Which Cycle Computer
 

I'm going out today to buy a cycle computer and wonder what those of you who use one think is a good choice?

I am looking a a Cateye (Strada) or maybe a Planetbike Protege' 9.0 I rather a wired one (I guess) I suppose I don't trust the wireless stuff?

I just need a simple one that will last.

I have the Planet Bike Protege 9.0. It's very simple and unfussy to use, has a nice clear display, and has lasted for the 1.5 years I've had it.

I've used the 9.0 before too. It was a good computer, but went back to my Blackburn 'Delphi' 3.0. I've used the Blackburn 'Delphi' for close to four years now without so much as a hicup. Has all the basic functions you need, plus three lines of display, programable odometer, Bike 1 & 2. Looks pretty cool too, and has big numbers. For a wired computer this one is hard to beat. It was also one of the easiest bike computers to set up

It depends on what you are willing to pay and what you want to do with the info. I bought a delta from PB that was wireless and showed 70mph when I looked at it by the computer to record the info! I picked up a couple of Planet Bike 5 for $5 each and use them for my family members who don't care much about data but want to know how fast and how far they went. For my bike, I choose to buy a Cateye wireless with the cadence bult into the unit that also picks up the wheel. What I like is that it is not affected by computer being near by and it measure off the rear wheel instead of the front. I can use it on a trainer. It was reletively expensive and the display is marginal for my poor eyes. Fortunately my coworkers gave me a gift certificate that I used for the purchase when it was on sale.
Mounting options is another consideration. The Cat Eye allows for multipple orientations of mounting. Mine is on the stem. Usually lower priced ones mount on the handlebars. Check out the reviews on http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/tr...S_1624crx.aspx

I have a Cateye Strada Cadence, which I like just fine. The mount broke twice, and Cateye stepped up and replaced it twice. The second time it broke, they sent me a new-and-improved version of the mount, which was indeed improved. I'm happy with the Cadence, and happy with Cateye's support. I've never had another computer, so I can't compare it to anything else.

PB 5.0 is great for us old folks whose riding glasses aren't also reading glasses. Unlike the 9.0, it doesn't tell the temperature. I hate to say, the 9.0 doesn't either. That isn't totally true. It tells the temperature somewhere, just not where you are.

That is a consideration. I can't read mine without my reading glasses.

Well, I do wear glasses and did not consider this and this is why I ask questions. I will look at the 5.0

I have another stupid question.... What is a cadence computer and is it better? I am willing to spend no more than $50.00

If you haven't gone yet. Look for one of these: A Garmin Fortrex 201

http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/pub...OrW4rEUiPa9Ph-

With a mount on each bike, you only need one computer, it doubles for hiking, running, boating, and even more. It requires no sensors. The battery is rechargeable.

This is the only time I took a picture of mine.

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...00952MPHSm.jpg

First I have gone back to hard wired computers from wireless. The main reason is that my high intensity light interferes with the function (although I wouldn't mind riding 49 mph for mile after mile). Second, the wired only require one battery and seem to have much lower energy useage, which would make sense.

My computer of choice is the Cateye Mity 8, relatively cheap (about $25) and reasonably bulletproof.

I like the Cateye Strada. My only complaint is that the display unit has popped when lifting it to be stored. Otherwise, it is great.

I don't use one, and have tried the Mavic, Planet Bike, and a couple of Cateyes. The other day, I spent $15 on a handlebar mount for my TomTom, and gave that up, too.

The Mavic was wirelss + wireless cadence, and never read a thing. The next owner said he got it to work.
I gave away the Planet bike, because it seemed a nice thing to do, for a novice.
The Cateyes were take-off's, which I couldn't get to work. Amani576 figured them out, so he can have them.

Several reasons against, from a curmudgeon guy who actually likes gadgets, too:

1) I like a clean look, so that leaves out the wired versions and a lot of older ones.
2) Eyesight, so that leaves just the big numbered versions eligible, anyway.
3) On a several group rides, I've seen people focused on their cyclos, and wipe out.
4) I hear "READ, darnit!" a lot on the same rides, from the same people.
5) I mash low rpm's, and I get tired of people asking "do you know how low you're spinning?" No, I don't.

Several reasons for, from the same curmudgeon:

1) There are some real clean new ones out there, everything's on the L stay, wireless. Acceptable.
2) You can alter the screens on some just to show one display, big numbers.
3) You can set the display to fade out after a few seconds. I'd like the lack of distraction.
4) Reliability is getting better. Some of my riding friends never have a problem.
5) On group rides, I'd like to pull at the pace they want. Sometimes, I get anxiety about going too slow, and drop the group.

Well thanks, you've made me not want one now......... All you have said makes good sense, and I will rethink the whole computer thing..... I kinda glad I didn't make it to the bike shop today to buy one as I wanted more input from everyone here.

$5 "sunding" from dealextreme is what I'm using.

"Cyclemeter" for iPhone. - $5.99

I just put my phone in my jersey pocket or bike bag and roll.

Cadence computers keep track of your peddling speed. You can do the same thing by reading the clock on your cheaper computer and counting the number of times your left knee comes up. 15 in 10 seconds is the ideal cadence for me. It doesn't take long for you to be able to sense this without counting.

Sales managers would like to have these for their employees. Alas, cadence computers only measure pedaling.

I am going to have to blame that on Steve Jobs. I need to disable the auto correct feature on my Ipad.

This is C&V... how about a Cateye cc-1000. Sonatageek was nice enough to give me this one, it's HUGE. Now if I could only find the off switch:

http://velobase.com/CompImages/Small...4175350F0.jpeg

Or my favorite, the Huret Multito:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3087/...5a025f71_b.jpg

I have the Huret, in white.
In my parts bin.

For simple and cheap it is hard to beat the $10 Bell computers at Walmart or Target.
I use it on my commuter. Works great.
http://www.amazon.com/Bell-1002294-F.../dp/B001FCFK5C

How are you going with that and is it the wired or wireless version?

I was going to get one and give it a go, for the price even if it's rubbish you haven't lost much!

Wired and works fine. Here's the link to the one I use which is pretty much the same as the $15 Schwinn computer they sell at walmart. The magnets are different, but otherwise that's about it. http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.24075

What I'm interested in is the $123 GPS they have. http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.37152

I've used many computers, all wired, and I've been equally satisfied with all of them.

This one seems to work well, and the price is incredible. I've bought a few things from this place. They're in Hong Kong, and they mail directly. With prices like these, maybe it's the factory outlet, with the actual factory down the street, for all I know. It takes about two weeks for stuff to arrive.

Cycle Bike Computer Odometer Speedometer - Black

$5.93

http://i.suntekstore.com/sport_cache...5697_image.jpg

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...s/DSCF0239.jpg

...blurry photo (sorry!)...Sigma 1606 L, wired, with cadence...have also had a Protege 9.0 wireless (but the head unit crapped out). I like the concept of wireless, and while the 9.0 was working, I had no problems with it, but what I've been reading about things interfering with it, etc., plus the extra expense of wireless, has got me leaning toward staying with wired...the wiring isn't that big an issue for me (you should have seen some of the generator lighting systems I had back in the day...headlight with dimmer switch and a lighted speedometer...I rode a lot at night)...
...spent about 35 bux for the 1606 L at L. L. Bean about three years ago...have seen the wired 1609 L with cadence online for less than that...considering grabbing one for the next computer...