Wireless Bicycle trip computer, not working
 

Hi all, I just wanted to let you all know something I discovered today. On installing a Wireless bicycle computer to my bike. It appeared not to transmit to the computer. Back to the shop I go, with it fitted to the bike. It works perfectly on the stand in workshop, wheeled out onto the shop floor and nothing, after much head scratching it transpires that the WIFI in shop and my house, interrupt the signal.

This only seems to be an issue when in close proximity to a WIFI device or router.

Thought this may help someone out......

Blackburn atom, sl 3.0

All sorts of things interrupt the signal. Go back to wired.

I have nothing but wired computers on all of my bikes but they are getting harder and harder to find. I also expect some wireless computers are more interference-prone than others and Cat-Eye seem to make among the most trouble free and interference resistant cyclometers.

Due to the typical long distances from sending unit to computer on most recumbents, wireless analog computers don't work because the signal won't go that far and wired units require very long cables - longer than almost all units come stock with. I've standardized on VDO digital signal wireless computers on three recumbent bikes. Haven't noticed interference issues. I do have to replace the 2032 batteries in the main units more frequently than I would prefer.

You could get a inexpensive Garmin like the 305 forerunner and have lots more options.

So the lesson is.... to get off the damm trainers and go outside and ride.

Cat-Eye's Astrale is a wired cyclometer designed for rear wheel pickup so it's wire is much longer than most others. The Astrale isn't listed on Cat-Eye's current web site but the "Strada" seems to be the replacement. You may find these are suitable for your recumbent. I have an Astrale on the bike I use on my indoor trainer since it works there and on the road.

I did have a cateye model with an extra long factory cable on one bike a few years ago. I'm OK with the VDO computers. One less cable to deal with is a good thing. The only downside is battery replacement - I carry spares. Having the same model on three bikes is good for my middle-aged mind - don't have to learn and remember how to operate multiple brands/models.

Old tech wireless cyclometers are very susceptible to inference. New tech wireless devices using 2.4GHz or ANT+ communication are not. Bontrager Node, some Cateye, Mavic, Garmin, etc...

Thanks for the replies, although it was only meant to help others when SETTING UP a bike computer. Stay safe.

I also have one of these and find it's distance function agrees extremely well with my Cat-Eyes as well as providing heart rate, simple navigation and many other useful functions. The only shaky data are the "total climbing" numbers which, on my particular 305, seem very optomistic.

One real advantage of the 305 and similar GPS based cyclometers is you can transfer them from bike-to-bike and never have to worry about wheel and tire calibration.