Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Bulletproof, backlit wired computer

I've been trolling around different subcategories tonight, and can't find a good comparison of different cycling computers. Maybe I'm not entering the right search terms.

Anyway, I'm looking for the most rugged, dependable bicycle computer on the market. One that'll ride through a monsoon. And be backlit—but that's not a deal breaker.

Don't care about tons of bells and whistles (GPS, etc). Just want an extremely dependable computer for my Big Dummy.

Does such a cycling computer exist?

My next puter... wired, backlit Sigma Sport BC 1606L (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=600082&subcategory=60001035&brand=&sku=19656&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Cyclocomputers)

topeak use to sell one called the Panoram 17, it was wired or wireless option, backlit, gave lots of info and was pretty solid. They can still be found via ebay. I am pretty sure the new topeak models do not have backlighting..

topeak use to sell one called the Panoram 17, it was wired or wireless option, backlit, gave lots of info and was pretty solid. They can still be found via ebay. I am pretty sure the new topeak models do not have backlighting..

I actually liked the Panorama model; however, it had one deal killer.. No cadence and I wanted it for my road bike. Ordinarily, this would be a minor gripe; however, when I'm spin training on rollers I primarily watch cadence so I have stayed with my Cateye Astrale.

I've been trolling around different subcategories tonight, and can't find a good comparison of different cycling computers. Maybe I'm not entering the right search terms.

Anyway, I'm looking for the most rugged, dependable bicycle computer on the market. One that'll ride through a monsoon. And be backlit—but that's not a deal breaker.

Don't care about tons of bells and whistles (GPS, etc). Just want an extremely dependable computer for my Big Dummy.

Does such a cycling computer exist?

Niterider is getting into the Cyclocomputer game and they have made it a point to back light all their models.:)

Niterider is getting into the Cyclocomputer game and they have made it a point to back light all their models.:)

Reeeeaaaalllllly. Hmmm. Innnnteresting!

I contacted NiteRider about their Rebel cyclo pooters. Will post info here when I hear from 'em.

Here (http://tinyurl.com/2oshsc) ya go.

My next puter... wired, backlit Sigma Sport BC 1606L (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=600082&subcategory=60001035&brand=&sku=19656&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Cyclocomputers)

This is what i'm currently using and it is a great computer. I've got over 1,000km and 65hrs of use without issue. The backlit feature doesn't really do it for me though, it auto-offs after 2 or 3 seconds so you have to press a button (any button) to get it to come back on. Obviously they do this for battery life and it's probably very typical of computers. I'm going to install a little Blue or white LED above the computer to use instead of the backlight so i can always see my computer without removing my hands from the handlebars.

Here (http://tinyurl.com/2oshsc) ya go.

Thanks, speedlever. Didn't get any direct response from Niterider today.

I had a Topeak Panoram. Can't recommend it. It lasted a year - switches got impossible to operate. Backlight all but non-existent. It looked good and gave plenty of info at a glance. Pity. Now using a Sigma but no backlight.

Nightrider's claim to be a first with backlighting is dodgy. Looks like a press-to-light arrangement, not permanent on. Power consumption/battery life is the issue with this type of lighting.

I have a little LED light with a pocket clip. It cost less than $3. I can clip it onto my helmet visor. It adds to my seeing and being seen. It also illuminates my cyclometer when I move my head a little, and without running down the cyclometer battery. The light runs a long, long time on a single AAA cell. This light works perfectly with my cheapo wired cycle computer.

Response from Niterider today (03.27):

"They will be hitting the stores late April early May."

My LBSs (multiple shops) haven't heard a peep about these. Niterider's site remains the same, too: just some simple images and descrip's.

Power meter on the 2.4 GHz models? I'm thinking Niterider is going for ANT+ Sport..?

Power meter on the 2.4 GHz models? I'm thinking Niterider is going for ANT+ Sport..?

ANT+ Sport? What's that?

ANT+ Sport is supposed to be the new open standard for wireless power meters. SRM, iBike, and soon Quarq and Powertap have/will have power sensors that communicate via ANT+ Sport. I'm guessing the NR head unit will display power from these sensors. If it can't log the power, though, it will not be very helpful.

Gotcha.

Just talked to Mike at Niterider. Nice guy. Very helpful and willing to walk me through their thinking and feature list.

Pretty cool when a company is willing to do that these days.

So, I'm sold on the Rebel computer and just ordered one through an LBS. Going for the 3.0 since I don't have need for a power meter or heart rate monitor.

Gotcha.

Just talked to Mike at Niterider. Nice guy. Very helpful and willing to walk me through their thinking and feature list.

Pretty cool when a company is willing to do that these days.

So, I'm sold on the Rebel computer and just ordered one through an LBS. Going for the 3.0 since I don't have need for a power meter or heart rate monitor.

Did you get this? After a couple months usage what are your thoughts? Looks very interesting and I am thinking of ordering one for myself. Thanks.

Yes! Got about 200 miles on it now. Bought the 3.0 (wireless) as planned and running it on my goat (Big Dummy). Easy setup, and it works. A few times...say, about 4...I've had to help the computer relink (instead of the one button wakeup), but once you have the buttons memorized, no sweat.

I haven't ridden with it in the rain yet, but it's a Niterider and if they say it's water proof, I believe 'em.