The cycle computer of a professional cyclist is one of the elements that they pay the most attention to, a device that few have access to beyond their coaches. Tom Pidcock has shown us his, what data he uses to compete and train, and it is surprising to see the simplicity of it compared to the heaps of data and screens that we can find on those of recreational cyclists.
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Spartan data configuration for Tom Pidcock's Garmin
Current cycle computers can provide a huge amount of real-time data. However, often, an excess of information can have the opposite effect. In any case, it is surprising to see the simplicity that Tom Pidcock shows in the configuration of his cycle computer.
One thing that immediately catches the eye is that Tom Pidcock uses a Garmin Edge 840 Solar instead of the recently launched Edge 850, which we assume he will start using for the next season. We all know that professional cyclists are usually completely reluctant to change any element of their equipment halfway through the season, and the cycle computer is a key element for them. Just observe how they remove it from the bike and store it in their jersey at the end of stages, or if they have to change bikes due to a breakdown, they transfer it to the spare bike.
Tom Pidcock barely uses two screens on his cycle computer. A main data screen with just 6 data fields: lap time, average lap power, heart rate, speed, lap distance, and 3s power. Only basic data but, after all, the most frequently used and necessary for training and monitoring effort during pedaling.
Choosing data per lap instead of global data for the route allows Tom Pidcock to segment efforts in each section of the day, although using lap distance data instead of total distance may make him lose perspective on which part of the stage he is in. The presence of heart rate demonstrates the continued importance of this value in the era of watts, allowing the cyclist to discern how their body responds to efforts and know if they are or are not in a condition to reach certain power numbers on a given day.
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He controls power using the 3s Power field, which provides a slight smoothing compared to the huge variability of using instant power, making it difficult to maintain stable numbers.
Tom Pidcock's Garmin Edge 840 Solar also has another data screen. In this case, it is the map screen, widely used by professional cyclists, especially during descents to have full awareness of the road layout and anticipate the lines they will have to take. This screen also includes a couple of numerical data, in this case, lap time and distance to destination, the latter compensating for the lack of context that could come from having the lap distance field that Pidcock uses in the main window.
How many screens and what data do you use on your cycle computer? Tell us on our social media.
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