Road Cycling - Shimano Flight Deck Computer W/Virtual Cadence & Wireless Cadence Compuers

I would like an opinion of the Shimano Flight Deck Computer W/Virtual Cadence or any other wireless computer with cadence. Thanks, Jeannie

I used Campy Ergobrain and it works fine. However I would suggest some changes. As far as I remember for insatnce you can not see cadence and speed at the same time on the screen. Matjaz

I've used the Flight Deck since it came out a few years ago. Since I got mine they've repositioned the rubber buttons on the brake levers - mine are both on the right lever under the rubber hood. I tend to accidently push one of them when climbing and turn the timer off - duh. Of course I miss mileage count and lose track of how far I rode. I've taken to setting it during riding to "Total mileage" since it isn't dependent on the timer and it works fine and can't be switched off so easily.

The cadence feature is really just some simple computer calculations based on your speed and drive train gearing. I would suppose it helps give you an idea of what your cadence is, but if you flying down a hill and not pedaling then the computer doesn't know that and will give you a really high cadence reading. "Wow I didn't know I could spin that fast!", you say to yourself. I really don't even pay attention to cadence much though. I know some of my friends use it as a gauge of how they are doing, but I've got 90-100 RPMs logged into my brain and legs from year of riding.

I will say that at first I didn't think I needed all that information that the FlightDeck provided, but I've gotten used to looking down and seeing the graphics tell me what's going on back in the gears (especially if I'm VERY tired and don't have the energy to look myself).

I really bought it after returning another brand that made it difficult to mount the magnetic pickup on my bladed carbon fork. The FlightDeck is easy and removable with a quick release strap. It can be hard to mount the magnet on the spoke on some wheels - (bladed spokes was my problem).

Overall pleased although you may need an engineering degree to understand the graphics of the User's Manual:(

I have been using the Flight Deck for a month now and am pleased with it. Putting the buttons on the hoods certainly has its advantages, but it introduces some problems, too. I cannot operate the buttons with heavy winter gloves, which I can do with the larger onboard buttons found on other computers. Having one button to the left hood does not prevent accidentally stopping the recording of distance and elapsed time, which I have done quite a few times. I have learned to periodically glance at it to see if the "miles/hr" indication is flashing, which indicates that the distance and time are being recorded.

The cadence feature is good for learning to gauge how fast you are pedalling, but after watching it for a few rides, I can guess my cadence pretty accurately without the computer. I have never seen the "virtual" aspect as a negative. I generally know whether I am pedalling or not. The only thing that this prevents is calculation of an average cadence, although I am not sure what the value of that would be. The graphic display of current gear selection, though, is wonderful. I never have to look back to see which rear cog I am on.

I can't imagine choosing a different computer if the bike is equipped with FlightDeck-compatible levers.

I've been using my Flight Deck for about 6 months now. With all the info it provides I found myself enjoying the gear slector graphics and the change buttons on the hoods the most.

I opted for the Wireless version. But the wired version is not that much more expensive than a lot of lesser models.

It was very easy to install, that is if you can wrap or re-wrap the tape on your bars.

I was very intimidated when I saw the manual. And then very relieved that only about 15-20 pages were in English. :p

My wife thinks her Cateye's Avg Speed is not correct. hahahah I'd get her one if I thought that was the problem.

Mike

Jeannie,
Specialized has a new 2002 model of its Speedzone Pro which will supposedly be available in September. It is supposed to be completely wireless including actual cadence, as well as max and avg cadence, rather than Flight Deck's virtual cadence. It will also have altimeter and inclinometer functions in addition to the usual speed functions. I need another computer, but I am trying to hold out to get one of these. I haven't owned a Specialized computer, but from what I have heard it is something they do well. I have been in touch with Specialized every couple of months on these since my LBS told me they were coming. They were supposed to be out in February, then March, then May, now September. The person who answers the email assures me that they have the engineering nailed down and the prototypes work great. They are just having trouble getting the actual production up and running since is it something completely different. Until a couple of months ago they were listed with the other computers on Specialized's website with the other models and showed an estimated availibility date. The Pro is no longer listed there, but if you click the details for the 02 Speedzone Elite and click "Compare computer model features" it is listed. Note that "Cadence" isn't checked because they have a separate "Wireless cadence" for the Pro model. I plan to try on one just as soon as my LBS can get their hands on one.
FWIW,
Raymond

This really is a point to note. I didn't realise that with virtual cadence comes incorrect readings. You really can't have the Flightdeck telling you that you are spinning at 1000 rpm when you aren't spinning the crank at all. I guess I'll go for something else without virtual cadence.

Oh yes, when I was checking Specialized website on the Speedzone Elite Computer, it is really way cool with the speed reading in that manner! It really makes people who can't afford cars feel like they already own one!

However, I think there is a problem. The meter can only go up to 45 mph, although that is a really high speed, which equals to roughly 73 kph, I think it should go up even higher as the speed can be higher downhill, I think.

That Specialized unit sounds cool. You failed to mention the approximate $$.

As for the Virtual Cadence. I've found it to be accurate and a nice addition. I think you are putting too much emphasis on the virtual part. Yeah it is still calculating when going downhill, But big deal. When I'm going 40mph, I'm looking at where I'm going not at my computer, and if I'm going much slower I"m spinning.

Not sure if the Specialized is Flight Deck Compatible, but I hope so. Switching between modes is nice not having to leave the horns.

I'll have to check into the Specialized unit. With the Altitude deal, my wife might need a slightly used Flight deck.


Mike

Does anybody recommend the Cateye Mity for $20-25? I'm thinking of getting one, and I wonder if anybody has a story or to about it-like does it work or not.

Thanks,
Matt

I have the Mity3 (or whatever model it is)
paid $19. for it.
The rubber cover tore off one of the buttons
which makes resetting it somewhat difficult.
I contacted Cateye and they said send it back
they'll fix it free (all I pay is shipping).
I'm satisfied with it, its a good basic computer
the only reason I didn't send it off is I'm gonna
get one with cadence and personally I can live
with it the way it is.

Marty

Originally posted by BikerBoy
That Specialized unit sounds cool. You failed to mention the approximate $$.

Not sure if the Specialized is Flight Deck Compatible, but I hope so. Switching between modes is nice not having to leave the horns.

I'll have to check into the Specialized unit. With the Altitude deal, my wife might need a slightly used Flight deck.


Mike

Mike,
During the time the Pro was actually listed on the website the price was shown as $99. It would be nice to retain the buttons on the hoods, but somehow I don't imagine the Specialized will work with the Flight Deck hookups. As I say, my LBS has orders to snatch the very first one they can get their hands on for me. Hopefully they will finally be available in September. I will post a report after using it a few times.
Regards,
Raymond

Here's my take (with a whole two weeks of use)-

1st.- a modern computer is expected to provide many functions (speed, odometer, time, trip distance, trip time, cadence, avg speed, max speed, lap count, etc)

2d.- Access all of those functions while riding (press little buttons located on the computer, or press little buttons located on the shifters where my hands already are without taking my hands off the bars).

3d.- Exposed wiring wrapped around cables and frame tubes, or absolutely clean installation with no exposed wires at all (wireless magic).

Rotten manual and all, FlightDeck rules!!!!!!!!!!1

I just got a Ciclosport CM 414. It has all the usual functions, plus altimeter, inclinometer, temperature, and wattage. It comes either wireless or wired, and you can get a supplementary cadence sensor (which I plan to buy as soon as it comes in at my LBS). If you want cadence, however, you have to go with wires. There is also a CM 414 M, which has a memory feature that stores numerous past rides (and may even be downloadable to a PC).

They are made in Germany, and they are available in the States--my brother ordered it from REI as a birthday present (nice brother I have!). Here, it costs about 100 Euro (= $94, as of today).

I have only used it on one ride, but I have to say I love knowing the altitude and incline. It tells you the cumulative altitude gain as well.

The buttons/menu are straightforward. It is a solid unit. The manual is pretty good, too, although they would do well to have a native English speaker look over the English part.

The wattage feature is kinda interesting, too. But, of course, they tell you very clearly that it is most accurate on climbs. (Since the unit cannot tell the actual speed through the air, its calculation of watts is based on ground speed and average frontal area. With head and tailwinds or with drafting the accuracy necessarily declines. But, when climbing it should be pretty accurate.

Cheers,
Jamie