KC8QVO

Are there any decent less expensive computers that track total miles (such as total mileage for a bike), not just trip distance (day and total trip) that also have cadence? It seems most of the computers will give you trip odo, some will do day/trip.

rekmeyata

I like the Sigma 1609, I've had one now for 2 years and it works great, the image is large and clear. And they only cost $30 and have very high reviews; see: https://www.amazon.com/Sigma-1609-Cad.../dp/B0030CHBM0 Yes it has total mileage with a memory storage chip in case battery dies so you won't lose your total mileage. It has has a backlight feature but frequent use will shorten the battery life of course, and it comes with a temperature read out.

HK 45

I have this one and my only complaint is that it erases everything when the battery dies, granted I left it without a battery for quite a while so I don't know if there is any feature to preserve the memory but at that price I highly doubt it.

https://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-SW654-...=bike+computer

trx1

try this for low dough
https://www.amazon.com/Cycling-Comput...ke+speedometer

JohnJ80

If you have a smartphone, then you can do that with an app for cheap but you will need to buy a sensor if you don't already have one.

J.

rekmeyata

Dang, that's cheap, I bet that will last a month or two.

cyccommute 

+1 on the Sigma. You can also get a second wheel sensor that automatically switches the wheels size if you ride more than one bike. I use mine for mountain bikes and road bikes without having to fiddle with the wheel diameter setting. Here's the display

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KC8QVO

I have been looking around at these computers some more. The Sigma 1609 series looks like a decent option.

What is the general consensus of wired units vs. wireless? Is there much of a concern damaging the wire? I suppose the only fuss with a wireless unit is the extra batteries, but realistically that may not be much of an issue if they last a long time.

It looks like the cadence sensors are an accessory (not included with the computer) on the 1609 series.

rekmeyata

Wired vs wireless is a great debate, personally I like wired because they last longer, and the wireless sending unit fries batteries about every 6 to 9 months thus you need to carry one in your seat bag just in case it goes out on a ride. I've had 3 wireless over the years and none lasted more then 4 years, whereas my previous wired job before the great wireless experiment lasted 25 years! HOWEVER, having said that I just bought a wireless that will go on my new bike! Why? because it was a $259 HRM/bike computer for $45, I decided what the heck, and it can be worn as a watch so when the sending unit fries I'll just wear the thing! It can still be used as a HRM watch just not as a bike computer when that happens.

Overall wired are more durable, they give you more features, and they cost less then wireless.

cyccommute 

The cadence sensor used to be provided with the 1609. I don't know if they have changed that or not, however.

Juha

This. In my experience even 6 months is wishful thinking if you ride in sub-zero temperatures and the bike has to spend any length of time outside. Abysmal battery life in winter was the main reason I went back to wired comp from wireless. Wireless is also more prone to interference, many people have reported ridiculous max speeds.

I currently use a wristwatch type HRM with GPS. It has its own pros and cons, and I wouldn't call any of those comps exactly cheap.

KC8QVO

Thanks for the info, it sounds like the wired units are the route to go.

I just ordered one of the Sigma 16.12 units. It is almost the same price as the 1609 listed above so that was a no-brainer choice. Now I just need to find a cadence sensor and a docking station for it.

cyccommute 

Good choice. Sigma changed the names of their computers this year to a XX.XX number instead of XXXX so the 16.12 is the latest version of the 1609.

rekmeyata

Good choice. The Sigma 1609 I got came with the cadence sender, wire, etc, not sure why the one on Amazon doesn't I just discovered. But it sounds like the one you got is basically the same as the 1609 just a bit different styling and comes with the cadence stuff.

KC8QVO

Does anyone know what sensor kit I need for cadence? It appears to be the BC series kit, but I am seeing that it works with the 1606 and 1609. I haven't seen it directly listed for the 16.12. The manufacturers number on it is 424, but none of the online listings are labeled with that number (or any other number I can use to tell for sure it isn't the right one). Is there any difference in the wired cadence sensor compatibility? The numbers are different on Sigma's site for the 1609 kit (394), perhaps it will work with the 16.12?

Dunbar

My Cateye Strada double wireless flashes to let you know which battery is low (head unit or wireless sensor.) It keeps working for maybe 2-3 hours after you get the low battery indication so you can replace it when you get home.

Wired is better if you don't mind the aesthetics of the wires. On my new carbon road bike I went with wireless due to ther superior (IMO) aesthetics.

rekmeyata

I had a Cateye Wireless, a Cateye Wireless II, and a VDO (can't remember the model) wireless and neither warned me of impending battery doom in the sending unit...it would have been nice though! So I just carried a spare button battery in my seat bag. I haven't hooked up the new VDO Z2 I got just a couple of weeks ago since the new bike isn't here yet, so not sure if it has a warning or not, I don't see it in the instructions which makes me believe it doesn't.

Altbrewer

I got my first wireless computer 2 years ago and have not had to change a battery yet (Cateye Strada). Sigma 1609 is a good value. I got one for my new bike, but I notice the display refreshes noticeably slower than the Cateye. I went with the Sigma this time because it was the cheapest I could find that had cadence.

fietsbob

Cadence is a second set of sensors, raising from Basic level , 2nd tier..

rekmeyata

The two Cateye's I had were the Wireless and Wireless II versions, of those the Sigma wired refresh rate is a lot faster. In fact with my Sigma I have no time delay in it's refresh rate, the same as my Paramount computer that was built in 1985. I can't see why there would be a refresh rate issue with a wired computer, it doesn't have to rely on a radio signal to gain it's information.

My friend uses the Strada wireless and it takes a couple of seconds for the cadence to catch up and show the data, the wired Sigma is instant. And anyone I ever talked to that had wireless units that differed from mine all had slow refresh rates.

So I not sure why yours would be slow unless your talking about the wireless version of the 1609 STS.

And here's a discussion about this very subject: https://www.bikeforums.net/archive/in.../t-625801.html

KC8QVO

Any more info on this?

cyccommute 

I think I do. I'll have to check later today. PM me.

ItsJustMe

I agree with Sigma 1609. I had one for a while. I sold it because I determined that I don't give a damn about cadence and the Planet Bike was a little easier to read.

KC8QVO

My 12.16 came in the mail today. It did come with a cadence sensor, so I am all set in that regard. The only piece I am needing is a docking station now so I can plug it in to the computer.

rollover

I use Nasshbar bn-t11c Nashbar Tempo Cadence computer. It has pedal cadence, and takes the speed off of the rear wheel, great if you also use it on a trainer. They are on sale now for $20.