Bike Computer Swiped
 

I think I was dumb enough to leave it on my bike when parked outside. It wasn't a really expensive one (Topeak) but I do miss that thing. The only thing that really bugged was that the odometer only went to 99 miles.....is that insane or what? After 99 miles it would turn over to 0.00. So...I'm in the market for a new one. Any suggestions? I don't need to break the bank and I think I know how far it is to work and back...but whatever buying tips you have would be appreciated.

I have a Cateye Mity 8 that I picked up for less than $30. It's served me well and has the basics on it.

+1 on Mity 8. I bought what I think is an older design on clearance from Performance for about $15, 3 years ago. They claim they improved the user interface on the newer design. I've got over 3000 miles on the thing (over 3 years), same battery. I think the only feature I would have liked to have is "total time" in addition to "total riding time" so I could see how long I'm stopped at lights and rest stops etc. But that's what I have a wristwatch for :-)

I use a Planet Bike Protege 9. I like the thermometer built in. I like that they show a lot of data at once; I pretty much never change modes.

I also like that it has no buttons on top; you slide the unit in the holder to switch modes, so there's almost no possibility of water getting in since all the openings are on the bottom, the top is totally sealed.
I think I paid about $20 for it on sale somewhere.

The odometer goes to 99,999 miles I think, and is settable so you can start where the last one left off if you know where that is.

http://www.planetbike.com/computers.html

Ah, Performance Bike has the 8 and the 9 both on sale for $25. Since they're the same might as well get the 9.

I have the Planet Bike Protege 8. This is my second one. The first one got swiped at work in the breakroom.

It is very easy to read and does show a lot on one screen. The only thing the Protege 9 has over the Protege 8 is the thermometer. I have or 5400 miles on this computer and it still work fine. It will go to 99,999 miles on the odometer and it is programable.

If you look around you can get the Protege 9 for $20.00. Like from here: http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...=bbbsearch&x=y

Or the Protege 8 for 16.99 at : http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Bike-Di...toys-and-games

That sucks that someone stole your computer. The low end cateyes are good units and the company does a great job standing behind their products.

For a basic computer, I like the mity 8.

Cateye Astrale 8. Has a cadence sensor which is more than I need for a commute, but I sometimes do more than just commute.

I just replaced my Sette Quantum X2 wireless with a Cateye Astrale 8. This morning was the maiden voyage for the Cateye, and I liked it. I especially liked that I could bring it into the office with me and not have my laptop cause the bike computer to keep registering revolutions :)

I'm using a Sigma computer. It's basically a full-featured computer for $35 or so. It even has a cadence sensor, though I don't use that particular feature. It's got a handy twist-lock feature to hold it to the bracket. Very nifty, I'd recommend it.

I have a Cateye Mity8 and I've been thinking about engraving my initials just above the useful part of the display. That way I can not only remember who I am while I ride, I can look for it if someone swipes it. ;) Plus my wife has the exact same computer which can be confusing.

I like the Sigma 500. <$20.

Cateye Microwireless, cheap and no wires to get in the way.

Good advice...thanks guys. I like the thermometer option....I check online but sometimes what they say feels a lot different on some days in the morning. The temp really dictates what I wear. One other question.....I used the preset wheel circumference on my last computer but it was a little off. Do you guys use the preset or do you do the manual calibration?

+1 more for the Planet bike computers (plus they give 25% of their profits to bike advocacy). I have the Protege 9 and I've been thinking about picking up one for my girlfriend. They have dual odomoters (with independant circumferences) but it would be nice to each have our own.

As far as I know the planet bike computers don't have preset circumferences. The instructions have measurements for common wheel sizes, but I still measure mine.

Done some more research and now have more questions/comments:

1) I checked the Protege 9 and it had some terrible reviews. Really turned me off to this one.
2) I like wireless and have always gone that route...less wires the better as far as I am concerned. But are there advantages of having a wired cyclocomputer?
3) Hopefully in the next 2 weeks I will have my new bike (YEAH!!!!) and I would like to get one bike computer to use for both. Does that impact the decision for wire versus wireless (I assume it's the same issues present). Also, do the new computers come with two mounting brackets and sensors or do you typically have to buy that seperately and if so ...where/how? I can't see undoing this stuff each time I wanted to change which bike I ride.

Thanks again.

For 25 dollars @ my LBS I got myself a Sigma BC906. It has everything need, and appears to be waterproof too. You can get it for a bit less online

Anyone have experience with a Cat Eye Cordless 7? Looks pretty good and got good reviews. Thanks.

"1) I checked the Protege 9 and it had some terrible reviews. Really turned me off to this one." I guess it depends on the source. On the performance site there were 7 reviews and all but one (fluke?) was stellar. A backlight would be awesome but I'm not going to ride too much in the dark. Still need answers on my 2 bike question and the wired aspect. Thanks.

Right, you can't trust the presets anyway. I set mine by the manual, then I put my GPS on and rode 20 miles, and took the actual mileage off the GPS (I used a relatively flat course so I didn't have to worry about that). Calculated the percentage it was off, added that percentage to the circumference setting. It's dead on now.

Did they swipe the whole thing, computer, base, and sensor(s)? The magnet too?

My girlfriend's dad lent/gave me his old one which he never uses, but unfortunately there was no magnet. It was $5 for a new magnet from a LBS. I can imagine that if someone were to steal just the computer, they would have to shell out even more because they'd need a replacement base and sensor. That would cost more than a brand new computer!

Planet bike's computers range from $25-$40 and the mounting kits are $12. Keep in mind these are the prices on their website, and I'm sure all can be had for cheaper. It wouldn't make sense for the mounting kits to cost more than the computer and mounting kit together.

I've had mine for about a year and it's been great. No complaints at all.

You can tape any rare earth magnet to the spoke, and it will do the same thing. The magnet just has to be strong enough to trip the sensor. Rare earth magnets are getting easier and easier to find, and cheaper too. Just make sure you tape it so that it doesn't slide on the spoke.

Cateye for one certainly sell base+sensor+magnet kits for way less than the full pack. Plus I have a horrible hunch that otherwise perfectly honest people who lose or damage their computer or have it stolen will nick a matching one from a parked bike... Too easy target.