Today it is quite difficult to find an avid cyclist who would not be interested in data on the speed of movement on his own bike, rolled mileage, etc. To get this and other useful information allows the speedometer on a bicycle. Let's look at the main types, advantages and characteristics of devices in this category.
Mechanical speedometer for a bicycle
For the sake of objectivity, it is worth noting that at present such devices are practically not used, since they are morally obsolete. Structurally, such devices consist of a cable, a drive wheel and a dial. For adequate calculation of speed data, the wheel must be in constant contact with the tire wheel.
A speedometer on a bicycle of a mechanical nature converts impulses from the rotation of the wheel into energy, which drives the dial arrow. The latter moves under the pressure of the cylinder, which is pushed by the attractive force of a special magnetic disk.
Electronic speedometer
In recent years, electronic devices for calculating the movement parameters of two-wheeled vehicles have been popular. Such devices are divided into:
- Wired: a magnetic element is placed on the spoke of the front wheel, a reed switch is mounted on the fork, which serves as a means for transmitting data to the speedometer via wired communication. Calculations are made on the basis of formulas that were initially entered into the electronic device database.
- Wireless: operate on the same principle as wired systems. The only difference is the transmission of data via radio channels. Most often, a wireless bicycle speedometer 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 take? The following points deserve attention:
- Determination of current speed. The ability to calculate this parameter is present in all bicycle speedometers. Obtaining these data makes it possible to adhere to a certain pace of ride.
- Calculation of the average speed allows you to determine the optimal pace of driving on a particular highway.
- The maximum speed helps to compare the speed of the descent and when moving on flat terrain.
- Mileage. Tracking this parameter allows you to calculate your own forces to overcome the desired distance.
- Cadence determines the number of pedals in a minute. This makes it possible to decide on the selection of the optimal gear for the most efficient ride.
- The odometer calculates the total mileage rolled on a bicycle. Obtaining data allows you to timely change tires and prevent their complete wear.
- The stopwatch helps to make high-speed time trips, which contribute to the training of the cardiovascular system.
- The altimeter is useful when installing a speedometer on a mountain bike, because it makes it possible to record a high-altitude climb on two-wheeled vehicles.
- The watch allows you to track travel time and plan a travel schedule.
How to install a speedometer on a bicycle?
Having decided on the necessary parameters of the device for calculating the necessary indicators when moving on two-wheeled vehicles, you can proceed directly to its installation. Let's look at the points how to install a speedometer on a bicycle:
- To begin with, a mounting stand is mounted on the take-out of the steering wheel, where the device will subsequently be mounted.
- The reed switch of the speedometer is installed on the trouser leg of the fork with special ties.
- A magnetic element is mounted on the wheel spoke. It should be fixed as firmly as possible at a distance of no more than 2-3 mm from the reed switch taking indicators.
- In conclusion, a reliability check of all fasteners is performed.
- The speedometer on the bike is being debugged.
Before operation, a preliminary adjustment of the operating parameters of the computing device is required. For this purpose, the diameter of the wheels and their circumference are entered into the database.
What features of the speedometer can be useful to a particular user?
A bicycle speedometer should be selected based on the riding method and personal tasks. The best option if you have a mountain bike will be a solid model that notifies you of the average and current speed of movement, the distance covered.
Cyclists who are preparing for road racing should pay attention to more advanced devices with a high-precision stopwatch and calorie counter.
As for travelers, a multifunctional bicycle speedometer equipped with a navigator is suitable for them, which will make it possible to decide on the choice of optimal routes.