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Originally Posted by CastIron
(Post 6116195)
For commuting? I just wear a watch. I found my computer utterly useless for commuting. One more thing on the bike, too.
Still, I agree with the sentiment. Why do you want a computer. If its just for mileage/current time, I'd get the cheapest one I could find. If you really are trying to watch things like cadence, avg speed etc as a part of a larger training plan of some sort, I'd get something more advanced. Still, I think the best bang for the buck computer out there is the astrale. Its wired, but it has speed/cadence and riding time all for a reasonable price. If you are tracking alt/power/HR etc. then I think you really are starting to get into the realm of overkill for a commuter bike. |
Originally Posted by Rob_E
(Post 6123536)
The eTrex seems, at a glance, to be less functional than the 305. What tempts me about the 605/705 is the ability to add maps (what keeps me away is the price). For fitness and training and route capture, the 205/305 seem like they'd do the job just fine, but for actually getting places, you'd need maps. My ideal is a GPS unit that used street maps, but also allowed you to add MUPs as valid routes, so you could plan out trips combining MUPs and roads, but I don't know that anything has that level of functionality. And if it does, it's probably out of my price range. I almost got the 205, but I'm holding out for maps, I think. Maps, route capture, and speed are what I'd like to see (altimeter would be nice, too). I think I saw a palm pilot/gps add-on combo that did some of this and at a relatively low price point (but probably with a lot of set up), so I may look into that. Bug Labs has a product that has potential to be customized to do just about whatever you like, but it's still a new product, needs more development, and is on the pricey side if the GPS functions are what you're really interested in.
I think the model I was checking into briefly is actually the etrex vista hcx and it does allow you to load maps. However, I could be wrong. It is not time for this purchase. Hence the reason I have not performed much research. |
Originally Posted by DataJunkie
(Post 6123840)
I think the model I was checking into briefly is actually the etrex vista hcx and it does allow you to load maps. However, I could be wrong. It is not time for this purchase. Hence the reason I have not performed much research.
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I used to use a Cateye on my road bikes for distance and cadence. For commuting I don't care about "statistics" I know when I have to leave the house and when I have to be at work...traffic lights, congestion, etc. all come into play.
I'm with the minimalist crowd...get a basic unit and see if it meets your needs. A lot of folks around here use a GPS unit. |
Originally Posted by greenstork
(Post 6124407)
All eTrex models allow you to load maps.
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Originally Posted by Rob_E
(Post 6124513)
The most basic model does not seem to support maps, but DataJunkie is right, the Vista (and probably the other models) do have the ability to add maps.
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My idea is to use the etrex simply for the maps and mapping capability on long rides. Like centuries in unfamiliar locations.
I wouldn't recommend replacing a bike computer with one. |
I would definitely go wireless for the convenience of setting it up and the clean appearance. I returned it after 2 days, put a basic cateye model (enduro 8 I think), that works rock solid. Never again wireless. |
I've never bothered with wireless. There are too many stories of problems with interference, and honestly, it takes like 2 extra minutes to install; you have to install the sensors and magnets either way, the only difference is tying down the wire with a few zip ties. For that 2 minutes you save something like $20 I think, plus you don't have two sets of batteries to replace.
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Originally Posted by greenstork
(Post 6118857)
To clarify, the computer lights up anytime that it's dark out or do you have to press a button to light it up and it cycles off after a few seconds? I'd love to be able to actually see my computer in the dark, but my backlit computer light turns off after a few seconds.
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What is the best value computer that offers cadence monitoring. I would like to pay attention to my cadence as well as other basic funtions: MPH, Avg Speed, odo, etc... but don't wanna pay alot.
I'd like to shell out $50 max. Thanks -G |
Cateye astrale 8. IMHO
Performance frequently has sales on it. |
Originally Posted by unicedmeman
(Post 7502180)
What is the best value computer that offers cadence monitoring. I would like to pay attention to my cadence as well as other basic funtions: MPH, Avg Speed, odo, etc... but don't wanna pay alot.
I'd like to shell out $50 max. Thanks -G |
Originally Posted by DataJunkie
(Post 7502349)
Cateye astrale 8. IMHO
Performance frequently has sales on it. Seems like a good deal, performance bikes is out of them... I will search the internets |
Another vote for PB Protege computers. Pick one that has the features you want. I have a 9.0, the thermometer is fun to watch.
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Originally Posted by unicedmeman
(Post 7502707)
...Does this monitor cadence out of the box? From the description it seems that you need to buy an add on.
ie yes it monitors cadence out of the box. I think the description is confusing because the cadence is optional and doesn't have to be installed for the speed and distance to work (which is really just stating the obvious). |
Originally Posted by RonH
(Post 6117461)
For 6 miles every other day you really don't need a computer unless you're interested in tracking useless data.
If you start riding more days and miles for fitness and recreation, then look at a low cost bare bones computer that gives you trip distance, max speed, average speed, ride time, etc. You should be able to find one for under $20. Each of my bikes has a Cateye Velo 8. They're cheap, but they do what I need. They don't have backlighting or cadence, but they cover the basics. |
I only really have a computer for the odometer, so I know how much life I'm getting out of tires/chains/etc and when to start checking them for wear.
Also, I kind of like to see how many minutes the ride took today, to see how much the conditions affect me. Also, I have a Sigma 1606L - I bought it new on eBay for I think $24 because a friend convinced me that I should work on my cadence and get it up around 90. I put it in place and found that I normally spin at 95. I haven't used the cadence since and I'm going to remount my Planet Bike comp when I find it again. Nothing wrong with the Sigma, but the PB seems sturdier. |
Originally Posted by DataJunkie
(Post 7502349)
Cateye astrale 8. IMHO
Performance frequently has sales on it. Thanks all for your help! -G |
The Sigma 1606L has cadence functions. I just took mine off and put my Planet Bike Protege back on again. PM me if you want the Sigma at a discount. It works fine, I just upgraded because of the cadence functions, and when I got it I discovered I naturally spin at about 95, so I never paid attention to it after that. It's a pretty full-featured computer with backlight too, I just never use all that stuff and I'm more into using the simplest tool to do the job I need to do.
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shoot, you posted just a little too late. I already paid for my computer and it's in the mail.
I am working on a build for my girlfriend.... PM sent:) |
I have a Sigma BC 1009, $18 or so on Amazon. No backlight, no cadence. Does have a clock, trip timer, trip distance, average speed, total distance, max speed. Good enough for my purpose.
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A cheap Walmart one will do the trick
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