Cycling computer for commuters
10-25-11, 02:53 PM
#26
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You don't have to apologize; as a data lover I can say that I don't care what's on your bike, as long as I can still run my computer. Although, for the record, I use a bike mostly to get away from technology as well. I like having the info available (especially being able to call up maps from my rides, although not so much for commuting) but I don't have to actually watch the computer while I ride. The screen can be turned off while the computer does its thing, although mine doesn't call out for attention enough to want to actually do this.
10-26-11, 07:23 AM
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Besides: How else would I know the temp for my "How was your Commute Today" post? (not that I do; I use a Garmin 301 running oriented GPS which doesn't have a temp function-- I recently bought a legit cycling computer with cadence, but I promised myself it was for Christmas (shiny things to keep my riding when the weather is crappy!)
10-26-11, 07:32 AM
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Exactly. If you don't need the advanced features, the cheapest ones you can fine work perfectly. Even with those all I use are speed, odometer and trip time.
10-26-11, 08:04 AM
#29
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This thread shows how difficult it is to design one type of (fill in gadget here) that suits everyone. When it comes to bike comps, here's my take:
- Wireless is a total fail concept in winter conditions, if by wireless we mean a bunch of sensors strapped on bike, not easily removable, each powered by its own battery. If you keep your bike outside for any length of time in winter (as I do), you'll be replacing batteries nearly daily. Wired and GPS don't have that problem.
- Backlight is a useful feature.
- Temperature: useless. I need to know the approximate temperature when I pack for commute. It's too late when I'm on the bike.
- Cadence, ETA, HR, over/under current average - do not want.
- Multiple wheel settings - do want, but GPS solves this one beautifully.
- User-customized screens is good, either that or clever auto-scrolling display. The problem with clever auto-scrolling displays (and many, many other features) is, nobody in the shop will know for sure about it, or be able to describe it well enough for the customer to make an informed decision. The only way to know is to try it out. I envy everyone who can buy their gadgets from a place that accepts returns no questions asked.
--J
- Wireless is a total fail concept in winter conditions, if by wireless we mean a bunch of sensors strapped on bike, not easily removable, each powered by its own battery. If you keep your bike outside for any length of time in winter (as I do), you'll be replacing batteries nearly daily. Wired and GPS don't have that problem.
- Backlight is a useful feature.
- Temperature: useless. I need to know the approximate temperature when I pack for commute. It's too late when I'm on the bike.
- Cadence, ETA, HR, over/under current average - do not want.
- Multiple wheel settings - do want, but GPS solves this one beautifully.
- User-customized screens is good, either that or clever auto-scrolling display. The problem with clever auto-scrolling displays (and many, many other features) is, nobody in the shop will know for sure about it, or be able to describe it well enough for the customer to make an informed decision. The only way to know is to try it out. I envy everyone who can buy their gadgets from a place that accepts returns no questions asked.
--J
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10-26-11, 11:07 AM
#30
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I think it's still interesting to hear what everyone wants in a bicycle computer, especially for commuting. But what you said, pretty much sums it up for me, even though I am still tempted by the shinyness of a temperature indicator. :X
10-26-11, 11:40 AM
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10-26-11, 11:41 AM
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10-26-11, 12:06 PM
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10-26-11, 12:11 PM
#34
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And if you broke one: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_poisoning
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10-26-11, 12:46 PM
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this thread is a classic. "Obviously what works for me is the only correct way to do things in my world view, therefore you should adhere to it too". Narcissistic post responses to an innocent thread start are a quintessential element of an internet forum.
That being said, I use a garmin 800.
That being said, I use a garmin 800.
10-26-11, 02:44 PM
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I splashed out on a Garmin Edge 500 and love it, it tracks each ride and I can download a ton of data to my laptop (actually their website), for my commute I can view the data over the months and actually see myself improving! I also never realized how much climbing I do!
10-26-11, 02:56 PM
#37
Banned
Indeed, Why do you need a computer in the first place?
How about a math question instead?
the distance between bed and school is a fixed distance.
and you have a clock at both ends. .. figure it out, or .. flunk.
How about a math question instead?
the distance between bed and school is a fixed distance.
and you have a clock at both ends. .. figure it out, or .. flunk.
10-26-11, 03:02 PM
#38
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Its neat how we all have different needs. I am sort of a data junkie and use the CATEYE commuter on all of my bikes. Purchased an extra magnet sender unit for the Curve SL and swap it as needed. If I really need more data I use my Nokia N97 and the SportsTracker application.
My purchase reasons were very superficial. As I loved the layout of the CATEYE commuter. Agreed on the carbon offset being gimmicky. The backlight on the device is a joke and doesn't stay on long enough. I knew about this before hand.
Interference has never been an issue, even with my phone positioned right next to the comp.
My purchase reasons were very superficial. As I loved the layout of the CATEYE commuter. Agreed on the carbon offset being gimmicky. The backlight on the device is a joke and doesn't stay on long enough. I knew about this before hand.
Interference has never been an issue, even with my phone positioned right next to the comp.
10-26-11, 03:33 PM
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Skip the computer and battery and go old-fashioned: https://www.stemcaptain.com/shop/category/thermometers/
this thread is a classic. "Obviously what works for me is the only correct way to do things in my world view, therefore you should adhere to it too". Narcissistic post responses to an innocent thread start are a quintessential element of an internet forum.
That being said, I use a garmin 800.
That being said, I use a garmin 800.
I can filter out the rest myself. That's one thing you learn on the internet. 
10-27-11, 04:26 AM
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keep it simple and cheap cuz it's gonna take a beating
10-27-11, 07:36 AM
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I have computers on all of my bikes as I am another data junkie and like having the information on speed, time, pace, etc. In most respects, any computer will work as well for commuting as any other kind of riding. However, if designing a computer specifically for commuting, I would:
- Make it wired because some traffic signals interfere with wireless computers and screw up the readings.
- Include back-lighting so you could read the display in the dark. If you commute regularly, you will probably be riding in the dark often.
- A temperature reading would be nice if it was accurate (that is, not affected by sunlight or cold wind).
- Make the display numbers larger because it's hard reading them while riding in traffic, darkness.
- Keep the price reasonable because I'm not spending big bucks on a computer that might get stolen.
- Make it wired because some traffic signals interfere with wireless computers and screw up the readings.
- Include back-lighting so you could read the display in the dark. If you commute regularly, you will probably be riding in the dark often.
- A temperature reading would be nice if it was accurate (that is, not affected by sunlight or cold wind).
- Make the display numbers larger because it's hard reading them while riding in traffic, darkness.
- Keep the price reasonable because I'm not spending big bucks on a computer that might get stolen.
10-27-11, 06:01 PM
#42
Full Member
I use the Sarfas level 4.4, it has your most important wireless features like speed,max spd,trip meter, odometer for 2 bikes, average spd, clock and a calorie/ grams of fat counter which is kinda neat. Temp. display too but it has to be in the shade to have a good reading. If it had a backlight(one that lasts at least 2 hours) and a gps that left a breadcrumb trail in case I ever got lost, it would be alot better. From my limited internet research the Garmin 800 is the best out with a gps IMHO, not sure which one is best computer without a gps though, but the screen I use the most while I am riding is the speedometer screen.
Last edited by Vaportrail56; 10-27-11 at 07:53 PM.
10-29-11, 02:13 AM
#43
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I just sent a message to Cateye in response to their Commuter-model. I was wondering what your thoughts are on this.
Just a little background: I live in The Netherlands and commute 5 days a week for 5km to college and to my work. As an allweather rider I might have some different needs than most, but still. Currently I am using a Cateye Enduro, Sigma before that.
What would you suggest to a company that makes cycling computers?
Below is the e-mail I sent.
Just a little background: I live in The Netherlands and commute 5 days a week for 5km to college and to my work. As an allweather rider I might have some different needs than most, but still. Currently I am using a Cateye Enduro, Sigma before that.
What would you suggest to a company that makes cycling computers?
Below is the e-mail I sent.
I was browsing last week for possible replacements for my Enduro I use for commuting. I really liked the idea of the Commuter model, but there are just a few of unnecessary features that I think you could get rid of and make it a more reasonable option for commuters:
First of all, the temperature indicator is something I would love. A lot of commuters ride all year round, and a temperature indicator could help choosing the right clothing. Second, the ETA is nice, but kind of useless if you also use the bike for general shopping. It's too limited. Just the always on clock is more important if I want to know if I'm on time than that.
Carbon offset? Who cares... Most people commute by bike because they find it easier, not because they want to save the environment. Also, because the offset is fixed it is just a general indicator and a meaningless one at that.
Backlight; nice, but not always necessary. Maybe for those on dark roads.
Also, dependability is of paramount importance on a commuter bike. Why wireless? It just makes the unit expensive and more energy-demanding, thus more likely to fail.
Also, the current model is bloody expensive. I'm willing to pay €50 for a high-end model, but not if it is riddled with unnecessary features for €75.
My current enduro has a fingerprint on the inside of the glass. It's invisible, until the temperature drops below freezing. Then it freezes and makes it a bit harder to read the display. Not a big problem, just annoying.
I really like your products and especially the look, but maybe you should hold a questionnaire among your users (both U.S. and international) to ask what commuters specifically want.
First of all, the temperature indicator is something I would love. A lot of commuters ride all year round, and a temperature indicator could help choosing the right clothing. Second, the ETA is nice, but kind of useless if you also use the bike for general shopping. It's too limited. Just the always on clock is more important if I want to know if I'm on time than that.
Carbon offset? Who cares... Most people commute by bike because they find it easier, not because they want to save the environment. Also, because the offset is fixed it is just a general indicator and a meaningless one at that.
Backlight; nice, but not always necessary. Maybe for those on dark roads.
Also, dependability is of paramount importance on a commuter bike. Why wireless? It just makes the unit expensive and more energy-demanding, thus more likely to fail.
Also, the current model is bloody expensive. I'm willing to pay €50 for a high-end model, but not if it is riddled with unnecessary features for €75.
My current enduro has a fingerprint on the inside of the glass. It's invisible, until the temperature drops below freezing. Then it freezes and makes it a bit harder to read the display. Not a big problem, just annoying.
I really like your products and especially the look, but maybe you should hold a questionnaire among your users (both U.S. and international) to ask what commuters specifically want.
Overall I would have to say that I am very happy with both of my current computers.
10-29-11, 02:23 AM
#44
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I agree as well, my various devices have become like extra organs. Biking and working out are my time away from them.
10-29-11, 02:41 AM
#45
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Why do you need a computer in the first place? You ride until you get to work or home, and then stop. It's unlikely there is an enforced speed limit that you get fined for exceeding. If it's too cold you zip up -- too warm and you unzip. You already know how far it is.
Paul
Paul
Without a computer that at least tracks total distance traveled i.e. an odometer how is one going to know? As most people use their bikes for more then "just" going to and from work. Allot of us go grocery shopping after work, or to the local bar to hang out with co-workers, or go to doctor's appointments, or to the movies, or to the mall, etc.
As I said the only feature(s) that I don't see being very useful are temp and the ETA. The temp considering that I think it is safe to say that the majority of us keep our bikes indoors the temp is going to display the indoors temp not the "true" temp outside, and it's just easier to switch on the TV, radio or computer/Internet to find the temperature/weather information. The ETA unless like I asked unless the computer is a GPS how is it going to calculate?
10-29-11, 06:48 AM
#47
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.
I agree that it's useless for deciding what to wear before you get on the bike, but it's useful if you're already on the bike and are trying to decide if you should be wearing the same stuff next time. If, for example, you're ten miles into the trip and start thinking, "Man, my hands are just too damned cold," you could see what temperature it is and plan to wear warmer gloves the next time you see that temp on the forecast.
10-29-11, 06:54 AM
#48
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.
The speedometer is my least-used screen, at least on the road bike (my commuter doesn't have a computer). I set it, a Shimano Flight Deck, to show cadence and the time of day (speed is still there, but it uses smaller digits), and my Garmin watch gives HR. I just don't care about speed readings, because if I'm going on a slight downhill or with a tailwind, I'll think that I'm going really fast for the effort; and the opposite if I'm on a slight uphill or into a headwind.
10-29-11, 02:53 PM
#49
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From your list I have to ask really what use is having the cyclecomputer displaying the temperature? If one stores their bike(s) indoors then the computer is going to give a false reading, isn't it? And anyone who has a TV has access to 24/7 weather information. The ETA is/would be nice but doesn't it work better with a GPS based computer? Otherwise how is it going to be able to determine the ETA? Yes, backlight would be nice. What is wrong with wireless? The computer that I currently am using is wireless, the computer on my other bike is wired, when I upgrade/replace it I'll probably go wireless with it as well.
Overall I would have to say that I am very happy with both of my current computers.
Overall I would have to say that I am very happy with both of my current computers.
- Temperature is just like BaracksSi said interesting for future reference. How do you feel when riding in a certain temperature? But let me ask you a different question. Have you ever own a car which would display temperature? Did you ever find use for it, because I have. Being carefull when it is near freezing and it started to rain, putting shades up in the car when the weather was hot. My bike starts it's day indoors, but the rest of the time it is standing outside.
- My experience with wireless is of three years ago. I got one of the more expensive wireless models, but after setting it up, it just didn't work. An extreme distance (upright position bike + 65 framesize) combined with a dynohub caused too much interference for wireless to work. Granted, I haven't tried it since so I have no idea if modern wireless models are any better. Still, I already hate replacing my rear battery lights once every year, because it is always at the worst possible time. That risk just goes up with two seperate batteries.
Just to illustrate that we cause much hand-wringing for Cateye's product planners...
The speedometer is my least-used screen, at least on the road bike (my commuter doesn't have a computer). I set it, a Shimano Flight Deck, to show cadence and the time of day (speed is still there, but it uses smaller digits), and my Garmin watch gives HR. I just don't care about speed readings, because if I'm going on a slight downhill or with a tailwind, I'll think that I'm going really fast for the effort; and the opposite if I'm on a slight uphill or into a headwind.
The speedometer is my least-used screen, at least on the road bike (my commuter doesn't have a computer). I set it, a Shimano Flight Deck, to show cadence and the time of day (speed is still there, but it uses smaller digits), and my Garmin watch gives HR. I just don't care about speed readings, because if I'm going on a slight downhill or with a tailwind, I'll think that I'm going really fast for the effort; and the opposite if I'm on a slight uphill or into a headwind.
10-29-11, 07:59 PM
#50
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I finally figured it out --
I agree that it's useless for deciding what to wear before you get on the bike, but it's useful if you're already on the bike and are trying to decide if you should be wearing the same stuff next time. If, for example, you're ten miles into the trip and start thinking, "Man, my hands are just too damned cold," you could see what temperature it is and plan to wear warmer gloves the next time you see that temp on the forecast.
I agree that it's useless for deciding what to wear before you get on the bike, but it's useful if you're already on the bike and are trying to decide if you should be wearing the same stuff next time. If, for example, you're ten miles into the trip and start thinking, "Man, my hands are just too damned cold," you could see what temperature it is and plan to wear warmer gloves the next time you see that temp on the forecast.