Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - I hate my computer

I hate my computer. When I bought my Lemond Wayzata a few years ago the dealer sold me a Trek computer with cadence. It sucks.

The magnets are impossible to keep in place so I'm constantly adjusting them to get it to work. The mounting hardware for it has rubbed the paint off of my beautiful frame. On top of all of that, it is the least intuitive computer I have used of any type. I'm a software consultant and am constantly puzzled by it. I went to the LBS (not the original where I purchased but a Trek dealer) and they said that this is the nature of bike computers. They charged me $5 to adjust and rig it with some zip ties and sent me on my way. That was last week. Today the damn thing quit working again. I just spent half an hour trying to adjust the mounts again so it would work.

Anyways, I'm thinking about ditching it and getting a Garmin Edge 305. You can just mount that thing on the handlebar and go if you don't care about cadence, correct?

One of my concerns is being able to consistently pick up a GPS signal. I ride a lot of roads that are lined with trees on both sides and wonder if that would block the acquisition of satellites.

If I did want to use the cadence sensor, does it have a good, sturdy mount?

What else should I know about this unit?

Cateye Strada Cadence will do it for you. $35. Or you can keep your gizmo but install it the right way. Cateye will require same installation techniques.


First of, to keep magnet on spoke you must wrap it with tape so that it's on there securely. Vinyl, 2.5 mil, automotive, works great. Check out my post in bicycle mechanics.

Cadence magnet could be secured to small cog using tie wraps.


Then, all wires must be taped, again using vinyl. It keeps them that much more secure. Then you can use the tie wraps where it's recommended. Using vinyl underneath the tie wraps also protects the paint. Also use vinyl underneath the mounts, etc..


If you going for new computer go cateye strada cadence. To operate you click on the bottom of the body, and it cycles through several displays. Always showing your current speed, whether accelerating or declerating. Shows dist1, dist2, cadence, odometer, clock, elapsed time. Attached to a bracket that you mount on stem. Can be secure to the bracket using vinyl tape or something similar, so it always stays in place. Useful when you like to carry your bike in doors by grabbing the stem.


To fix your paint, use automotive was and polish. If it's scratched you could tape it with vinyl.


Don't ignore the cadence. It's like your most important reading.