Electronics That Help You Go the Distance | Unbound Gravel Prep | TPC

Since Unbound Gravel is so long, many bike computers don’t have enough battery life to go the distance! Bruce explains why he chose the Garmin Edge 540 Solar, plus shows off a few more gadgets like power meters and bone-conduction headphones that can improve your race experience and help you finish strong.
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0:00 GPS bike computers are required
1:34 Cue sheets are for crazy people
2:26 Best affordable option: Wahoo Bolt V2
3:17 Best screen and UX: Hammerhead Karoo 2
4:19 Why battery life matters
5:05 Longest battery life: Garmin Edge 1040 Solar
6:26 Bruce’s Pick: Garmin Edge 540 Solar
7:40 Why power meters are super useful at Unbound
10:18 My favorite power meter options
11:36 Heart rate monitors are way cheaper
12:37 Headphones that are safe for racing
13:41 I’m cheap and bring my commuter light

[@mattkretchmar6374]

When I did the 200 in 2014, in the last 50 miles I came up on a group of about 10 riding together. As I passed by one of them asked me "do you have GPS?". They were all dead and following the one person who actually had a GPS still working. Most of them latched on to me. I learned the term "Garmin Zombie" during that year -- someone with a dead battery who just follows another rider who still has navigation. I learned in subsequent years that plug-in cables to charge a head unit while riding often doesnt work. The cable jiggles over gravel and then your GPS constantly beeps on and off for every failed connection and reconnection -several times per minute. Plus it isn't charging effectively when it is "unconnected". When I updated my garmin to the next model, I learned to carry my old one as backup in my pocket. With the expense of doing UB, it is nice to know you have a back up plan in case your gps dies or runs out of juice much faster than you expected. I also learned that when you are using the map feature it burns through the battery faster. You can also switch out your GPS at the halfway point if you carry a spare with a support crew. Now I use the extra battery pack that attaches to the back of my Garmin and gives me at least 60+ hours of juice. The solar recharging one is a good option too.

[@JFomo]

Try to pace at around your 20 minute power and you'll be golden.

[@bjorncruz180]

Those CROCS doe!

[@davidlee6666]

Just curious. Did you try the power guide feature in the new 40 series Garmin edge devices? Breaks down the route into segments and gives guidance on what power to use and a finish time window if using it.

[@lincolnlu9869]

Karoo2 has about 10 hours of battery life in real life use.
Also the Lezyne mega gps will work for like 30+ hours of real life use.

[@OdedBenchaim-je1gw]

I thank you for this video. Lots of info and detailed explanation. Really well done.
There is one issue that detract from the from the top mark it deserves, is the background music. too loud and disturbing.
But than again thank you very much. OdedBC

[@THEEPookiebutt]

Garmin's direct mount battery bank is another great option if you are rocking the smaller battery models like an older 530. One issue with it though is that it can overheat your head unit if left plugged in while in use. I had mine lock up and go into crash mode during a longer ride and I couldn't disable it until it cooled down a bit, so if using an external power bank, make sure to be selective with when you have it pugged in and charging.

[@sccxvelo]

Lezyne mega xl is 48 hours battery charge but 4-5 years old cycling gps computer and mount so may harder to find 3rd party mounts for. Way ahead of time when it came out with so many features, but starting fall behind. B&W screen but has mot everything of the Garmin 1040/ 540 has expect for solar. Great back up gps computer as it cheaper than the others or main on a budget.

[@wchu702]

You might have better gear than some of the pros. I'm curious to see where you're going to finish.

[@downbad9066]

Pro gear but no pro legs lol