Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Bike computer

Hey guys, i bought a sigma bike computer for like 10 bucks off REI but unfortunately, the distance from the receiver to the sensor on the bike is too far no matter where you mount it, seems like the magnet is just not strong enough at anything more then 5mm, do you guys have any recommendations, preferably wireless, for under 50 bucks?

What model? I'm also considering to buy a bike computer, but I want it with Cadence. I was thinking about Sigma 1606L. Campor has it for about $36: http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___57752.

But I'm not sure if I won't have problems with the installation. The online manual is not clear about the installation of the sensor/magnet set that is supposed to measure Cadence. And the front suspension on my bike makes it bit tricky for the wires. See my thread: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=542900

Sigma Sport BC 800


is what i had, it was also wired

5mm distance is about average for fork sensor to magnet spacing. Almost any computer will have that limitation. So if you cannot close that gap you may just continue to have problems, even with another computer.

I've owned several sigma computers including the BC800. Their magnet is not the greatest, but I have never had a problem getting one to work. I am curious...if you close the gap to 5mm or less, the computer does work? Something else comes to mind, you say you bought that computer for 10 bucks at REI. That tells me that it has been in their inventory for some time. It may have even been a return. Have you tried installing a fresh battery? I am not sure if that would solve your problem, but at the moment it is all I can think of.

There are some folks on here that have actually replaced their wheel magnets with stronger variations. Maybe one of them will chime in on the specifics you need. I've always had good luck with stock magnets and never had to try that.


I know this is not an answer to your original question about a wireless computer for under 50, but I hate to see anyone give up. Now if you have your mind set on a new computer, that is another story. I recommend you still look at sigma's wireless models.

5mm distance is about average for fork sensor to magnet spacing. Almost any computer will have that limitation. So if you cannot close that gap you may just continue to have problems, even with another computer.

I've owned several sigma computers including the BC800. Their magnet is not the greatest, but I have never had a problem getting one to work. I am curious...if you close the gap to 5mm or less, the computer does work? Something else comes to mind, you say you bought that computer for 10 bucks at REI. That tells me that it has been in their inventory for some time. It may have even been a return. Have you tried installing a fresh battery? I am not sure if that would solve your problem, but at the moment it is all I can think of.

There are some folks on here that have actually replaced their wheel magnets with stronger variations. Maybe one of them will chime in on the specifics you need. I've always had good luck with stock magnets and never had to try that.


I know this is not an answer to your original question about a wireless computer for under 50, but I hate to see anyone give up. Now if you have your mind set on a new computer, that is another story. I recommend you still look at sigma's wireless models.

I bought and installed the Sigma BC 1606L (http://www.sigmasport.com/us/produkte/bikecomputer/topline_wired/bc1606l/?flash=1) wired computer. It works, but I don't like the mounting (flimsy), especially when used on a bike with front suspension. And the manual doesn't explain clearly how to operate it. How do I see average speed, for example?

Is it possible to remove the clip and magnet from the spoke??? Thanks!

it worked just fine i just couldnt close the gap enough to get it to feel the sensors magnetic pull, i might look at somthing else that mounts to the rear wheel instead, much smaller spacing back there.