When I first got my own bicycle, amidst the excitement of choosing the frame and imagining scenic routes, the idea of having an Odometer For A Bike truly stood out. Before this, my cycling experience was limited to borrowing bikes, often in less-than-perfect condition, and my knowledge of cycling tech was virtually non-existent. The concept of a device that could track my distance and speed was fascinating and felt like a key part of becoming a ‘real’ cyclist.
During my initial training rides with a friend, I was always a little envious of her sleek road bike and especially the small screen on her handlebars. It was an odometer for her bike, and it seemed to hold the answers to how far and fast we were going. At the end of each ride, we’d check her odometer, comparing our performance and feeling a sense of accomplishment. It was clear I wanted the same capability when I got my own wheels.
And when my new bike finally arrived, complete with a basic odometer for a bike, I was thrilled. For a while, it lived up to all my expectations. Seeing my speed climb higher than ever before and watching my average speed gradually improve was incredibly motivating. Every ride felt like a personal challenge, and the bike odometer was there to quantify my progress.
However, this initial enthusiasm began to wane. Instead of motivation, looking at the numbers started to bring discouragement. I became fixated on my speed, particularly when tackling uphill climbs, where the numbers inevitably dropped. Hitting a plateau in my average speed became a source of frustration, taking the joy out of the ride.
One day, I decided to cycle without even turning on my odometer for the bike. Riding without knowing my speed or distance was liberating. Reaching my usual turnaround point, I simply kept pedaling, enjoying the sheer act of cycling. I ended up going much further than planned and relished every moment. Since then, my bike odometer has remained off.
This experience made me question the real value of these devices. Are odometers for bikes genuinely helpful tools for cyclists, or do they become more of a distraction than an aid?
To gain a professional perspective, I consulted Richard Simmonds, a seasoned road racer, time-trialist, duathlon world silver medalist, and cycling coach. He believes that an odometer for a bike is indeed a valuable tool because it “immediately makes your bike rides measurable.” This measurability, he explains, is crucial for tracking progression. “This gives you something for future reference so that you can define progression. Progress might be measured by doing greater distance in a set time, or doing a set route faster than previously. Whatever you like to measure, an odometer for your bike will help you to do that.”
The usefulness of a bike odometer is undeniably tied to the cyclist’s goals. For someone who cycles for leisure or commuting, the detailed metrics might be unnecessary. If you’re just riding to the local store, knowing your exact speed is likely irrelevant. However, for cyclists focused on training, improving fitness, or enhancing their cycling skills, an odometer for a bike becomes a significant asset.
For cyclists aiming for serious performance gains, more advanced odometer for bike models offer features beyond basic speed and distance. These sophisticated devices can incorporate heart rate monitoring and power measurement, although these come at a higher price point.
Simmonds highlights the importance of effort-based training. “The key thing that you should focus on is producing a certain effort over a period of time. This is why power meters and heart rate monitors can be the best ways of really training effectively. Working to speed can be deceptive, as speeds will vary according to weather conditions. However, your effort level will be something you can constantly measure, irrespective of the average speed you might produce on a given day.” Integrating these metrics into a bike odometer provides a more comprehensive and reliable training tool.
But what about cyclists who prefer a more relaxed approach, without the pressure of performance tracking? Do they still need an odometer for their bike? Many modern odometers for bikes now include GPS functionality. While this seems useful, especially for navigation, the cost of GPS-enabled bike odometers, often starting around £125, might not be justified for casual cyclists, unless they frequently find themselves lost.
For now, I’ve chosen to keep my odometer for bike switched off. Perhaps in the future, curiosity about my progress or distance covered will reignite my interest in the numbers. The allure of watching those digits climb might tempt me again. But currently, I’m content with simply enjoying the ride through the hills, unconcerned with time or distance, and free from constantly glancing down at a screen.
What are your thoughts? Do you rely on an odometer for your bike, or do you prefer the freedom of riding without one?
