This is the fifth article in a series to get you and me ready for the Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon on May 3, 2008 at the Gulf State Park Pavilion.  You are well into your swimming program; now let’s talk about riding the bike.  You have cleaned and oiled the chain.  The tires are pumped up.  Your helmet fits. 

There is something to make the bike more interesting.  It is an optional piece of equipment that can cost as little as $10 and as much as $400.  I’m speaking about a bike computer.  Now a day we call them computers instead of speedometers.  That is because the computer has more than the speedometer and odometer.  Also included on even the most inexpensive model of bike computer are the functions of trip distance, average speed, and timer.  More money means more functions.  But know that a $10 computer is just as accurate as the $100 bike computer.  The price can change depending upon where you buy the computer and who installs it.  A $400 bike computer uses GPS technology, has a heart rate monitor, altimeter, wireless pick-up points and uses expensive batteries. 

Most bike computers use simple math to calculate distance and speed.  It is all based upon the circumference of your tire and elapsed time.  A pick-up point on your front fork counts the revolutions of a magnet on a spoke.  A clock is in the computer which is a digital watch with some extra features. 

My bike computer also has the cadence function which counts pedal strokes and displays a number of revolutions per minute, just like the tachometer in an automobile. I try to keep my RPM’s in a certain range and change gears to maintain that target. 

You can visit Bikes Plus on Barrancas in Pensacola or The Bike Shop in Foley across from the Tanger Center.  They can sell and install a computer for you.  They can demonstrate the various functions and calibrate the settings for your bike.  The confident do-it-yourselfer can go to a big box retailer that sells bikes and buy an inexpensive computer.  Expect to spend less than 30 minutes installing the computer on your bicycle. 

In addition to the scenery going by, you can see your speed and progress.  As you accumulate ride information you will see your average speed increasing and the effects of riding on a windy day.  The bike computer data is something else to review and analyze after your ride. 

Enjoy the wind in your face and be safe.

To register for the Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon, go to www.team-magic.com. Tthe cost is $80 for an individual and $115 for a relay team. You can register online or download a form to complete and mail. Sponsors and volunteers are needed. Visit www.alabamabeachsports.com.

About the author: A 1982 graduate of the University of South Alabama, David Lloyd is a 100-plus triathlon event veteran. His career highlight so far has been finishing the 2006 Ironman Florida. David resides in Gulf Shores with his wife and two daughters.