Specialized P-Brain cycling computer
08-02-05, 01:58 PM
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Specialized P-Brain cycling computer
I bought one of these because it had a built-in HRM as well as atlimeter features.
The HRM is exactly as advertised and is comparable to my other HRM. It does get some interference when close to another rider using a Polar HRM.
But the biggest disappointment is the Altimeter. I expected to calibrate it often as is the case with most. But it also has a Delta feature which calculates change in altitude. BUT what it does not tell you is that the Delta is aggregate of both ascending and descending. For example, my house is calibrated at 677ft above sea level. With a slight changes in barometric pressure, it will fluctuate up/down by 3 feet. So if it moves upward then back down, I now have a delta altitude gain/loss of 6 feet.
I recently climbed a known ascent to the 4230' level and the altimeter was consistent with another rider equipped with a Garmin GPS unit. But the delta across the entire ride on the P-brain was 19580' when total ascent should be somewhere around 3553'
Everything else on the computer is similar to other Cycling computers.
Does anyone use one of these P-brain computers? Does the optional serial port download/PC Software kit provide any additional useful information?
The HRM is exactly as advertised and is comparable to my other HRM. It does get some interference when close to another rider using a Polar HRM.
But the biggest disappointment is the Altimeter. I expected to calibrate it often as is the case with most. But it also has a Delta feature which calculates change in altitude. BUT what it does not tell you is that the Delta is aggregate of both ascending and descending. For example, my house is calibrated at 677ft above sea level. With a slight changes in barometric pressure, it will fluctuate up/down by 3 feet. So if it moves upward then back down, I now have a delta altitude gain/loss of 6 feet.
I recently climbed a known ascent to the 4230' level and the altimeter was consistent with another rider equipped with a Garmin GPS unit. But the delta across the entire ride on the P-brain was 19580' when total ascent should be somewhere around 3553'
Everything else on the computer is similar to other Cycling computers.
Does anyone use one of these P-brain computers? Does the optional serial port download/PC Software kit provide any additional useful information?
08-02-05, 06:10 PM
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I bought a Turbo Pro wireless and it has been dubbed the cheat-o-meter. The altimeter function was marginal at best and the inclinometer was ridiculously off (unless I really was cruising 12mph up a 56% grade?!). I sent it back to Specialized and they kindly sent me a replacement.
But I haven't had a chance to check the accuracy of the new one's altimeter function, as I'm too preoccupied being annoyed with the innacurate speedo/odo. It showed I hit 60mph max the other night (no way), while my friend's GPS showed 48mph (sounds right). It's the cheat-o-meter!
Customer service, however, has been excellent.
But I haven't had a chance to check the accuracy of the new one's altimeter function, as I'm too preoccupied being annoyed with the innacurate speedo/odo. It showed I hit 60mph max the other night (no way), while my friend's GPS showed 48mph (sounds right). It's the cheat-o-meter!
Customer service, however, has been excellent.
08-02-05, 10:47 PM
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I have two Specialized Team wireless and a simple Specialized wired computer that have all worked great. They have the basic functions and have been flawless.
The P-Brain too works well with basic cycling functions. The HRM has been about the same as my Polar and Timex HRMs so there is no reason for me to suspect problems there.
It is only the altimeter functions that seem to be inaccurate.
Just wondered if the optional PC download software offers any additional information. Is it worth the price for the download kit and software.
The P-Brain too works well with basic cycling functions. The HRM has been about the same as my Polar and Timex HRMs so there is no reason for me to suspect problems there.
It is only the altimeter functions that seem to be inaccurate.
Just wondered if the optional PC download software offers any additional information. Is it worth the price for the download kit and software.
