Whether YOU need it depends on what YOU need. Some people, myself included, don't NEED any computer at all. I'm just going to work and back, what to I care how fast I'm going? I actually do have a computer but I actually use it primarily for time and temperature. I can't remember the last time I looked at the speed, and I had one that did cadence for a couple of months but sold it because I NEVER used that. I do use the odometer because I like to keep track of how much life I get out of tires and other components.