You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
So, I just bought an Elite Zumo direct drive turbo trainer, but think I need an Ant + dongle and heart rate monitor, but I'm not really sure what does what, what connects to what and what can do other things...
I have a Garmin fenix 5, can this be linked with and used for heart rate? I know it wont be as accurate as a HRM but don't want to spend much more at the moment...
Also have a Garmin edge explore can this be linked in any way? and is there any point in that...?
I'm just going to use the Elite training app on my phone for now until I get used to what it all does then maybe look at zwift or something else similar. Will probably use a few free starter periods to see if like one over the others. I'm not training for anything specific. Just generally trying to up my game and keep me fitter over winter with a different option of doing something.
Can I just buy any old Ant + dongle or does it have to be specific? Can any one recommend one? and also, if needed, a reasonably priced (or well cheap) HRM?
It's a whole new world to me this stuff, so thanks for any help.
I've got an elite zumo; I use a dedicated HRM, but am pretty sure a garmin watch will communicate to an ipad at least via BT..
I couldn't get on with the elite app; seem to have to pay loads for routes, so went down the zwift route.
Really pleased with the Zumo tho
cool cheers. Know what you mean about the routes, they do seem pricey, but just want to get used to what it's doing and telling me before jumping into the world of zwift.
I've linked it to strava but would also like to log it on Garmin connect as well if poss...
ads, I think I may have a couple of DVDs of routes - at least one (Alpe d'Huez) came with mine
PM me yr address and I'll send it/them over if I can find them
... though zwift always used to offer a free month "taster"
Zwift links directly to Connect and Strava. I use Vitality (insurance) and have to log it on a garmin watch as well to get my points; the Zwift->Connect->Vitality doesn’t register for points.
Might not be what you’re asking about...!
Sorry, only skim read your post op....
But I use a cheap Ant+ dongle (from.ebay I think, get a long USB lead if needed to place it near turbo) with no issues and a mega cheap HRM too which works perfectly.
I'll see if I can find the one I bought....brb.
Here we are. Was only £19 when I bought it though!
CooSpo Heart Rate Monitor... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07D4J5VDK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It's both BT and ANT+ but I only use it I ant.
JUst seen a video on DC Rainmaker about braodcasting heart rate from garmin watches so that sorts that out once I get an Ant + dongle.
Cheers scaredypants, thats great. PM'd.
You can use the Fenix 5 to broadcast Ant+ HR data, instructions here: https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/fenix5/EN-US/GUID-57A88A77-3813-4E79-9DB1-FC95B06F01BA.html
(Usual caveats - a HR strap is pretty cheap and would usually be more accurate, but if money's tight and you're not a pro athlete your watch data is good enough!)
Any Ant+ dongle should work, although you might end up needing a USB extender cord to get it closer to your turbo. It'll probably be fine, so don't get one unless you have problems.
Zwift and Sufferfest (and others) will upload your data to Garmin Connect if you tell them to, it's in the settings somewhere.
Thanks all, think thats most questions answered. I'll get a dongle ordered. I'm starting to understand it all a bit more now!
Oh, don't forget fans! You have no idea how important they are.😳
Only advice I can add is get yourself set up with Zwift account as to me its one of the few things that suddenly makes turbo work interesting
the ability to join either group rides or races online is great and the immersive aspect of the 'game' side of Zwift with levels/upgrades really encourages you to stick with it and use it more..
Ohh..and echoing the comments above, don't forget the fan(s) - makes a big difference to HR stability and also helps control the sweat level..
There's an unlimited use 7-day free trial for Zwift through British Cycling membership, compared to the standard 25Km per month.
I use...
Coospo BT/ANT+ HRM www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01M8QD9Z4
Antself ANT+ dongle www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00LIIMHP4
USB 2.0 cable (but you could get a 3.0 instead) www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00NH11PEY
Only advice I can add is get yourself set up with Zwift account as to me its one of the few things that suddenly makes turbo work interesting
I tried Zwift, but didn't really enjoy it. I prefer Sufferfest, although this year I'm using BKool as I got an offer for a dirt-cheap subscription. AFAIK they've all got free trials, so there's no need to decide on one from the start.