Cycling question

[Jump1959]

New to forum so Hi to all.

What is considered the best setting for cycling as this is my main source of activity to get acurate results and readings please?

Thanks and Happy New year to all.

[Chris1963]

The GPS mode records the most data, ie mapped route, speed, altitude, time, HR, calories etc whereas the auto mode just tracks time, HR, calories. I won't comment on the accuracy of HR recording but if it's really important to you you may need a chest strap linked to a phone app.

[Jump1959]

Thanks Chris but it's not quite what I'm looking for.

I have a Garmin for the route etc but was surprised to find that although my Surge has a GPS and spinning mode it can't combine the two to give a cycle mode.

What I'm looking for is the best setting to monitor what level of exercise I'm doing in relationship with the other forms of excercise I do.

For an example, I did 41 miles on the bike this morning.

I have a heart-rate and the time which will tie in but it also shows 17,549 steps, 12.1 km, burning 3073 cals. How did it work out the steps etc. 

This is using "Workout" mode. 

So the three questions I suppose

1. Is another mode better for cycling and what do others use.

2. How do the above figures relate to my other workouts, Weights, walking and spinning etc.

3. Why hasn't the Surge got a cycle mode?

[Jump1959]

To continue. I only have Hike, Free Run, and Lap Run with GPS.

Not really related to cycling so which would I be better using if not Workout without GPS. 

What about the Spinning mode?

[Chris1963 · Accepted solution]

Ah got you. Yes there is a cycle mode with gps etc..you have to go into settings, view device settings and then edit exercise shortcuts. There are 16 or so and you can select up to 7. Bike is one of them. You then sync your Surge to update it. Bike will then appear as an exercise.

[Chris1963]

That is, you have to alter the settings via fitbit.com or the pc based app, not sure if you can do it via the app on a phone... 

[Chris1963]

Saying that I think you can only do via your browser at fitbit.com - couldnt see to do it via the app.

Just click the cog to the top right corner...then as above. Hope that helps.

[Jump1959]

Thanks again Chris.

I'm on the case.

[Jump1959]

I've sorted the settings so just waiting for the Sync to apply.

[Jump1959]

Result. You're a star.

[Chris1963]

No worries. Just a couple of things though if you're new to Surge. It will record steps for every activity - seems to be a "step equivalent" based on calorie burn or might be completely random eg I did 30 miles cycling today and it registered 10,000 steps. It doesnt double count calories but I think its a quirk of it being a glorified pedometer that it does this.

Also the HR is at best inconsistent. I use a strap and polar app for accurate HR while riding - the Surge is fine for resting HR but falls short during intense activity, both keeping up and going high enough. Seems a common problem on optical devices, not just Fitbit.   

Otherwise I get on ok with it, seems good for GPS and not far off on the other data aside HR...which of course affects calorie burn.

Only other issue is build quality - keep a close eye on strap fatigue - Fitbit will replace within a year (two years in the EU) but after that its a lame 25% off another or same device.

[Jump1959]

Thanks for the further info'

Yes, I'd noted the H/R situation but wasn't aware of the strap issues so will keep an eye on that one.

Thanks again.