Do you want to use a bike speedometer as an ATV or Dirt Bike Speedometer? It’s quite easy. Bike speedometers are a computer that is attached to the bike in order to measure the time rotation. The computer collects the information from the sensors placed on the tires and calculates its speed. You also get other information such as time, distance, heart rate, altitude, etc.
While it is easy to install a speedometer to your bike, you must integrate the computer adequate to acquire accurate speed measurements.
How does a bike speedometer work?
There are different kinds of bike speedometers, and they all collect the information in their own ways. The most common way to collect the speed is through a wheel sensor. It is one of the oldest and the most effective sensors available in the market.
This small magnet is attached to the spoke or rim of the wheel. A magnetic sensor is secure in alignment with the handlebars. So when the wheel makes a revolution, the magnet moves by the sensor.
This generates readout on the computer, which is mounted on the front of the biker to see. Furthermore, on the computer, you will have integrated certain features of the bike based on which the calculation will be provided.
Investing in a Bike Speedometer for Dirt Bike
Investing in a speedometer proves to be beneficial in many situations. One of the many reasons why people use speedometer is because it adds a fun factor to their ride. The speed of their routine excites them to work harder and faster. Moreover, bike speedometers are quite affordable, depending on your use.
If you merely want to calculate your speed and distance, then you can get a speedometer in less than USD 10. However, there are more advancement speedometers that come with features such as heart rate, fitness levels, GPS calories burned. Such an advanced bike speedometer comes with expensive price tags.
Attaching your Bike Speedometer to ATV or Dirt Bike
While some people measure the speed and distance out of curiosity, for others, it acts as a source of inspiration. Today, a majority of ATV bikes come with speedometers; however, if you have an older model of ATV bikes, they might not have speedometers.
And if you are someone who would want to know the speed at which you travel the trails, then you should invest in a good ATV speedometer. However, if you have a good cycling speedometer, that can work too if you merely want to know the speed and distance.
Using bicycle speedometer as an ATV or Dirt Bike speedometer
In this article, we will be guiding you on how to attach your bike speedometer and use it as an ATV speedometer. The whole process is quite simple if you read through the steps carefully.
1: Attaching the Sensor
The first step is to install the computer sensor on the fork, which is opposite to the braked in front wheel mount. You can attach the sensors anywhere along the fork; it is better to choose a location that you can easily access. Choose a sensor that comes with attachments, so that it is easy for you to secure it on the bike fork. However, if it doesn’t come with attachments, you can fasten the sensor using a cable tie.
2: When Attaching with Cable Tie
When you are using a cable tie, make sure you fasten it properly in order to ensure that it doesn’t loosen up. Take the cable wire from the sensor all the way up to the back to the outside of the shock absorber. This will ensure that the wire stays away from the wheel while moving, thereby protecting it from wears and tears.
3: Attaching the Computer Mount
Attach the computer mount to the handlebars in a place where you can see it easily. The display of the computer will go on top of the mount; therefore, you must choose a location that is easily visible. Computer mounts come with different hardware settings, so make sure you are well aware of that before you install the sensor in accordance with the hardware.
4: Connecting the Sensor Computer
Now you have to secure the sensor through the wire; it is connected to the computer mount using a cable tie. Fasten a cable tie to any place where the wire is likely to bow out or dangle from the frame. Make sure you leave some slack in the wire, so that turn the handlebars and wheel without any restrictions.
5: Include the Magnet
The bike speedometer kit will come with a magnet, which you will have to clip to the spokes of your front tire. When you clip the magnet, choose a location where it will see pass through the sensors during every tire rotations. When the magnet will pass through the sensor, the latter will that the tire has completed one rotation. You have to attach the magnet in a way that it moves within ¼ inches of the sensors.
6: Integrate the Diameter
Once you have attached the sensors and computer to the bike, you need to enter the diameter of your bicycle (front) into the computer. You can see this information on the tire itself or in the manual you receive with the bicycle. This is important information that is required to measure the speed with optimum accuracy.
7: Check the Efficiency
Once you have done all the above processes, it is time to check. Turn the bicycle tire to make sure the computer sensor is properly detecting the magnet. If the sensors are working properly, then the computer will display a nonzero speed value.
8: Programming it
Working with a speedometer is quite easy. Once you have set the whole thing, switch the display on, go to the setting, and add relevant information. If you have chosen a basic model, then you simply enter the size of the tires and preferred measurement units.
However, if you have bought an advanced bike speedometer, then you need to enter more information such as social media log in, location, height, weight, age, etc.
Choosing the Right Bike Speedometer
There is a wide range of bike speedometers available out there, which might leave you overwhelmed. However, if you are clear about your needs and budget, the process can be quite straightforward. If you just want the speedometer to check your distance and speed, then there is no need to go for speedometers with the high-end feature. And in this case, you can get a good quality device at a low price.
However, if you are biking for fitness purposes and want to push yourself harder every day, then you need a speedometer with more advanced features. In such situations, you need to consider your fitness goals and then make a suitable decision. In the end, the decision to buy the right kind of bike speedometer entirely depends on your requirements.
Instruction Video
Source: jamiE list
Final Thoughts
Buying a bike speedometer can be fun and motivational at the same time. When it comes to buying a cyclometer, make sure you compare different options with your needs and budget. The device is available in both online and offline stores, the more you explore, the better are your chances to get a good deal. Once you have purchased the right speedometer, you can refer to this blog and learn how to install it in your bike with ease and efficiency.
