February 25, 2022
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Wahoo Speed and RPM
Editor's Choice Under $ 100
- Easy to install
- Long battery life
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Best Cadence and Speed Sensors for Spin Bikes
By Fitnosia Team: Updated in 2022
Cadence and speed sensors for indoor cycling are a great way to track your training and make the most of some fantastic and interactive indoor cycling apps. There are two different types of sensors that can fit an indoor cycling bike, one which tracks cadence by being attached to the pedals crank arm and the other which attaches to the flywheel to track your speed. Your cadence is how fast you spin the pedals, and the speed, well, that is self-explanatory.
The best cadence and speed sensors for indoor cycling bikes are relatively inexpensive, accurate, and have good compatibility for Android and IOS. Remember that you will have to pair your sensor with your smartwatch/bike GPS or a smartphone/tablet. They will not work by themselves. Purchasing a cadence and speed sensor is an affordable way for you to upgrade your exercise bike. After looking at the best cadence and speed sensors for indoor cycling bikes, there is a helpful buyers guide at the end of the article, to help you decide which one is best for your current setup.
Last updated on December 9, 2023 11:24 am
Editor's Best Indoor Cycle Sensor Choice!
Top 8 Indoor Cycling Bike RPM and Speed Sensors:
Table of Contents
Garmin Cadence Sensor For Cycling
The Garmin Cadence Sensor fits seamlessly to the crank arm on your spin bike. Thanks to the super simple design, you do not have to worry about whether this cadence sensor for spinning bikes will fit your indoor exercise bike (you only need 8.18mm of clearance).
This cadence sensor for spin bike comes with three different elasticated strap sizes, making it easy to fit and take off if you want to put it on your road bike afterward. The connectivity comes from both Bluetooth and ANT/+, meaning that it works great with Garmin devices, but you can also connect it to your smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth.
The Bluetooth connectivity means that this Garmin Cadence Sensor can be used with 3rd party apps, such as Zwift or Peloton. You will also be pleased to hear that it is compatible with both IOS and Android devices.
Conclusion
For an inexpensive way to record some more training data and connect to your favorite training app, this is one of the best cadence sensors for spin bikes. Thanks to its discrete size and a broad range of connectivity options, you will not find that this small cadence sensor for spin bike will not fit into your current setup perfectly.
Pros
- Bluetooth and ANT/+ (IOS and Android compatible)
- Slim and easy to install/remove (no additional tools required)
Cons
- It does not work with the Garmin Connect App (unless paired with a Garmin smartwatch or bike computer). However, it does connect to 3rd party apps as a standalone unit, such as Zwift or Peloton.
Garmin Speed and Cadence Sensors
This is a great bundle if you are looking for one of the best cadence and speed sensors for indoor cycling. In this bundle, you get both Garmin Speed Sensor 2 and Cadence Sensor 2. Yes, they are separate devices. However, they both benefit from the same simplicity and incredible accuracy.
There is enough information about the Garmin Cadence Sensor 2 above, so let’s look at the Garmin Speed Sensor in more detail. Firstly, although the speed sensor is designed to connect to a wheel’s hub (the bit in the middle of the wheel where the axle goes), you can also connect it to the flywheel on your spin bike (you will need to buy some adhesive tape if you are unable to fit it to the axle of the flywheel).
Both sensors connect seamlessly with indoor cycling apps such as Zwift. All you need to do is connect it up using the Bluetooth and/or ANT/+, and now you have a smart turbo trainer. If you are using the speed sensor on your spin bike, you will need to buy some adhesive to connect it to your flywheel. You will also need to check that there is enough clearance to allow you to connect a speed sensor.
Conclusion
This is an excellent bundle from Garmin for those looking to upgrade their current set up to allow for more training data. Both sensors are easy to install thanks to the included rubber bands. The data they provide will not only help you get fitter, but it also means that you can make most of the best indoor cycling apps out there without having to spend a fortune on a fancy smart turbo trainer or spin bike.
Pros
- Bluetooth and ANT/+ (IOS and Android compatible)
- Upgrade your current set up with all the training data you need
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor cycling
Cons
- You will not be able to use the speed sensor if you have a covered flywheel on your spin bike (however, this applies to all the speed sensors on this list)
Wahoo RPM Cycling Cadence Sensor
The Wahoo RPM sensor for spin bikes seamlessly tracks your cadence. It is a simple design and does not rely on any magnetic system to count the revolutions. This cadence sensor for spin bike is one of the best RPM sensors for exercise bikes, thanks to its simple design and superb connectivity.
It comes with a mount and zip ties so that you can ensure a tight fit on any indoor exercise bike. You can also get a small adhesive sticker to directly place the sensor on the crank arm if you find the zip ties get in the way. Thanks to the included mount, you do not need to stick the sensor itself to your crank arm, only the mount.
Thanks to the Bluetooth and ANT/+ (IOS and Android compatible), you have many options to connect this cadence sensor for spin bike with a wide range of devices. You also have the opportunity to put this sensor directly on your spin bike shoes if you would rather not have it on the crank arm.
Conclusion
This is a simple, straightforward, and effective cadence sensor for spin bikes. With the addition of this easy to install cadence sensor, you will capture more training data and use it to change up your indoor cycling training plan. Thanks to the universal connectivity on this smart little sensor, you do not have to worry about it not pairing with your favorite app or fitness device.
Pros
- Bluetooth and ANT/+ (IOS and Android compatible)
- Simple installation and mounts included for your spin bike and shoes
- Accurate tracking of cadence
Cons
- You will want to buy some adhesive to stick the mount onto your crank arm rather than use the zip ties that come with the sensor
Wahoo Cycling RPM and Cadence Sensor
Another great bundle if you are looking for both speed and cadence data on your next indoor cycling session. The Wahoo RPM Speed and Cadence bundle is a cost-effective way of upgrading your spin bike to work with 3rd party training apps.
These sensors allow you to track and capture real-time training data while you are spinning. The speed sensor’s addition makes this a great investment to pair up with apps like Zwift or Peleton. Thanks to the Bluetooth and ANT/+ (IOS and Android compatible) connectivity of both devices, you can easily connect your phone or tablet for real-time and accurate training data.
Both the Wahoo cadence reader and Wahoo speed reader come with mounts. However, you can also use adhesive pads for a more sleek and seamless installation (not included). The speed sensor works with any indoor bike with an accessible flywheel. However, it will not work on exercise bikes that have a covered resistance system.
Conclusion
To make the most of the best indoor cycling apps, you will want to be able to track both your speed and cadence. Thanks to their sleek design, reliable connectivity, and accurate readings, these sensors by Wahoo are some of the best speed and cadence sensors for indoor cycling.
Pros
- Bluetooth and ANT/+ (IOS and Android compatible)
- Sleek design
Cons
- Not all apps will allow you to connect two separate Bluetooth devices (Not an issue if you plan on using Zwift)
CooSpoo Cycling Speed and Cadence Sensor
It may be a lesser-known brand compared to Garmin and Wahoo, but the CooSpo sensor is accurate, easy to connect to, and gives you the option of tracking either speed or cadence. As an inexpensive introduction to the spin bike RPM sensors, this is an excellent investment.
This sensor comes with an easy rubber band installation. Simply replace the battery and move the sensor, and you can switch between cadence (blue light) and speed (red light) tracking. However, that does not mean that this sensor can track both speed and cadence simultaneously.
CooSpo RPM Cycling Speed and Cadence Sensor comes with Bluetooth and ANT/+ (IOS and Android compatible). Meaning you can connect it up with any major cycling app or bike/GPS computer. This sensor does not come with any adhesive, so to mount it on your flywheel, you need to buy some adhesive tape separately.
Conclusion
If you are looking for value for money and do not need to track your speed and cadence simultaneously, this is one of the best RPM sensors for an exercise bike. However, due to the lack of a separate mount, it will be difficult to remove and put on your crank arm once you stick it on your flywheel. In theory, having a versatile sensor to track both speed and cadence is a good idea, but in reality, if you want to track both, you are better getting a bundle that includes both a speed and cadence sensor.
Pros
- Versatile, it can track speed and cadence (not at the same time)
- Bluetooth and ANT/+ (IOS and Android compatible)
Cons
- If you are serious about your training and want to track speed and cadence, you will need to buy 2 of these sensors
Magene S3+ Cycling Speed or Cadence Sensor
Another affordable sensor you can get for your indoor spin bike is the Magene S3+ Cycling Speed or Cadence Sensor. Like the CooSpo, simply take out and replace the battery, and it switches mode between speed and cadence.
This neat little sensor is easy to fit to the crank arm with elastic bands that are included. However, you will need to find your own adhesive tape to use the speed sensor function. This sensor will not track both speed and cadence together. That being said, these sensors are very affordable, and you save even more money if you buy two sensors at the same time.
The connectivity comes from Bluetooth and ANT/+ connectivity (IOS and Android compatible). So you can link this up to your smartphone, tablet, or computer to get your real-time indoor cycling data.
Conclusion
If you want an affordable speed and cadence sensor, then look no further. For the price, you get everything you need to upgrade your training plan (even cheaper if you buy two at the same time). Despite the price, these sensors are easy to use, offer reliable connectivity, and are durable.
Pros
- Affordable
- Versatile, it can track speed and cadence (not at the same time)
- Bluetooth and ANT/+ (IOS and Android compatible)
Cons
- The rubber bands that come with the sensor are not very reliable, so you may want to replace them or just use zip ties/adhesive tape when installing them.
XOSS Bike Cadence Sensor & Speed Sensor
The XOSS Bike Cadence Sensor & Speed Sensor is another affordable option for putting speed and cadence sensors on spinning bikes. Each sensor can be used to track either speed or cadence, but you do get 2 for the price of one sensor from the likes of Garmin or Wahoo.
These sensors are compatible with most of the latest indoor cycling apps and bike computers thanks to the Bluetooth and ANT/+ (IOS and Android compatible). However, you do need to check if your favorite app will allow you to connect more than one sensor (Zwift does).
These come with the preferred elastic band attachments making them super easy to install on your crank arm. You may need to buy some adhesive tape for the speed sensor unless you have enough room to connect the sensor to your flywheel’s axle.
Conclusion
For the price, these are the best speed and cadence sensors for indoor cycling. They may be a little bit bulkier than those on offer by Garmin and Wahoo, but not so big that they get in the way. They will still fit most indoor spin bikes comfortably. The connectivity is excellent, although the listing does state you should check compatibility with the major bike computers and indoor cycling training apps (Zwift, Wahoo, Openrider and Tacx).
Pros
- Affordable (2 Sensors included)
- Easy to install
- Bluetooth and ANT/+ (IOS and Android compatible)
Cons
- A little bigger than the more expensive options (still only 10mm thick)
Moofit Bike Cadence and Speed Sensors
If you are looking to add a dash of color to your indoor spin bike and track your speed and cadence, check out the Moofit Bike Cadence and Speed Sensors. This two-pack is not interchangeable, you get one sensor to track your speed and another that keeps track of your cadence.
Thanks to the Bluetooth and ANT/+ (IOS and Android compatible) connectivity, you can connect to most indoor cycling apps and bike computers. However, they helpfully point out that some companies, such as Wahoo, only allow you to connect one sensor at a time (unless you buy a Wahoo cadence sensor). However, on apps such as Zwift, you will be able to connect up the speed and cadence sensor.
These sensors are attached using the rubber bands that are included. The cadence sensor goes on the crank arm, but the indoor cycling speed sensor needs to be on the flywheel of your spin bike. The fact that these sensors are specifically designed for speed or cadence is a good thing (more on the reasons why in the buyers guide below).
Conclusion
The Moofit indoor bike cadence and speed sensor offer great value for money. You get the connectivity you get with much more expensive speed and cadence sensors for spin bikes at a fraction of the cost. In terms of performance, they provide you with real time and accurate training data and do not restrict you to only recording one fitness metric.
Pros
- Affordable
- Fun orange color makes a nice change compared to the standard black color.
- Specifically designed for speed or cadence tracking (separate sensors)
- Bluetooth and ANT/+ (IOS and Android compatible)
Cons
- Not as durable as more expensive cadence sensors for spin bikes
A Buyer's Guide To Indoor Bike Cadence and Speed Sensors
Bluetooth and ANT/+
When looking for the best speed and cadence sensors for indoor cycling, you need to make sure that they will be compatible with your bike and favorite cycling training app or bike computer. All the speed and cadence sensors for spin bikes on this list have Bluetooth (for your phone, tablet, or computer) and ANT+ connectivity (Bike computer or Smartwatch). This is important as it allows you to choose between connecting up to your favorite indoor cycling training app and your sports watch or bike computer. Although some apps restrict the number of sensors you can connect to, the best ones allow two or more so that you can track speed and cadence while cycling indoors (such as Zwift).
More Focused Indoor Cycling Training
Investing in speed and cadence sensors for spin bikes is a great way to upgrade your exercise bike. You can save money by buying a more basic exercise bike while benefiting from all the fitness metrics you need to track your progress. Cadence sensors for spin bikes are great as they allow you to tailor your workout in a new way. You can track how quickly you are spinning the pedals and as you get fitter get motivation from the fact that you can turn the pedals faster on a higher gear without getting too worn out. A speed sensor helps you keep motivated by seeing how fast you would be moving if you were on the road. They are also an essential factor if you want to join the cycling community on apps such as Zwift.
Fitting your Spin Bike Cadence Counter
When purchasing any cadence sensor for your spin bike, you can guarantee that it will fit. Ideally, you should install it on the inside of the crank arm. All the best cadence sensors for spin bikes are thin enough to easily fit between the crank arm and the bike. However, if you find that the cadence sensor is catching while you are pedaling, you can simply attach it to the outside of the crank arm.
Fitting your Speed Sensor for Spin Bikes
However, with the speed sensors, you need to make sure that your spin bike is compatible. All of the best speed and cadence sensors for indoor cycling on this list have a similar design. You need to be able to attach the sensor to the flywheel or the axel of the flywheel. That means that you cannot use one of these speed sensors if your flywheel is covered. It does not matter whether you have a front or rear flywheel on your spin bike. You just need to make sure there is enough clearance. All the spin bike speed sensors on this list will work just as effectively whether you can fit them to the axle or need to stick them to the flywheel itself.
Although all of these speed sensors on this list were designed to be wrapped around the hub of a traditional bicycle wheel. They work when attached to your spin bike flywheel. You will need to use some glue or adhesive tape to attach them, making it a little awkward to swap them out if they do not come with a mount (like the Wahoo RPM Speed and Cadence sensors). If you buy a sensor that does not come with a mount, you should stick the sensor down with the battery compartment showing on the outside. This makes it so much easier when the time does finally come when you need to replace the battery. This is one reason why the sensors that are able to track both speed and cadence (at different times) can sometimes not be the best solution for indoor cycling. Every time you replace the battery, the “mode” will change, but if you have stuck the sensor down with the small LED facing the flywheel, you have no way of telling what mode it is in.
Replacing Batteries
You will notice that none of these speed and cadence sensors for indoor cycling come with rechargeable batteries. This is perfectly normal, as it is a way to save weight and make the sensor small enough to be universal. The CR2 batteries (included with all the sensors on this list) are thin but still carry more than enough power to last months on end without needing replacing. Obviously, it does depend on usage, but all these sensors are designed to conserve battery and will automatically shut down when no movement or rotation is detected.
The Final Verdict
Although there are more affordable options available, the best speed and cadence sensors for indoor cycling are the Wahoo RPM Speed and Cadence sensors. They top the list thanks to their super slim design, accurate readings, and reliability. The fact that the cadence sensor works when connected to your shoe is a nice touch too. They come with all the fittings and mounts you need to keep them secure without being too much of a bother when you need to replace the battery or switch them over to another spin bike. Ultimately whichever speed and cadence sensors for indoor cycling you choose, you will be able to use the data to improve your fitness, motivation, and enjoyment during your indoor spin sessions.
