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<\/a><\/p>\nAs far as premium GPS bike computers go, consumers are spoilt for choice. With a recommended retail price of R6,499, Mio places the Cyclo 505 HC firmly in this premium category. The question is; does the device live up to the expectations that this price range demands?<\/p>\n
Specs:<\/h2>\n
Dimensions:103mm long\/ 61mm wide\/ 18.9mm deep<\/p>\n
Weight: 130g<\/p>\n
Screen: 3\u201d colour touch<\/p>\n
Memory: 4GB internal<\/p>\n
Connectivity: WiFi, Buetooth, ANT+, USB<\/p>\n
Battery life: 12 hours (claimed)<\/p>\n
Head-unit<\/p>\n Handlebar\/stem mount<\/p>\n Heart rate strap<\/p>\n Speed\/cadence sensor<\/p>\n Crank and wheel magnet<\/p>\n USB cable<\/p>\n Charger<\/p>\n Setting up the device on the bike is quick and easy. Once you have decided on placing the mount on either your handlebar or stem (it works on both), it attaches via two cable ties resulting in a secure fit. The speed and cadence sensors attach on the non-drive side chain stay, also with the use of cable ties.<\/p>\n Due to the length and depth of the unit, there may be an issue for those using a stem that is 90mm or shorter, with an extended steerer tube above the stem (carbon steerer tubes require one or two spacers above the stem). This can be remedied with the new \u201cout front\u201d style mount which places the unit level with and in front of the stem.<\/p>\n Once switched on, the device prompts you through a basic, quick start guide. This is enough to get you rolling if you\u2019re in a hurry. When taking more time to setup the unit, navigation through the menus is easy and intuitive. Apple users, like myself, will feel at home with the single home\/return button and touch screen display.<\/p>\n There is the option to have multiple bike profile setups too (road, MTB, TT) which is handy when you\u2019re switching between bikes. The only downside to switching the unit between bikes is the use of the cable ties for the mount. It takes a little bit longer, than some of the competitors who use rubber o-rings to secure their devices. This is easily sorted by having a mount on each bike.<\/p>\n Pairing the heart rate strap and speed and cadence sensors is once again a quick and easy affair.<\/p>\n For those using power meters (Powertap, SRM, Quarq, Garmin, etc), the device supports ANT+ signals so, you should have no problem doing your best to imitate Chris Froome by staring at your stem. The current software does not display left\/right leg power balance, and will hopefully be available as a software upgrade soon.<\/p>\n Shimano Di2 users can take further advantage of the unit\u2019s capabilities and sync this with their drivetrain to display information such as battery status and current gear selection. Gear selection can either be selected from options in a pre-set menu, or by entering your own personalised gear ratios based on your current setup.<\/p>\n With a well-lit 3\u201d screen, it\u2019s difficult to ignore the unit\u2019s presence on your handlebars or stem. However, should you forget to begin recording when you start your ride, the unit will prompt you to start recording once it has detected movement- a handy feature when you\u2019re still half asleep and rolling out on those 5am rides.<\/p>\n Thanks to the large colour screen and clear display, reading data and information while riding is easy. This is especially handy when you\u2019re coming to the end of your last 4 minute interval! The secure fit offered by the cable ties ensures that the computer remains in place and that the screen is easily readable on even the roughest Roubaix roads or Tokai trails.<\/p>\n A feature that the jury is still out on is the unit\u2019s ability to sync with your phone via Bluetooth. This allows you to see incoming calls, text messages and emails as well as control music volume or skip through playlists without having to reach in to your back pocket. While most of us ride to get away from work, it could be a life saver when your boss calls and you\u2019re out smashing trails on company time.<\/p>\n With December offering the opportunity to do long base rides, I was keen to test the claimed 12 hour battery life. Fortunately I didn\u2019t need to do a 12 hour ride to find out if the battery really does last that long! After a couple of 6 and 7 hour rides, I was left with very little power. The 505 HC, even less so. I would guess that it would be capable of around 8-9 hours of riding time, depending on how many functions you have running (Bluetooth, etc.).<\/p>\n The touch screen has often caused issues for those riding in long-finger gloves, but it seems that Mio have this sorted. While the screen is sensitive enough to pick up commands with gloves on in all conditions, I never felt as though I needed to lose weight on my fingers just to be able to hit the right spot on the screen.<\/p>\n With the catch phrase \u201cexplore more\u201d, Mio have put some pressure on themselves to make sure that their \u201csurprise me\u201d function works well. This function on the unit offers users a chance to allow the unit to determine a route for them. To begin with, users need to decide on a loop, a point of interest, an address, a point on the map or a preselected favourite destination. When choosing a loop, it works out a route based on either the distance you want to ride or the amount of time you want to ride for and your predicted average speed. With this information, three routes are calculated and displayed on a map with information such as total climbing and a route profile. It\u2019s an interesting concept that can help the user find established routes in new areas or new routes in established areas.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nWhat\u2019s in the box:<\/h2>\n
Setup:<\/h2>\n
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