Need help picking a computer.

[Trucker_JDub]

I'm, looking for a new computer. The one I picked up last week is garbage:

(speed pickup doesn't work half the time, cadence has never worked, just shuts off in the middle of exercise, batteries that came with it where dead so I had to buy my own, and the wireless speed sensor doesn't transmit over 12 inches; not enough to even work on my front tire, and if I set it on the ground under my trainer it might work enough to log my mileage while training if it doesn't turn itself off. and right now the computer is sitting on the desk next to me but is showing it is going 63MPH(Filzer dB4LW-C))

I like the features that this computer has (If only they worked) and would like one that is more reliable. I'm looking for a computer that will work off my back tire for training as well and have these features:

-Cadance
-Trip ODO and total ODO
-Average speed
-Trip time
-will work off the back tire (wireless doesn't matter)
-Easy to read display at a glance with out having to push a button every time I want to know something.
-under $50USA

Please help, I don't want to waste my money again.

[dekindy]

Blackburn Delphi 3.0. I think the manual is the only place that describes the rear wheel sensor. The 2.0 and 3.0 manual are combined so don't mix it up with the front mounted 2.0 sensor. 2.0 also does not have cadence.

http://www.delphicyclometers.com/
See bottom left-hand corner of screen to view the manual.

[flipped4bikes]

Cateye Astrale 8 or Strada Cadence.

[dekindy]

Cateye Astrale 8 or Strada Cadence.

This does not meet his criteria of wanting multiple data per screen. I have an Astrale 8 and just leave it displaying distance and cadence while I am riding. Occasionally I will scroll through, but not very often. The Cateye's would be perfect if they displayed more data because mine has been very reliable. Not one single malfunction in over a year of use.

[dekindy]

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=33890
You might want to take a look at the Specialized Elite model also.

[Trucker_JDub]

Thanks for the tips as I know nothing about what is a good company and what isn't. I liked the Blackburn Delphi 3.0 but every thing I read says it has no tolerance for water and I live in a place that this time of year it can just start raining with out warning I don't want to risk loosing it to water. Even though It doesn't have the all in one display I'm looking for I'm going to give a Cateye Strada Cadence a try. Everything I read about them says that they are durable and a quality (for the price) computer. Also I found one on Amazon for $34.99 where every one else had it for about $12 more.

Thanks again

[Ziemas]

I ride in all conditions, including heavy downpours and snow storms, and have found VDO computers to be damn near indestructible. They are very easy to setup and navigate as well.

[dekindy]

Thanks for the tips as I know nothing about what is a good company and what isn't. I liked the Blackburn Delphi 3.0 but every thing I read says it has no tolerance for water and I live in a place that this time of year it can just start raining with out warning I don't want to risk loosing it to water. Even though It doesn't have the all in one display I'm looking for I'm going to give a Cateye Strada Cadence a try. Everything I read about them says that they are durable and a quality (for the price) computer. Also I found one on Amazon for $34.99 where every one else had it for about $12 more.

Thanks again


Good choice. I do not ride in the rain often. But when I have rain or moisture has never caused my Astrale 8 to malfunction. I use it in winter also and have not had to replace the battery in over a year.

As many computers as there are, in this price range there really aren't any better than the Cateye's imho. I found the same information as you did on the Blackburn after I made the reply to you so I am glad you saw that. You maybe could waterproof it but I don't think it would be worth it. Having more information displayed would be nice, but dependability is more important. I see a lot of cyclists that are frustrated by their more expensive or less reliable computers and I will stick with the old reliable.

I could not find much information on the Specialized computers.

[Trucker_JDub]

My Cateye Strada Cadence came in the mail today. Unpacked followed directions and everything works right off the bat. I didn't need to spend a bunch of time fine tuning any sensors. It doesn't have the multi-display I wanted but I think it will do just fine. Also I was happy to see it came with a mount specifically made to mount on the stem freeing up that valuable handlebar space. Thanks again for all the good advice.

[dekindy]

I traded e-mails with my favorite LBS general manager yesterday. He field tested the Blackburn Delphi units and experienced the same problems with moisture as expressed elsewhere. As a result they did not carry the Blackburn line of computers.

[no motor?]

My Cateye Strada Cadence came in the mail today. Unpacked followed directions and everything works right off the bat. I didn't need to spend a bunch of time fine tuning any sensors. It doesn't have the multi-display I wanted but I think it will do just fine. Also I was happy to see it came with a mount specifically made to mount on the stem freeing up that valuable handlebar space. Thanks again for all the good advice.

How easy is it to read the display while riding? And is it hard to scroll through the information while riding? I've resisted buying a computer for a while, but those are getting harder to resist.

[Trucker_JDub]

How easy is it to read the display while riding? And is it hard to scroll through the information while riding? I've resisted buying a computer for a while, but those are getting harder to resist.

There are two different things that are displayed at a time the larger display (speed) is very easy to read at a glance. The smaller is not quiet as easy but I still don't find it hard to see. The smaller one is the part that changes to tell you everything you want to know. I personally find that it is sometimes hard to know what setting you are looking at. Sure you can figure it out by just looking at what the number is, but the little symbol that tells you what setting you are looking at is too small to see when you are riding(IMHO). But its really easy to get used to and after going threw the different displays a couple times while riding you will have it all figured out.

To change the settings all you have to do is press anywhere on the bottom half of the face to change the display. It could easily be done with the biggest of fingers inside a snow glove. All of the setup and adjustment buttons are protected on the back of the unit so there is absolutely no way you can screw it up unless you take it off its mount. Its also meant to be run off of the back wheel; this is a great thing if you use a trainer.

Also I see a lot of people say that the Cateye's are bad for falling off when you hit a bump. Cateye must have redesigned there mount because if you manage to have a bump take this one off your probably laying in a ditch with a taco for a wheel so the computer is the least of your worries. If I was in the market far a second 'puter I would get another one just like this one.

If you have any other questions I will do my best to help out.

[jan12]

I just got this Cateye Micro Wireless Bicycle Computer (http://www.dealstudio.com/searchdeals.php?deal_id=79674&ru=290), really great product, directions for operation a little confusing but once I get the hang of it it's great. I like the wireless feature, much better than wires lining my bike frame. I recommend mounting on the rear wheel fork and rear wheel. This will allow easy transport and taking off and putting on the front wheel.

[n4zou]

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.2682
http://www.dealextreme.com/productimages/sku_2682_1.jpg
Has everything your looking for and only costs $5.46. Don't get confused about RPM, it really is what we call cadence as the RPM sensor is mounted to the chain stay with a magnet attached to the crank arm. Don't be in a hurry to get it. You might get it in a week or several weeks. But hay, the price is right, I've been using and abusing mine for a couple of years, and shipping is free. I never bother to remove it from the bike as the cost is so low.

[DBR]

I bought a Garmin Edge 305 last year it gives me everything I could ask for...okay really need.
So it was not under $50 but you can still get a refurbished model off Ebay for a pretty decent price.
The thing I like the most is heartrate monitor its really a key indicator of your fitness level.
It also has a fun "Buddy ride" program so you can ride against the computer yah its a gimmick but on those long rides you have to have something to entertain your mind . And the screens are entirely programmable so you can see as much or as little info as you care to. Its not for everyone but it works good for me.

[Gyasi]

yea, my friend also bought a Garmin Edge 305 few days ago, it's quite satisfactory.

[Allshookup]

After reading several threads on different computers I decided on the Cateye Strada w/Cadence. I purchased it from my local Performance Bike retail location. They had it listed at $44.99 but, they were willing to price match an online price I found for $29.00! I can't wait to get it hooked up to my bike.