Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - VDO P3 Bike Computer
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mauisher
01-14-09, 12:20 AM
Does anyone have any input on the VDO P3 bike computer....basically a bike computer with altitude, a heart rate monitor, and optional cadence. All data is directly downloadable onto a PC. I'm interested in this and would appreciate your input. Thanks.
jcbenten
01-16-09, 02:25 PM
Do you mean the VDO Z3 PC? I could not find the P-series.
I have the Z3 PC and I like it a lot. In addition to the attributes you list, the Z3 also has power but you must have the cadence sensor. The Z3 does a power calc based on user, cadence, speed, slope, etc. I think the power is reasonable on a trainer where you have multiple minutes of steady pressure/speed/cadence but it takes 10-20 seconds to put out a reasonable number on the road. In addition it does not take into account wind. So if you are grinding hard into a 25 mph wind, you will not get a very good power number. Same thing if you are going downwind at 35 mph and barely putting any pressure on the pedals. See somewhat of a review here: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=480852
mauisher
01-18-09, 12:51 AM
Thanks for the reply, Chris. Yes, I meant the VDO Z3 PC as you correctly guessed. I'm comparing it to the Sigma Rox 9.0 and they seem very similar.....was looking for some first hand experience with the VDO. Sounds like you like it and it seems the VDO will be a good choice. Thanks, again.