General Cycling Discussion - Cycle computer

I'm looking for a cycle computer that is wireless and doesn't require any sensors to install. All I really want it to do is mph and distance. Anyone have one that they like and can tell me where to get it? Budget is like 150.00.

I bought a 20 dollar one at Wally but
Decided I didn't want to zip tie sensors
And all that nonsense. So I'll be returning it. Again I don't care about routes and gps just something simple. Thanks.

Knog N.E.R.D. 9.0 computer sounds right. I switched to one when I wanted to go wireless this summer. It's been great and I picked it up on Nashbar for less than $30. Nothing fancy, just time, distance, and speed. Installs without zip ties and is really easy to use.
They have a few models with more features but it sounds like that's all you're looking for.

So that doesn't have any sensors or anything that need to be installed? I've been using strava on my iPhone but it destroys my battery and I have to keep it in my pocket so I can't see current mph. Thinking about starting interval training. Nashbar is a website?

Bike Nashbar: http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/TopCategories_10053_10052_-1

I use the CycleMeter App on my iPhone and LOVE it. I have it set to announce speed, average speed, distance, etc. every 15 minutes and every 5 miles (you can customize the announcements). Doesn't work my iPhone 4s battery too much, probably because the screen is off.

I'm thinking that all the bike computer producers have a simple wireless computer that requires just a pick up on the fork. They generally cost around $40.00. That's what I've been using and I'm not even picky about brand because I think that they all work about the same.

Garmin, and I'm sure some others, produce GPS computer sustems that require no pick up. I don't know if you can get one for $150.00 or not. If I'm feeling flush next time around I think that's what I'll get. Otherwise, it's back to the basic wireless with a pick up.

You can't do mph or distance without sensors. You got to sense something to tell how far you've gone. The phone apps and/or gps sense satellites. Other bike computers sense wheel rotation. So called wireless computers still use sensors, it's just that the sensors communicate with the computer via radio waves rather than wires. You still need to install the sensor on the bike and the magnet on a spoke.

So I'll need a garmin or some gps thing instead of a cycle comp.

Wired cycle computers are inexpensive, accurate, very reliable and easy to install. Wireless cycle computers are more expensive, just as accurate, less reliable and only slightly easier to install.

I know this does not respond to your question, but I thought I should say it anyway.

So I'll need a garmin or some gps thing instead of a cycle comp.

No. The one I posted is all you're looking for. The only actual instalation involved is attaching a magnet to one of your front spokes, positioning the sensor on the fork close to the magnet, and attaching the computer to your handlebars. The Knog is by far the easiest I've dealt with. There is a little bit of setup to the computer to set wheel size, but that is very simple if you follow the instructions.
In my opinion, the setup and instalation of a GPS would be about the same at a lot more cost.

And yes, Nashbar is a website.
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_520345_-1___
edit: I just checked and it's out of stock there. But there are other websites that carry it. I just think they chage more.

My
iphone is a gps that shows mph and distance without magnets or sensors. What I'm asking for is something similar but isnt my phone as it kills my battery. So as far as I can tell that means I'll need another gps
type unit aand not a cycle comp.

Not that installing a sensor and magnet is terrible I'd just prefer to not. I saw some people posting about a garmin 400 or something, I'll check those oout on the website yyou posted. Thanks again

My
iphone is a gps that shows mph and distance without magnets or sensors. What I'm asking for is something similar but isnt my phone as it kills my battery. So as far as I can tell that means I'll need another gps
type unit aand not a cycle comp.

Not that installing a sensor and magnet is terrible I'd just prefer to not. I saw some people posting about a garmin 400 or something, I'll check those oout on the website yyou posted. Thanks again

You are correct in that if you don't want to put on a sending unit you need something like a garmin with GPS. I don't know wht other gps computers they have but I am not sure you can get one much under $200.00. Maybe the Garmin edge 200 on sale not sure.

I don't understand why attaching a sensor and magnet is such a big deal.

I don't understand why attaching a sensor and magnet is such a big deal.


It's apparently too hard for some people. *shrug*

There are plenty of wired computers that do not need zip ties.

I don't understand why attaching a sensor and magnet is such a big deal.

For some people it make the bicycle less "clean" and therefore "less PRO" (gasp!). This is the same reason there are so many poseurs out there (and here) who frantically invent childishly fake reasons why they don't need saddle bags, spoke protectors, Presta valve caps, frame pumps etc., while in reality we all understand perfectly well that the real reason is that these items make them look "less pro" (however laughable that might be).

My
iphone is a gps that shows mph and distance without magnets or sensors. What I'm asking for is something similar but isnt my phone as it kills my battery. So as far as I can tell that means I'll need another gps
type unit aand not a cycle comp.

Not that installing a sensor and magnet is terrible I'd just prefer to not. I saw some people posting about a garmin 400 or something, I'll check those oout on the website yyou posted. Thanks again

You can buy a mophie battery case for your iPhone for about $100 and more than double your battery life on and off the bike. Very nice product I leave mine on the phone all the time. There are also other products that allow charging on the go and also ways of adjusting your phones setting to slow battery usage. Of course there are many more advanced bike apps than just speed and distance.

I don't understand why attaching a sensor and magnet is such a big deal.

Trying to look pro for the milfs on the MUP. "you and yyour bike are sexy but eww what is that clunky black thing on your fork fork!"

REally though I guess I just have a few more bucks to spend this week and I might want maps in the future. They sell iPhone mounting brackets so maybe I'll go in that direction. If I crash though I'd hate to break my phone my bike and injure myself, but most of my falls are still clipless related never any harm done. The battery boosting case looks like a viable option maybe.

Trying to look pro for the milfs on the MUP.

For what it’s worth. I still ride with a wired bike computer speed and distance and have wireless on other bikes and carry my iPhone in the mophie case. Over the last few years I have went full circle and most likely when I get around to it I will take the wired computer off and just go with the phone.

When I first started playing with the phone on the bike all the fancy bike cases that mount to the bars were not as abundant as they are now and I made my own. Then I got an otter box case and found the belt clip worked great to attack it to the bike if you had a small tab of something attached to the bars to clip it to. For a year I was riding around watching all the cool stuff on the phone and being able to even take a call on speaker phone while riding etc. Then the light came on for me and I realized it was all a bit of a distraction I didn’t need during my ride along with I wasn’t doing my phone any good subjecting it to weather and sun. Battery life is mostly sucked up by the display and I now turn on whatever app I want for a ride and stick my iPhone in the bar bag out of sight it will have all the info for me when I’m done and if I get a call I hear it ring and can pull over and safely take the call. If I need to access a map for directions I pull over and do that. If I’m going down a hill at 35 MPH its best I don’t watch the speed and watch the road. The exception I guess would be if you were training trying to hold a speed or something, I don’t do that so I find I ride better when I just wing it and its fun later to sit down and review the ride and see how I did mile by mile. Just enjoying the views on the MUP.

For some people it make the bicycle less "clean" and therefore "less PRO" (gasp!). This is the same reason there are so many poseurs out there (and here) who frantically invent childishly fake reasons why they don't need saddle bags, spoke protectors, Presta valve caps, frame pumps etc., while in reality we all understand perfectly well that the real reason is that these items make them look "less pro" (however laughable that might be).

I have a saddle bag, and one of my bikes has a mini pump, but on one needs any of that stuff. Jersey's have pockets, derailleurs have limit screws, Presta valve caps serve NO function, cartridges and a chock can air up your wheel in seconds much easier than pumping...Am I missing something here?

I wear a back pack that has all my supplies in it, I guess I do like mmy bike to look clean. Presta caps are whatever but iI'm not a fan of mounting things on my frame. Not trying to look cool just a personal preference. My back pack has 3 wwater bottles, mini pump, bike tools, spare tube, patch kit, phone, wallet, energy bars, headphones (if safe to wear) lights (to be mounted when needed).

You're carrying a back pack and some interwebs know it all is harping on you for being obsessive about looking pro. BR rules!

I ended up spending 20 bucks for a wireless computer with the sensor. So far I'm happy with it except I need to stop staring at my speed all the time.

bladed carbon forks are harder to position the sensor on, I think

bladed carbon forks are harder to position the sensor on, I think

I have a bladed CF fork on my bike, no problem with the O-ring holding it on.

For some people it make the bicycle less "clean" and therefore "less PRO" (gasp!). This is the same reason there are so many poseurs out there (and here) who frantically invent childishly fake reasons why they don't need saddle bags, spoke protectors, Presta valve caps, frame pumps etc., while in reality we all understand perfectly well that the real reason is that these items make them look "less pro" (however laughable that might be).

And you derive this wisdom about why people would rather not use a sensor and apply it to posers and fake pros because of all your many years of experience on what a person needs on their bike? :innocent: It seems to me there is a vast difference between a rider in a wicking jersey and cycling shorts and trying to look pro.:eek: Not that looking pro sounds like much of an insult. In fact many times it is considered a compliment. Think of someone saying you sing like a pro or you drive like a pro or you dance like a pro or you paint like a pro.:D From the questions posed by Aeolis I don't see the connection to poser.

I still like my suggestion best.

And you derive this wisdom about why people would rather not use a sensor and apply it to posers and fake pros because of all your many years of experience on what a person needs on their bike? :innocent: It seems to me there is a vast difference between a rider in a wicking jersey and cycling shorts and trying to look pro.:eek: Not that looking pro sounds like much of an insult. In fact many times it is considered a compliment. Think of someone saying you sing like a pro or you drive like a pro or you dance like a pro or you paint like a pro.:D From the questions posed by Aeolis I don't see the connection to poser.

Pro: Jersey and shorts with no ads unless he/she is being sponsored (and look like they been through a few washes), high end bike that looks used, tan lines, training or durable tires when not racing, paces him/herself.

Not Pro: No tan lines, jersey and shorts look like they just bought them from performance, excessive ads, high end bike that look brand new, rider will speed up/ show off to pass you on MUP but is out of breath within a short period of time.

Pro: Jersey and shorts with no ads unless he/she is being sponsored (and look like they been through a few washes), high end bike that looks used, tan lines, training or durable tires when not racing, paces him/herself.

Not Pro: No tan lines, jersey and shorts look like they just bought them from performance, excessive ads, high end bike that look brand new, rider will speed up/ show off to pass you on MUP but is out of breath within a short period of time.

Really? Don't you clean your bike after every ride? Or at least twice a week? I have a 91 Klein that looks pretty new and I have been known to cringe with each and every scratch. In fact I plan on having it repainted as soon as I can find a good shop that can match the king of pain job Klein did at the factory. I am also rather fond of some of the classic pro jerseys up to and including FDJ. And space permitting I might pass someone on a clunker on a MUP. But to my racing friends I have never been called a poser nor have I ever disparaged a rider on a Hybrid or cruiser on the MUP with Walking shorts and a Panama hat.

Some people are simply more enthusiastic about cycling than others. Yes there are posers I am sure. But just because someone drops more on their bike doesn't make them one. Just because the OP was looking for clean lines on his bike doesn't qualify him as one either.

What I have never understood is the constant bad mouthing that goes on in bike forums about people who are willing to spend their hard earned cash on the best bike they can afford and keep it as nice as they can. When I used to belong to a sports car club those with Bug eye sprites didn't call people in Jags with english tweed posers. Do the same people that complain about pro looking jerseys accost people on the street in Laker Jerseys, Dodger Jackets, or Jordan Tennis shoes? No I think not. Whenever I hear people post about why they think someone would want zip wheels in a BMC Team Pro bike and they toss out poser I think their is a touch of envy somewhere. Who here wouldn't jump at the chance to win a free Replica of a TDF winning bike? I guess there are those that don't think they deserve or are worthy of such a machine but I would love one. I would love to have one of Cadel's or Wiggin's bikes and I would be happy to have one of their jerseys.

But all of this was only to say I have never seen a post by the Op that smackes of poser. And I do know plenty riders that don't want to clutter up the look of their bikes to the point of not using a computer at all.

really? Don't you clean your bike after every ride? Or at least twice a week? I have a 91 klein that looks pretty new and i have been known to cringe with each and every scratch. In fact i plan on having it repainted as soon as i can find a good shop that can match the king of pain job klein did at the factory. I am also rather fond of some of the classic pro jerseys up to and including fdj. And space permitting i might pass someone on a clunker on a mup. But to my racing friends i have never been called a poser nor have i ever disparaged a rider on a hybrid or cruiser on the mup with walking shorts and a panama hat.

Some people are simply more enthusiastic about cycling than others. Yes there are posers i am sure. But just because someone drops more on their bike doesn't make them one. Just because the op was looking for clean lines on his bike doesn't qualify him as one either.

What i have never understood is the constant bad mouthing that goes on in bike forums about people who are willing to spend their hard earned cash on the best bike they can afford and keep it as nice as they can. When i used to belong to a sports car club those with bug eye sprites didn't call people in jags with english tweed posers. Do the same people that complain about pro looking jerseys accost people on the street in laker jerseys, dodger jackets, or jordan tennis shoes? No i think not. Whenever i hear people post about why they think someone would want zip wheels in a bmc team pro bike and they toss out poser i think their is a touch of envy somewhere. Who here wouldn't jump at the chance to win a free replica of a tdf winning bike? I guess there are those that don't think they deserve or are worthy of such a machine but i would love one. I would love to have one of cadel's or wiggin's bikes and i would be happy to have one of their jerseys.

But all of this was only to say i have never seen a post by the op that smackes of poser. And i do know plenty riders that don't want to clutter up the look of their bikes to the point of not using a computer at all.

lol?

I am assuming you are being facetious.

The kids used to call me a poser in middle school. BF is kinda like
middle school.

The kids used to call me a poser in middle school. BF is kinda like
middle school.

Well, what kind of answer did you expect. If you went to wallyworld and expected something good then gave up and now want something high end?
I too do not want/like zip ties on my bike if I can help it. There are computers that have a decent mounting bracket and use O-rings to hold the sensor on the fork. You can take a few minutes, not more than 15 minutes to install and calibrate your computer. You can make the wire (when using wired computers) look decent when you coil them around your front brake cable. As for making sure your bike looks neat, you already lost when you buy a multi-geared bicycle.

Well, what kind of answer did you expect. If you went to wallyworld and expected something good then gave up and now want something high end?
I too do not want/like zip ties on my bike if I can help it. There are computers that have a decent mounting bracket and use O-rings to hold the sensor on the fork. You can take a few minutes, not more than 15 minutes to install and calibrate your computer. You can make the wire (when using wired computers) look decent when you coil them around your front brake cable. As for making sure your bike looks neat, you already lost when you buy a multi-geared bicycle.
You really are bringing it. Keep it up.

You really are bringing it. Keep it up.

You know it sister!

What kind of bike do you ride
ben?

Zip ties hold the world together.

what kind of bike do you ride
ben?

sst al.

All the pro bikes at the USA pro challenge had a transponder attached to the non drive chain stay secured with zip ties, so if you must pose, zip a sensor on, lol.

I use cyclemeter with the IPhone Wahoo bike pack, speed/distance/cadence ($129) voice announcements, iPhone display off. I have gone for 2 hours on less than half battery. They also have an extended battery that mounts between the phone case and bike mount. I have to have my phone with me anyway.