After using a Sigma 1606L for 2-years, and a separate Polar HRM, I decided to upgrade to the Sigma 1909 in order to a) be able to obtain average HR data after a ride, b) obtain temperature, c) be able to download ride info to the Sigma Data Center for review. It all sounds and looks great, but I've run into issues. I'd like to see how others are making out with this computer, so please post your results or other recommendations.

Not sure if others have seen this, but the older, wired 1606 seems to have a higher fidelity on cadence. That is, the wired versions seem to register changes in cadence quicker, whereas the 1909 seems to give a longer rolling average. What I don't like about this is that when terrain changes I'll bump gears to find one to settle into. I like to have an idea of where I am "when" I make the shift; not 3-minutes later. So this is a bit frustrating.

I've also had some trouble with the cadence sensor working reliably. The magnet comes with an extension base, to get it close to the pickup. However, that extension makes the stack too tall, and would have the magnet hit the sensor. But without the extension, I have to "lean" the sensor over to get it closer to the magnet. Therefore, on "my" bike, I get an intermittent signal from the cadence.

On the HRM itself, I haven't had good success either. The first few times I used the HRM it seemed to be OK. Two days later I rode an ADA Tour de Cure for 63-miles, and no matter what I did, I couldn't get a read from the HRM (or cadence sensor). I moved my cell phone to my trunk bag and turned it off. Still nothing. I later pulled the battery, and still couldn't get the HRM to work.

I wound up returning the HR strap to the LBS and got a replacement. That seems to be working OK, but the update on the HR's are very sluggish. For example, from watching my stand-alone Polar HRM when I charge a hill, I know my HR peaks at about 175 when I feel the need to sit back down. And I also know that my HR drops very quickly when I coast. But my 1909 seems to be holding some longer-range average, or perhaps it's simply dropping out and holding a "last-read" value?

In any event, Sigma Customer Service has been great to work with, and has told me that I might be in the 10% that doesn't get good HR response. That number seems high to me, especially after 2-years of flawless HR monitoring by my stand-alone Polar HRM.

In the end, "my" 1909 has been a great disappointment, which I'm very surprised about.

What are others comments on going from wired to wireless, the 1909, or comparable computers?

Thanks in advance,

Terry T.