Avocet cyclometers went through many different models over the years. I've been thinking of getting one. Looking at eBay, I see the following models: 15, 20, 25, 30, 31, 35, 40, 45, and 45tt.

I found 1979, 1981, and 1985 Avocet catalogs on velo-pages.com. The first two didn't show computers. the third showed the 20, with these features:

• velocity
• trip distance
• cumulative distance
• timer

Can someone summarize the feature set of any of the other models?

Thx,

Skip

Skip- I have a first or second model Avocet 15 / 20, black with chrome. Fully functioning, original sensor + wire. I can send you the instructions in PDF. These do consume batteries but replacement packs are super cheap from Harbor Freight. I forget what the cross ref. replacement battery but it's just a simple match the diameter and voltage. Charming retro, kind of like having a first gen IBM PC jr. or Mac.

Yours if you'd like it.

Also, I know you picked up another Trek project. If you'd like, I also have a first gen Trek computer (believe it functions exactly as the above mentioned Avocet). Fully operating with sensor and original wire.

I'm really rewinding. Just installed a mechanical / o-ring drive Huret odometer on my Trek. LOL

Avocet 20 has speed (reads up to 67.5 mph...
trip distance
total distance
timing
Metric or English

Keep in mind the hub ring will not fit large flange.

well, I've got three bikes with Avocet speedometers, and one or two more in the parts box. I've got a few pdf'ed manuals that I pulled off of the web (which might still be out there). Here's my quick summary:

Avocet 30: current speed, max speed, timer, clock, trip distance, total distance. Only one thing can be displayed at a time. The manual is for the Avocet 30 and 31. It doesn't mention how the 31 differs from the model 30.

Avocet 35: current speed, max speed, average speed, trip distance, total distance, timer, and clock. It does have a sleep mode, so it might burn a little less power than earlier models. I still have to replace the battery every year, though. Only one thing is displayed at a time.

Avocet 45: this has a two line display!!! I like this because it shows me the speed and distance, which are the only things I care about.
Functions:current speed, max speed, average speed, trip distance, total distance, timer, and clock. It has provisions for a cadence pickup, which adds the cadence function and "gear inches" function. There is also a "destination time" function. I can't imagine actually using something like that.

Avocet 50: this was the really cool one that could measure cumulative feet of climbing. They tended to have a short lifespan, so the odds of finding a functioning one is pretty slim. I don't recall what else it did.

That's all I know about. Let me know if you need a copy of these manuals.

Steve in Peoria

Not entirely true. I've got one on the large flange Campy hub of my International.

This is the 4 prong version of the magnet ring, though. It's been a while since I had to think about this stuff...

Grabbing the calipers quickly, I see that the 4 prong ring has an OD of roughly 52mm, while the 3 prong ring has an OD of 46mm. I don't think the 3 prong ring works on large flange hubs w/o snipping the prongs off and then zip-tying the ring to the spoke crossing. ... .. or just RTV'ing the ring to the hub. I seem to recall having done that in the past.

Steve in Peoria

Thanks to Scott and Steve for the responses. I'll keep them in mind. (And Scott, the next rubber band Huret I come across is yours.)

Steve wrote:

Funny, just the other day, a denizen of the iBOB list asked if two heads could be connected to one sensor. I assume he waanted to double the amount of information displayed. That might work with just a SMOS (Simple Matter of Soldering), but I wonder if it would be better to just run two complete setups, one driven off the left side of the wheel, one off the right. For symmetry, you'd probably have to run center pulls or cantilevers and wind both wires down the cable, before separating them to run down both fork blades.

model 20

G.L. in 1983


Advert 1984

The Avocet 20 was such an advanced piece of gear for its day! That might explain why I have a new one in my parts box.

I feel somewhat obliged to offer some of the disadvantages that I've experienced with Avocet computers, though...

The early models used a case that snapped together. The display was connected to the circuit board through a "zebra" strip that relied on compression between the two, and this compression was provided by the two halves of the case. Unfortunately, as the case aged, the compression decreased and some of the display would fade out. I usually got some improvement by adding a rubber band around the case just above the display.

All of the computers use small batteries that last a year or so. Finding suitable replacements can be done... or at least I've managed to keep my models 30, 35, and 45 running with a conventional 357 battery. These are pretty common.

The contacts on the computer mount don't have the best plating. This can lead to high resistance and loss of sensor signal. I recommend not removing the computer any more than possible.


Steve in Peoria

Chuckling about these early computers. Though there were many other companies, most were expensive and clunky.

I was an Avocet fan early on. Had the touring shoes, saddles, and especially when they introduced these small and compact computers.

~ Side note and the pic of G.L. first using of the Avocet. Reminds of a fellow somewhere in the burb's near Skip that has Greg's actual Tag Heuer speed timer in its special red case. (BF member??) Spotted at a swap meet a few years back. I think it was only the wireless receiver, keypad, red LED digit display. Might even had a tape printout. It would have used a matching wireless transmitter attached to his bike (was missing). Interesting piece for the nostalgia shelf.

Those hub rings were a PITA even on a compatible wheel. I advise getting one of the models with a spoke magnet.

I wasn't into bicycles back in the day, but I know of Avocet from the saddles. Since then I've acquired several Avocet pieces- the Avocet branded Ofmega touring triple is a cool piece, and the sealed bearing hubs are spectactular. I've also got an Avocet wool jersey that's really great.

Be aware that they made two different magnet rings with different mounting prongs that will interface with 36 or a 32 spoke wheel.
Trying to install one meant for a e6 spoke wheel on to a 32 spoke wheel will not work so well....... I'm not sure if they will work well with large flange hubs too, unless the flange holes lines up with the sensor prongs.......

There are also two different mounting brackets. The later version (model 25 and 35 perhaps?) has much wider contact spacing and uses a conventional sensor and spoke magnet. I believe the model 25 is pretty dumbed-down for it's time though. I insist on a proper ride-timer that stops when I stop and that thus accumulates an accurate average speed, a feature not found on lesser-model Avocet computers.
But computers with too many functions like cadence and count-down timer are no fun to use out on the road.

Magnet rings can be removed from their mounting ring and glued to the hub flange with silicone RTV for a tidier look. A spacer ring can be something like a plastic cog spacer if needed, but most Avocet sensors have a lateral adjustment feature that is indexed.

Right you are -those rings NEVER wanted to stay lined up correctly in my case!

Loved the old 45, though. I used one extensively for my years stationed in Hawaii. Never took it off the bars, and I can't recall ever having to replace the battery.

DD

And yet, you came home from Hawaii....