Road Cycling - Shimano flight deck (again)

My husband had the flight deck on his MTB and now I am getting my first road bike this week (**dancing**). ANYWAY, I like the computer but the Shimano website says that it's compatible with my 105 components - but not all features will work. Does anyone know which features will or won't work?

I would buy the flight deck over the others for 2 reasons:
1. the gear display (yes, I think I need it - at first anyway)
2. I don't expect the cadence measurement stuff to work - but someday I may upgrade parts - so the possibility of future training is a plus.

If the gear display doesn't work, I'll just get a cheapo that measures the basics, mph, average mph, trip odometer - you know.

THANKS!

I have the flight deck on my Trek. It has the 105 group and as far as I know, all of the functions work. I get the gear display and the cadence. (the cadence is a virtual cadence) Not sure what would not work with that group or why.

Hope this helps.

Originally posted by ridealot
I have the flight deck on my Trek. It has the 105 group and as far as I know, all of the functions work. I get the gear display and the cadence. (the cadence is a virtual cadence) Not sure what would not work with that group or why.

Hope this helps.

THANKS!

can I throw in a pitch for Cateye Astrale? They rate very well, and have cadence. Knowing your cadence precedes gear selection. I'd really recommend that far more than having a visual. It has helped me become more disciplined, and, somewhat more intuitive about the gears that I am in (so, no visual needed).:beer:

Originally posted by usnagent007
can I throw in a pitch for Cateye Astrale? They rate very well, and have cadence. Knowing your cadence precedes gear selection. I'd really recommend that far more than having a visual. It has helped me become more disciplined, and, somewhat more intuitive about the gears that I am in (so, no visual needed).:beer:


hhmmm. I don't know. This requires some thought.

Adding another push in the Cateye Astrale direction to 007's nudge. The novelty of having gear selection displayed is going to be nice for the first....about....oh....say....week.

Time, cadence and heartrate guidelines will make that new roadbike a very useful tool. You'll know what gear you need by matching those numbers to your target workout, not by what the dashboard readout indicates.

is it expesive? can I install it myself? Is it wireless? (I don't like wireless)

I feel a heart rate monitor gives you everything you need to know for proper and effective training. Cadence, although important, should come naturally when riding up to your maximum potential based on heart rate and overall physical conditioning. The HRM helps you to determine the training platform for various types of work outs and allows you to monitor the performance and contitioning of the bikes main propulsion unit, you. It can be used to assure all day pacing (centuries)or all out performance (sprints), Once you get accustom to riding to your heart rate and learning how to properly regulate your power output it can be the most important piece of instrumentation on your bike.

Originally posted by mrfix
I feel a heart rate monitor gives you everything you need to know for proper and effective training. Cadence, although important, should come naturally when riding up to your maximum potential based on heart rate and overall physical conditioning. The HRM helps you to determine the training platform for various types of work outs and allows you to monitor the performance and contitioning of the bikes main propulsion unit, you. It can be used to assure all day pacing (centuries)or all out performance (sprints), Once you get accustom to riding to your heart rate and learning how to properly regulate your power output it can be the most important piece of instrumentation on your bike.

I have an HRM. But for now, I'd like to know MPH, Average MPH, total MILES and a trip odometer. I have to learn how to ride my road bike before I really train on it.

I bought it to help me get in better cardio shape for mountain biking. but from what I hear - that's how it starts **evil laugh**

If you ride to your heart rate, your speed, cadence and overall performance will increase. It will also allow you to see at what rate your are expending your energy, in short, you can predict your endurance for the day. Ride smart, ride longer and harder.

is it expensive? 30 - 40 bucks, I believe that is considerably less than the flightdeck
can I install it myself? Yes, it will take some time and patience, but it is doable with application of a little mechanical aptitude
Is it wireless? (I don't like wireless) The Cateye Astrale does come with wires. Since the magnets go on the crank arm and rear wheel and the sensors go on the chainstay, routing the wires takes a little thought. I suggest getting some zip ties that will either match or accent your bike's paint to secure the wires.

Thanks guys! I called my shop and they recommended (and stock) the astrale. They are installing it for me today.

:)