They’re 99.2 percent accurate. Is that close enough?
What’s more accurate? A wireless cyclometer from 2000 or a Garmin Edge 500 with GPS, released in October 2009.
I can’t say for sure, but given the recent test, I’d say wireless cyclometers, with the proper calibration, are just as accurate.
On my morning ride — clear skies, smooth, flat roads — the difference after 26 miles came to 25.99 (Garmin) vs. 26.19 (Specialized).
That distance means a lot to runners. It’s the length of a marathon.
So, doing the math, one of the cyclometers is 99.2 percent accurate. Close enough, right?
Not so fast. Let’s say 25.99 is the correct number. If the marathon were to be run based on the Specialized measurement, it would mean a runner has to cover an extra 1056 feet, or 352 yards.
Were this to be a world record attempt, where seconds matter, the runners would be way better off saving 352 yards, or about 60-70 seconds.
Even when doing a century ride, having to pedal another 0.8 miles isn’t a deal breaker.
Meanwhile, note that the Bay Trail at the Sunnyvale water treatment plant has been rerouted again. More pipe work is going on behind the facility.
Bay Trail rerouting will be another couple of weeks at Sunnyvale water treatment plant.
Garmin Edge 500 release date October 2009
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