Bicycle Mechanics - axiom cadence problems

I've got a problem.

I bought my bike computer back in May and had it installed the day before I left for an international trip. When I arrived in Italy, I found the whole bike computer wouldn't work. I rode for about 4 and a half weeks before someone figured out the sensor wasn't close enough to the magnet to pick up a reading. Once this was connected, I was able to get all my readings but cadence. I never was able to get that reading.

Now that I've arrived home, I took my bike to the bike shop for a tune up. I also told them about the problem with my bike computer, so they said they'd look at it too.

Upon further inspection, they found the wiring almost completely separated from the rubber casing. In fact, they said the wires were barely even connected anymore. When I came into the shop to see what they were talking about, I was astonished. I never saw that before, although I never looked at that area of my bike either.

My problem is, the guy said the wires look as though something was rubbing against it, so it's completely worn down. I don't know who to confront here- I never saw it from the box, so I didn't know if it came like that, so I don't know if I can call the company I ordered from. I don't know if it may have been the original bike shop where I had them install it that did this. I also don't know if it was the shipping that did this, although I put it in the performance bike hard shell bike luggage case and had it checked in at the airport as checked baggage. Finally, I also think the bike shop that installed it may have put it in a funky position to begin with, because when I look at it, it also looks as though the front reflector rubbed up against the wires. So I wonder why the bike shop even ran the wires so close to the reflector without thinking that the reflector could rub it and wear it down.

I am wondering if I should even pursue this. The reason why I got this particular bike computer model is because I wanted to work with improving my cadence. Now I can't do that. So I am very disappointed. Does anyone have any advice out there they can pass on to me?

Thanks,


Koffee Brown

No real advice, but you can usually replace just the harness --which is much cheaper than a whole new unit.

You could write or call the MFG customer service line --there should be an 800 number in the owners manual-- an see if they are willing to do anything.
It's highly unlikely that you can prove culpability on the original installers. I think even the worst mechanics would not install obviously faulty equipment.

Was your bike packed and shipped for your trip? Did the damage look like it could have been caused by something crushing it while en route to your destination?

New problem-

Now I notice the bike computer won't work at all... Today I was able to take my first extended ride since I got my bike back from the bike shop. At first, it was reading all kinds of crazy numbers- it would say 114km/hr, then drop down to something like 8 then go up to 27, etc. Finally, after about 5 minutes of this, it just cut out completely. I've tried to readjuct the sensor and the magnet, but nothing helps. It's dead. So I'm wondering what to do now.

Any suggestions? It seems as though the actual bike computer is fine, but the setup and/or the wiring is f*cked up. I'm feeling very frustrated, because I can't work on speed and cadence like I wanted to, and of course, I can't keep track of my mileage.

Aaaaaaaaaaaugh!


Koffee

Nothing I could offer you, as I haven't even been able to set mine up yet :mad: But, if you are using the Lakefront Trail, you can keep track of mileage with the markers they have every mile or so :)

Dax

Have you tried to replace the battery? They should be available anywhere that sells watch batteries.

Also, twiddle the sensor with a magnet and see if you get readings at the computer. Most of the computers on the market use reed-switch sensors and you can hear a faint *tink* when it's tripped. Avocet uses inductive sensors on some models (the ones with the 20-pole circular magnets), but chances are your Axiom unit uses reed switches.

If there is a speed reading at the computer when you do this, try lowering or raising the magnet on your wheel by 5mm. Ditto for the cadence magnet... if you get a cadence reading with this test, try moving the cadence magnet 5mm further up or down the crankarm. Ironically enough, sometimes the magnet and sensor work best if they're offset a bit.

If that doesn't help, maybe the stock magnets are wimpy.

If there are no speed or cadence readings, then either both parts of the wiring harness are bad, or you have a bad computer head.

I have a Cateye Astrale for the same reason --- I like to see cadence and actual speed. The wires on mine also had to be replaced. I got a new wiring harness instead of replacing the entire unit. I have also found that the contacts underneath the computer can get oxidized so that the electrical connection gets flaky. I use the eraser for a #2 lead pencil to burnish the contact points (both compuer unit and mount and it solves the problem.