Bicycling - Road and Mountain

Join

Alternative suggestions for Garmin cadence sensors?

sijomial
sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
edited November 17 in Social Groups
I use this Gamin cadence sensor on one of my bikes and am finding it really unreliable - rarely works on three consecutive rides....
j3d7afadzu3b.jpg
Sometimes giving it a sharp tap revives it so it would seem the motion sensor sticks, doesn't appear to be battery related.

In contrast the older magnetic sensor GSC-10 on my other bike works faultlessly.
(Both pair to the same Edge 800)

Am I just unlucky or is this a common issue?
Any suggestions for alternative compatible devices?

Replies

  • columbus2015
    columbus2015 Posts: 51 Member
    I've never had a problem with my Garmin sensors. Maybe you've got a defective one.
  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    I haven't used either of the new speed or cadence sensors. I used to use a GSC-10 but took it off the bike when I got my power meter because it also reports cadence and I'm satisfied with GPS for speed.

    I've heard good things about Wahoo's "RPM" cadence sensor, but haven't tried one.

    My old GSC-10 is collecting dust. If you can't find a better solution, I'll mail it to you.
  • pedermj2002
    pedermj2002 Posts: 180 Member
    I've got that exact sensor, and what I found is that it needs a bump start. I pick up the front wheel about 6 inches, drop it, spin the pedals a good three times, and check the light. If it's flashing, I'm done, ready to go. Otherwise, just repeat. Always picks up and stays active by the second cycle.

    Alternately, go and get a pedal based power meter. They have cadence built in, which means you get the benefit of having your power *and* cadence being tracked. Kinda neat for that.
  • TheBigYin
    TheBigYin Posts: 5,686 Member
    I've got the Wahoo "rpm" fitted on my old classic steel bike, works well.

    even managed to hide it, stuck to the back of the "spider" on the old Campag Victory crankset, and it still works fine.

    the two other regular ride bikes have powermeters, which basically throw out cadence as a "by product" of the power readings, so I don't need sensors on them...

  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    Thanks for the feedback everyone - food for thought.
    A spot of retail therapy could be in order. :)

    I've tried the "bump start" but that only worked once - a tap with a spanner has also worked but not always.
  • daj150
    daj150 Posts: 815 Member
    Wahoo is great, but as mentioned, you might have a defect. Mine works perfectly 100% of the time...except when I was too lazy to replace the battery, haha.
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    Thanks everyone.
    I've ordered the Wahoo - the option of shoe mounting gave it a little extra appeal for when I'm swapping between bikes.

    BTW - The Garmin clearly has a fine sense of irony as it's behaved itself on the last couple of rides.
    Oh well, you can never have too many toys....

    GSC-10 relegated to my hybrid / turbo trainer.
    'Ironic' Garmin sensor relegated to my training Roubaix.
    Wahoo going on my best bike.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories