Gran Fondo Hero: Guy’s 11-Hour ride with The One
Cycling isn’t just a hobby for Guy – it’s an adventure. While he describes himself as a “regular” cyclist, his achievements tell a different story. For instance, he once completed a remarkable 300-kilometer ride, spending 14.5 hours on his bike.
From beginner to Gran Fondo enthusiast
Guy started cycling in 2008. What began as short rides with friends around his neighborhood quickly evolved into epic journeys, often lasting 10 to 11 hours. He loves participating in Gran Fondos for their atmosphere, challenging courses and ideally, a few tough climbs. In September, he accomplished another impressive feat: an 11-hour Gran Fondo, completed with his trusted companion: The One. This time, it was the Schwarzwald Ultra Rad Marathon (srum.de), a demanding cycling tour that starts and ends in Alpirsbach, Schwarzwald, Germany. Participants could choose from three distances with the longest officially set at 240 km. However, due to some detours this year, the route extended to a grueling 264 km with over 4,000 meters of elevation gain. A few days before the event, Guy received the GPX file of the route to upload to his device. The detailed course profile on The One, including distance and color-coded elevation markers, helped him anticipate the tough climbs ahead.
The One: a reliable companion for every adventure
For Guy, The One is ideal for long-distance rides. One of its standout features is its bright, clear display. “The data is very easy to read, and that really makes a difference,” he explains. Initially, he had to adjust to the absence of a touchscreen, but he soon realized its advantages. “With a touchscreen, pages would sometimes switch accidentally in the rain. That doesn’t happen anymore.” Guy has also tested The One in heavy rain, including during rides in Italy. “It’s completely waterproof,” he confirms. This is thanks to Absolute Cycling’s innovative design, which eliminates open charging ports, ensuring a sleek appearance and total protection against the elements.
Navigation that delivers
Navigation is critical for Guy, especially during events or rides in unfamiliar areas. The One stands out in this regard. “When I don’t know the area, I create a route and upload it. For events, I often receive a GPX file in advance, which I load into the app,” he explains. He praises the navigation system for its flawless performance, which is crucial for long days on the bike. The One is engineered with proprietary technologies: the Absolute Positioning Technology (APT) and Absolute Altitude Technology (AAT). These systems utilize a fusion of GPS data, environmental sensors, and motion sensors to provide accuracy in speed, position, and altitude measurements (read more about the technologies).
For his training rides, Guy often uses the metrics screen to monitor key stats like average heart rate and power output. This ensures he always has the most important data at a glance.
A Cycling Computer that stands apart
Guy believes The One sets itself apart in a market where cycling computers often follow the same trends, adding more and more features. “This is truly a different kind of cycling computer, both in functionality and design. Its ease of use is unmatched, and it’s the little details that make all the difference.” The waterproof design and innovative charging mechanism are perfect examples of this thoughtful approach.
A perfect fit for Long-Distance Cyclists
Whether you’re tackling an 11-hour Gran Fondo or a shorter training ride, The One is the ideal companion for dedicated cyclists. As Guy puts it: “The One is designed with the user in mind and you can feel it in every detail. It’s not only functional but also beautifully designed. A true win-win.”