Road Cycling - cyclo-computers???

When I finally purchase my new bike in about 2 weeks, I want a cyclo-computer to be installed to measure speed, distance, etc. I barely know anything about cyclo-computers, so I will take any suggestions on brands and types of these devices.

:confused:

I highly recommend the Cateye Astrale. It has a cadence feature which helps develop proper technique if you're just getting started into more serious riding. It can be found in any of the bike catalogs for about $39.00. Occasionally it's on sale for $29.99. Your LBS will have one too.

Good Luck and good riding!:thumbup:

Cateye, eh? I guess I will check it out. It sounds good.:fun:

Don't know about brands but the cadence feature has been a great help to me in improving my abilities.

I've got a Cateye Wireless 2 that I would recommend. It does not have cadence, but currently I'm involved with heart rate training and I can count cadence!

I really like the lack of wires twisted around my brake cables. It provides a clean look and still has all the features I use and want!

L8R

I too use the Cateye Astrale. I really like it. Easy to set up and use. Alot easier to set up than my old Avocet 45 was.

I vote for Cateye as well! Mine's an HR-100, which is the one with a heart rate monitor. I agree with the others, though that think cadence is important, I think it would be a big help. If you want a heart rate monitor, they can be had separately for a reasonable price, although I like my setup where everything (except cadence) is in one place.

I have three bikes, and bought additional mounts for the computer so I just have to switch the computer when I switch bikes. The only thing is, is you also have to change the wheel size each time. A lot of computers now allow you to save two wheel sizes.

I have a Cateye Astrale on my commuter. Three years old and no problems.
I have a Vetta RT77 (http://www.vetta.com/Product_RT77.html) on my road bike. One year old this month.

Both units have all the features most cyclists are interested in, including cadence.

And both units are EASY to use. That is the key feature to look for in a cyclocomputer.

The Sigma Sport computers are well worth looking at. They are easy to install and easy to use. They are also upgradeable. A wireless set up is available. Top end models have a cadence feature. (By the way, I used to have a computer with cadence counter, but no longer bother). Every Sigma computer fits every Sigma mount ever made. Check em out.

I have a cateye and have had no problems with it, even in the rain. I do wish I had cadence. The LBS talked me out of it. I bought a hybrid last year, so they probably figured I wasn't serious. Well I wasn't then. Things change. I tried riding behind someone who had a cadence monitor, but couldn't find the gear combination to match their stride. I've been told that hybrids don't have the same size "round things" (cogs?). You can tell I'm not a mechanic. But can you disable the cadence wires when you don't need them and the odometer/speedometer still work???

But can you disable the cadence wires when you don't need them and the odometer/speedometer still work???

yep. some come with a different mounting bracket with out w/o cadence, but in any case, you don't need the cadence sensor to work for the other functions... on the integrated unit you will still have the wire, but it's not really so heavy or big...

What's your people's comments on the Shimano FlightDeck, I personally feel like buying it, so any users out there wanna share their views on this gizmo?

I use a Sigma and a Polar. The Sigma is just a backup as I keep looking at my HR on my Polar when the going gets tough. So now the Polar is on the arm and the Sigma on the bike. The Sigma is a great comp and a cadence function helps initially until you get your cadence sorted.

The Shimano Flightdeck is nice in the sense that it is integrated with your shifters and it shows you the current gear, but it is a hell of a price to pay for that one function.

If you can get a Polar, go for the S510 or S710 rather than a Flightdeck as the functionality is much better.

(No I'm not a rep for Polar! :angel:)

I have a Sigma 1200 (now 1400) with the cadence kit. Cost with cadence kit is about US$35. Daily use of the computer is very easy, and I do like it. HOWEVER, I do have a couple of beefs about it. The cadence wire attachments to the mount are flimsy and easily knocked loose. Once knocked loose the first time, the flimsy little connectors are slightly deformed exacerbating the problem. Also set up is NOT intuitive. I am a reasonably bright guy and pretty good with computers, etc., but even WITH the instructions I have trouble with the setup, which is required when you replace batteries since settings are not saved. To set wheel/tire size you MUST have the table that is in the instructions. For instance, you don't just select tire such as 700x25, you have to know that the code for that size is 1333. Mnemonic? I think not. I actually like this little unit, but I doubt I would buy another.

Check the archives (see the page numbers at the bottom of the screen) for threads about a year ago or more on Flightdeck. I seem to recall a number of less than stellar reviews.

The new (2002) model of the Specialized Speedzone Pro is supposed to have all kinds of goodies, including cadence (cur/avg/max), altimeter, inclinometer. etc., all wireless, including cadence, for US$99. I would like to try one. Unfortunately, availability has been pushed back from March to April to May and now September! Posters have given Specialized computers high marks.
FWIW,
Raymond

Originally posted by RainmanP
I have a Sigma 1200 (now 1400) with the cadence kit. The cadence wire attachments to the mount are flimsy and easily knocked loose.

Raymond,

I have the same unit, I soldered the cadence connections and it works great! Just be very careful soldering to the leads, give them plenty time to cool or they will melt the plastic casing. :eek:

I was recommended the Shimano Flight Deck by 2 of the bike shops I went by. It's kinda of cool how they are integrated into your shift levers. It may be a high price for a cyclo-computer, but I think it will be well worth it. It shouldn't be too hard for me to chum out the money to buy the thing!:cool:

I would definitely get something with cadence.

But, if it eludes you for some reason, I have created a set of Excel files which allow you to put in your gearing and a desired range of cadences. The result is a table telling you your speeds in your gear and cadence combinations. That way, by knowing your speed, you'll know your cadence.

With this table, you can then create a smaller one which you tape to your handlebar stem.

You may download the tables for free from:
http://www.uni-bonn.de/~jmlee

Cheers,
Jamie

My Vetta C-16 just went through the wash and still has my ride stats! :thumbup:

Takes a lick :p, and keeps on ticking!

RainmanP on Sigma computers:

For instance, you don't just select tire such as 700x25, you have to know that the code for that size is 1333. Mnemonic? I think not.

1333 is not the code for the wheel size it’s a CIRCUMFERENCE of the wheel in millimeters (mm). It is far more accurate then just simple 700x25. My wheels for instance are 700x23 that should be 2130 according to the table but when I measured it, it was actually 2080, that is not a big difference, but …

I have been using Sigma 1200 for two years now, and is workong just great. And the extra cadence sensor is as useful as it can be.
Not to mention the switch mode..

I have a Trek Radar computer which I like. The things I like about it is that it aways shows the time of day which I find handy when commuting (so I know how big of an excuse I'll need for being late) and the temperature (so I know how much I should be sweating).

I made my final decision, I will go with the Shimano Flight Deck. It measures about everything you would need to know. And it's controls are integrated into shift levers, which is really cool. It should be well worth the money.:D

I just hooked up a Vetta RT77, not too hard and seems to work well, I want to improve my overall cycling/health and from all I've read, Cadence leads the way for several reasons. So I opted to get this one from a local shop here in PA, Rocky's in Monroeton, a very nice shop in the middle of no where!

G2

bought a new Specialized 02 Speezone Sport....the buttons jumped off of it while I was putting it together! :confused: I wanted to venture going away from the norm, because the tach design is a good idea....anyone else have problems? I'm sending it back, yes, and I think I'll go for a Cateye Astrale now *shrugs

I just brought a Specialized SpeedZone Sport this past weekend. It has the following functions:

-Current Speed
-Avg. Speed
-Maximum Speed
-Trip Distance
-Odometer (total distance)
-Ride timer (the stop watch stops when your wheels are at a stand still. It continues when you start to ride again)
-Digital Clock

BUT NO CADENCE

I got it from my LBS for $25 (is that the standard price for them?). They installed it for free since I brought my bike from them. But so far so good.

However, I need to adjust the tire setting. They entered 700 x 26 for me. But I want to measure it myself and actually put in the four digit circumference (mm).

How do I convert inches to mm? 1 inch = 25.4mm But is it 25.4 or 25.49751574418654854684512…..you get my drift.

Would converting inches to mm (25.4???) be more accurate than just entering tire size (700 x 26)?

My sigmasport computer rocks. The cordless operation (while requiring more batteries) is a big plus because I have busted 3 computers over the last 5 years by pulling the wire out of the bottom of the bracket. It has everything on it that I need and wasn't too dear ($80AUD). Really good. Whatever you do GET A CORDLESS ONE!