Wireless cyclocomputers
 

Having been out of cycling for a while, I see now that most of the cyclocomputers on the market are "wireless". How reliable are these units in general? It also seems like there must be at least two batteries involved, and that battery life could be an issue. The battery in my old wired unit lasted several years -- how do the wireless units do?

I have the Shimano Flightdeck wireless on my road bike. It has worked flawlessly for about 2 years. I did have to replace the battery in the sensor unit earlier this year. It was the original battery, so who knows how old it realy was. Regardless, wireless is the only way I'll go now!

I too have the Shimano FlightDeck for over two years now on my roadbike and replaced both the original batteries in my sensor and head unit about midway through June so it looks like two years is probably the average lifespan given a fair amount of riding.

Specialized Pro has lasted three years, batt in transmitter went out two days ago.
The wireless units are easy to install and look cleaner than the wired ones.

isn't wireless heavier for all you weight weenies?

I don't think that "most" cyclocomputers are wireless, I still see more wired computers for sale than wireless ones. As far as the total weight, I think they're fairly even because even though there is more weight in the pickup due to the battery and the transmitter and probably more weight in the computer itself due to the receiver, there is no cable so I think it just about all evens out.

I have a Ciclosport CM-434 and it a certainly a lot less clutter. The one downside is an extra computer mount is not cheap! (I think if I wanted to buy another mount for the CM-434, it's like $70 versus $13 one for a Cateye Mity 3...

Jay

I've tried several different wireless and for me and where I ride, none of them worked out too well. If you ride near high power lines alot, you'll more than likely end up getting interference. The main bike path I ride on has power lines all along it, so I was always getting interference. I've also heard from some people that got interference from some traffic lights. I know I saw my computer go absolute haywire (i.e., speed suddenly jumped to 90mph, etc) as I was approaching one specific traffic line when I was commuting to work.

Plus, a few that I tired were only rated to work above 45 degrees F (which is very odd if you ask me), and since I ride year around as much as possible, I had some difficulties in the winter. Battery wise, they all worked about the same as the wired computers I've used, so that wasn't an issue for me.

The other issue is that you'll usually pay a bit more for a wireless.

I've gone back to wired computers mainly because of the interference. I think if they came out with a wireless that used coded digitial signals so the high power lines would not cause interference, then I would probably think about going back to wireless. Or if I moved and did not ride near any high power lines.

If you do end up going wired, I recommend the computers from Bike Planet.

I used wireless this year, next year I am going back to Planet Bike.

I use the Vetta V100 with wireless speedo and wireless cadence.

I had some initial problems with quality until they changed their internal circuit design..

Batteries seem to last about as long as normal computers.

I do get interference from time to time. It was worse with the older unit. This is probably the top concern.

I love the wireless, esp for cadence, as there isn't a "long" wire that can get snagged, or that traps dirt/grit and is a pain to clean around.

Also I find that I can take electrical tape and "seal" the unit so in heavy rain I don't get the non-working problem that other wired systems get.

Has anyoned tried the new mavic wireless yet?

According to mavic's web site it is digital so you won't have problems with interference. And I like the idea of the skewer being the speed sensor. At $100 plus another $50 is a bit expensive but would give nice seemless look and no interference might be worth teh extra $.

I have to admit the sensor on the MAVIC is COOL!

I'd like to see the wireless option. Also I think the computer is ugly but I may be able to get over that.

I have 3 Cateye2 cordless speedo's on different bikes and they have been amazing. Since 1994 they have been through all sorts of weather plus a year of downhill MTBing. I have never had any problems with them except for some interference near a certain hospital? I now use Polar on my race bike and that is also excellent but can give high HR readings when near large electricity towers in a particular part of town.

CHEERS.

Mark