Road Cycling - Specialized computers?

Has anyone used Specialized computers? They just came out with a new model that interests me, but I don't recall anyone mentioning the older models in terms of reliability.

The new model is wireless except for cadence, and a newer model is supposed to be out in a few weeks that is completely wireless including actual cadence (as opposed to the virtual calculated cadence on wireless Flight Decks. I would love to have a completely wireless system, but I have been disappointed in Specialized products before. A $20 blinky with a flimsy integrated clip broke the FIRST time I tried to clip it to my bag. This computer has an integrated clamp also. So if it breaks are you just out $60-70?

I have always used Specialized computers and have had no trouble. I am supposed to be getting the Pro. Here is the link....

Specialized SpeedZone Pro (http://www.specialized.com/SBCEqProduct.jsp?section=11307&browselevel=top&JServSessionIdroot=u5avy9xshm.j17004)

I fully expect that it will be under the Christmas tree, but if it isn't I will be buying it anyway. The silver and red one matches my bike to a tee. I am so excited I can hardly contain myself. It says in the description that it is completely wireless and it has the cadence option.

I have a Specialized Speedzone Comp that I love. Never a bit of problem yet after 1 1/2 years of hard Mtbing. I have recommended them to many friends and they love theirs too. My brother has two of them with no problems yet either. I have tried several brands I won't mention names here but some are complete JUNK. The one I had so many problems with was not a cheapy either, but was very unreliable. Hope this helpsI have a Specialized Speedzone Comp that I love. Never a bit of problem yet after 1 1/2 years of hard Mtbing. I have recommended them to many friends and they love theirs too. My brother has two of them with no problems yet either. I have tried several brands I won't mention names here but some are complete JUNK. The one I had so many problems with was not a cheapy either, but was very unreliable. Hope this helps

Midwestmntnbkr, why not mention names? We're all interested in what not to get!

Rainman, I too, have had enough misfortune with Specialized accesories that I tend to avoid the brand. But I do have several friends with Specialized cyclocomputers that have no complaints.

Well... except for one. One guy has a Specialized wireless, several years old, and whenever he gets too close to these large romote telephone wiring boxes, his computer goes crazy. One time, after riding past one, his computer registered a max speed of 70 mph (that could be a good thing ;) ).

roadbuzz...I am new here and did not know what can and can't be said for sure. I didn't know if Brand names could be put up or not. I guess it's ok


So the computer I had so much trouble with was an Avocet 25. I replaced the battery several times, I even took it back to the shop I bought it from and they gave me a new one off the shelf, but IT didn't work any better. Some days the thing would work, but most of the time it lost its mind and went blank. It was very frustrating when your trying to keep track of mileage in a year! I just recently parted that bike out so I could build another frame up, and when that computer came off...I just threw it in the trash.

One other computer I did not personally like was one of the Sigma Sports...I don't remember the model #.
It might have been ok, I did not like the controls or the functions, so I never even installed it. I justsent it back to where I got it.

I have a Cateye Enduro 2 on my NEW road bike and it works beautifully. I have absoutly NO complaints about it at all.

By the way NEW is in caps because I have only had it about 6 weeks and am as proud of it as a new daddy would be of his first born. It's awesome!! :D

Originally posted by midwestmntnbkr
So the computer I had so much trouble with was an Avocet 25.

Congrats on the NEW bike. Do we get cigars?
:thumbup:

I concur with Ba-dg-er. I had an Avocet once (forget the model), and liked the design a lot. In particular, the little ring instead of a spoke mounted magnet. At one point, after I'd had it several months, it just croaked. When my wheel rotated, all the LCD segments would turn on. I called Avocet tech support, and they sent me a new one free. Anyhow, it was on a road bike... maybe riding conditions account for the difference.

BTW, opinions and experiences on bikes, rides, and accesories are always welcome here. Political agendas, etc., are another matter.;)

Redhed,
The Specialized Speedzone Pro looks like the one I was talking about. Looks like the mount is separate, it just appears to be integral. This will be great. I'll just let you be the guinea pig before I buy one. :D Be sure to give us a report.

Someone mentioned not caring for Sigma. I like the operation of both my 1200 and successor model 1400 both with the optional cadence kit, except for a couple of aggravations. The "plugs" on the mount for the cadence wires are just little nubs that flimsy connecters plug on to. A very slight nudge or very hard bump in the road knocks one loose. We discussed this issue and possible solutions in another thread somewhere. The other aggrevation is that a slight bump on the computer can open the contacts between the mount and the computer itself. Easy enough to fix but if not noticed right away you lose some data.
Regards,
Raymond

All that I can say is that it better be under the Christmas Tree. I thought about going to the LBS where my honey bought it (if he did) and attempting to buy it to see what happens. We know the guy at the LBS pretty well, and if he tries to talk me out of it then I know I got it!!! :D

No matter what, I will have it soon. I will let you know how it performs.

I work at a shop that sells Sigma Sport, Cateye and Echo computers. We used to sell Avocet, but dropped them due to too many warranty problems with them. I guess if you get a good one, it's great. The problem is, there are 3 bad ones for every good one out there!(Not acutal #'s just a vague generalization)

Of the three brands we do carry, the Cateye's are hands down the best! They have any/all features you want/need and they're very reliable. There are NO problems/hassles with their warranty department and seperate wiring harnesses are readily available. They don't have wireless with cadence (yet!) probably b/c they haven't worked out the bugs yet! I'm sure one will be available soon. I personally use the Cordless 2 model and it's worked beautifully!

BTW, welcome midwestmntnbkr to the Forums!

L8R

I am glad to hear you say that about Avocet computers. That is basically the same thing the shop told me where I bought mine from. I just wish they had told me BEFORE I bought it. oh well

I totally agree on the Cateye's. Mine has been great so far and have heard many good things about them from other cyclists.

I went to the Specialized web site and checked out their NEW design and think it looks great. I think I will get one soon and see how it works out, after all I AM building another bike and I don't have a computer for it yet!!

Also thanks for the welcome to the forums...Merry Christmas ALL