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Garmin Instinct Solar on Stationary Bike

Labrador77
over 3 years ago

Hi everyone,

I'm recovering from a broken ankle so I am trying to use my Garmin Instinct Solar on stationary bike instead of mountain running and hiking.

I tried using the indoor bike activity yesterday but it didn't record distance. I had also added a footpod.

I searched the forums but found threads on stationary bikes only for other devices.

According to the Instinct Solar manual, it can be used on stationary bikes but doesn't say much more.

"The Instinct® device can be used for training indoors, such as running on an indoor track or using a stationary bike or indoor trainer. GPS is turned off for indoor activities (Activities and App Settings)."

I am wondering if maybe I have to change some activity settings to allow it recording distance. Anybody has an idea on what activity settings I'd have to use?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    From my research to get some of that data (if you don't use a smart trainer) you would need Garmin's  Bike Speed Sensor 2 and Cadence Sensor 2 010-12845-00 $ 69.99 USD

    I'm in a similar situation as you. Waiting on a meniscus surgery, and so the trainer is my only cardio right now. Now, I have not tested these, as I use a Smart Trainer with TrainerRoad, which uploads my workouts to GC. I did buy that item, but decided I wanted more of a training-type of workout vs just spinning and manually controlling resistance.

    If someone knows of another way, hopefully they will chime in.

    I do know that the Instinct does not support all of the same sensor options, compared to the Fenix series. For ANT+ this is documented on this ANT+ website www.thisisant.com/.../

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to WD

    Thank you very much. I'll consider using the cadence sensor. My stationary bike is a rental and the wheel is covered so unfortunately I can't install the speed sensor. Best of luck with the with the meniscus surgery.