would not be interested in data on the speed of movement on his own bike, rolled up a kilometer, etc. Get this and other useful information allows the speedometer to bike. Let's look at the main types, dignities and characteristics of devices in this category.

Mechanical speedometer for bicycle

For the sake of objectivity, it should be noted that at present such devices are practically not used, because they are morally obsolete. Structurally, such devices consist of a cable, a drive wheel and a dial. For an adequate calculation of the speed data, the wheel must be in constant contact with the wheel cover.

The speedometer on a bicycle of a mechanical nature transforms the impulses from the rotation of the wheel into energy, which drives the dial pointer. The latter moves under the pressure of the cylinder, which is pushed out by the force of attraction of a special magnetic disk.

Electronic cycling speedometer

In recent years, electronic devices for calculating the parameters of the movement of two-wheeled vehicles have become popular. Separate such devices into:

1. Wired: a magnetic element is placed on the spoke of the front wheel, a reed switch is attached to the plug, which serves as a means for transferring data to the speedometer by means of a wire connection. Calculations are made on the basis of formulas, which are initially included in the database of the electronic device.
2. Wireless: operate on the same principle as wired systems. The only difference is the transmission of data via radio channels. More often than not, a wireless speedometer on a bicycle becomes the choice of travelers, extreme sportsmen and professional athletes, who have to travel in rather difficult conditions.

Characteristics

What measurements should a good modern speedometer produce? Attention deserve the following points:

1. Determine the current speed. The possibility of calculating this parameter is present in all bicycle speedometers. Obtaining these data makes it possible to follow a certain pace of driving.
2. Calculating the average speed allows you to determine the optimal pace of driving on a particular route.
3. Maximum speed helps to compare the speed of movement on the descent and when moving over flat terrain.
4. Mileage. Tracking this parameter allows you to calculate your own forces to overcome the desired distance.
5. Cadence determines the number of rotations of the pedals within a minute. This makes it possible to determine the optimal gear for the most efficient driving.
6. The odometer calculates the total mileage rolled on a bicycle. Receiving data allows you to change tires in a timely manner and prevent their full wear and tear.
7. The stopwatch helps to carry out high-speed arrivals on time, which contribute to the training of the cardiovascular system.
8. The altimeter is useful when installing a speedometer on a mountain bike, since it makes it possible to record a record of high rises on a two-wheeled vehicle.
9. The clock allows you to monitor the time on the road and plan a trip schedule.

How to install a speedometer on a bicycle?

Having determined with the necessary parameters of the device for calculating the required parameters when traveling on a two-wheeled vehicle, you can proceed directly to its installation. Let's look at the points how to set the speedometer on a bicycle:

1. To begin with, a fixing stand is mounted on the handlebar, where the device will be attached in the future.
2. The reed switch is mounted on the fork of the fork with special screeds.
3. A magnetic element is mounted on the spoke of the wheel. Secure it should be as strong as possible at a distance of no more than 2-3 mm from the reed switch.
4. Finally, the reliability of all fasteners is checked.
5. The speedometer on the bike is debugged.

Before operation, it is necessary to pre-configure the parameters of the computing device. To do this, the values of the diameter of the wheels, their circumference are entered in the database.

What features of the speedometer can be useful for a particular user?

The speedometer should be selected based on the way of driving and personal tasks. Optimal option in the presence of a mountain bike will be a solid model that notifies the average and current speed of movement, the distance covered.

Cyclists who are trained for road racing should pay attention to more advanced devices with a high-precision stopwatch, calorie counter.

As for travelers, a multifunctional bicycle speedometer equipped with a navigator is suitable for them, which will make it possible to determine the optimal routes.