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Old 03-08-05 | 04:50 AM
  #10  
Rowan
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Joined: Jun 2003
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Originally Posted by HaagenDas
Now that I'm getting my new steed tomorrow, I thought I might get one of these fangled cycling computers. It seems the days of jumping on and riding may be gone. I just whipped into Tandy and they have one for sale (made in China) for around US$22.00 has twelve functions... mainly bull**** if you ask me.. countdown timer, alarm, etc. Has max and average speed but NO CADENCE. How important is cadence and should I hold out for a more expensive model.

Thanks again
Your cadence is easily found out by using your watch, and counting the number of times you turn the pedals for 15 seconds; multiply by 4 to get your rpm. Do it five to 10 times over a week in varying conditions. You should be turning at 70-90rpm, as I think you were informed in a previous thread.

Soooo, forget cadence as a required function on a bike computer. It requires messy cabling from the bottom bracket or another sensor at least, and adds to the price.

For where you are with your cycling, Haagen, forget the hype and go for the cheaper model. I use Cateye stuff normally, but have ventured into others in the past. There are cheaper computers that have speed, trip distance, odometer distance, real time and trip time, and maybe average speed. I prefer the average speed over maximum speed as an option. That set-up is what I have had for around eight years. It's only since losing my original Cateye on a randonnee that I have upgraded on that bike to Cateye with a few extra functions (which I still haven't explored fully).

AUD$25 should give you an adequate computer for your needs. You could even pick one up in Kmart

And heart rate monitor... nah.. not needed. Go basic first, then when you know how things work, like your bike and you, then think about upgrading... if you want to get competitive. You don't need an HRM for simple touring, like you are contemplating.
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