Bicycle Mechanics - Wireless Computers -- Use with REAR wheels??

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA
askrom
08-06-05, 06:18 PM
Can the sensor for a wireless cycle computer be installed next to the REAR wheel instead of the front? I've seen some models that are intended for that, but others seem to suggest that the fork is the right place for it. Why not the rear?

khuon
08-06-05, 06:23 PM
Can the sensor for a wireless cycle computer be installed next to the REAR wheel instead of the front? I've seen some models that are intended for that, but others seem to suggest that the fork is the right place for it. Why not the rear?

Most wireless setups don't have enough transmit power to reach from the chainstays or seatstays to the receiver at the handlebar. Some are approved for rear wheel setup but those are currently the exception. Additionally, the human body can absorb quite a bit of RF so it may block the signal. MY Shimano FlightDeck's wireless limitation is a max seperation distance of 50cm vertically and 10cm laterally.
gmason
08-07-05, 12:35 AM
Most wireless setups don't have enough transmit power to reach from the chainstays or seatstays to the receiver at the handlebar.
OTOH, some explicitly require mounting on the rear wheels - Cateye CD300DW, for example.

In fact, they suggest that when you sync the sensor and head, you must have them separated by at least 20 cm or it will not register.

Sapling
08-07-05, 04:55 AM
I'm using a Polar s720i (HRM w/ cycle functions), w/ the sensor mounted on rear wheel. Works great, though I will say I used Polar's recommended method to boost power of the bike-mounted transmitter.