opinions: speedometers
 

hey all,

I'm looking to get a decent cyclocomputer/speedometer for my new bike, but I'm trying to keep it cheap right now because really all I use the bike for is going around campus and around town (and soon measuring some of my running routes with it). I think the Topeak Panoram V12 looks like a good option; does anyone have any opinions on it? I found it on performancebike.com for $50. The functions include:

2 bike wheel circumference settings, current speed, trip distance, odo, 24hr. clock, riding time, total ride time, low battery indicator and mode key lock, avg. speed, max. speed, speed pacer.

which is a pretty good list of what I'm looking for now based on price. It's also a large screen which means I don't have to constantly flip through functions.

Any other suggestions/opinions? Thanks.


sps

Sigma makes a nice line of computers, I use the bc1200 which would run you around $21. Only thing is doesn't have is cadence.

$50 is cheap??? I got my Cateye Astrale for $20 on Ebay. If you want really cheap, go to Walmart and look for a Bell bike computer for $12.99

That's idiotic. Go to wallmart and pick up a speedometer with the exact same features without the 2 bike wheel circumference for like 18 bucks.

I have the wired version of the Panoram and I love it! I bought mine online at Performance Bike. It's on sale now for 39.99. When I bought mine it was with a large order that I used with a 20% discount coupon, so I got it for about 32 bucks.

I got a Schwinn cyclometer at Walmart for $8.88. Doesn't do the cadence or multiple bicycle circumferences but does allow you to edit the odometer when changing batteries (or making it match your yearly figures or whatever). Has all the basic features like avg mph, time, trip distance, etc. and is just as accurate as any other cyclometer on the market when calibrated correctly. (as you must do with any cyclometer). Buy two for both your bikes. I use that along with my GPS.

Blah, we don't have that here :/

For $23 you can get the Specialized Sport computer which is a very sturdy basic unit. Speed, avg speed, distance, trip, odo, etc etc. 3 year warranty, heavier wire than any other brand I've used. I have two Sports and an Elite (wireless + cadence) and have been very happy with them so far on and offroad.

Cateye Astrale 8. Was cheap and worked well on my 'bent. Even has Cadence. Was about $20.

'bent Brian

A problem I had with cyclomputer/speedometers is that when they would get wet they stop working. I learned to cover them with cellophane, secure with a rubber band and your set to go. I also recommend getting a cheap speedometer and save your money.

Another vote for the Cateye. One of the more durable cheap ones.

yes cateyes are really good, come with 7 basic funtions. I have noticed that they are really good and durable, i've taken em MB before and came off, and the ties, holder, magnets and the computer were fine and working. Its a good run for your money.

Another vote for cateye, mine has taken many crashes mountain biking and is always getting wet and keeps on working.

I have occasional trouble in heavy rains with the computer acting flakey. I found it was because the water got into the contact area on the mount. The computer seemed to be sensitive enough that it would malfunction when the contacts were wet. Removing the computer from the mount (clicks off) and drying the computer/mount/contacts fixes the problem. As posted earlier it is a Cateye Astrale 8. A plastic tied bag over the computer could easily fix this problem.

'bent Brian

Another vote for cateye astrale 8.

It has cadence and is relatively inexpensive, I have one for each bike.

This is what I am working on getting off ebay. They seem to go for 15-20 GBP and are only available from UK vendors. After looking a bit I have found a couple other brands who rebadge and sell it in the US for $70 or so.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=7106232002

Our LBS had everything you want and more on a Specialized sale for $18.

I never pay more than about $15 on sale at Nashbar.com.

I just put on a couple of Cateye's Mity 3

Here is one with all you will need for $12.95

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...eid=&pagename=

I got a Cateye Mity 3 on sale for like $6 from Nashbar over a year ago. Currently 5,000 miles on it and not a hiccup. I have had only good experiences with Cateye. Avocet and Sigma are a different story....

DB4L for $14.50 CDN at MEC. Has everything except cadence that the cateye does.

I don't understand what the hoopla is all about these cateye products. Is the cadence feature really worth double the price?