Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - I need help deciding on a computer

Hey everyone,

I'm trying to decide on a computer to buy for my Giant OCR2. This will be my first computer. I'm currently training for my first triathlon and I wanted to get a wireless computer with cadence, speed, odometer, trip, and time. I don't need heart rate or altitude or GPS. I would like the price to be no more than $75, but if I can be convinced on why I should spend more I would listen. I read reviews on the Blackburn Delphi 4.0 ($60) and it seems to be just what I'm looking for. I did read some reviews that it is not water proof and it goes nuts with even a little bit of rain. I would definitely need something that can handle water. I like that the Delphi 4.0 has the ability to show 4 functions at a time. Can anyone make some comments/recommendations on other models that might fit the bill here. Is there anything that I'm not thinking about in consideration for my computer? Thanks in advance.

Also, is the Delphi 4.0 entirely wireless? I thought I saw somewhere that it's not...but I could be wrong.

I own two of them--one on each bike.

The speed sensor is wireless, the cadence sensor is wired.

I'm a four-seasons, all-conditions commuter. I've had no problems with the unit in the rain.

But, the cadence sensor started flaking a month or so ago. Then it quit entirely for a few weeks, and now it's working intermittently again. I'm not sure if water got inside and froze or what.

My DiNotte headlights sometimes interfere with the wireless speed sensor.

Those two issues aside, it's a nice unit. The display is clear and easy to see. The button sequences are easy and consistent. (Much better than the button sequences on the CatEye dual-wireless on my third bike.) The manual, however, sucks.

Hope this helps!

Thanks, how long have you own the units for? How long until it broke?

Thanks, how long have you own the units for? How long until it broke?

On my three-season bike, about 2,400 miles. On the winter rig, about 1,700 miles.

Have you considered the new Cateye V2C? This computer has two unique things:

One sensor is cadence and speed (still a wheel and cadence magnet)

Allows separate settings for second bike

I'm still deciding myself if I should get a computer (I have a GPS)

http://cateye.com/sites/cateye/upload/manuals/en/TR300TW-1_ENG%20v3.pdf

Two suggestions: Cateye Astrale is wired, not wireless, but it's solid and reliable and immune from interference and about 1/2 the price of the wireless unit you mentioned. If you are willing to spend $$, and want to record and review training and race ride data (including HR and altitude), I recommend a Polar 720 with the wireless speed and cadence sensors. No interference from my Dinotte lights, but occasional power line interference on the wireless sensors at two locations where my regular route passes large substations. You can also use it for the swim and run parts of the race if you're so inclined.

I would also suggest looking at one of the VDO DS units. Mine has been rock solid. Biggest advantage is the distance between the wireless sender and the unit. VDO DS is something like 3 meters, where as everyone else has less than 3feet.

torgrot