Pretty much what the title says, does anyone have a recommendation on an inexpensive (say, <$25) wired computer with a programmable odometer? I've got a couple CatEye Velos that I really like, but you can't set the odometer if installing on a bike. They seemingly offer the option in wireless, but I want to stick with wired, I prefer simplicity. My 20 year old Specialized computer is in desperate need of retirement.

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I have used these on five bikes.

https://www.gearbest.com/bike-compute...28.html?wid=21

Program? you tell it how big the wheel is and it counts rotations , then extrapolates speed by the frequency..

and Miles traveled by the Sum.

replacing the battery zeros out the Miles accumulated data.. write that down before putting a New battery in.

Why write it down when you can get a hammer, chisel, and block of granite?

Except that on some models, if you don't run the battery down too far and do replace it swiftly, the odometer is preserved.

I haven't yet come across a bike computer that doesn't allow you to reprogram in the previous mileage when you change the battery or install a new computer. Even this Sunding computer for $2.79 from an overseas seller does that. I know as I have this model on one bike. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Cycling-Bicy...pF8PnGfIZCfxDw

The feature you wish for may not be included at the price you are willing to pay.


I have not felt a Need to buy a New bike computer since When I stick a new battery in mine It works .

so I dont dispute your market survey..

My favorite mount is on the fork blade , because I only look at the milage data when I need to Know.

and having it there No One steals it because it's kind of hidden.
Its on my old Touring Bike.

I just got a Velo 7, and on page 4 of the manual, it describes how to set the odometer. I'll admit that I haven't done it myself.

You didn't mention which model/version of the Cateye Velo that you have, but you might review the manual and see if it wasn't hidden in a corner somewhere.


Steve in Peoria

Would you mind sharing the process? I have a Velo 7 and 9, and the manual I got with them and that is on the website doesn't say, although now that I look at tech specs I see it apparently is possible.

The instructions that came with both of mine, I see nothign about it on page 4, unless I am just completely blind: https://www.cateye.com/files/manual_...P_ENG_v3-1.pdf

My mount is hockey taped together, and quite a few of the LCD bars are not displaying. It has served me well, I like it, but time to move on.

wow... I just downloaded the manual a few weeks ago, and it was a different version. Maybe my version was incorrect?? Well, let me see if I can attach a screenshot of page 4 of the manual that I've got.

(... fumbling around with keyboard... ... ... attaching jpg of page 4... ... ... and it seems like it worked...)

okay, let's see how that worked out.


Steve in Peoria

that didn't turn out so well..... let's try attaching a detailed look at the instructions


Steve in Peoria

Thanks a lot, I'll give it a shot! Hopefully it works, like I said I really like them, and they are fairly cheap (both of mine were $15 on various sales). My fiancee has one of the cheap Chinese ones on her bike, it works, but for a $10 difference I'd much rather just have more CatEyes. Much nicer fit and finish, and the screen much easier to read.

A seller called luckapen on ebay sells flashlights that run on AAA or AA (not the same model) for $1-3.

I notice they sell a Magicshine clone for only $14. Wow.

I finally remembered to take my Velo 7 off the bike and try those directions. Doesn't seem to work, I wonder if this is a new feature? In any case, all the new ones are marketed as having a programmable odometer, so it is a moot point anyhow!

Maybe not. I have a MagicShine clone that cost a bit more than that: $25. It disappoints in every single area of performance! I have 3 of the real thing to compare it to. About the only good thing that came out of that experience was I got a new helmet mount and walk around headstrap, to replace the fraying ones I have.

Well there you go. I also got a magicshine clone about three years ago, and it was also disappointing. The charger was dead on arrival. The light got stolen, so there was no point in my pursuing getting the charger replaced. I gave up on cheap lights and only get the fancy kind from now on. Cheap lights are great for some people, but not for you or me.

My Sigma BC1009 and my Specialized Speed Zone Comp, both wired computers, have programmable odometers.

If you explain it in detail, I can help you. You can DIY an Arduino controlled Odometer and fit it on your handlebar.
When I ride, I use my Phone GPS system to measure the distance and time. You can try an app named Digital Dashboard GPS. ( play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=luo.digitaldashboardgps&hl=en )
It will show us

1. average speed
2. Altitude
3. start time
4. end time
5. max speed

we can also view the map( if we have a data connection). The main disadvantage that I found on this app is that there is no voice assistant like in google maps.

I've used Pis and Arduinos at work, using them to devise a solution here is way overkill. Plenty of commercial examples can do exactly what I want cheaper and in a much smaller packaging.

As to the phone, I do generally use one in my back jersey pocket to record the track, but leaving the screen on all day kills the battery too fast, and pulling it out becomes cumbersome. Speed is fun to know, but what I really like being able to know is distance to turns and such, for better navigation.

I mount my phone to the handlebar using a Quadlock mount and case. It's very solid and secure. If I'm going to ride for more than an hour, I connect the phone to an external battery. With that, I can keep the phone's charge level up to 100% all day, and this is with one of the smaller batteries available; it's about the size of a computer mouse, a little longer and narrower. The battery sits in my tool bag which is lashed to the bottom of my saddle. The cable runs from the bag, along the top tube, to the phone. It's convenient enough for me, whether I want to keep the screen on or not. For rides of 90 minutes or less (which are most rides, for me), I either don't keep the screen on, or I watch the level. I've received warnings that I'm about to deplete the battery, but the ride hasn't been cut off yet after I turn the screen off.

Sigma 5.12
Wired, programable odometer, works great, last forever, costs $20.