"Does this computer have ANT+?" This is a standard question every salesperson hears in a bike shop (sometimes when selling a basic model for 50 PLN). And it's a very good question. ANT+ support happens to be a much more important function than counting calories and CO2 "saved." It's one of Garmin's best inventions and a rare example of a nearly unanimously adopted standard in the cycling industry (and in sports more broadly). And all signs point to it being around for at least a few, maybe even a dozen, years to come. So what is this ant?
What exactly is ANT+?
This is a wireless connection system between devices, created specifically for sports by Garmin. It transmits on the popular 2.4 GHz frequency, similar to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or... remote-controlled models. It allows for data transfer at 60 Kbps, and while some reports suggest a range of 30 meters, for most devices it's more like a few steps. The name is one of those disgusting corporate "acronyms" and goes like this: Advanced and Adaptive Network Technology. It sounds like something from a dystopian movie where a giant corporation rules the world. The first generation allowed for connecting several different Garmin sensors to a single central hub, creating a wireless network around the bike . However, its evolution was a breakthrough.
What did the plus in ANT+ bring?
Firstly, it significantly reduced power consumption, enabling miniaturization of batteries and devices, and reducing their weight. More importantly, however, it became available to other manufacturers. This allows you to create your own set of diverse transmitters whose data will be collected by an ANT+ cycling computer. And not just in a network with a single hub, as the standard also enables multi-level data exchange across various structures. For example, you can pair a Shimano Di2 system, a Stages power meter, and a heart rate monitor with your cycling computer. ANT+ is also supported by some smartphones, especially smartwatches. No adapters, additional software, or hours spent on configuration.
Why not Bluetooth?
Why create a parallel standard when half the world uses Bluetooth? There are two big reasons for this. First, the aforementioned energy efficiency. BT transmits data at 2 Mbps, making it many times faster than ANT Plus. The problem is that it doesn't change anything for information from sports sensors, because compared to music or video, these are very simple things. It doesn't reduce power consumption, and we know how important weight is for bikes ;) And besides, no one wants to constantly change or charge batteries. Why shoot ducks with a cannon?
The most important difference, however, comes from the ability to build networks. Bluetooth only allows for communication between two devices. For example, you can't connect two sets of headphones to one phone, so creating a network of sensors or controlling them with an external device is out of the question. ANT+ is simply better suited to its purpose, and it's not a matter of details.
The ANT+ computer is the control center of the cycling world.
Effective training relies on hard work and data. ANT+ allows you to easily manage everything in one place. Interestingly, however, wireless connectivity with this standard is even more important... at home. Remember when I wrote about bike trainers a while back? In the case of interactive smart devices, the connection between all the elements, including fans, actuators that change the bike's position, and the computer, is based on ANT+. And considering the growth of the bike trainer racing scene, which requires pairing, for example, a scale, this is definitely important. Add to that the aforementioned off-bike range for other sports, important not only for triathletes but also cyclists who enjoy occasional runs, and it turns out that ANT+ is an inconspicuous yet crucial element that allows cycling to reach the next level. And it's convenient!
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