Originally Posted by
Blue Order
Don't waste it on the computer then. Instead, buy things that are useful. I would say a good u-lock is more useful than a computer. So is a good helmet. So are fenders if you ride in wet weather. Lots of things to buy, and unless you're training for competition (and you're not, or you wouldn't be riding that Trek 830), a computer isn't as essential as other accessories.
I disagree. As a newbie it's nice to see the improvements in performance. Since your performance will increase the most in the beginning, and basic cycle computers are only $20 or so, I say get one now. You won't regret it, they're fun to monitor.