Using (and mounting) an iPad with the BikeErg

[Portsmouth]

I'm considering a BikeErg for basic cardio a few times a week using a heart rate monitor to guide effort. What's the best iPad app and heart rate monitor combination for this? And is it possible to have an app running in the background doing all of this while I watch a video on the iPad?

Also, toward the end of the promotional video for the bike they show a tablet mounted in the place of the PM5. What's the deal with that? Is there a way to safely and easily mount an iPad on top of the PM5? Or will I flat out not need one if I use a tablet the right way. I saw the smartphone cradle but nothing for a tablet.

[rakserv]

I use a Polar v800 (watch) and Wahoo TICKR HRM combo to capture HR data during workouts.

The combo is setup so v800 to TICKR is BLE -AND- PM5 to TICKR is ANT+.

The HR Data is then synch'd to the Polar Flow app/website so it is available for history/tracking/analysis. https://flow.polar.com

I mention it because you don't really need the iPad to be doing anything while your capturing your heart rate data, so you can watch us your iPad to watch videos or whatever while you're riding. Here's a mount for a iPad on PM5, not sure how it would be on a bikeerg but it might work.
https://www.rowfree.com/products/rowfree

[Nefariousd]

I use an iPad, ticrx, ergdata.

Right now I put my iPad on the bikerg box stood on end (it also holds my towels and extra water bottles)

It’s nice to be able to play tunes or stream Netflix while plodding along and keeping up the logbook is simple

I too am shopping for a stand, I have all three machines so I’m trying to figure out which which stand will work best.

[satjat]

Instead of spending $30 for an ipad stand....I spent $3 for heavy duty Velcro. One side on the handlebars (the main vertical bar pointing towards the PM5) and the other (soft) side is on the case. I use the standard Apple iPad case...when it is in "stand up" mode it connects great to the handlebars.

[bojam]

The original phone holder for the PM3/4 use to fit tablets as well I used for both an iPad and an android tablet (tesco hudl). But unfortunately the new C2 holder won't fit tablets and the old C2 holder won't fit a PM5 ... so I went the 3d printing route and got one printed for me... so google 3d printers and then search for one. It looks similar to the original but isn't quite so smooth or well engineered but does its job except in full out sprints....

[Portsmouth]

Thanks all for the great information. I also just noticed that on their product page FAQ's Concept2 says they are developing a tablet holder but that it is several months away.

[bojam]

I have just found this one is still available https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1290998

[Smoker]

Tripod clamp (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0772LBG2D) and tripod tablet holder (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K9L589C). I also got a swivel that comes with the clamp, which works great for a more relaxed position, but I like the ergonomics better without it.

[trifona]

On my new BikeErg I just implemented Smoker’s solution. Works really well and costs less than $30. I’m still curious what C2 decides to sell (I was told late spring or early summer launch) and whether it is “better” but I see nothing wrong with the current solution so kudos. I’m using a really old iPad right now; if we ever upgrade to a newer unit I could be swayed to buy the forthcoming Ram mount from C2 if it offers a more secure mount.