jay ray

The description never says that "everything you need is in the box," but is that generally the case?


Thanks

dorkypants

As in "batteries included"? Yes. Also zip ties for mounting the cyclometer base and the sensor on the bike. The magnet usually clamps onto a spoke with a built-in screw fastener or a snap latch.

Sometimes the included instructions can be a bit hard to understand ("Engrish" or European business-English).

Otherwise, yes, the box should contain everything you need to attach the cyclometer to your bike and use it.

jay ray

Thanks much. Sometimes only the display is shown and the sensor not mentioned in the description. Graphics and gobbledygook, modern marketing.

PaulRivers

Everything is included, but sometimes the battery is comes with is bad and you have to buy a new one. My dad's had this happen.

Fyi I guess, I've had real bad luck with wireless speedometers and only go with wired ones. This last year I bought my dad a wireless speedometer, a $100 unit from Bontrager, and guess what? It's innacurate, on the first ride out it claimed he biked 94 miles. I assure you...I was biking with him, and we did not bike remotely anywhere near 94 miles lol. Turns out others have this issue as well.

Plus you have to replace 2 batteries every year or two.

Biggest problem with a decent wired speedometer is that after having it for over a decade, something finally jammed up in mine. Not sure if I can just reset it or have to replace it. Have never replaced the battery. This is the first issue it's ever had.

Good luck.

jeromephone

just got a wireless computer from LBS. Checked pricing and found it to be exact same as the online purchase. If I have a problem I can call them or take unit back or get a replacement. I am not saying I never buy online but if I can get the same price and know I have a local source of help and parts I will buy from LBS.

jay ray

I hear you. Often simpler is better, even way better. Thanks.

jay ray

For me it's about a 14 to 27 mile drive through heavy traffic to get to any LBS, and any route is loaded with stoplights designed to be red when you get there. However, as you say, you can go back with a piece of talking paper and whatever you bought. Thank for your take on this.

ItsJustMe

I would take wired over wireless every time. Half the batteries, more reliable.

ypsetihw

I would say that usually the battery is bad, just assume you need a new one, and remember that you probably need more than 1 if it's wireless.

jay ray

Thanks very much. I would have tried the wireless first, but going to use a wired.

caffein8ed

Even though it looks like you've already made your decision, I'm gonna jump in here and recommend the Sigma ROX 5.0 wireless bike computer.

I've been using mine for almost 2 years, and I've only needed to replace the battery in the head unit once. Just recently, in fact. The batteries in the speed sensor, cadence sensor and HRM are still the originals that came with the system.

Overall, this bike computer has been utterly reliable for me, and is definitely worth considering.

idiotekniQues

i'd recommend a cateye strada micro wireless and it's from a top brand in bike computers. never had reliability issues over 6 years of using one. very customizable settings as well. only reason i bought a 2nd was for the color - to switch from white to black.

batteries last forever. only reason i chose wireless is for aesthetics - just as reliable to me but it keeps the lines looking cleaner on the bike with one less wire running somewhere.. i wish my bike had internal cabling that's how much i dislike wires running about the frame.

jay ray

Thanks all for your great input.

gsa103

Wireless bike computers come in 3 varieties, analog, digital, and GPS based.

0) Wired. Cheap and reliable. Basic.
1) Analog. Usually cheaper, very prone to interference and drop-out. Not worth the money.
2) Digital wireless. Not cheap (~$75), not super functional, less prone to interference. Too expensive for what you get. Spend a little more and get a GPS.
3) GPS. Not cheap (~$125+). Easily transferred between bikes. Tons of functionality. Usable for Strava and more advanced ride tracking. Better monitors can handle heart rate and power meters.

jay ray

Now that's a summary. Thanks gsa103.