ole'cdale
12-24-08, 07:02 AM
Anyone purchased this computer? Willing to share a review? I am curious how the power meter function works (or doesn't work).
Thanks
Greg
Thanks
Greg
Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - NiteRider Rebel 8.0
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CigarDad
12-25-08, 02:09 AM
I have had a Rebel 8.0 for a least three months now. I have mixed feelings on it. This replaced my Specialized SpeedZone Pro which had the altimeter go bad. I never had an issue with this computer.
The NiteRider is a different story. I have had it lock or freeze up twice now requiring a reset which wipes out all of your stored data so you have to reprogram the unit. The NiteRider does not sync or link up with the sensors very reliably. On todays ride for example the instructions say to be riding slowly and be on the average and maximum speed screen and then you hold two buttons resetting or clearing your last rides data which then has the computer search for available sensors, in my case speed, heart rate, and cadence. Today it didn't find any of the sensors so I had to go to each screen and force a sensor search, i.e. went to the heart rate monitor screen and pressed a button forcing it to search just for the HR sensor, then to the next screen and repeat, etc. So it probably took all of two minutes to get the computer synced with all of the sensors. It didn't help that it was dark out.
One noticeable flaw I found is that on the temperature screen it keeps the high and low temperature. This data is not resettable when you clear your previous ride data. So for example on this mornings ride we experienced a low of 44° and a high of 50°. My computer screen however shows the all time high and lows of 39°/98°.
The wheel and cadence sensors look identical to each other. They are labeled speed/cadence. They attach with two zip ties.
One feature that appears on the surface to be a good thing is that the computer, HR monitor, and other transmitters/sensors all use the same replacement battery. I say it appears to be a good thing as they are all CR2032 3 volt. My previous SpeedZone computer had the same 3 volt battery in the computer head but had a 12 volt battery in the speed sensor. All I know is that I never lost the signal once in 5+ years of ownership, whereas I often have to force a sensor search with the NiteRider.
Regarding the power meter I do not know how accurate it is. I have nothing to compare it with. It is a virtual power meter. During setup you program in your body weight and from your body weight, current speed, and rate of climb or decent (altimeter function) it calculates a virtual power output.
The NiteRider is a different story. I have had it lock or freeze up twice now requiring a reset which wipes out all of your stored data so you have to reprogram the unit. The NiteRider does not sync or link up with the sensors very reliably. On todays ride for example the instructions say to be riding slowly and be on the average and maximum speed screen and then you hold two buttons resetting or clearing your last rides data which then has the computer search for available sensors, in my case speed, heart rate, and cadence. Today it didn't find any of the sensors so I had to go to each screen and force a sensor search, i.e. went to the heart rate monitor screen and pressed a button forcing it to search just for the HR sensor, then to the next screen and repeat, etc. So it probably took all of two minutes to get the computer synced with all of the sensors. It didn't help that it was dark out.
One noticeable flaw I found is that on the temperature screen it keeps the high and low temperature. This data is not resettable when you clear your previous ride data. So for example on this mornings ride we experienced a low of 44° and a high of 50°. My computer screen however shows the all time high and lows of 39°/98°.
The wheel and cadence sensors look identical to each other. They are labeled speed/cadence. They attach with two zip ties.
One feature that appears on the surface to be a good thing is that the computer, HR monitor, and other transmitters/sensors all use the same replacement battery. I say it appears to be a good thing as they are all CR2032 3 volt. My previous SpeedZone computer had the same 3 volt battery in the computer head but had a 12 volt battery in the speed sensor. All I know is that I never lost the signal once in 5+ years of ownership, whereas I often have to force a sensor search with the NiteRider.
Regarding the power meter I do not know how accurate it is. I have nothing to compare it with. It is a virtual power meter. During setup you program in your body weight and from your body weight, current speed, and rate of climb or decent (altimeter function) it calculates a virtual power output.
ole'cdale
12-30-08, 02:03 PM
Thanks for the feedback. Doesn't sound too good. To be honest I don't like my polar because it drops my heartrate often. The only place my polar works well is in my basement on the trainer.
I was hoping things worked really well and that this would be an affordable entry into the power market. Guess I will hold off for a while.
Thanks again,
Greg
I was hoping things worked really well and that this would be an affordable entry into the power market. Guess I will hold off for a while.
Thanks again,
Greg