re-cycler

I want to get a computer on my new bike asap. I've heard widely diverging opinions on Flight Deck. To be honest, the idea of it appeals to me. I've read alot of stuff about the virtual cadence being b.s., but I guess to me, it makes some sense to have that feedback info linking gear, effort and cadence, for an developing rider to increase this sense.

I've also looked at the Polar cs100. Used to have the cateye micro wireless, which worked great, but if I could integrate the HR and cadence wirelessly, that'd be great. I frankly can't afford the Garmin Edge 305, and it seems like alot that I wouldn't need. With Flight Deck, I'd use a separate HR monitor, which, if the benefits of Flight Deck are worth it, I'm willing to do.

So does anybody have experience with these that can give feedback:

Would a Polar HRM interfere with Flight Deck?

Is the idea for Flight Deck that, to install, ideally you get the bars retaped, with the wires underneath?

Can Flight Deck mount on the stem?

grahny

I like it when I used a flightdeck (the gear indicator is a bonus). Yes, the sensors attach in the hoods, and the wires are run under the bar tape to the computer. The computer mounts in front of the bars. I highly doubt it would interfere, or vice versa, with a polar HRM.

FWIW... Cateye has a new computer out that does all this plus HR (not sure of cost). Might want to check their site too. Also check out VDO's line up.

If you were going to pay for a flight deck and an HRM, you're just about at the cost of a Garmin right there:
https://www.geomangear.com/index.php?...ole68a54r95re7

Here's the cateye I was thinking of: https://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/460

re-cycler

^^ Thanks for the info. That new Cateye V3 looks pretty cool.

I guess I'll just have to chew on it all a little bit. I was going to get the separate HRM because I could use it for running too. (which again starts to lead back to the garmin, but that's just a fair amount of money).

I wonder if the Garmin Forerunner can funcionally be used on the bike, or, vice versa, the Edge nicely for running.

So it sounds like Flight Deck is being left behind right now? I do kind of dig the gearing/virtual cadence.

Johnny Rad

The buttons on Shimano's hoods sealed the deal for me. Elegant.

As for virtual cadence, I find it useful when bombing down a hill ... I know when I can start pedaling and actually make a difference! With a true cadence reading, it's trial and error.

re-cycler

That's kind of what I was figuring. I also appreciate the elegance of the integrated buttons. Just not looking forward to having to pay to get a new bike's bars retaped.

Since you use Flight Deck, what is your experience with the various complaints that people regularly have about it?

GeoMan

We've sold upwards of 7,000 Garmin Edge 305's. People really like (love) them...

Thanks for the mention, we appreciate it.

grahny

You can reuse bar tape... you don't need to get new tape (unless the stuff that's on there has an adhesive backing and tears when being removed).

I'll tell you the only negative things (minor) that I experienced with flightdeck:
1. Installation - although fairly easy, the gears weren't registering and took a while to figure out the sensor in the right hood wasn't holding the connection. Some gorilla glue and a q-tip solved that issue.
2. If you have the menu (there's 2 menus) set to the time menu, you can easily stop the computer mid ride and not even realize it. Just keeping it on the other menu, the one with cadence/speed and you're good to go.

Johnny Rad

The buttons on the hoods can accidentally be pushed (seems to only happen on the right button when I'm hammering out of the saddle and am winded), but it's not a big deal. Push the button a few times to get the reading back to what you like. You heard my rebuttal on virtual cadence. What else? Oh, one more thing. Dump the ugly, giant Shimano magnet for a slick looking (and equally performing) Tune Pulsar Magnet.

In the US, look here: https://fairwheelbikes.com/tune-pulsa...net-p-678.html

Outside the US, look here: https://www.starbike.com/php/product_...ng=en&pid=1304

chadteck

I thought I would just bump this thread instead of creating a new one. It looks like it costs about $140 to get the Flight deck computer + wireless sensor kit or just under $100 for computer and wired kit. Seems that there are mixed feelings about the Flight Deck.

I have two questions:

1. Do the wired and wireless kits seem to function equally well? Is there one that has more problems than the other?

2. It seems the Garmin Edge 305 with heart rate and cadence sensors can be acquired for only about $100 more than the wireless flight deck setup. Are there any owners of both that have an opinion on whether the 305 is worth the extra $100? It seems like you gain a fair amount of features for $100 although you lose the gearing info and the buttons on the brifters (seems to be the only thing keeping Flight Deck semi-viable at this point).

KiddSisko

My only experience is with the FD. The buttons are most convenient. I use many of the features regularly, and find it's a great tool for monitoring progress and setting standards.

rcaviator

The newest Flight Deck now has a HRM.

JoelS

I haven't looked at the FD, but I like the data download from my Garmin 305. It makes it real easy to track improvement. I also love the route features. Once I ride a route, I can call up a map of it to follow for subsequent rides. That's been real handy and I only need a cue sheet the first time.

Nachoman

If the Garmin Edge had the gear indicator I'd dump the flightdeck.

terbennett

I don't understand the gear indicator. Why does it matter what gear you're in? Your body will tell you when it is the right gear. If you feel comfortable in a gear, what else do you need? The indicator won't tell you if you're in the right gear so what gives? Most people don't really look down to see what gear they're in, do they? Just ride and have fun. If you know how to shift properly, a gear indicator seems redundant to me.

markyore

Are you looking for a 9 or 10 speed FD? If its 9 speed I might be able to hook you up at an uber cheap price.

chadteck

10 speed, but I haven't decided yet. IMO the gear indicator isn't a deciding factor, so the only real advantage the FD has is that it can be operated by the buttons on the brifters. I've had a normal computer on my other bike, and don't really mind having to move my hands to push the buttons (how often do you need to push the buttons during a ride anyways?), so I'm not sure how much of a plus this is for me.

The integration with brifters can also be considered a negative. If I wanted to switch to sram or campy, the FD would be useless (I'm not planning it, but I'm just saying).

Even though I am leaning towards just getting the 305, anyone have any specific experience with wired vs. wireless mounts for the FD?

Hrm, I just looked up the new FD as I'm writing this.. the SC-7900. It has heart rate monitor and altitude and inclination data, which are the main two things I was interested in the 305 (GPS is nice, but I don't frequently ride new routes). Anyone know when this is coming out and if it will be compatible with Ultegra SL brifters?