What Is a Cadence Sensor? A Comprehensive Guide to Cycling Sensors

What Is a Cadence Sensor

If you’re a cyclist, you know that using the right gear can make all the difference in your performance. Investing in a good cadence sensor is one way of maintaining healthy muscle strain and proper coordination.

But what is a cadence sensor, and how does it help bikers? This comprehensive guide will answer all of your questions and help you choose the right one for your needs! 

Keep reading to find out more!

What Does Cadence Mean in Cycling?

Cadence, in cycling terms, refers to the number of RPM (rotations per minute) that a biker makes, and a cadence sensor is what helps you track and monitor the overall speed at which you pedal. Although typically used for elite cycling, many people have a cadence sensor for a stationary bike.

There are a few different reasons why you might want to invest in a bike cadence sensor. For one, it can help you improve your cycling efficiency. If you’re able to maintain a high cadence rate, you’re going to cover more ground with less effort. This is especially important for professional cyclists who are trying to reach the finish line quicker. 

Additionally, a cadence monitor can also help you avoid injuries. When you know your ideal cadence, you can ensure that you’re not pedalling too slowly or too quickly, which can lead to muscle strains.

Bikers with a more muscular build are recommended to ride with a lower pedal cadence, while thinner people would probably be more comfortable with a higher cadence and a lower gear. 

It’s also important to note that riding faster at a lower cadence is more likely to give you muscle strains.

What Is a Cadence Sensor?

A cadence sensor is a small gadget you connect to your bicycle to automatically measure how fast you move the pedals. It is composed of three indispensable components:

  1. Spoke magnet
  2. Cadence magnet
  3. Electronics pod with two magnet sensors

Each time the magnet attached to your crank arm passes the sensor, it registers the rotation and sends a signal to the bike computer. This way, you can check your cadence, control it, and analyse how far you’ve gotten as your endurance training progresses.

Cadence sensors can help maximise your cycling performance by measuring your energy output, similar to speedometers and pedometers. People have tried to use pedometers to measure cadence in the past, but it has proven to be unsuccessful in providing accurate data.

Analysts believe that future wearables will move further away from fitness trackers and smartwatches. New types of sensors are expected to allow new features – for example, Cadence sensor gadgets to measure the rotations per minute, and the performance of the overall speed of the pedal.

What Are the Types of Cadence Sensors?

Based on your preferences, you can choose one of three cadence sensors:

  • Speed-only sensor – Measures speed and distance based on the wheel circumference of the bicycle
  • Cadence-only sensor – Registers rotations per minute of the crank arm
  • Speed/Cadence combo – Combines sensors to provide both types of data

Because of its practicality, the Speed/Cadence combo is the most popular and widely used cadence tracker. Additionally, it is supported by almost every ANT+ device, which is a standard for wireless technology used in monitoring devices. Unfortunately, Speed-only and Cadence-only sensors aren’t as likely to be supported by these devices. 

Although most sensors are added as separate attachments, some bikes have frame-integrated sensors. These types of sensors have a single pod that attaches to the bike at a specified point and takes the data out of the bicycle’s wires. 

 Cadence vs Speed Sensors – What Is the Difference?

Cadence sensors are usually attached either to the chainstay or to the crank arm of your bike. While they accurately estimate how fast you pedal, the wheel speed rate will stay at a 3:1 ratio, regardless of the gear you use. 

On the other hand, speed sensors are located on the rear wheel hub and are focused on giving you a proper measurement of how fast you’re going. Unfortunately, just like the cadence-only sensors, they have an imperfection of always assuming your cadence for a 1:3 ratio.

For this reason, we recommend purchasing a Speed/Cadence combo sensor since it provides the most precise information.

Torque vs Cadence Sensor

Cadence sensors aren’t the only gadgets that tell an e-bike how much pedal assistance is needed. Torque sensors can greatly impact your cycling performance as well, but is there a difference and which one is better? To help you decide which pedal-assist system (PAS) is right for you, we’ve made a side-by-side features comparison of both types of sensors.

Cadence SensorsTorque Sensors
Doesn’t need high pressure to employ itRequires more effort to get going
Flips on and offPedal-assist is synced to your movements
Slowing down or going downhill drains the e-bike batteryUses less battery life
Magnets and sensors determine how much assistance is neededAssistance is determined by the amount of pedal pressure you create
Good for shorter rides on flat terrainsEssential for intense biking
More affordable (under US$1500)Costly, but better long-term investment (above US$2000)
Throttle mechanismMid-drive motors
Needs more time to start measuring cadenceStarts tracking quickly

The torque PAS sensor definitely outruns its competitor in performance. It gives a more natural feel to e-biking, quite similar to regular bicycles. However, it is more expensive, so if you’re not ready to splurge, it’s better to stick to the cadence sensor. 

It’s also important to note that cadence sensors are more suitable for people with weak knees and sensitive joints, as you don’t need to apply a lot of pressure to keep the bike moving.

What Is the Best Cadence Sensor for Your Bike?

Looking to buy a new cadence counter for cycling, but still not sure which one works best? No worries, we’ve made a list of efficient cadence sensors that are worth splurging your money on.

  1. Garmin Cadence Sensor 2

This cadence meter is easy to install and measures pedal strokes every minute. Not only is it a Bluetooth cadence sensor, but it is also supported by ANT+ technology, which allows you to send your data to apps. Furthermore, it fits any crank arm size and is compatible with other Garmin devices.

  1. Wahoo RPM Cycling Cadence Sensor

The Wahoo speed cadence sensor has dual-band technology and a wireless connection that makes measuring cadence effortlessly easy. Additionally, it has a universal fit and can also be attached to your foot. Another amazing feature of this device is that it connects to the Peloton App, which can be of great help for Apple users.

  1. Magene S3+ Speed and Cadence Sensor

The updated version of the GEMINI 200 is another great option for a cadence/speed combo sensor, as it provides users with precise data and dual-band technology. You can’t track both speed and cadence simultaneously; however, you can also easily switch from one mode to the other.

  1. Moofit Bike Cadence and Speed Sensor

The waterproof Moofit cadence sensor provides real-time data and holds an endurance of 320 hours. Additionally, it is compatible with most training apps for both Android and iOS users. Finally, it is magnetless and has Bluetooth 4.0 and ANT+ technology that gives you the best sensor performance.

  1. Coospo Cadence and Speed Bike Sensor

With a battery life of 500 hours, Coospo delivers a lightweight waterproof product that can easily switch between cadence and speed modes. It has a rubber pod and an O-ring of different sizes, making it easier to set up on the bicycle. It should be noted that it is not only an ANT+ cadence sensor but also wireless Bluetooth compatible.

Bottom line

Cadence sensors are a valuable tool for any cyclist who wants to elevate their cycling performance to a new level. However, when purchasing a sensor, it’s important to research the different types that exist on the market and choose the one that best fits your physique and training goals. To do so, consider going back to our guide before making the final decision.

FAQs

1.How to measure RPM on a spin bike?

A cadence sensor for a spin bike will automatically show your pedalling speed while riding. If you don’t own one, you can definitely count on your own. All you need to do is count the revolution of the leg for 15 seconds and then multiply that number by four. You can do that by holding out your arm and tapping your palm with your thigh each time you register a pedal stroke.

2.How does a Wahoo cadence sensor work?

The Wahoo cadence sensors are easily attachable to your bike and can even be fastened to the rider’s foot. They collect real-time speed and cadence data, which you can effortlessly transfer to both smartphones and GPS bike computers, thanks to the Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ dual-band technology. 

3.What does a cadence sensor do?

Cadence sensors measure how fast you are pedalling, thus helping you refine your biking performance and avoid muscle strains and injuries. It is an essential tool for any cyclist interested in stepping up their game, so we highly advise you to purchase it. For a detailed feature analysis, take a look at our “What Is a Cadence Sensor?” guide.

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