With electronic circuits, component manufacturers are also becoming software providers. We show which programmes they have, what they can do and who they are suitable for.
Ever since there have been electronic gears, power meters and GPS computers on racing bikes, fantasies have been circulating about what could be done with them. A fully automatic gearbox, for example, that orients itself to the route and your own pedalling performance. Or a navigation system that takes fatigue, topography and the weather forecast into account. To anticipate this: The functions do not yet go that far. It is true that gears, sensors, bike computers and smartphones or the internet already communicate with each other today. However, the interfaces are limited to individual functions; the exchange between the various specialised suppliers that provide sensors, navigation, analysis software or mechanics is only partially automatic. As a result, people still have to change gears themselves and the route and weather still need to be planned and assessed using common sense.
Circuits with data analysis: a step into the future?
The current wireless shifting systems from Campagnolo, Shimano and SRAM could be an important step towards the future. This is because it allows the racer to connect to computer programmes and the internet via the ever-present smartphone. In addition to specialists such as Garmin, who combine navigation, riding data and training control, there could now be great potential for holistic solutions from gear manufacturers. These are likely to be in demand because, on the one hand, data is extremely valuable for sport; on the other hand, few people have the time and leisure to spend hours working with computer programmes. The development departments are therefore likely to be very busy when it comes to future software and data processing. A comprehensive but simple integration of gears and computer, performance measurement and training, navigation and route database could be the key to market success in the future if the mechanical differences are as negligible as they are today.
Apps for the circuit with versatile functions
The smartphone apps that belong to the respective gearstick system have all served the same purpose so far: Here you can adjust individual settings such as button assignment and shifting speed, call up battery statuses, count shifting operations and, in some cases, also adjust the gearstick. Depending on the provider, however, there are already more or less useful additional functions. What goes beyond this currently has to be found in other applications. In our test of various software offerings from the trio, it turns out that there is not yet a truly comprehensive solution. The strengths and weaknesses vary, and functions are also spread across different programmes within an environment, sometimes working on the smartphone and via Bluetooth, sometimes in the internet browser and via an email account. There are exciting approaches, but for the full range of functions you have to keep switching. Depending on your interests, one programme or another can still prove useful - even if it is not from the manufacturer of your own circuit. On the following pages, we present the available programmes, what they can do and how they communicate.
The apps for switching
Campagnolo MyCampy 3.0
The new app for the Italians' wireless group must first be paired with the gearstick using the serial number, which is relatively complicated. However, the bike is then automatically recognised as soon as it is moved. The range of functions still seems rudimentary compared to the competition. The app only shows the charge status of the components and counts the gear changes. There is no adjustment aid for the gears; this is only done using the buttons on the bike.
A semi-automatic system can be selected, with which the rear derailleur shifts one to three gears when the chainring is changed. However, Campagnolo does not offer sequential shifting, i.e. an automatic front derailleur. However, the app offers a little more than its competitors in terms of power meter integration: its measured values can also be displayed in real time in the app. However, there are no options for collecting or analysing rides or data.
+ Automatic connection after one-time pairing; real-time display of power meter data
- limited range of functions
Shimano E-Tube Project
Pairing is as simple as pressing a button on the rear derailleur, and the app then quickly lists all connected components. Shimano offers users the most extensive customisation options. Due to its complexity, some parts of the app are a little confusing and can only be understood after reading the instructions, for example in the Synchro-Shift menu. The Shimano power meter is also managed here, although - strangely enough - this only works if no gears are linked. Several bikes can be saved in the app. A password can be assigned to restrict unauthorised access to the gears. It is a little annoying that the app quickly disconnects when not in use and then has to be reconnected. The buttons on the levers can be assigned so-called D-Fly channels, which control functions outside the circuit, for example the display of Garmin or Wahoo devices.
One extension is the E-Tube Project Professional programme for the PC, which is intended for bike dealers and mechanics. It offers extended options (e.g. password reset, error messages and analysis). It requires an additional box, which costs around 200 euros.
+ Many customisation options, no registration required; password assignment possible
- partly confusing menu
Sram AXS App
The SRAM app automatically recognises derailleurs in the vicinity when you wake them up. Connecting is child's play thanks to the menu navigation and takes just a few seconds, but must be done for each individual component. The matching power meter, air pressure sensors or the retractable seat post can also be managed here. Clear graphics and a simple menu make operation easier, but the setting options are somewhat less detailed than with Shimano.
An account with an email address is required to assign the components to a specific bike or to view gear statistics. This is useful, for example, if you own several AXS bikes - the app manages all AXS components for road bikes, gravel bikes and mountain bikes. There is then also an automatic connection to the web application, in which rides and training data can be analysed (see next page).
+ Very simple menu navigation; uncomplicated connection to web app
- Mail account and Internet connection required for important functions
Apps for the smartphone
Computer replacement: Shimano E-Tube Ride
The app is a surprise: it turns out to be an (almost) fully-fledged bike computer on your smartphone. As with expensive computers, the display can be configured in various views, including cadence and heart rate or power meter data. Different views can even be "swiped" on the screen using the buttons on the Di2 shift levers. Ridden routes are recorded and automatically synchronised with the Connect Lab App web application (see opposite page), where they can be collected and analysed. One weakness is the integrated navigation, for which you should switch to another app if necessary. Apart from the high power and data consumption on the smartphone, there is no option to upload and retrace pre-planned tracks. Route planning in the app is only possible from the current location to a predefined destination; according to our tests, everything from the main road to gravel segments can be included, but nothing can be changed. Offline use is only theoretically possible, as a map download only covers 15 square kilometres around the current location, which is hardly suitable for racing bikes. However, beginners who want to familiarise themselves with the possibilities of training data and record their rides will find a free alternative to expensive bike computers here. Without GPS, power consumption is also limited. Only a stable smartphone holder is then required.
+ Live display and recording of riding data; configuration of various displays, change via Di2 switch
- Smartphone not ideal as a bike computer (readability, weather protection); navigation can only be used to a very limited extent
Simple logbook: Sram AXS Web
The application is based on the Internet browser, but is optimised for viewing on a smartphone. Once an account has been created, several bikes and the journeys made on them can be managed. If a GPS bike computer is connected, the routes are also included with a map. The app can also be used without SRAM gears, but then the rides must be uploaded individually. Performance data from sensors from other manufacturers can also be displayed. It is then a simple and clear tool in which rides and associated performance data can be saved and visualised. The app is characterised by a clear presentation and simple operation. Easy-to-understand graphics on power and cadence are sufficient for an initial analysis of individual rides. There is no overview of training progress or more detailed analysis options. The installed SRAM components are also managed, including information on the battery status and firmware, but settings are not possible here.
+ Very clear display of journeys and performance data only with an Internet connection
- and e-mail registration; no clear presentation of training progress
Component logbook: Campagnolo MyCampy
The MyCampy app is actually the smartphone connection to the older, wired EPS drivetrains from Campagnolo. However, it offers comparable basic functions to the app for wireless shifting. A useful sub-function, which can also be used for all other drivetrains, is "MyGarage", a kind of logbook for road bike components. The kilometres ridden on a bike can be entered there, and with a connection to the Garmin Connect platform, this can also be done automatically. The app totals the kilometres of the individual components and provides information on maintenance intervals, for example when to lubricate the chain or rear derailleur joints. Although only parts from the Campagnolo programme are stored, maintenance intervals are comparable across manufacturers.
+ Overview of mileage and maintenance intervals of individual components
- only Campagnolo parts stored
Web applications for PC
Tour planner: Hammerhead Dashboard
The software is a supplement to the SRAM or Hammerhead computer and works via the web browser. It turns out to be a free and useful tool for planning and managing tours. Routes can be planned easily and intuitively, different surfaces can be selected and high-quality map material is available. OCM (OpenCycleMaps), for example, is used, which also shows cycle paths.
After logging in with an e-mail address, the web application can also be used almost without restrictions without SRAM gears or the (expensive) Hammerhead bike computer. It can be viewed on a smartphone, but it's clearer on a large screen. Uploading files is very easy, automatic import and export also works with other computers via a diversion, as there are connections to accounts on platforms such as Strava or Komoot. Important ride data (power, cadence, temperature, speed) is displayed below the route display and can also be analysed section by section. However, there are not many details or key figures here. Although the routes and other data are not publicly visible, you should be aware that they are stored on servers. We did not find any privacy settings.
+ Clear management, import and export of many routes/trips; simple, intuitive route planning with high-quality, bike-specific maps; clear display of the most important trip data
- Web application only; no privacy settings
Training monitor: Shimano Connect Lab
Behind this little-known programme is a comprehensive web application for monitoring training. The browser-based analysis tool, which is also easy to use on a smartphone, archives rides and offers extensive analysis options, especially for training progress.
There are some exciting gimmicks: a distinction as to whether you were riding in a seated position or in a cradle position or the display of segments whose intensity was higher than the calculated athletic ability, i.e. you "outgrew" yourself, are just a few of them. The programme can also be used with power meters or gears other than Shimano, only a few functions are limited (e.g. the vector analysis of the power meter). Rides recorded with the E-Tube Ride app and those from a Garmin or Wahoo account are synchronised automatically, all others can be uploaded manually. There is an automatic export of rides for a Strava account. The programme is exemplary when it comes to privacy: a private location mode hides the route within an adjustable radius of a location, but multiple locations can be specified. There are settings for whether data is public or only visible to the user and whether health data should be saved at all.
+ Many options for evaluating training data; many customisation options for the display; privacy settings
- somewhat confusing due to complexity; only as an online application with registration
Jens Klötzer
Editor
