Mountain Biking - Tell me about cyclocomputers

(Sorry if this has been covered before.) I've always thought of myself as somewhat of a tech-geek, but I don't know much about cyclocomputers.

1. Are they used much on MTB?

2. What will they do for me?

3. What's the price range for a decent one?

4. If I buy wireless, will it interfere with my heart rate monitor?

5. Are they durable enough for MTBing.

6. Do you use one?

Thanks!

(Sorry if this has been covered before.) I've always thought of myself as somewhat of a tech-geek, but I don't know much about cyclocomputers.

1. Are they used much on MTB?

2. What will they do for me?

3. What's the price range for a decent one?

4. If I buy wireless, will it interfere with my heart rate monitor?

5. Are they durable enough for MTBing.

6. Do you use one?

Thanks!

You use them to track monitor your speed and distance. It's a way of collecting data on your workouts. A decent one costs $50 and up. Excellent ones cost about $150. The way cool new Garmin GPS units cost $350.

The wireless probably will not interefere with heart monitors. Lots of MTBers use them. There are models durable enough for mountain biking. Some are not. I suggest you check mtbr.com for reviews of individual models.

Check out the cat-eye micro wireless. In my opinion is it the best affordable wireless computer. It does all of the basics and I get no interference with it and any of my heart rate monitors. Plus with wireless you don't have to worry about tearing the wire.

I definately use a computer. It is good for just riding around and in my opinion is very important in racing. It is always nice to know how much further I have to go when I feel like I am going to die.

You can usually find decent Cateye's from nashbar or performance for $30 or so even.

I use a wired Cateye on my mtb. Bullet-proof.

I did have wireless cross-talk between my cateye double wireless and my Polar HRM (A5) on my road setup. I was in the middle of a switch to a different HRM with "Secure Code" tramission Polar (F11) which took care of the issue.

Something to consider...

Check out the cat-eye micro wireless. In my opinion is it the best affordable wireless computer. It does all of the basics and I get no interference with it and any of my heart rate monitors. Plus with wireless you don't have to worry about tearing the wire.

I definately use a computer. It is good for just riding around and in my opinion is very important in racing. It is always nice to know how much further I have to go when I feel like I am going to die.

Just be aware that the Micro-Wireless (and most other wireless systems) don't work under 32˚F. I've replaced the batteries in mine and while it work in the 30˚-40˚F range now, after it gets out in the blowing cold it just stops registering.

This is making me lust one of the newer Garmin units that don't rely on magnetic wheel pickups.

Just be aware that the Micro-Wireless (and most other wireless systems) don't work under 32˚F. I've replaced the batteries in mine and while it work in the 30˚-40˚F range now, after it gets out in the blowing cold it just stops registering.


Is this a manufacturer's fact or your observation? Just curious because mine work fine below 32F...never had a problem (not Cateye wireless though).

I have two of the micro wireless computers. One works fine no matter what temperature (well, down to around 20 F anyway). The other one does have problems below around 32 F. It is pretty common with these computers. Cat Eye did tell me I could send mine in if I wanted and they would fix / replace it. I was just too lazy. :rolleyes:

Just be aware that the Micro-Wireless (and most other wireless systems) don't work under 32˚F. I've replaced the batteries in mine and while it work in the 30˚-40˚F range now, after it gets out in the blowing cold it just stops registering.

This is making me lust one of the newer Garmin units that don't rely on magnetic wheel pickups.

I have a Cateye Double wireless (on road bike) that works fine down to 20. I only stop there because I don't work well below 20.