Difference in calories burned on websites

shorerider

I was checking how many calories I burn on my bike rides, and I noticed that there is a difference in the amount depending on what website I checked. MFP tends to be on the low side it seems, sometimes differing as much as 150 calories from other sites. Is there a reason?

I'm still keeping up riding an hour a day and burning up anywhere from 900 to a little over a 1000 calories, according to MFP, and most days I have a hard time eating the calories to keep up with the plan; so I'm not seeking to get more calories to eat but am just curious. And, who knows---there is a McDonald's within riding distance; one day I might stop by there for sundae treat during my ride and there's "missing" 150 calories might just come in handy!

shorerider

I was checking how many calories I burn on my bike rides, and I noticed that there is a difference in the amount depending on what website I checked. MFP tends to be on the low side it seems, sometimes differing as much as 150 calories from other sites. Is there a reason?

I'm still keeping up riding an hour a day and burning up anywhere from 900 to a little over a 1000 calories, according to MFP, and most days I have a hard time eating the calories to keep up with the plan; so I'm not seeking to get more calories to eat but am just curious. And, who knows---there is a McDonald's within riding distance; one day I might stop by there for sundae treat during my ride and there's "missing" 150 calories might just come in handy!

shorerider

YIKES! I just found one site that said I burned almost 200 calories LESS than what MFP says I did. But, I think I might have discovered why--it had less choices for speed and distance. I guess that might be it.

However, that brings me to another question--if I'm only averaging about 10-12 miles per hour, MFP (and most other sites) call that a "light effort." But it's not light to me! Especially if I'm pushing into the wind like we've had here the last few days--today there was a 10-15 mph wind I was fighting most of my ride. How can I account for that, if at all? Is it simple as just saying I put out a moderate or even vigorous effort even if my MPH didn't match up?

banks1850

That's why it's really just an estimate. To truely know, you need a heart rate monitor.

hamilton4beaumont

Do you have any good suggestions on brands? I've looked at quite a few, but the price range is crazy huge! My husband isn't thrilled about me seeking this device and would much rather purchase something else for that amount of money :grumble:
I saw that the least inexpensive was about $30, but read horrible reviews. ANy advice would be appreciated.