Dedicated Cycling computer or Smartphone app?

Hello everyone hope everyone has had a chance to enjoy the warm/cold/"welcome to Chicago weather" this season. This year I upgrade from an old GT Hybrid and moved to a Cyclocross from Fuji. I can really feel the difference in my rides, but one thought has been bouncing around in my head. Which is more accurate or preferred in our community; a dedicated cycling computer or using a smartphone app. I've been using Cyclemeter for years and love it. The only downside I have is that it tanks my iPhone's battery on longer rides (which isn't helpful on longer rides away from home).

TL:DR, Do you prefer a dedicated cycling computer to track your ride or using an app on your smartphone?

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Permalink Reply by This PBL dosnt make me feel safe on May 14, 2015 at 12:22pm

You can get a cyclocomputer at Target for $25 which is very accurate for speed and distance and the batteries will last 3-4 years. There is still a place for simple dedicated electronic devices.

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Permalink Reply by S on May 15, 2015 at 4:05am

It depends on what you mean by dedicated cycling computer, something like an edge 500 or 1000 will do everything a cycling app can do but with a much longer life and with better resistance to weather (you can leave them on your bike while in the rain, etc.). I think if you have the money, a dedicated bike computer is probably more convenient and useful. But cycling apps tend to be cheap or free and provide similar info so there's that,