General Cycling Discussion - Dept store cycle computer question - PLEASE respond

Hi all,

I have done searches on computers but don't get much, I was told DB was needing work. I want to get on really soon. I have seen two at stores. First is the Schwinn for 10 dollars and the other is a Bell at 18 dollars. Are either of these any good? If not what do you reccomend. I want something that gives me mph, average mph time, don't think I need cadence. After reading a few posts will go with wired. Please let me know what you guys think, I really would like to get one in the next few days and been waiting on DB to be corrected for a while now.

Thanks,
John B
Phx, AZ
Trek 4500
Stock for now....

Without the specific models, how do you expect anyone to answer your question? Just read the package and if it does what you want, buy it. In that price range, there will be little difference.

Paul

Personally I like the Sigma models, others recommend Cateye.

I buy alot of tires from Walmart for a community service project. I seen the Bell and some other brand (name ?). I remember one was large and used AA batteries, the smaller one, Bell I think, looked more like the bike shop variety. Without remembering all the details I would imagine that Walmart type comp. would be heavier and with less features than name brand comp. I don't remember any of the ones at Walmart having an avg. speed feature.

For ten bucks you would probably be OK if the comp. had all the features you desire, but I just picked up a Sigma a while back at Nashbar for $14 and I have had years of service out of my other two sigma's.

You can get real nice Sigma Sports cyclometers for the same $18 as the Bell. It is better quality, and you support your LBS as well.

I have the Schwinn that I got from Wal-Mart for about $8. It has MPH (or kmph) avg speed, top speed, trip distance, daily distance, total distance, and trip time. Also has a clock. When you're stopped, the trip time stops so that your average speed is calculated only when you're riding. It has all the features I'm looking for.

My only minor gripe is that it doens't automatically cycle through all the modes. You have to push the button to toggle between them. I've only had it three weeks so the jury is still out concerning its dependability.

Check to be sure that the computer is rainproof. I like the PlanetBike 8.0 because it shows just about everything I care about in multiple lines without having to cycle through the readings.

Reviews of different computers are available here:
http://www.mtbreview.com/reviews/Computer/

I had a Bell for about a month. I had trouble with the contacts at the computer pulling out and not working properly. It was replaced with a Sigma that has no problems.

Originally posted by Richard D
Personally I like the Sigma models, others recommend Cateye.

same here.. I like the Sigma and Cateye models..

oh, I also liked the Vetta a lot... Lost it years ago.. maybe it fell off while i was riding..:(