Wireless Commuting Computer
 

Hi,

Any recommendations on a good quality wireless bike computer not more than $80? I don't need cadence, just the regular speed, timer, odometer etc. A backlight is a must.

I came across the Cateye Micro Wireless 9 Function Computer but the reviews are sort of iffy.

I am sure this thread will help othersout if there isn't a thread on this already.

Thanks

I use the CatEye Padrone. Pretty basic, but the font is big. That's the main reason I got it.

https://www.amazon.com/CatEye-Padron.../dp/B00L7CVN7Y

Sorry, I don't think this one has the backlight.

http://www.bikeforums.net/data:image...RCFAIQhB//2Q==
http://www.bikeforums.net/data:image...RCFAIQhB//2Q==

http://www.bikeforums.net/data:image...RCFAIQhB//2Q==


http://www.bikeforums.net/data:image...RCFAIQhB//2Q==

Got a smart phone? Lotsa apps for that.

[QUOTE=FargoRider;19812968]I use the CatEye Padrone. Pretty basic, but the font is big. That's the main reason I got it.

https://www.amazon.com/CatEye-Padron.../dp/B00L7CVN7Y

Sorry, I don't think this one has the backlight.

cool, thanks. I look into this one.

prefer not to ride with phone out, but thanks

I don't know about wireless, but I've been quite happy with the $3 wired computers on ebay. I just installed one on my wife's bike. The wireless ones are not much more expensive.

The thing to look for with wireless is some kind of encoded signal (typically referred to as "digital wireless"). Without that you end up getting interference from overhead electrical wires and such nonsense. I used to have a cheap wireless computer, and I found a spot where I could hit 40 mph while standing still. :twitchy:

I've got a few ANT+ computers. I like those because the sensors connect using a standard protocol, so you can mix brands between the sensor and the computer.

You can get a Giant NEOS ANT+ computer that has a backlight for $70, but that doesn't include the speed sensor. I was able to get a couple of Motorola speed/cadence sensors on eBay for $15 each a while ago, but they seem to be gone now. A few of the Asian sensors available are ambiguous as to whether they are ANT+ or Bluetooth. Maybe they do both.

Not a problem over here.

I used a sigma bc 16.12 in all weatger with no issue. It did have cadence but I believe they have a model that comes without those sensors. It did have a backlight however, the backlight wouldn't stay on for longer than say 10 seconds.

Also, the head unit would lose its signal to the wheel speed sensor from my bike headlight - I guess the LEDs produced rf interference and would block the signal.

I've upgraded to a lezyne super GPS. I know that's out of your price range however, it's waterproof, has a backlight that stays on, is unaffected by my headlight and it's user interface with your phone and synching to strava (if this interests you) is very intuitive.

As more of a commuter than leisure rider - I've come to appreciate how durable it is and how long the batter life is (24 hours).

They have other models that may be closer to your price range but if I remember correctly, they're all more expensive than 80 bucks USD.

Get a used Android phone. (Craiglist, eBay, or ask literally anyone you know who might just give you a 3 year old phone they have sitting in a drawer) Just make sure it has working GPS.

I understand you don't want to ride with your regular phone mounted to the handlebars. I wouldn't do that either as 1 mistake and you lose an expensive phone. But this way lets you repurpose any old phone as a bike computer. It's cheap. You don't need to pay for cell service (as long as you have Wifi at home to install the apps the first time)

A 3-4 year old smartphone has MORE than enough computing power for this purpose. (GPS tracking and speed calculations are not heavy users of system resources. So even an old outdated phone will work fine for this)

The apps you need are free. I like Urban Biker. It does a full dashboard. Speed, distance, etc. But there are 20 different cycling dashboard apps.

And of course you'll need a mount for it. But those can be found anywhere for $10.

You can also put offline maps on it so you can see where you are without a cell connection. Or load music on it. Or anything else you can think of.

It's a GREAT cheap solution that's better than any store bought bike computer in my opinion since it's customizable to do exactly what you want it to do.