Anyone tried the Schwinn and Bell Cyclocomputers?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Anyone tried the Schwinn and Bell Cyclocomputers?
Both are sold at Walmart for <$20. I'm just wondering if they are any good.
Anyone?
Anyone?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: South Michigan
Posts: 516
Bikes: 2005 Specialized Langster, 2005 Giant TCR C3, 2006 Bianchi Castro Valley, 2007 Redline Monocog 29er, 2007 Trek 5000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
They are effective products for the price. I have one on my Langster that has been in use for over two years. My preference is for the model without the backlight and temperature features, however. YMMV
#3
Out fishing with Annie on his lap, a cigar in one hand and a ginger ale in the other, watching the sunset.
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: South Florida
Posts: 16,056
Bikes: Techna Wheelchair and a Sun EZ 3 Recumbent Trike
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 22 Times
in
17 Posts
I use the Schwinn,it works well for my purposes
__________________
. “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”- Fredrick Nietzsche
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant
. “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”- Fredrick Nietzsche
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: South Michigan
Posts: 516
Bikes: 2005 Specialized Langster, 2005 Giant TCR C3, 2006 Bianchi Castro Valley, 2007 Redline Monocog 29er, 2007 Trek 5000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
They offer a wireless version?! How much was that?
I bought the wired version for less than 10 bucks.
I bought the wired version for less than 10 bucks.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Doylestown, Ohio
Posts: 161
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro 20
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have the Bell one. It works good except for having only one button I forget which setting it needs to be in to clear the current info and tend to reset the whole computer.
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by patrick07
They offer a wireless version?! How much was that?
I bought the wired version for less than 10 bucks.
I bought the wired version for less than 10 bucks.
Originally Posted by half_bent
I have the Bell one. It works good except for having only one button I forget which setting it needs to be in to clear the current info and tend to reset the whole computer.
#8
Healthy and active
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Caldwell, Idaho USA
Posts: 887
Bikes: mid-60's Dunelt 10-speed, Specialized Allez Sport Tripple, Trek 7.2 FX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I have two of the Schwinn computers (wired). I want to know my speed and distance. The average speed feature is nice, but not necessary. And, I like the clock. Sometimes duration of the ride is good to know. One is a year old. The other is six months old. Neither have needed a new battery yet. If I knew my cadence in real time I would only get depressed.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Location: North of the 49th Parallel (GPS grid soon)
Posts: 1,766
Bikes: MTB Peugoet Canyon (forgot the model), Nikishi? roadbike, MTB custom build,
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have a Shwinn wireless from Canadian Tire. Works well if you give it some space between your lights to avoid interference especially on the Bell Xeon/LED light when changing from high-low settings you'll add some phantom mileage.
I like the Swhinn model (I'll have to get the model number later) I have because you can manually adjust your KM/Miles odometer should you have to change a battery later. I always log my stats nightly so incase the bike computer is in my pocket while shopping and the buttons set pushed (happened to me before and it reset) and hold into place resetting the bike computer I can manually input my odometer mileage again for my own stats.
Edit: It has auto start/stop and power save which is very handy on saving power. However the auto start/stop only works IF you already have the unit on. Pressing any buttons turns the unit on.
I like the Swhinn model (I'll have to get the model number later) I have because you can manually adjust your KM/Miles odometer should you have to change a battery later. I always log my stats nightly so incase the bike computer is in my pocket while shopping and the buttons set pushed (happened to me before and it reset) and hold into place resetting the bike computer I can manually input my odometer mileage again for my own stats.
Edit: It has auto start/stop and power save which is very handy on saving power. However the auto start/stop only works IF you already have the unit on. Pressing any buttons turns the unit on.
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
UPDATE: I rode 24mi yeterday and the thing just quit working.
The magnet didn't move out of its position. The computer turns on and all buttons seems to work but it quit doing what its supposed to be doing. I'm returning it and try the wired one. If that turns out a POS also, Cateye Astral 8 it will be.
The magnet didn't move out of its position. The computer turns on and all buttons seems to work but it quit doing what its supposed to be doing. I'm returning it and try the wired one. If that turns out a POS also, Cateye Astral 8 it will be.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Western Burbs of Chicago
Posts: 945
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have a wireless that I bought before I went with the cable set up. The wireless does have limitations like the distance of the sensor to the unit and I worry also of the interference that are caused by other devices out there such as garage door opener signals, etc. I have more confidence with the wired model and in fact I need to add another computer just to see if the one I have now is accurate. I found out the other day when I have the computer and GPS mounted side by side, they did not agree on the total mileage I rode. GPS odometer showed 50 miles whereas the cycle computer showed I did 66 miles. Electrical interferance caused the disparity? Your thoughts please.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Location: North of the 49th Parallel (GPS grid soon)
Posts: 1,766
Bikes: MTB Peugoet Canyon (forgot the model), Nikishi? roadbike, MTB custom build,
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by wrafl
I have a wireless that I bought before I went with the cable set up. The wireless does have limitations like the distance of the sensor to the unit and I worry also of the interference that are caused by other devices out there such as garage door opener signals, etc. I have more confidence with the wired model and in fact I need to add another computer just to see if the one I have now is accurate. I found out the other day when I have the computer and GPS mounted side by side, they did not agree on the total mileage I rode. GPS odometer showed 50 miles whereas the cycle computer showed I did 66 miles. Electrical interferance caused the disparity? Your thoughts please.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Lansing, IL
Posts: 246
Bikes: Fuji Grand Fondo 2.0
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Now why would a GPS which is a passive device and emits no electronic signal cause a wireless computer to count. I have had a Garmin mounted next to my VDO wireless in the past and I mean right next to each other with no interference from one to the other.
Now if you ride a rail trail and have a low price computer, there is some possibility that if you ride under or near high tension towers that the low price computer may show an erroneous speed.
torgrot
Now if you ride a rail trail and have a low price computer, there is some possibility that if you ride under or near high tension towers that the low price computer may show an erroneous speed.
torgrot
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Western Burbs of Chicago
Posts: 945
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Torgrot
Now why would a GPS which is a passive device and emits no electronic signal cause a wireless computer to count. I have had a Garmin mounted next to my VDO wireless in the past and I mean right next to each other with no interference from one to the other.
Now if you ride a rail trail and have a low price computer, there is some possibility that if you ride under or near high tension towers that the low price computer may show an erroneous speed.
torgrot
Now if you ride a rail trail and have a low price computer, there is some possibility that if you ride under or near high tension towers that the low price computer may show an erroneous speed.
torgrot
is the Garmin Legend C which was actually for the boat that I thought I should compare by mounting on the bike to determine if the the unit correspond with their measurements or calibratred.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Lansing, IL
Posts: 246
Bikes: Fuji Grand Fondo 2.0
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I am not familiar with the Garmin Legend, I use the Edge 305. I have found with the Edge it is necessary to wait for a satellite lock before taking off. It has given me some quite odd readings as position can change significantly between while waiting for the lock. My Edge has always given me excellent reception under heavy forest canopy. I don't know how accurate or reliable a GPS built for use on a boat would be. There are some very different design principles between a bike GPS and a boat GPS. Trees being one of them.
As for the 24" limit on most wireless computers that is why I always recommend the newer VDO computers. They have a range of about 2 meters or 80". The batteries are cheap and both are the sender and reciever are the same.
torgrot
As for the 24" limit on most wireless computers that is why I always recommend the newer VDO computers. They have a range of about 2 meters or 80". The batteries are cheap and both are the sender and reciever are the same.
torgrot
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Beaufort, South Carolina, USA and surrounding islands.
Posts: 8,521
Bikes: Cannondale R500, Motobecane Messenger
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I have two "cheap" computers, a Schwinn and a Back Trails (Target brand). Both are identical and will work on either mount.
#17
Uber Goober
I just bought the Schwinn version at Walmart a week or two ago- first one I've used. Works okay so far. The coil has to be adjusted to be the right distance from the magnet, which can take a try or two (adjustable by sliding up and down the fork/spoke).
#18
Healthy and active
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Caldwell, Idaho USA
Posts: 887
Bikes: mid-60's Dunelt 10-speed, Specialized Allez Sport Tripple, Trek 7.2 FX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The Schwinn cyclometer is identical to an Ascent cyclometer. You can search the Internet and find a download site for the Ascent manual in PDF. I did that so I can find the manual more easily when I want to check something. Also, the numbers in the tables for setting the computer to your wheel size are simply the circumference of your wheel in millimeters. For more accuracy and less confusion, mark your tire and mark the sidewalk. Have someone watch while you roll the bike bearing your full weight and measure the length of sidewalk covered by one rotation of your tire. You may not get the same exact figure in the tables, but it will be an accurate setting for your wheels.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Indiana
Posts: 153
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm using that $20 Bell wireless from Wal-mart. It works decently well, but seems pretty laggy when you accelerate or decelerate. I don't really like the round shape though, seems bulky. It's also pretty susceptible to interference (as with most wireless computers), for example when I'm stopped at a stop light, the computer usually goes crazy saying I'm going 40MPH because of the interference from the stop light sensors in the ground. Overall though, it's pretty decent if you're looking for a basic, cheap wireless computer. Oh and it has temperature too which is kinda nice.
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I'm really happy with my Schwinn wired version that I bought two more for my other bikes.
I might try the wireless cyclo computer versions again in 10 years. Hopefully by then, the glitches will be all ironed out.
I might try the wireless cyclo computer versions again in 10 years. Hopefully by then, the glitches will be all ironed out.
#21
Crankenstein
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Spokane
Posts: 4,037
Bikes: Novara Randonee (TankerBelle)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I've used the wired versions of both the Schwinn and Bell computers from Walmart. Both worked acceptably well over several thousand miles of riding, and the Bell served me well during my brevet series last summer.
I don't want wireless on my bikes... too many chances for them to get messed up. Like the guy I was riding with who leaned his bike up against the outside of the convenience store where one of our checkpoints was located. He came out to get ready to leave and his wireless comp was showing 97 mph. Needless to say we went off of my computer for distances for a while.
I don't want wireless on my bikes... too many chances for them to get messed up. Like the guy I was riding with who leaned his bike up against the outside of the convenience store where one of our checkpoints was located. He came out to get ready to leave and his wireless comp was showing 97 mph. Needless to say we went off of my computer for distances for a while.
#23
Senior Member
Thread Starter
#24
Apprentice Peddler
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Plainfield, Illinois
Posts: 49
Bikes: Giant Nutra
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The Schwinn cyclometer is identical to an Ascent cyclometer. You can search the Internet and find a download site for the Ascent manual in PDF. I did that so I can find the manual more easily when I want to check something. Also, the numbers in the tables for setting the computer to your wheel size are simply the circumference of your wheel in millimeters. For more accuracy and less confusion, mark your tire and mark the sidewalk. Have someone watch while you roll the bike bearing your full weight and measure the length of sidewalk covered by one rotation of your tire. You may not get the same exact figure in the tables, but it will be an accurate setting for your wheels.
Last edited by hy_tek; 10-01-07 at 01:56 PM.