Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - New: Sigma Sport Rox 9.0 (@$225-250 USD; Edge 705 competitor)

Hi Folks,

(Yea me: months-long lurker no more!) First, thanks to all--- the tips posted here assisted immeasurably in my goal to "get back on a bike", a feat last performed back in the '60s. Hubby and I now have Treks (Pure/crack-forward for me, Navigator for da big guy), and have been cycling 6 days out of the week since our purchases in mid-September.

Next: after studying, literally, hundreds of forum threads here and elsewhere, plus user reviews, I've buried my initial plans to get either a Garmin Edge 305 or 705. Reasons: the odds of the device "just cutting off" are too high, in my view, given the price tag. The fact that Garmin routinely subjects its customers to 30-60 minute hold times, combined with high repair costs beyond the warranty period, eradicated any lingering lust. (I'm a stone cold gadget junkie!) Yes, I know that many/most companies suffer the same ills... but my momma taught me that "just cuz everyone does it..." Simply stated, when there is an option, I will push my dollars elsewhere.

Which brings me to this: Further research unearthed a new does-it-all device: Sigma Sport Rox 9.0. It seems this has been released in Europe, but not yet in the states. Includes software, multiple cadence & hill/grade stats, HR, etc. I wanted to give back to the community which gave me so much, education wise, so I'm sharing my research notes. As I locate additional info, I'll update this post. My hope is that others will do likewise.

**Please** (with sugar on it), and I mean no disrespect whatsoever, let's keep this thread focused on the non-Garmin device(s). I've yet to find an all-in-one info resource on this particular device, so hopefully this thread will ultimately serve that purpose. Posts follow with features list, linkies.

Features:
STS 3-bus-radio transmission
Digital coded and simultaneous transmission of speed, cadence and heart rate to the in the computer integrated receiver. The STS is not compatible to the DTS system!

IAC height calibration
The new developed IAC (Intelligent Altitude Calibration) offers 3 different ways of height calibration. The calibration by the current altitude, by three starting heights and by the atmospheric pressure reduced at sea level.

General functions
* language setting, 5 languages
* LCD backlight
* low battery indicator
* backup function/through saving chip
* 2 wheel sizes adjustable
* automatic detection of the second bike
* automatic start/stop
* alarm on and off
* adjustable sound volume
* waterproof
* mounting for handle bar and stem

Bike functions
* current speed
* average speed
* comparison of actual and average speed
* maximum speed
* trip distance
* programmable trip section counter


Heart rate functions
* current heart rate
* average heart rate
* maximum heart rate
* 3 zone heart rate
* acoustic zone alarm
* heart rate in % from maximum
* visualization of the heart rate zones
* Kcal
* time in your own heart rate zone

Time functions
* date
* clock
* stop watch
* riding time
* alarm
* programmable countdown timer forward/back

Cadence functions
* Current cadence
* Average cadence
* Maximum cadence

Temperature functions
* current temperature
* minimum temperature
* maximum temperature

Altimeter functions
* current altitude
* current gradient/descent
* current gradient/descent rate
* calibration by the current altitude
* calibration by three starting heights
* calibration by atmospheric pressure reduced at sea level

Uphill functions
* total altitude per day
* maximum altidude
* kilometers per day
* average speed
* rate of climb m/min
* maximum rate of climb
* average gradient
* maximum gradient

Downhill functions
* total altitude per day
* maximum altidude
* kilometers per day
* average speed
* descent rate m/min
* maximum descent rate
* average descent rate
* maximum descent rate

Total values with Bike 1 / Bike 2 / Bike 1+2
* total distance
* total riding time
* total altitude uphill
* total distance uphill
* total riding time uphill
* total altitude downhill
* total distance downhill
* total riding time downhill
* total Kcal

PC Interface/Memory functions
* PC interface
* transmission via USB
* Docking Station
* transmission of the settings to cycle computer
* 7 trip memory
* separate log book
* 78h memory
* adjustable memory interval 5/10/20/30s
* calculate balance time for memory interval
* marking waypoints

Software Data-Center functions
* single memory analysis
* comparison of 2 single memorys
* overview of total value
* computer settings via PC
* battery checkout of computer and transmitter
* synchronisation manager
* print all evaluations
* notice functions
* graphical analysis of your trip (Log)
* analysis heart rate zones
* analysis partition (Log)
* display for memory capacity and balance time

In the Box:
* mounting materials
* ROX 9.0 wireless transmitter for speed and cadence (STS),
* ROX heart rate transmitter belt (STS)
* spoke magnet
* USB Docking Station
* PC software Data-Center 1.0

Speciality:
* STS Sigma Transmission System
* IAC height calibration
* USB Docking Station for a professional data evaluation on your PC

Wireless: Yes

============================ LINKIES:

Pricing:
(I've only checked the rep of Excel Sports thus far; none in stock yet)

$206.49 http://wheelandheel.com/page.cfm?PageID=39&action=details&sku=CY7301
$250: http://hoigaards.com/page.cfm?PageID=53&action=details&sku=CY7301
$87.50: http://highgearcyclery.com/page.cfm?PageID=587&action=details&sku=CY7301
$208.95: http://greatdividecyclery.com/page.cfm?PageID=53&action=details&sku=CY7301
$250.99: http://spokesetc.com/page.cfm?PageID=28&action=details&sku=CY7301

$224 Excel Sports store (Colorado): $224 (not yet in stock; running behind 10/15/2008 ETA)
http://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?page=8&description=ROX+9.0&vendorCode=SIGMA&major=3&minor=2
FYI: This merchant is new to me, but all seems well:
http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-391951.html
----------------------

news:
http://news.idealo.co.uk/news/2176/latest-gadget-for-bikers-new-bc-from-sigma-sport-overhelms-with-stats.html
news item: "Latest Gadget for Bikers: New BC from Sigma Sport overwhelms with stats"
----------------------

home page, flash demos
http://sigmasport.us/us/produkte/bikecomputer/
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about the software:
http://www.sigmasport.de/en/produkte/bikecomputer/rox_wireless/rox_90/?flash=1&gesamt=1&position=1
----------------------

blog notes:
http://backboneracing.blogspot.com/2008/08/sigma-sports-new-rox-rocks.html
http://www.speedgoat.com/blogB.asp?p=1615
http://www.cogswappr.com/?p=215 (also discusses new "iBike Power" Computer(s))
----------------------

forums:
http://www.trainingpeaks.com/bbs-forum/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=41608&posts=3
----------------------

Asides:
http://cozybeehive.blogspot.com/2008/10/design-process-behind-ibike-power.html (iBike)
----------------------

Tip re: Staying informed
After googling this item every which way, conclusion: best bet = sigma "rox 9.0". Actual formal name = "Sigma Sport Rox 9.0". (There is a lesser featured version 8.0). I now have a Google Alert for this (red/bold) search.

TreoRenegade,
Interesting that you and I are looking at similar devices. I'll definitely check out the SigmaSport.
With that said, I can offer a couple little tidbits of information about SigmaSport itself.
1. Their customer service is VERY good.
2. I have one of their SS PC-15 HRMs. Nice unit, but I have had problems with the buttons sticking/not functioning in the past. Also, the logic they use in the menus does not include sufficient checks to prevent accidental data erasure. This is exacerbated by issues with the sticky buttons. SO I would highly recommend you lay hands on the computer first and get a sense for the feel of the computer before plunking down the $$.

Hope this is sufficiently on point for this thread.

GtB

Gunther,
Points noted. I **am** open to other alternatives as well. I'll check the PC-15 you mentioned-- wanna see if software is available. Ideally, the device will have the capability of d/l'g to the desktop. Thx a bunch!

This looks like a good unit that I was totally unaware of. Please keep us updated if you purchase one. I have continued to stay on the sidelines regarding wireless computers since my Cateye Astrale 8 has not malfunctioned once in 2 years and over 8,000 miles of use. The Blackburn Neuro has been used by one of my buddies for almost as long as it has been on the market. He has had some issues but likes it for the most part. Sigma Sport computers regularly get good reviews and Cateye's advanced wireless did not have all the features that I wanted, so this might be a good candidate. We shall see.

TR,
The PC15 is strictly a HRM; no data output to a computer. I have to manually enter info from it into my cycling journal (SportTracks). The recording cycle computer I'm looking at is the VDO Z3PC (http://www.vdocyclecomputers.com/en/produkte/puls_hoehenmessung/z3pclink/funktionen/).
GtB

======================== Inquiry w/Response

Sunday late night (10.26)
Greetings! I've been reading about the Rox 9.0. Would you kindly advise of its likely
date of availability here in the states? Thank you!

Monday afternoon Response (10.27)
<snip>We plan on having these available in the states by Thanksgiving.

Best regards,
James Keller
Sigma USA
1067 Kingsland Drive
Batavia, IL 60510

Am I missing something. I don't see the GPS function listed. How can you compare this to the Edge 705 or 305?

Am I missing something. I don't see the GPS function listed. How can you compare this to the Edge 705 or 305?

Ditto on this, I see no GPS function.
http://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?page=8&description=ROX+9%2E0&vendorCode=SIGMA&major=3&minor=2

I think I'll stick to the 305 for like $270 @ walmart.com for christmas, I'm not paying $230 for a cyclometer w/cadence.

It may not have the GPS but it has a lot of other functions and can record the data for later review. Not a bad little feature for those looking to track their rides. How often do you ride in locations where you need a GPS anyway? I'd say 95% of my rides are on familiar roads. The other 5% are just new rides but I generally know where I'm at or going without a map.

My bad. Thanks for the emphasis. Since reliable stats/desktop-friendliness = my primary focus, and GPS on a bike is merely an also-ran consideration **for me**, I mentally dubbed the Sigma as a "competing device." In my rush to get all the other info posted, I failed to explicitly clarify accordingly. Figured the "features" listing would make the distinctions for me.

BTW, Amazon has the full 350 package for about $236.

I will have to get the wifee over to amazon.com ASAP, thanks treorenegade.

It may not have the GPS but it has a lot of other functions and can record the data for later review. Not a bad little feature for those looking to track their rides. How often do you ride in locations where you need a GPS anyway? I'd say 95% of my rides are on familiar roads. The other 5% are just new rides but I generally know where I'm at or going without a map.

This feature is not new. Polar devices such as the 720i were doing this years ago.

In fact, this thread probably should have been a comparison to polar not to garmin.

I don't believe that garmin 305 / 705 have any competition. Wish they did...I'm on my fourth garmin in 18 months.:(

I received notification from an LBS here in Indianapolis that they received one each of the 8.0 and 9.0 models. I have not been there yet to look at them. I was focused on getting some winter road cycling shoes this week. Wireless computer is still down the road.

http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/training/computers/sigma-sport/PRD_428787_1624crx.aspx
One review.

I don't believe that garmin 305 / 705 have any competition. Wish they did...I'm on my fourth garmin in 18 months.:(

rodrigaj, were the units faulty or do you keep upgrading? It wasn't clear in your post..just curious....

I also have been looking at the ROX 9.0 but have not found much in the way of user input because it is so new. I want to put this on the bike I will be picking up next week.

I stopped by the LBS this week and looked at the units. The digits seem to be large enough for us progressive lens wearers that just have long distance lenses in our optic inserts for cycling. It was a little difficult to tell for certain since the unit had not been set up and all the lines were displaying. There certainly is a lot of information on one screen.

rodrigaj, were the units faulty or do you keep upgrading? It wasn't clear in your post..just curious....

My 305 units were faulty. My first one lasted less than 30 days. The screen just went black. The other 2 were for the well publicized battery disconnect problem. My fourth one is doing well. Ironically that one is a refurbished unit. Garmin replaces them after a phone call or two.

So has anyone purchased one of these yet? Feedback?

So has anyone purchased one of these yet? Feedback?


Three recent reviews here.
http://www.roadbikereview.com/mfr/sigma-sport/computers/PRD_428787_1624crx.aspx

Three recent reviews here.
http://www.roadbikereview.com/mfr/sigma-sport/computers/PRD_428787_1624crx.aspx

Thanks Dekindy. Looks like a thumbs up so far.

I am looking for any comments on the unit not picking up the heart rate monitor if you leave the bike like you would if you were on a breakfast ride or century. The instructions say that it will resynch up automatically. The Blackburn Neuro does not do that and I don't want to have to synch the HR when I resume riding.

Any more news from owners other than those reviews?

Have to say it is appealing as have no need for GPS and feell this unit has everything else. Plus one thing I really don't like about Garmin is it is yet another gizmo that needs constant charging. Not good for the environment or the energy bills.

I love it.

I have a friend that has endured 4 warrantied 705s now and countless problems with the software, so it was really a no-brainer for me in going with the Rox 9.0 once I got over my "need" for GPS. In coming over from a flight deck, I was a little hesitant to skip the whole Garmin/GPS scene, since everyone seems to enjoy cranking out maps of their rides, especially on the mtb, but now that I've played around with the Sigma software and have found both the "data center" software, and the bike computer interface to be so friendly - I'm 100% satisfied with my decision. The extra altitude/incline, HR and cadence data that is added on top of what I'm accustomed to getting out of my Flight Deck makes this setup incredibly satisfying.

On an somewhat superficial note, I find that the profile of the computer on the bike is WAY better looking that the relative bulkiness of the 705. I've always thought the Garmins were a little chunky looking for a bike computer...but again, thats a pretty silly thing to get hung up on, but just something that makes my decision to go with Sigma more satisfying.

One more thing: I actually found my 9.0 on ebay about a month ago for 199.99 and then used the MSN 20% rebate on "buy it now" purchases, so I did get a pretty nice deal on my mine....

Have ordered a Rox 9.0 after much deliberation. Like you, I realised the whole Garmin GPS thing did not really concern me. Plus I was bothered by the endless reports of bugs and failures with the Garmin. At the end of the day simplicity was important too. The Garmin means too much geeky tip-tapping on a keyboard try to download routes etc and frankly I'd rather listen music or something instead of having all the grief.

It came down to a straight choice between the Rox 9.0 and the VDO Z3. In the end I chose the former as I got the impression the usability and layout was better. I wanted a backlight and waypoints too - it has both. It did seem the Z3 PC software was a little more advanced - if less visually appealing.

As you have a Rox 9.0....one quick question, can you export data from the PC software to Excel? Not a deal breaker but a function I would use if it existed.

How often do you ride in locations where you need a GPS anyway? I'd say 95% of my rides are on familiar roads. The other 5% are just new rides but I generally know where I'm at or going without a map.

On 95% of my rides, I would agree and don't need GPS, however, it is great when traveling. Go to mapmyride.com, find a route that looks fun, load it to the garmin and you have a sweet ride.

As for the orginal post ...


The fact that Garmin routinely subjects its customers to 30-60 minute hold times, combined with high repair costs beyond the warranty period, eradicated any lingering lust.

I would disagree with this completely.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=410266

Thread summary, I've called garmin 3 times, each one with almost ZERO time on hold. 2 of the times, I was out of warranty and they replaced it none the less.

Happy to report back that initial use has shown the Rox 9.0 to be absolutely excellent. The device shows great thought by Sigma. I like its utilitarian nature and it seems bombproof. Having realised that for me GPS would prove to be an expensive gimmick and not liking everything I hear about Garmin, my choice was between this and the VDO Z3 (untested). The Rox 9.0 gives me speed/cadence/HRM/altitude plus logging and a slick PC interface.

Was disappointed by the recent negative review from Robert on roadbikereview.com as feel it is quite misleading. Admittedly the instructions are a bit 'German' in style - but I like that and see it as part of the overall unit/package design. The computer absolutely does start or stop automatically with the bike on rides and provides additional detailed logging options. With regard to the latter, the user starts/stops the detailed logging as including getting to/from your ride plus food/wee stops etc would mess up the overall and average stats. Believe me no-one wants to start making statistical adjustments to ride data after the event so this is correct by design. The PC software is also excellent - simple to use and well presented.

The batteries last about a year (yes, that's one year garmin users) under regular use and can be replaced by the user. IMO this is the best computer on the market at the moment. Would like to compare with the VDO Z3. Also expect Cateye will improve their V3 to compete soon.

Likes

Functionality
Ease-of-Use
Design
Build Quality
Speed and cadence sensors can be attached with O-loops if preferred
Clear back-light for rides in the dark
PC software

Dislikes

The flanges on the sensors which provide the flexibility to use O-loops meant I had to play around a bit to site the cadence sensor correctly. Not a big deal though and as above I like the option of the O-loops.

Received ROX 9.0 last week and have been on 3 rides. I'm happy with it so far. It has all the info I was looking for such as incline%, total elevation gain, temperature, and much more. I didn't want to drop $650 on the Garmin705 for GPS functionality that would be rarely used. So when I found the 9.0 for $158, I ordered it right away. (check out treefortbikes.com)

I was also looking for longer battery life as not to be charging the unit every 15 hours of use. The 9.0 wins in this department since it should go about a year. One advantage of the 705 over the 9.0 is if you have more than one bike. With the 705, you just clip from one bike to another. With the 9.0, you need to purchase separate speed/cadence sensors and magnets.

I haven't installed the software yet, so cannot comment on it.

Given the pros & cons, I feel good about the purchase, not to mention saving $500!!

Does the Rox 9 have a programmable odo?

yep, you can set starting odo value

Anyone have opinions on software?

Can the 9.0 be mounted on the stem? Thanks.

Can the 9.0 be mounted on the stem? Thanks.

Yup, it can be mounted no problem on the stem.

How do these measure incline and altitude?

I installed the demo version last night on one of my computers and I like it. I think it is fast and a lot better looking than the Garmin software; I was planning on getting a 305 but it is just too expensive for what I would use it for but since finding the Rox 9 I will be getting one as soon as I can squeeze it in my budget.

[edit] forgot to mention that even though it installed the English version, there was still some German not sure if this is the same way on the full version.

Finally got around to installing the software. Fairly painless... comes with version 1.0 and after install checks for updates and tells you that version 1.1 is available.... downloaded and installed version 1.1.

Has separate sections for trip data and log data. You can rename these entries to meaningfull names. The log data is really cool! Every log interval (configurable to 5 sec, 10 sec, 20 sec, etc) point is graphed with info at every point (speed, cadence, temperature, heart rate, elevation, incline/decline%). You can also change x/y axis values and scale. I've noticed that sometimes logging will have a "bad" entry, such as a 25% incline point when the trip data reflects that the max incline was 10%. It doesn't happen often and given how much data it's capturing over a 4-5 hour ride, I think it's acceptable.

Overall, I would give it 4 out of 5 stars...

How do these measure incline and altitude?

A barometric altimeter accurate to within one foot measures slope and altitude.

Bob

I've noticed that sometimes logging will have a "bad" entry, such as a 25% incline point when the trip data reflects that the max incline was 10%. It doesn't happen often and given how much data it's capturing over a 4-5 hour ride, I think it's acceptable.

Overall, I would give it 4 out of 5 stars...

I've noticed the 25% incline problem also on my first two ride logs. Another problem: the software allows you to zoom on a particular climb. However, when you do so, you can't see the labels on the vertical axis anymore. That's too bad. I really wanted to use the software to show riders the slope and altitude gains on the hills of our upcoming century. Anyone else noticed these two problems?

Bob

Well, here's some more testing info for those interested in the Sigma Rox 9.0. As reported earlier, the PC software does make a significant error when reporting average inclination. It's showing numbers like 33% or more on a climb with a true average of about 6%. That's just not right and rather irritating.

Today I took it out on the very wet, wild, woolly, and steep first climb of the Tour of California Stage 1. With a bit of a head start on the real racers a few miles behind me, I climbed up to the KOM point, waited for the riders to pass, then rode back down. Though the Sigma performed well going up, it did not display cadence for reasons unknown. On the way down it showed zero speed until I stopped to dry out a bit, then all functions returned to normal for the last few miles. Strange.

I also noticed in heavy rain that raindrops on the computer face obscure the smaller digits, e.g., hr, incline, cadence, altitude. Not a deal breaker, of course.

The major complaint then is that the software doesn't report accurate average inclination over any of my trips. I'm assuming the erratic computer performance owed to the horrible weather I subjected the bike to today.

Anybody know if the ROX 9.0 has coded heart transmitters? Since my wife and I plan on using two on our tandem.

The chest strap transmitter is unique to sigma rox only. The transmitter will not interfere with polar transmitters, for example, but other sigma rox 8.0 or 9.0 should not be used in close proximity.

More thoughts on a double sigma rox tandem setup: after reading the manual on this subject, I should revise my statement. The manual states that you should not synchronize the chest strap to the sigma rox computer while in the vicinity of another sigma rox. This implies that each computer is individually encoded. Apparently you could synchronize (just move toward the computer until a pulse is read) the captain's computer then synchronize the stoker and all should work well with two separate systems; but I would email Sigma with this question before making the double investment.

Bob

Any Sigma Rox 9.0 users question the accuracy of the HR function/strap?

I am 38 and spend 95% of my rides in zone 3 (165+). I have hit a max heart rate of 184. Before I get on the bike my HR is 90. This seems a little off based on my resting HR of 55 in the AM.

Anybody have similar results? Anybody know how to calibrate? Thaks for the input.

I have a Garmin 705. I too am 38 and spend much of my ride above 160 though I don't max over 178, with a resting HR of ~55. When I get on the bike, after airing up, pulling my helmet on, etc., my HR is in the 80s.

Your data doesn't seem entirely screwy.

I see that sort of HR results as well. Especially with "carry bike out of garage, oops, forgot water bottle, go back, oops, left bike computer inside from last upload, go back, it's hotter/cooler than I thought, go back to change shirt, etc., etc." But even when I get it right the first time, it takes very little exertion to raise my HR over what it is when I wake up in the morning.

Thanks for the input guys. I get the 80 - 90 before I get on the bike but I figured that at 180 I would feel like I was going to explode. I frequently hit 180+ when I was in my 20's but figured I should slow down as I get older.

I tried to calibrate on my wife’s elliptical at home. Sigma HR reads 165, elliptical reads 145???. Her elliptical is a POS with HR on the grips so I am thinking the chest strap should be much more accurate.

If you use the formula: 220 - your age = predicted maximum heart rate, I should not exceed 182. I guess I am just hitting safe.

After reading I don't see any way to calibrate. Otherwise I love all the other functions on the Sigma.

These heart rate recommendations are merely generalizations. Individuals can and will vary a lot from them. Hey, the sports medics want have something to do, too.

After reading I don't see any way to calibrate. Otherwise I love all the other functions on the Sigma.

Change your birthday to a younger age in the Settings menu to recalibrate your red zone.