I've been using Garmin technologies for many, many years ranging from Fenix watches and various bike computers (Edge 530, 830 and 1040). They are all fantastic and communicate flawlessly with Garmin bike speed & cadence sensors 2. These sensors are a great value, easy to install and battery life is excellent! Never had a need to compare Garmin against other brands namely due to complete satisfaction with Garmin. I can say if you have a rare occasion where you have an issue, Garmin technical support and customer service is fantastic.
Was having trouble with my speed sensor due to the wheel magnet slipping. My son had these and I thought the design was better than the common magnet-and-sensor variety. Installed easily, paired quickly with head unit (Karoo 2), and has been trouble-free since. Cannot ask for more!
These sensors are much easier to set up and use than the former speed and cadence sensor that used to have to be attached to the chain stay and then adjusted so that it could read the magnets on your rear wheel and crankarm. The only difficulty with installing, if you have clumsy fingers like me, is to stretch the band around the crankarm or the wheel hub and get it into the slots on the sensor. But once it's on, it's on. Seems to be very accurate. Now use these on all three of my bikes.
I was using the magnetic version of the cadence sensor. Had to deal with the magnet placement as well as plastic straps to hold the sensor in place. The speed and cadence sensor bundle avoids the magnets and was very easy to install. Also, easy to link to my bike computer Apps.
I use this these sensors on both my full suspension mountain bike and my road bike. I also connect them to both my Garmin edge 820 and my Garmin Vivoactive Watch. Set up was really easy in both cases, and I haven't had an issue since.
Bound easily to a Lezyne Super Pro GPS unit. In fact it works better than the Lezyne sensor's. Except that the GPS doesn't detect the battery charge. But it was spotty with the Lezyne sensors anyway. Even when new. I've only used the Garmin sensors a couple of times. But so far I'm very satisfied that they even work with the Lezyne GPS. The Lezyne sensors are really cheaply made and suck the battery down really fast. Even when not being used. The quality of the Garmin sensors is far superior. And the price isn't much more than the Lezyne sensors. So far I'm very satisfied with the Garmin sensors. I may have to buy another set.
These guys are easy to install (much better than the previous generation) and work well. Connecting to my Edge 530 was easy and I don't notice any dropouts. The rubber bands seem sturdy and battery life is extremely good. The cadence sensor is essential if you're a data nerd. The speed sensor may not be so important, because the Edge also tracks speed. However, some online reviews suggest speed is measured more accurately by the sensor. You also need a speed sensor if you use an indoor trainer, or if you ride in an area where GPS frequently drops out due to buildings, trees, etc. I have a couple of speed sensors (one for each wheelset) -- they're a pretty cheap add-on if purchased in the bundle with the cadence sensor.
These sensors have been the same for a number of years now. Adding them as I add bikes and they are easier to install than ever. One of two may had a dead battery so I changed it before attaching to the bike. Always have a couple of 2032 batteries on hand for your bike stuff.
The old cadence sensor required a magnet affixed to the crank and a transmitting unit located on the lower frame arm. Both required tight tolerances and easily could get out of alignment due to bumps or whatever. The new unit attaches to the left crank arm and can't get out of alignment. The speed sensor worked off the real wheel magnet and cadence/speed sensor. Again, the unit required tight tolerances and easily could be dislodged and require adjustment. The new speed sensor is great as it attaches to either hub and requires no further adjustment. Both units pair well with my Garmin Edge 500.
Great for tracking rides with a compatible device - I use a Garmin watch paired with these. It's good especially to get a sense for how cadence is and how it correlates with heart rate and things of that nature. Simple, reasonably-priced bit of cycling gear :)
