Road Cycling - Looking for a new cycle computer

I was wondering if someone can recommend an economical and dependable cycle computer that has all the basics. A cadence feature is a must! It would be nice if it were wireless as well. By the way, I ride a Trek 2200 if that makes any difference.

Thanks in advance,

Jeff

Astrale 8 it rocks!

I have recently got a Sigma BC1600. Reasonably cheap and heaps of features but not wireless. It is a cinch to install, no tools needed. I got mine quite cheap $55 aud, so in the US (I am assuming that is where you are) they should be pretty cheap.

Check out the online retailers like supergo and nashbar you should be able to find a good deal there.

... economical ... dependable ... basics ... cadence ... wireless

Jeff, give us a call if you find a computer that fits all of your criteria. ;) Having done some consumer research, I know that 'wireless' (both speed and cadence) rules out 'economical'; 'cadence' is not really 'basic'; 'dependable' sometimes is at odds with 'wireless'; etc.

As always, it all depends on your priorities. If you are prepared to sacrifice the 'wireless' option, you can find a lot of cycloputer for the buck. My unit of choice is the Sigma (http://www.sigmasport.de/) BC 1600: it is affordable, reliable (at least up until now) and has all functions you need (including, apart from the obvious ones, cadence and stopwatch).

Check out this thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=45194) for some tips regarding the installation of wired computers. And while your at it, search the forums for other computer suggestions. You will find enough of those to keep you occupied for a while and to make a well informed decision.

astrale 8 has cadence for 20$

I have the astrale 8 on my commuter, and a wintech on my road-bike. Both work great in the rain. Differences between the two: Wintech is wireless, is stem-mounted (although I think you can mount the astrale on the stem with an adaptor), and cost $100 more. The Wintech also uses a skewer for the front wheel for the sending unit, and the magnet has a kit for bladed spokes. The astrale has the magnet on the rear wheel (good for the trainer) and I think you have to get an adaptor for the magnet if you have bladed spokes.

One of the concerns about wireless is interference. I've ridden along a road by high-voltage lines, and I wear a HRM (Polar 520), and never has it freaked out or caused cross-talk with the HRM.

I only got the Wintech on my road bike because the store didn't have the astrale in stock and they couldn't sell the wintech so they gave it to me for the price of the astrale.

I recommend the astrale over the Wintech, since essentially they have the same features, but it costs MUCH less. Oh, and the astrale only has 1 battery, the Wintech has 3 (wheel sender, cadence sender & the main unit)

ive got the astrale 8 aswell...i think its a great computer. has all the features i wanted at a reasonable price.

Astrale 8 it rocks!AMEN - It's not too expensive but you can find cheaper ones. I know I went through 3 cheaper ones before my cateye. Now no more problems.

PS: you want to see if you have a good computer Take a ride in the rain. That's no prob for the Astrale 8

I have some issues with bike computers these past couple weeks..The Vetta wireless ( RT 86) sensor crapped out on me..Had chosen wireless for my touring bike , because panniers got in the way.
So switched some computers about my various bikes..Bought a Cateye Astrale with Cadence function for my best race bike..A Klein with the larger tubing...Had a difficult time placing the two cadence/speedometer meters about the large tubes..So going to put that on my older smaller tubed race bike.
So the point of all this...Right now, Performance has many of its cylce computers on sale. Might be sure they work on your tubing.
Their wireless Cateye is going for 40% off, so it is like $29.
Had good luck with the Vetta wireless for about4 years..But finally the flimsy tie wraps that attach the sensor to my fork got old, and one day the sensor just flew away. Could not find tie wraps to fit the sensor, they were so small..
About the cadence meter on my Klein..Bike vanity..All those tie wraps down the ivory tubing all the way to the rear wheel and cog set..Would have scrapped against Klein's awesome paint job. Silly. Plus large tubing, the brackets did not fit.

I also recommend the Astrale 8. Performance has it for $20. You won't find a better deal on a computer with cadence. And it works great, it's quite small and easy to read.