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Fenix 5x owner do I really need an Edge for cycling?

Mike Marshall
over 3 years ago

Ok,, so I am very happy with my Fenix 5x for walking,  running,  and hiking.   I'm trying to determine what I would need to add to my street bicycle in order use it with cycling activities.   I keep coming across the edge 530 sensor package but it seems to me I would almost be buying the equivalent of another fenix 5x just for my bike.  

What is the most cost effective method of outfitting my bike so that I can track cycling activities on my fenix 5x along with my running activities?

I want to be able to join monthly cycling challenges.   I may upgrade in the future.  Need enough for above for now. 

Thank you, 

Michael 

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    Ok, I've been reading for a while now and I want to make sure I understand correctly prior to purchase. 

    It is possible to use my fenix 5x for cycling activity tracking. 

    Purchase: 

    1.handlebar mount for the watch

    2 HRM-Dual 

    3. Garmin Speed 2 and Cadence 2 combo 

    Pair all three sensors with the Fenix 5x,  Then use the cycling activity. 

    When complete,  sync with mobile Connect IQ app like I do with running. 

    Is all the correct?

    ** I do see the benefits of using an Edge device,  like the 530, and eventually power meter pedals.   Those will likely be future upgrades for my training **

    Your input is very much appreciated!

    Thank you, 

    Michael 

  • +1 over 3 years ago in reply to Mike Marshall

    Yep, that’s about right Michael. I have a fenix 6, use HRM -pro and wahoo speed and cadence sensors - works perfectly. 
    if you do purchase power meter pedals in the future the Watch can ‘see’ those too and display metrics, but I would say the biggest advantage of an edge at that point is screen real estate. Obviously there are many other features that work better with the edge display such as the vario bike radar, climb pro and turn by turn directions, but if it’s purely speed/time/distance then the watch is fine

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to Mike Marshall

    I use this configuration for quite a long time. Also paired with Virb 360 and Varia RTL for radar and back light.

    Works great. I think that the only problem is a small map when using watch. TBT navigation works fine.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to Mike Marshall

    Hi Mike, I just saw your post...

    I have had a 5x for a number of years and last fall decided to pick up a 130plus, here is why..

    1)while riding i found it distracting to be taking my eyes of the road to look at my wrist for the data (edge unit on stem is right in line of sight)

    2)I do triathlon and use the watch for run and swim, would take time to strap onto handlebar and same issue as number1(edge 130plus you can broadcast from 5x to edge display, read about that feature)

    3)5x is a loaded watch, the 130plus has 80% of the features you need to record activities, synch with HRM and power meter and log intensity minutes(only doesnt do TSS and IF which 5x does, which if you really wanted to could use 5x for activity and broadcast onto edge unit)

    4)breadcrumb style mapping is more than adequate as you get your turn by turn nav from your preloaded course, I would not have the time to be eyeballing whats around on a map when on my road bike.

    5)even when i move up to 6x the 130 plus will be perfect for what i need (currently logged in an entire season including indoor smart trainer which can also be controlled by 130plus for workouts and simulated rides.

    hope that helps

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to Ad-Rock

    To be clear. I use Garmin mount https://youtu.be/8b-v9uCPFFY . Riding with watch on my wrist is a bad idea.

    TBT navigation works very well. You dont have to watch map closely, you'll get alarm signal and a big direction arrow.

    So. It depends. I found 5X great for my scenario and I dont plan buying Edge. But each case is different.

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 3 years ago

    Hello,

    I use the F5x for cycling, little bit running, SUP and skitour.

    i have one profile for the Enduro, one for the XC and one for the Roadbike.
    all bikes with the old GSC10 CAD sensor and the run HRM.
    on the Roadbike the Varia RTL515

    now i think do buy some Rally XC200 to use with the F5X

    for the handlebar i use mount from Garmin & Polar.  - i like the polar more ;)

    i think a update to edge is not necessary.

    br, daniel