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Edge 840 and Zwift and Forerunner

Mark
2 months ago

I currently ride indoors using Zwift and also record the ride on my Edge 840. The Edge captures a lot more data such as cycling dynamics, though I have noticed that the average power is often 5-10W lower than what is recorded in Zwift from my Wahoo Kickr. Of course I end up with two data files for each ride. 

First question - does it matter which one I keep and which one I erase from Connect?  I currently keep the Zwift file since it has the “real” speed and distance based on the virtual ride, taking into account ascents and stuff. Does erasing the Edge file affect any of the training metrics gathered by Garmin like training status, etc?

Next question - I just bought a Forerunner 265 which I also wear while cycling. I don’t turn on any activities while I’m cycling since I already have the edge. Does that somehow impact all my health and training stats?  Does the watch think my heart rate and breathing are spiking for no reason?  And if I did record the ride on my watch as well, would I just end up with a third data file and then what do I do?

(Life was simpler when you just had a cateye speedometer and a stopwatch Wink)

  • 0 1 month ago

    I'm not an expert but I have the same combination (840 and 265) so I can give you my setup. I have the 265 set as my primary device, which I mainly use for running and walking activities. For cycling both indoor and outdoor I only use the 840 and have the 265 switched off. Garmin Connect sends the data to Strava, and Zwift also sends the data to Strava but not to Connect. When I complete a Zwift ride I delete the Connect data from Strava but keep it in Connect, however it does not give me the metrics from Zwift, i.e. distance is different and climbs are not included. This doesn't bother me as I view Zwift as fictional numbers anyway! Once I switch my 265 back on it keeps all my metrics from my indoor cycle (i.e. HR, intensity minutes, recovery time, etc...) and gives me one view of my training via the Garmin unified training status function.

    My understanding is if you have both devices running at the same time the one you set as primary will write the majority of the data, i.e. HR, intensity minutes. You shouldn't have a duplicate. The 840, when used for an outdoor ride will provide a map of your route. If you don't use the 265 to track your activity the 840 will be the provider of the data and should overwrite the 265 HR data and any other metrics. Not sure why you would wear your 265 if you're not using during your cycling activity though? I use the 840 with HRM Pro to give me the data, the only reason to use the 265 at the same time would be if you didn't have an HR strap and needed HR data to be broadcast?

  • 0 1 month ago in reply to 1530214

    So if I understand you correctly, if I leave the watch off while I am riding, the data collected by the 840 will be transferred to the watch via Connect for calculating stress level, body battery, and all that other nonsense that I am suddenly addicted to?  Other than HR (which is being picked up by my strap) is there any data the watch picks up during a ride that is not captured by the 840?

  • 0 1 month ago in reply to Mark

    That's correct. Once I complete my ride and the 840 has uploaded into Connect, I switch on my 265 and sync it with Connect. I then have my training status, training readiness, etc...sync'd (this is the function of Garmin's unified training status system). It gives me a whole picture of my training regardless of the device I use and syncs it to the device I have set as primary (in my case the 265). It also calculates my body battery etc...I honestly can't think of any additional metrics the watch would pick up during a ride. My 840 is also connected to my power meter so my training numbers are more accurate (you can of course also connect your power meter to your 265). Again not sure of the point of wearing the watch if you're using your 840 but some people do so there may something I'm missing!

  • 0 1 month ago

    Odd that your power numbers are lower in the Garmin recorded file as they should be identical if coming from the same power source. Do you have a separate power meter on the bike that's paired to the 840 and the Kickr paired to Zwift as the power source?

    Nothing to add that hasn't been covered by 1530214 other than that you can edit the distance and elevation stats of the Edge recorded file in the Connect app if you wanted to match that to the Zwift stats. It's an extra step but you get the best of both worlds then Slight smile