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<\/a><\/p>\nThe device<\/h2>\n
Unboxing the Strada Smart, I was surprised at the small size of the unit, having grown used to the relative bulk of GPS computers. The Strada Smart carries the classic CatEye look and feel, which had me reminiscing about my first bike computers. Unlike those earlier devices though, the Strada Smart can do some clever things.<\/p>\n
The small size (47 x 32 X 13.2mm) means that the device only weighs 17 grams and with the mounting attached the total weight comes to 25 grams. The Strada Smart is powered by a replaceable CR2032 battery and is supposedly good for around 5 months of average use.<\/p>\n
The mount (which is included in the box) matches the minimalist approach of the Strada Smart. On the road bike, I had the Strada Smart mounted on the stem, where it seamlessly formed a natural part of the bike, causing no distractions. The mount proved to be sturdy holding firmly in place even when out on the mountain bike, which included a few knocks and tumbles.<\/p>\n
<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe CatEye Strada Smart mount was simple to use and proved to be a sturdy perch.<\/span><\/p>\n Battery: CR2032 The Strada Smart talks to your phone or\/and sensors using Bluetooth and works in two ways: Mirror mode or Sensor Direct mode.<\/p>\n In Mirror mode, your phone acts as the central point with data from your sensors being relayed to Strada Smart head unit through the CatEye Cycling app on the phone. If you do not have any sensors, only the information gained from the smartphone GPS is used.<\/p>\n Sensor Direct mode is a more minimalist approach which excludes your smartphone. In this mode, the Bluetooth sensors deliver data directly to the Strada Smart head unit. I can see this mode being particularly useful in racing, where you don\u2019t necessarily want your phone with you but still want to keep track of your performance indicators. The Strada Smart can display an array of data from your sensors including cadence, heart rate, speed, and even power data.<\/p>\n Of course, the major downside of the Strada Smart is that it only communicates via Bluetooth. This means that if you have already invested in ANT+ sensors, you are in for further expenses purchasing Bluetooth sensors to work with the Strada Smart.<\/p>\n For these reasons, the Strada Smart makes the most sense for riders already using a phone to record their activities but want this data to displayed up front without having to mount the phone on the handlebars.<\/p>\n Having the phone on the bars puts it in danger of crash and water damage as well as battery drain with the screen having to be active. On a three hour ride, with the screen off in my pocket, the battery usage was not significant on my OnePlus One smartphone (which admittedly is frugal on battery usage) and I could have easily gone all day if required.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, we were not provided with a Bluetooth sensor bundle, so we tested the device exclusively in Mirror mode.<\/p>\n When the CatEye Strada Smart landed on my desk, I had no idea how the device worked. The instructions in the box weren\u2019t all that clear and related mostly to connecting Bluetooth sensors to the Smart Strada. Instead, I headed to the CatEye website for a better idea of what I was trying to achieve. From here, the instructions to download the CatEye Cycling app and sync your phone with the Strada Smart were thankfully straightforward.<\/p>\n Once the initial pairing has been setup, you simply open the CatEye Cycling app, turn on the Strada Smart – wait a few seconds for the two to pair – and then hit the record button on your phone before slipping it into your back pocket and heading off to ride.<\/p>\n Operating the CatEye while riding couldn\u2019t be easier as there is only one button to push. With the sensors connected, you can view up to three data values, including your current speed which is always displayed. You cannot customise your views but rather cycle through the options using the single button. This can be frustrating as you might have to move through up to seven screens to get to the data you want. The Strada Smart will also notify you when calls or messages come through on your phone, whether or not you want such distractions is, of course, a personal preference.<\/p>\n The 1.5 inch monochrome screen is easily viewable in all conditions. While the data is small on the device, I found it clear and easily readable, but I do foresee that those with poor eyesight might struggle with the smaller icons and numbers on display.<\/p>\n The CatEye Cycling app is easy to use and comprehensively records your data including a record of your previous rides. While the after ride experience lacks the polish of Strava, the in-app recording of the rides is a comparable experience. But don\u2019t worry, you can easily upload your data directly from the CatEye Cycling app to cloud services like Strava or TrainingPeaks for further analysis after each ride.<\/p>\n
Battery life: Approx 5 months
Dimensions: 47.0 X32.0 X13.2mm
Weight: 17 grams
Weight including mounting strap: 25 grams
Wireless transmission: Bluetooth Smart\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\nA tale of two modes<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nOn the bike<\/h2>\n
<\/a>rEADY means that the Strada Smart and your phone have sucessfully paired.<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/a>The Strada Smart is operated using a single button.<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n