Originally Posted by Retro Grouch
I deliberately don't use one on a couple of my bikes for the opposite reason. A bike computer is basically about keeping score. Once I start doint that then I'm never happy unless I exceed or at least match my previous average speed or top speed or some such silly thing. Sometimes I just want to ride for the hell of it.
I understand, but disagree. Average speed changes so slowly, over 25 to 50 rides, that you can't see it. Top speed is always remembered as top speed on downhill runs. Neither are helpful and if that is all you use a cyclometer for, then I'd agree it's pointless.
The only value of speed is if drop below 10, then probably doing something wrong.
Big value is in cadence. It's real easy to slide down 10 rev in cadence. It happens kind of slow and so cadence reading is good to either reminding self to shift down and retrain muscles or to focus on pedaling technique.
Now after I've been cycling for about 5 years, I'll probably say not necessary. But for now quite powerful. when you ride the same route over and over, it's nice to have something to focus on during the slow parts of the ride.