Experimented with using a smartphone instead of a bike computer for a week's duration - captured results below
The Cadence app, available on both Android and iOS devices, is making waves in the world of cycling, challenging dedicated bike computers in terms of features, functionality, and display quality. This multisport app supports both running and cycling, offering a user-friendly experience that rivals high-end bike computers.
Cadence boasts advanced features such as Strava Live Segments, bike radar support (including the Garmin Radar), offline maps, live tracking with privacy, and even integration with ActiveLook AR glasses for real-time heads-up information. The app's interface is customizable and stats-rich, with its larger and sharper smartphone screens providing a visual edge over many bike computers. Users find navigation and metric display on Cadence to be very close to the bike computer experience, with easier interaction via touchscreen gestures on a bigger display.
However, the app's major drawback remains battery life. Modern smartphones, despite improved endurance, cannot match the battery life of top bike computers like the Coros Dura, which can last for weeks without charging. This is a significant limitation for long rides, bikepacking, or multi-day events. Additionally, dedicated bike computers offer specialized designs, such as ruggedness, glove-operable buttons, and ultra-reliable GPS hardware optimized for cycling, which smartphone apps cannot fully replicate.
Post-ride analysis is done within the Cadence app, eliminating the need for device syncing. The app can handle navigation features, and the larger screen size is advantageous during navigation. Users can connect and share data with Apple Health, Strava, and MyBikeTraffic.com. The user's bike is equipped with a Quad Lock mount to secure the phone during rides.
Cadence ships with seven default screens, but users can add or delete screens, and build any of the 150 available metrics into between one and 24 data fields per screen. The app asks for the user's date of birth and current weight to calculate physiological metrics. The process of adding sensors to Cadence is much smoother on a smartphone than on a bike computer.
In summary, while Cadence on smartphones rivals bike computers in features, customization, and screen quality, it is best suited for riders prioritizing advanced data and convenience over extreme battery longevity and specialized hardware. For riders needing ultra-long battery life and robust cycling-specific device features, high-end dedicated bike computers still lead.
[1] Source: User Reviews on App Store and Google Play [2] Source: Comparative Reviews on Bike Computer Websites [3] Source: Expert Opinions from Cycling Publications
- Despite the fact that the Cadence app offers a visual edge over many bike computers due to its larger and sharper smartphone screens, its battery life cannot match the battery life of dedicated bike computers like the Coros Dura.
- The process of adding sensors to Cadence is much smoother on a smartphone, making it more convenient for users compared to traditional bike computers.
