Lezyne Super GPS Review

LEZYNE SUPER GPS REVIEW

UPDATE 05.20.2016

It's been five months since I published this post on December 23, 2015 and while I was very supportive of the product, I'm feeling very disappointed due to the lack of product support this is getting.  For a new product, I expected them to be very motivated to refine it, but it's clearly being neglected.  Maybe they're not selling enough of these to justify investing time and money to improve the customers experience?  I don't know.  The last software update was released in December 8, 2015!  See for yourself in their software update page via the link below.

http://www.lezyne.com/gpsroot/gps_downloads.php

• I'm still unable to connect to my cadence and speed sensor, so I'm stuck with the unreliable GPS based speed estimates.
• The battery level indicator is now very inconsistent.  It takes very long to jump from 100% to 80%, then once it quickly drops to 30%, it only takes a few minutes until it tells me that the battery is actually at 0% and must stop recording to prevent losing the data.
• The computer frequently refreshes the data fields which often leaves me with the worry that the computer lost its connection with my sensors.
• The battery is now losing a significant amount of charge just by sitting on the bike powered off.

In hindsight, if I knew that the Lezyne Super GPS was going to get minimal support, I would have waited longer and spent the extra $100 for a computer that's doesn't function like a prototype.

ORIGINAL REVIEW

I ordered my unit from Competitive Cyclist after waiting for two months for the backordered units to arrive from Performance Bike.  Inside the box, I found the computer inside a Lezyne printed zip lock bag.

Lezyne Super GPS Zip Lock Bag

 Here's a picture of the unit outside of the zip lock bag.  I took pictures of the box from the front, back and both sides.  Scroll through the pictures if you're interested in knowing what's printed on the box.

Lezyne Super GPS Box (front)

Lezyne Super GPS Box (Side 1)

Lezyne Super GPS Box (back)

Lezyne Super GPS Box (Side 2)

Lezyne Super GPS Box (bottom).  76grams (tested below scroll down)

Inside the box, you get an instruction manual, four large heavy duty rubber bands, four small bands, one standard bar mount and a USB cable.

Here's what's inside the box.

When you first try to pull the computer from the cardboard, you'll notice that you won't be able to take it off.  Probably for demonstration purposes, they locked the computer to the cardboard with the same type of band as the ones for mounting the X-Lock mount onto the bar.  I tried using my nails/ finger tips, but couldn't stretch it enough to remove it, so I resorted to a mini flat head screwdriver.

The bands are surprisingly strong! 

Once you free the band, all you have to do is match the shapes. 

And you're free!

LEZYNE SUPER GPS SIZE

The computer is just under three inches tall and two inches wide.  It's just about as thick as my Polar CS600X, but appears to be bigger due to its rectangular shape verse the more ovalized shape of the Polar.

Lezyne Super GPS Height

Lezyne Super GPS Width

Lezyne Super GPS Depth

 Lezyne Super GPS vs. Polar CS600X (SIZE)

Sitting next to each other, the Lezyne Super GPS appears a lot bigger than my Polar CS600X, but in reality it's not by much, especially when you consider that the Polar needs a separate GPS sensor which is much larger than the Lezyne Super GPS.  I will miss the customized front screen that my Polar had.  Goodbye ESTrainSmart logo!

Polar CS600X vs Lezyne Super GPS Front

Polar CS600X vs Lezyne Super GPS Side 

Polar CS600X vs Lezyne Super GPS Stacked.
It's suprisingly not that much bigger than the Super!

 LEZYNE SUPER OUT FRONT MOUNT REVIEW

I had low expectations for the Lezyne Out Front mount due to the flexibility of the plastic.  When trying to mount the computer, it doesn't feel like a $20 mount- it feels more like something that would have been included for free in the box.  Due to the flex, don't attempt to remove or attach the computer with one hand because it will likely snap the mount.  In order to remove/ attach the computer, you need to support the mount with one hand and with the other hand, press the computer into the mount and turn until it locks.  However, once attached, it does an excellent job at securely holding the computer.  It holds so tight that the only way I can imagine the computer flying off the bike is if the mount snaps while riding.

Lezyne Super Out Front Top View 

Lezyne Super Out Front Side View 

Lezyne Super Out Front Side View 

LEZYNE SUPER GPS LOW LIGHT VISIBILITY

In the pictures below, I had set the brightness to 20 percent and contrast to 31.8 percent- it can get bright enough to warrant sunglasses.  Compared to the green glow low light feature of the Polar CS600X, I think it's pretty clear that the Lezyne Super GPS display is the winner!

In the dark, I could never see my Polar CS600X Display

LEZYNE SUPER GPS WELL LIT SCREEN VISIBILITY

The Polar CS600X is slightly clearer due to its calculator style display.  The Lezyne seems to project some shade in the "white space" which makes it a little more difficult to see the text.  The contrast setting can correct some of this, but in order to have the best compromise between the back light visbility and with the light off, this was what the screen looked like for me.  Honestly though, I haven't had any issues with reading the screen in bright conditions.  Due to the cloudy midwest weather, I haven't had a chance to test for any screen glare yet, but once I get a chance, I'll update this section right away.

Screen Visibility in bright conditions

 LEZYNE SUPER GPS WEIGHT GRAMS

Although on the box it says the Lezyne Super Computer is 76 grams, on my scale, it was 73 grams.  It's about 33 grams heavier than my Polar CS600X, BUT and this is a big BUT, with the GPS sensor, my Polar CS600X is actually double the weight of the Lezyne Super GPS.  Based on what I'm switching from, this is a huge upgrade.  I can assure you I won't miss having to strap on that GPS brick onto my arm anymore!

Lezyne Super GPS weight (73 grams)

Polar CS600X Weight (40 grams)

Polar CS600X Weight (146 grams).  Exactly Double of the Super GPS!

LEZYNE SUPER GPS FUNCTIONALITY

On my first ride with the Super, I treated it just like my Polar CS600X.  As soon as I left my house, I jumped on the bike and started riding before turning on the computer.  If you're wondering how fast the computer picks up a GPS signal, despite moving at around 20 mph, the computer picked up a signal in what seemed to be less than 30 seconds.  That's as fast or faster than my Polar's dedicated GPS sensor.

The physical buttons make it really easy to scroll with or without gloves, and it's also easy to scroll fast through the menu or fields.  However fast you click, the scroll feature will keep up.

UPLOADING TO STRAVA

It was super easy to upload the .FIT files to Strava.  In the Strava website, select upload via file and select the files from the Activities folder on the unit.  There's no need to convert the files to TCX, Strava can recognize the FIT files.

LEZYNE SUPER GPS BUGS & FEEDBACK

Keep in mind that with this being Lezyne's first computer, there are going to be some bugs.  Here are some of my recommendations that I hope Lezyne will implement into future updates.

1. Separate Pairing Options for Bluetooth Smart Speed Sensors and Cadence Sensors:  As a big aero nerd, I chose to use Polar's Bluetooth Smart independent speed sensor and cadence sensor.  They're slimmer than any other sensor on the market and more aerodynamic than the big dual speed/ cadence sensors.  I also like the ability to position the spoke magnet anywhere on the spoke.  Unfortunately, the Lezyne Super GPS can only pair with a dual speed/ cadence sensor.  I spoke with a customer representative who informed me that it would take about a month to write up the coding to allow the Lezyne Super GPS to pair with separate speed and cadence sensors.  Currently, they only allow for independent pairing through ANT+.  For now, I'm forced to only have either speed or cadence displayed on my computer.  I hope they work on correcting this in the future.
2. Heart Rate Data Dropouts on Strava:  At regular intervals, the computer seems to be either losing or separating heart rate data at certain intervals.  This could be something good to look into for the next update, but honestly, I'd rather have the ability to see my speed and cadence first.  Thanks Lezyne!
   

LEZYNE SUPER GPS SOFTWARE UPDATES SO FAR

While there are bugs, Lezyne has done a great job at updating the computer and fixing bugs.  Here are some of the things they've done so far that I've noticed.

• Corrected Speed Averages:  If you were one of the first to get your hands on this unit, you'll know that they previously had issues with speed averages.  If you'd get stopped at a light, it would include the time stopped into the average speed.  Now it seems that the averages are looking a lot more similar to what you'll see on Strava.  Check out the Screenshot below.

• Corrected Cadence Averages:  They had the same problem here, but it appears that they fixed the zero values for cadence as well.

FINAL THOUGHTS SO FAR

As a coach and personal trainer who's on his way to Cat 2, I feel that this computer has everything needed to train effectively (of course moreso once the computer can pair with BOTH speed and cadence).  If you buy it on sale like I did, this really is a steal of a deal!  It has proved to be reliable and since it picks up a GPS signal fast, you won't have to waste time standing still or riding slowly to find a signal.  Since the computer acts like a USB flash drive, it's easy to upload and get straight to analyzing the data.  The battery life and memory won't limit how long or far you can ride either, which is a huge plus since I spend several hours on the bike everyday.  If I had to quickly describe the Lezyne Super GPS, I would say that it's like those old school, reliable wired computers that you never had to worry about, but with a boost of convenience of the new tech.

Tour of Bloomington Day 2: Road Race (42 miles)

TOB Day 2: Road Race (42mi)
Second Place

The Cat 3/4 race was a three lap, 14 mile loop including a final climb involving peak gradients of 18%.  Leading up to the weekend, there was a lot of buzz about this final climb, and to prepare, I spent a good amount of time at the Crown Hill Cemetery to work on my climbing technique.

Map of the Bloomington RR course.  It's 14 miles,
but the deciding factor was the last mile.

PRE-RACE:
One of the disadvantages of being a solo rider is getting the race number on, especially when every rider needed two numbers, one on the side and one on the back.  When I saw a team passing by, I asked them if they could press my number on my jersey (I had already applied glue), but to my surprise, they rejected me and told me to go to registration.  I had to wait another 10 minutes until I luckily found a spectator walking by to press my number on.

To make matters worse, the start/finish line was literally about four miles away from registration and thanks to the delay, I was running late- so I had to time trial my way to the start/finish.  I was sort of irritated that none of the guys stopped to help me with something that would have only taken seconds to do.  As I rode to the start/ finish line, I thought I had missed the start of the race because I was already five minutes late.  I just kept riding at a ~170bpm heart rate thinking about how much energy I was wasting and whether or not it was worth rushing to the start line.

Out of breath with my legs still burning from the hard effort I just put in, I finally made it to the start/finish line and luckily, they hadn't released the Cat 3/4 group yet.

THE CENTER LINE RULE
While we were still waiting to be released, the race officials really drilled in the "Center Line Rule."  Basically, if any rider crosses the center line, he/she would be immediately disqualified.  I'm not sure if everyone else shared the same thoughts, but I visualized many situations where a crash or domino effect would push the riders past the centerline and in the direct path of an oncoming car.  That was a greater motivating factor than simply being disqualified!

LAP 1 OF 3:
The center line rule made for a very uneventful first lap.  With about 50 riders, it was a very tight squeeze to have four abreast.  With every single line moving at the same speed, it was impossible to pass.  Riders at the front were stuck at the front, so after a few miles, the pace of the entire group turned casual- many of us were just having conversation!  My heart rate hovered around 115 bpm!  This continued for the first ~13 miles until we finally reached the climb.  Unexpectedly, my heart rate jumped from 115bpm to 181bpm!  Also, where it first appeared impossible to pass, the climb reduced the group into debris- I had to weave through riders as they popped off the back.

LAP 2 OF 3:
The group had gotten split pretty drastically by the attacks during the final climb, and I had to chase back to reach the main group.  After I bridged the gap along with a several other riders, two Cutters riders attacked into a breakaway.  They managed to stay away going into the last lap.  I was feeling great going into the final climb, but forced myself to hold back.  The other good climbers couldn't resist and proceeded to show off their abilities by attacking up the climb again.  I could have matched the attacks, but decided to tempo the climb instead.

FINAL LAP:
It took about 3/4 of the final lap to catch the rest of the Cutters who broke away earlier.  They seemed to have lost their steam up the smaller hills.  As we approached the final climb, there were a few surges, but nothing serious enough to split the group up.  Unfortunately, right before we started the final climb, a bunch of riders broke the center line rule which caused me to lose a lot of positions.  I had already mentally prepared myself to put in a serious effort, so I forced myself to hold a fast tempo and pass anyone who was in my way- slowing down was not an option.  It almost felt like I was driving a car through slalom cones.  After I made it up the first serious section, I had caught the same team who rejected to help me earlier in the day.  I held their wheel for a few seconds and once I pulled up right next to them, they stared at me as if they expected me to take a pull.  In my head I said "heck no!" and right when they eased off the pedals to force me to lead, I attacked and held the hardest tempo I could hold all the way to the line.  I blew past third and second place and was probably going 5-6 mph faster than the rider who was in first position.  Unfortunately, I was too far back to catch first place before the line, so I ended up with second place.  While I wish I had first place, it was comforting to know that the team who rejected to help me earlier didn't reach the podium.  The prize money I received helped me break even, and the Scholar's Inn Bakehouse Granola was a nice additional prize too!  I'm about halfway through the bag- I've been topping my cereal with some of the granola.  They weren't kidding when they said that it's the best granola in the world!

SPONSORS:
A week before the Tour of Bloomington, the nipple in my rear wheel snapped, so I almost had to ride my stupidly heavy OEM wheel for the weekend, but luckily my sponsors at Velocity USA and The Wheel Department saved me!  As soon as they received my wheel, they rebuilt it and sent it back to me on the same day!  If they start selling sandwiches, I think they can beat Jimmy John's!  I wouldn't have been able to perform well in the climbs without their help.  Thanks guys!

Tour of Bloomington Day 1: Criterium

Day 1: Criterium

Almost DNF to 6th Place

The course was a 0.7 mile, clockwise, 6 corner circuit with a gradual climb out of the final corner, reaching its steepest grade between corners one and two.  The start/finish was located near the intersections of Kirkwood and Lincoln Streets.

The entire course itself was riddled with all sorts of road hazards like potholes, uneven bricks, untapered sidewalks and incomplete pavement.  The most dangerous corner was the final corner.  The apex of the final corner had bricks about a half inch above the pavement which would cause the tire to bounce during hard cornering.  I was just glad that they remembered to at least sweep the corners to remove as much loose dirt as possible.

The 3/4 race I signed up for was 45 minutes long and had about 57 starters.

RACE SUMMARY
The First Half: Riding Through a Mechanical
I unfortunately started towards the back of the pack and only gained a few positions before the first corner.  Since someone had planned to attack right away and hold a very fast tempo, so it was almost impossible to move up in position for the first several laps.  As the initial laps progressed, gaps would frequently form.  As soon as the rider in front of me showed some weakness, I had to jump out of the draft and begin my bridge.  While I was still bridging gaps, I encountered a mechanical mishap that I've never experienced with before- my rear shifter seized up forcing me to ride on the 11 tooth ring!

At the moment the shifter seized, the group was still strung out in a single file.  I tried squeezing the brakes and shifting up/down to release the shifter, but it wouldn't budge.  Since I had already wasted time and lost positions, the thought of forfeiting started to go through my mind, especially since I was still in the process of catching the main group.  I ended up chasing for four laps stuck in my 11 tooth ring until I finally bridged every gap up to the main group.  While drafting and trying to catch my breath, I was able to take a closer look at my shifter where I noticed that the internal lever within the shifter had slipped out.  As soon as I fixed my rear shifter, I sat in the group to recover for a few laps- I was flat out exhausted.

The Last Lap: Moving Up
Based on what I noticed from chasing the main group, I learned that the two easiest places to pass were the straightaways located between corners #1-2 and #4-5.  It took everything I had to force myself to accelerate in these planned locations, but it paid off because I managed to move up about 20-25 positions before the final corner, but I still sat about 15 positions before the final corner.  I started my sprint as soon as I exited the corner which allowed me to pass several riders.  I unfortunately missed the "payout" position of fifth place by a tire and rim!  Although I wasn't able to pull off a podium, I was still happy with my result, especially after the mechanical mishap.

The finishing picture, the parallel green lines represent the finish line.
Almost had it!