[QUOTE=samspratlin]My second question, given that the instructions said to install the computer on the front wheel, will the readings I am getting from it being on the back wheel be different?

QUOTE]

Rear wheel/front wheel function will be the same, assuming that the wire is long enough.
But in terms of accuracy the circumference calibration number should be slightly smaller for the rear wheel because the rear wheel carries more weight, the tire is squashed more, and the effective circumference is slightly smaller.

Al