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I've had smart watches since before they were called smart watches. My latest incarnation has developed a fault and needs to be replaced under warranty. But I'm half tempted to just stop wearing one. I'm not sure I need to know how far, fast and how many calories I've burned. I've got my phone for maps. Is it just a complication we can do without that actually detracts from the fun sometimes? Dunno.
Whaddya think?
One of the most fun things I discovered in the past couple of years was VeloViewer - specifically the "Explorer" part. That uses GPS traces to build up a picture of the places you've visited but, more importantly for me, the places I haven't. As a result, I've been up tracks and over hills I'd have normally ridden, walked or run past and on the way I've found really magical places - unmapped waterfalls, ancient trees, ruined buildings, fantastic (and unexpected) views.
The how far/fast, calories, step count stuff passes me by really. For a start, I've no idea what an FTP is.
I’d just give it a bash and see how you get on.
I’ve gone through phases of not using them and it’s not made any real difference to the experience that matters. I’m about 50/50 at the minute, and that’s including Zwift where you don’t get a choice.
But, as per Scotroutes. Veloviewer is a good way to initiate exploring new places.
With technology, I’m becoming increasingly ‘meh’ with tech. I ditched GPS for biking/running not long back as well.
I have a Polar Vantage after years of not wearing (or having) a watch. I mainly use it for the sleep tracking stuff, which is excellent. When I'm on a bike I don't take the watch and just use a Polar bike computer on the bars.
FTP = Function Tea (drinking) Potential
I'm with meh. Tied enough to the damn thing without literally strapping it to myself. You presumably need the phone anyway so unless you need the HRM function I'd just go without. But that's me.
I’ve no idea what an FTP is.
That's because you're an East coaster. But I'll take a swatch at VeloViewer, sounds like my sort of thing.
FTP - it is a method to transfer files from one computer to another - File Transfer Protocol...basics really! 😉
Do it. Be free again!!!!
I wear mine as I need to keep a close eye on my HR and have an alarm set on it, which goes off a lot... I have all the segment stuff switched off, and although I do link from Garmin Connect to Strava, I have no interest in how fast other people go in comparison to my sluggish pace. I like Strava for looking at my cadence and HR after a ride.
Useful tools to get fit, once you have, not so much.
I don't even wear a normal watch. I do use Strava but phone stays in jersey pocket until I get home and then log the ride, see how I did on any known segments etc,. If I have something on my bars or wrist I just look at it too much and miss some of the point I am out riding for.
Bu then I am not training so don't need to see that data and I only ride in places where I know where I am going so don't need GPS.
Whaddya think?
My life would be empty and meaningless without detailed fitness tracking data. Just this week, for example, I learned that replacing cheap disk brakes with expensive ones didn't make me any faster down a hill. Now I need to buy some proper data logging gear so I can monitor how much more I'm skidding compared to before.
If you do it make sure you announce on social media first that you’re considering it, you know just for the irony.
Na, they're brilliant things, as ever if you use the info. I have no idea how I'd pace myself running without one, I know plenty folk used to, and still do, but they're brilliant for all forms of running training, for me.
Also really like the altimeter, use it loads when in clouds hillwalking, it's very good, never more than 10m out.
Hate being without it, even more than a phone, when I upgraded from a VA3 to VA4, I looked to what VA3 was selling for and it wasn't much, kept it as a spare.
Step function, while not exactly a great measure of fitness, and seen more as a fun thing, is good for avoiding being too sedentary. And we know the perils of that lifestyle.
Casio watch for the win.
Like scotroutes, I'm finding out it's more useful to use tracking data for planning routes and exploring, not for seeing if I'm not the fastest on a segment...
I think the ability to follow a planned route on a wrist or handle bar is very useful. So assuming your not willing to put your phone on your handle bars that might be a factor.
But phones do the tracking and most other stuff really well. So yes the watch isn't really needed.
My casual reading suggests sleep tracking is a bad idea
Apologies for the thread highjack, but what is VeloViewer? It sounds like something I'd be interested in. I've tried to look for the app on both the Play and App Stores, but cannot find it. Can someone send a link or enlighten me? Thanks
Just Google it
I wear mine for work and if I'm exercising - not fussed about monitoring my full day/steps.
Rest of the time it's a g-shock
A bit slow this morning; many thanks for the link, looks interesting!
If I was actually into running I could see the point in a watch, otherwise it's just a more expensive, less featured, still relying on being tethered, even more likely to get smashed, version of a phone?
Aye, a fair assessment, a bit like a dedicated bike computer, that does a lot more, if you want it to.
My watch is a Forerunner 35. It's small and unobtrusive. I only wear it when exercising. Battery life in GPS mode is around 8 hours so handles all my daily stuff - runs, shorter rides, walks. No navigation on it of course, I have an Oregon for that.
I'd probably use my phone more if Garmin Connect actually did tracking or there was another Garmin app that did. I normally have the phone stashed away in a bag when I'm riding though so the actual "telling the time" function on the watch is handy then. And it saves phone battery life.
I'd rather leave my phone at home, and just wear a GPS watch. Keeps things simple, less distractions etc.
Usually don't bother to look at it much when out running/cycling, except to check distance/ time. But nice to download the track afterwards and see where I went.
I wear a Suunto GPS watch for practically every ride, ski or run but not always with heart rate belt. I really don't look much into it during exercise but I love having the tracks afterwards for those "where hell were we" -moments.
The fact you posted a thread about it suggests that it's more about how your mind works than fitness trackers.
If you don't care about the info, leave it at home. It is just that simple. Don't overcomplicate your life!