I went for a ride today and it was 5C. I know this because my new Garmin spits out this data, along with a brain-melting number of other numbers and graphs. You can see for yourself by clicking on the link below. I have posted my Garmin stats – because that’s what you do.

Just a couple of notes on my first 24 hours with the 510 and Vector:

1. Both were so easy to set up that I kept looking back at the manuals to see if I’d forgotten anything. They give you tons of little plastic and rubber things in the box that make you think you need to use them. You don’t, for the most part. Kudos on including 8 rubber attachment rings to hold the computer on the stem (or handlebar). I know those things won’t last.

2. I didn’t need my new torque wrench to tighten the pedal to the crank arm after all. Don’t buy one. You don’t need it (although others who are smarter do not agree).

3. There is a dizzying amount of data that you can have displayed on the computer. I am trying to figure out what is essential now. One thing is:

4. Left/Right power balance. I’d be interested to hear what others are experiencing with their Vectors because I got 46/54% on this ride (and I was probably pushing harder with the left because the display was taunting me the whole ride with my imbalance).  This balance discrepancy is unsurprising given my knee issues on the left. Still, I kept wondering how much faster I could go if it was as strong as the other one.

5. The power was jumping all over the place, but I think I can set it to average out a bit, e.g. a 3-second or 10-second average. Jan or Mark, you guys might be able to tell me what I need to set it at since you seemed to both have good, solid readings at Haute Route.

6. I nearly bit the dust once or twice staring at my new computer when I should have been looking ahead. This will improve with time, but since it sits on the stem, it will probably continue to get a lot of attention when training heats up next year.

First Vector w/John by gerrypat at Garmin Connect – Details.