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How can I know distances are recorded accurately on my 830?

GrimWynde
over 3 years ago

When I ride out with my buddy his Wahoo Roam used to and now his Karoo 2 record longer distances than my Edge 830. I don't use a speed sensor so assume my info is coming straight from the GPS signal (?) - he may be using a wheel diameter reading but I don't think that's an option for me. 

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  • over 3 years ago +1 verified

    The only way to know 100% if any device is accurate is to ride a measured course and compare your recorded distance. 

    I would recommend looking at what GPS settings you are using such as GPS,…

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  • 0 over 3 years ago

    The only way to know 100% if any device is accurate is to ride a measured course and compare your recorded distance. 

    I would recommend looking at what GPS settings you are using such as GPS, GPS+Glonass, etc, as well as your recording interval. Smart vs. Every Second. 

    You can also connect your Edge to your computer and check for possible GPS updates with Garmin Express. 

    Lastly, the 830 is compatible with speed sensors, but you would likely have to purchase that separately unless you purchased a bundle. 

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    Is your buddy using a speed sensor?

    How much longer?

    The distance by speed sensor might tend to be a little bit longer and a little bit more accurate.

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    For several years I used both an edge 800 without speed sensor, and a cateye (with sensor).  I found the GPS distance measurement was excellent.  I could tell when my tire pressure was low based on how close the two readings were!  I have not done this with the 830 but when I ride with others using bike computers (not GPS) the results are close.  

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to Garmin-Blake

    Thank you for getting back to me. I use GPS + GLONASS and have every second data recording set already. I will check for GPS updates via Express too although I have my Edge to take firmware updates automatically anyway.

    I have tried to minimize/rationalize the no. of sensors I connect and use 'just' a HRM, Assioma Duo pedals and Di2 to cover all the bases and maximize battery power however I may add a speed sensor if that will improve accuracy.

    I used to have a Bontrager Duo fitted but ditched when I got the Assiomas and couldn't hack dealing with the magnets dropping off, etc

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to SteveRodkey

    Thanks for taking time out to reply - we rode just using our respective GPS, etc connections and got within 0.5% which isn't bad

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    I have always assumed that a wheel sensor is going to be more accurate than GPS.  This is probably more true while mountain biking, which involves a lot of twists, turns and short ups and downs, much of it under tree cover, that probably don't get picked up by 1-second recording of GPS points.  On the road, probably less so since road riding tends to be more straight-line and fewer tight up-and-down rollers.  That being said, accurate wheel sensors require an accurate wheel circumference measurement!  If that's off, using GPS will avoid that error.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to lytleric
    lytleric said:
    I have always assumed that a wheel sensor is going to be more accurate than GPS

    I would agree with this statement, as long as the correct wheel circumference is input in the sensor settings.