Garmin Bike Cadence Sensor 2
Wireless crank-arm cadence sensor — measures pedal strokes per minute and transmits live RPM data to compatible Garmin devices, training apps, and fitness displays. No magnets. No exposed parts to align. Attaches in seconds with rubber bands to any size crank arm. ANT+ and Bluetooth Low Energy in a single sensor. Up to 12 months of battery life on a single CR2032. MPN: 010-12844-00. UPC: 753759222543.
ANT+ & BLE
simultaneously
Easy to install on my Dura Ace crank arm and my Garmin 130 acknowledged it immediately. Light weight and hardly intrusive.
Our Take: The Cadence Sensor 2 is Garmin's dual-protocol cadence sensor — the upgrade that made these sensors genuinely universal. Earlier Garmin cadence sensors transmitted on ANT+ only, which meant they couldn't talk to smartphones, Apple TV, or third-party training apps directly. The Sensor 2 adds Bluetooth Low Energy alongside ANT+, so it broadcasts on both protocols simultaneously. Pair it to your Edge or Forerunner via ANT+ and to Zwift on an iPad via Bluetooth at the same time — both receive live cadence data from the same sensor with no switching required. Installation is the other headline: there are no magnets, no sensor arms to adjust, and no wheel reflectors to align. Wrap a rubber band around your crank arm, clip the sensor onto it, and rotate the crank twice to wake it up. That's the entire installation. The sensor attaches to the non-drive-side crank arm (left side on most bikes), works with any crank arm size, and uses rubber bands that are durable enough to stay put through rain and hard efforts. The form factor is small and sits flush against the arm with 8.18mm clearance required — enough for the vast majority of bikes including most triathlon frames. Battery life is approximately 12 months at one hour per day, using a CR2032 coin cell that's user-replaceable. The LED flashes green to confirm activity after two crank revolutions and red when the battery is low. Data goes to Garmin Connect for long-term cadence tracking, and from there to Strava or Training Peaks automatically. Cadence data is also available to compatible third-party apps via Bluetooth — Zwift, TrainerRoad, Wahoo SYSTM, and any other app that accepts Bluetooth cadence input.
ANT+ and Bluetooth LE — Simultaneously
The Cadence Sensor 2 pairs with up to 2 Bluetooth devices and an unlimited number of ANT+ devices at the same time. Pair to a Garmin head unit via ANT+ and to Zwift, TrainerRoad, or Apple TV via Bluetooth — both receive live cadence without reconnecting or switching modes.
Why you'd choose this sensor
- Transmits on ANT+ and Bluetooth Low Energy at the same time. Pair to your Garmin cycling computer or running watch via ANT+ and to a smartphone app or Apple TV via Bluetooth — one sensor, two connections, live data on both simultaneously.
- Magnetless design requires no alignment, no wheel magnet to position, and no sensor arm to adjust. Attach with the included rubber bands to any crank arm size — road, gravel, mountain, triathlon, compact, or standard. Move between bikes in seconds.
- Bluetooth LE means the Cadence Sensor 2 works natively with Zwift, TrainerRoad, Wahoo SYSTM, and virtually any training app that accepts Bluetooth cadence input. Critical for indoor training setups where your phone, tablet, or Apple TV is the primary display.
- Pair to two Bluetooth devices at once — for example, Zwift on an iPad and Garmin Connect on a phone — while also broadcasting to ANT+ devices. No need to unpair or switch between sessions.
- Approximately 12 months at one hour per day of use. The CR2032 coin cell is user-replaceable without tools. The LED flashes red to warn you before the battery dies, giving you time to replace it before a ride.
- The sensor sleeps between rides to conserve battery. Rotating the crank arm two revolutions wakes it automatically — it then broadcasts to paired devices within range. No buttons to press before a ride.
- ANT+ and Bluetooth LE both work indoors, making the Cadence Sensor 2 ideal for smart trainers, rollers, and stationary bike setups where GPS isn't available. Cadence data flows to your head unit, phone, tablet, or Apple TV regardless of location.
- Cadence data syncs to Garmin Connect after every ride, building a historical record of your pedaling efficiency. From Garmin Connect, data auto-syncs to Strava, TrainingPeaks, and other connected apps. Use long-term cadence data to track improvements in pedaling efficiency.
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Perfect For
- Cyclists who want to add cadence data to an existing Garmin setup — Edge, Forerunner, Fenix, or Venu
- Indoor training on Zwift, TrainerRoad, or any Bluetooth-compatible app
- Riders who switch between multiple bikes and want a sensor that moves easily
- Zwift users on Apple TV who need Bluetooth cadence without a Bluetooth-only sensor
- Cyclists who want cadence without investing in a power meter
- Triathletes who need a sensor that works seamlessly with Garmin multisport devices
Good to know before you buy
- Mounting clearance: 8.18mm required between the crank arm and frame — sufficient for most bikes including most triathlon frames
- Non-drive side only: mounts to the left crank arm
- Cadence only: measures RPM only — does not measure speed or distance. For speed, add the Garmin Speed Sensor 2 or use GPS
- Garmin Connect app: cannot pair as a standalone sensor — requires a compatible Garmin device or head unit
- Two rubber band sizes included: standard and large
Cadence Sensor 2 — Full Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Bike Cadence Sensor 2 |
| MPN | 010-12844-00 |
| UPC | 753759222543 |
| Color | Black |
| Measurement | Pedal strokes per minute (RPM / cadence) |
| Wireless protocols | ANT+ and Bluetooth Low Energy (simultaneously) |
| Bluetooth pairing | Up to 2 Bluetooth devices simultaneously |
| ANT+ pairing | Unlimited devices |
| Mounting | Rubber band — non-drive-side crank arm (left side) |
| Magnets required | No — magnetless design |
| Crank arm compatibility | Any size (standard and large bands included) |
| Clearance required | 8.18mm between crank arm and frame |
| Auto-wake | 2 crank arm revolutions |
| LED indicators | Green (5 sec) = active · Red = low battery |
| Battery type | CR2032 (user-replaceable) |
| Battery life | Approximately 12 months at 1 hour/day |
| Weight | 2.08 oz |
| Compatible Garmin devices | Edge series · Forerunner series · Fenix series · Venu series · All ANT+/BLE Garmin devices |
| Third-party app support | Zwift · TrainerRoad · Wahoo SYSTM · Apple TV · Any Bluetooth cadence-compatible app |
| Garmin Connect sync | Yes — cadence history and analytics |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
| CA Prop 65 | Warning: contains lead — wash hands after handling |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Cadence Sensor 2 work with Zwift?
Yes. The Cadence Sensor 2 connects to Zwift via Bluetooth Low Energy. Zwift on iPhone, iPad, Android, Apple TV, and PC/Mac all support Bluetooth cadence input. The sensor pairs directly — no ANT+ dongle required for Bluetooth platforms. If you're running Zwift on a PC with an ANT+ USB dongle, it also works that way.
Can it pair to my Garmin watch and Zwift at the same time?
Yes. The sensor pairs to up to 2 Bluetooth devices simultaneously, and to unlimited ANT+ devices. In practice: your Garmin watch or Edge connects via ANT+, Zwift connects via Bluetooth — both receive live cadence data from the same sensor without any switching or reconnecting.
Does this sensor measure speed as well as cadence?
No. The Cadence Sensor 2 measures pedal strokes per minute (cadence / RPM) only. It does not measure wheel speed or distance. For speed and distance data, use GPS on a compatible Garmin device or add the Garmin Speed Sensor 2, which attaches to the wheel hub and self-calibrates with compatible Garmin devices.
How do I install it? Do I need tools?
No tools required. Place the sensor on the inside of your non-drive-side (left) crank arm, secure it with one of the included rubber bands — use the standard band for most crank arms or the large band for wider crank arms — then rotate the crank two revolutions to wake the sensor. Bring your Garmin device within 3 meters to complete pairing. Take a short test ride to confirm the sensor has adequate clearance and the band is seated correctly.
How long does the battery last and how do I replace it?
Approximately 12 months at one hour of daily use. The sensor uses a CR2032 coin cell battery available at most pharmacies and electronics stores. The LED flashes red to signal a low battery before it fails. Replace by opening the sensor housing — no tools required — and swapping the battery. The new battery activates automatically on the next crank rotation.
Will it fit my bike's crank arm?
The sensor fits any size crank arm using the included rubber bands. The one clearance requirement is 8.18mm of space between the crank arm and the frame or any other component. This is sufficient for the vast majority of road, gravel, mountain, and triathlon bikes. For very high-end triathlon frames with extremely tight frame clearances, verify this measurement before purchase. Garmin recommends mounting on the non-drive (left) crank arm inside face.
Is it compatible with non-Garmin devices?
Yes. Any device or app that supports the ANT+ cadence profile or Bluetooth Low Energy cadence profile can receive data from this sensor. This includes non-Garmin head units that support ANT+ (such as Wahoo ELEMNT and Karoo), and any smartphone or tablet app that supports Bluetooth cadence input. The sensor is not exclusive to Garmin hardware.
What is the difference between the Cadence Sensor 2 and the older Garmin cadence sensors?
The primary upgrade in the Cadence Sensor 2 is the addition of Bluetooth Low Energy alongside ANT+. Older Garmin cadence sensors transmitted on ANT+ only, which meant they could not connect to smartphones, Apple TV, or Bluetooth-only apps without an ANT+ bridge. The Sensor 2 broadcasts on both simultaneously, making it compatible with the full range of modern training platforms.
CA Residents: Prop 65 Warning
We work hard to keep product information accurate. If you spot an error, email us at sales@hrmusainc.com. Questions? 1-800-403-8285.
Garmin Bike Cadence Sensor 2
Two Protocols. One Sensor.
ANT+ and Bluetooth Low Energy simultaneously — pair to your Garmin device and Zwift at the same time. No magnets. No alignment. Rubber band to any crank arm in seconds. 12 months of battery life. Live RPM data to your head unit, watch, phone, or Apple TV.
ANT+ & BLE
1 hr/day
simultaneously
pairings
Verified Customer Review
Easy to install on my Dura Ace crank arm and my Garmin 130 acknowledged it immediately. Light weight and hardly intrusive.
Our Take: The Cadence Sensor 2 is the version of this sensor that made it genuinely universal. Earlier Garmin cadence sensors transmitted on ANT+ only — useful for Garmin head units but invisible to smartphones, Apple TV, and Bluetooth-native training apps. The Sensor 2 added Bluetooth Low Energy without removing ANT+, so it broadcasts on both simultaneously. The practical result: pair to your Edge or Forerunner via ANT+ and to Zwift on an iPad or Apple TV via Bluetooth at the same time — one sensor, two active connections, live cadence data on both without any manual switching. Installation takes under two minutes with no tools. The magnetless design means there's nothing to align — no wheel magnet to position, no spoke to thread through, no sensor arm to adjust based on your wheel size. Attach the rubber band to the non-drive-side crank arm, clip the sensor on, rotate twice to wake it. Battery life is approximately 12 months at one hour of daily use on a CR2032 coin cell. The sensor auto-wakes from two crank revolutions and goes back to sleep between rides. For cadence-focused training — tracking your pedaling efficiency, maintaining target RPM zones, or analyzing effort distribution between cadence and power — this sensor provides live data to every platform in the Garmin ecosystem and the broader ANT+/Bluetooth training app ecosystem. If you also want speed and distance data without relying on GPS, pair it with the Garmin Speed Sensor 2, which attaches to the wheel hub and self-calibrates with compatible Garmin devices.
ANT+ and Bluetooth LE — Simultaneously
- Pairs with up to 2 Bluetooth devices at once — Zwift on iPad and Garmin Connect on iPhone simultaneously
- Pairs with unlimited ANT+ devices — Edge, Forerunner, Fenix, or any ANT+ head unit
- No mode switching — both protocols active at all times while riding
- Compatible with Apple TV, Android, iPhone, iPad via Bluetooth
- Compatible with any ANT+ head unit, including non-Garmin brands
- Transmits on ANT+ and Bluetooth LE at the same time. Pair to your Garmin cycling computer or running watch via ANT+ and to a smartphone training app or Apple TV via Bluetooth — one sensor, two connections, live cadence on both simultaneously.
- Magnetless design — no wheel magnet, no sensor arm, no alignment required. Rubber band to any crank arm size. Move between bikes in seconds with no reconfiguration.
- Bluetooth LE means native compatibility with Zwift, TrainerRoad, Wahoo SYSTM, Apple TV, and any app that accepts Bluetooth cadence. Critical for indoor training setups where a smartphone or tablet is the primary display.
- Pair to two Bluetooth devices at once — Zwift on iPad and Garmin Connect on iPhone, for example — while also broadcasting to unlimited ANT+ devices. No mode switching or session-to-session reconnecting required.
- Approximately 12 months at one hour per day. LED flashes red before the battery runs out. CR2032 is user-replaceable without tools — available at any pharmacy or electronics store.
- The sensor sleeps between rides to preserve battery. Two crank arm revolutions wake it and start broadcasting to all paired devices within range. No button to press before each ride.
- ANT+ and Bluetooth LE both work indoors — on smart trainers, rollers, and stationary bikes — where GPS isn't available. Cadence streams to your head unit, phone, tablet, or Apple TV regardless of location or GPS signal.
- Cadence data syncs to Garmin Connect after every ride, building a long-term record of pedaling efficiency. Auto-syncs to Strava, TrainingPeaks, and other connected platforms via Garmin Connect.
Perfect For
- Cyclists adding cadence to an existing Garmin Edge or Forerunner setup
- Indoor training on Zwift, TrainerRoad, or Apple TV
- Riders who switch bikes frequently — moves in seconds
- Triathletes using Garmin multisport watches
- Smart trainer and stationary bike setups
- Anyone who wants cadence data without a power meter
Good to Know Before You Buy
- Cadence only — does not measure speed or distance
- Left crank arm only — non-drive side mounting
- 8.18mm clearance required between crank arm and frame
- Two rubber band sizes included for standard and large crank arms
- Standalone app: cannot pair to Garmin Connect without a compatible Garmin device
- For speed data: add the Garmin Speed Sensor 2 or use GPS on a compatible Garmin device
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Bike Cadence Sensor 2 |
| MPN | 010-12844-00 |
| UPC | 753759222543 |
| Color | Black |
| Measurement | Pedal strokes per minute (RPM / cadence) |
| Wireless protocols | ANT+ and Bluetooth Low Energy (simultaneously) |
| Bluetooth pairings | Up to 2 devices simultaneously |
| ANT+ pairings | Unlimited |
| Mounting | Rubber band — non-drive-side crank arm |
| Magnets required | No — magnetless design |
| Crank arm compatibility | Any size (standard and large bands included) |
| Clearance required | 8.18mm between crank arm and frame |
| Auto-wake | 2 crank arm revolutions |
| LED indicators | Green 5-sec flash = active · Red = low battery |
| Battery | CR2032 user-replaceable |
| Battery life | ~12 months at 1 hour/day |
| Weight | 2.08 oz |
| Compatible Garmin | Edge series · Forerunner series · Fenix/Epix · Venu/Vivoactive · All ANT+/BLE Garmin devices |
| Compatible apps (BLE) | Zwift · TrainerRoad · Wahoo SYSTM · Apple TV · Any Bluetooth cadence-compatible app |
| Garmin Connect | Yes — cadence history, analytics, auto-sync to Strava/TrainingPeaks |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
| CA Prop 65 | Warning: contains lead — wash hands after handling |
Does the Cadence Sensor 2 work with Zwift?
Yes. The sensor connects to Zwift via Bluetooth LE. Zwift on iPhone, iPad, Android, Apple TV, and PC/Mac all support Bluetooth cadence. No ANT+ dongle required for Bluetooth platforms. If you run Zwift on a PC with an ANT+ USB dongle, that path also works.
Can it pair to my Garmin watch and Zwift at the same time?
Yes. The sensor pairs to up to 2 Bluetooth devices simultaneously and to unlimited ANT+ devices. Your Garmin watch or Edge connects via ANT+ and Zwift connects via Bluetooth — both receive live cadence from the same sensor, simultaneously, without any switching.
Does this sensor measure speed as well as cadence?
No. The Cadence Sensor 2 measures pedal strokes per minute only. It does not measure wheel speed or distance. For speed and distance without GPS, add the Garmin Speed Sensor 2, which attaches to the wheel hub and self-calibrates with compatible Garmin devices.
How do I install it?
No tools required. Place the sensor on the inside face of your non-drive-side (left) crank arm, secure with one of the included rubber bands, and rotate the crank two revolutions to wake it. Bring your device within 3 meters to pair. Take a short test ride to confirm clearance and band seating. Total install time: under two minutes.
How long does the battery last and how do I replace it?
Approximately 12 months at one hour of daily use. The LED flashes red before the battery runs out. Replace with a CR2032 coin cell — open the sensor housing without tools, swap the battery. The sensor activates automatically on the next crank rotation.
Will it fit my bike's crank arm?
The sensor fits any size crank arm using the included rubber bands. The only requirement is 8.18mm of clearance between the crank arm and the frame or any adjacent component. This accommodates the vast majority of road, gravel, mountain, and triathlon frames. For high-end triathlon bikes with extremely tight clearances, verify this measurement before purchasing.
Is it compatible with non-Garmin devices?
Yes. Any device or app that supports the ANT+ cadence profile or Bluetooth LE cadence profile will work with this sensor. Non-Garmin head units with ANT+ support (Wahoo ELEMNT, Karoo, etc.) receive data via ANT+. Any app with Bluetooth cadence input receives data via BLE. The sensor is not proprietary to Garmin hardware.
What is the key upgrade over the original Garmin cadence sensor?
The primary upgrade is dual-protocol transmission: the Cadence Sensor 2 adds Bluetooth Low Energy alongside ANT+, whereas the original sensor was ANT+ only. This makes the Sensor 2 natively compatible with smartphones, Apple TV, and Bluetooth training apps without any ANT+ bridge or adapter. The magnetless design and rubber band mounting were already present in the original — those carry over unchanged.
Questions? sales@hrmusainc.com · 1-800-403-8285
Heart Rate Monitors USA — 49 Richard Rd, Warminster PA 18974. Authorized Garmin Dealer.
CA Prop 65 Warning