Newbie needs a cyclocomputer
 

I'll be getting a new bike tomorrow and want a decent cyclocomputer for it because I am a very numbers oriented person and love tracking my workouts. I am having a hard time finding a lot of feedback on them and with the amount of different brands and models available, I am a bit overwhelmed by it all.

My budget is around $50-$75 (or less). I've began looking at different models and see that the most common brands are CatEye and Bontrager. Is one of them a better brand? Is it worth the extra money to invest in a wireless one? Finally, are there any that track calories also? I'd appreciate any feedback or suggestions. Thanks!

I still like my Garmin Forerunner 305, but my iPhone is my new fun way of tracking rides. Using the app called Cyclemeter, and love it!

I like the Sigma 1609, it comes with a cadence feature that you can use or not use. Also has backlight, temperature, information backup in case battery dies or is being replaced, and a low battery display. It can be had for less then you wanted to pay, for about $35; see: http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-1609-Cad.../dp/B0030CHBM0

I've had two wireless computers, a Cateye and a VDO and none of those lasted more then 3 years, plus the battery in the sending unit last about 6 months. So I went back to wired to get back some reliability. If you want the wireless the 1609 STS is wireless and sells for about $48.

Also see this for more details on the 1609: http://www.sigmasport.com/us/produkt..._wired/bc1609/

Even though you may be a newbie, the cyclocomputer does not need to be a low end model. some link the new starter bike to correspond to a low end computer. I think the computer is something you can take with you for other activities like hiking and make it work for you there too. Then if you decided to buy another bike because you really enjoy biking and want more performance, the Garmin type product (GPS) is ok for you.

A numbers guy will like the Garmin. Its downloadable to your desktop and your bike routes can be viewed on Google Earth. The data that's downloadable is viewable as a table of information on each interval, be it a 1 mile or any variable distance that you choose. That's why its good for hiking as well. The battery charge will last longer than an IPhone charge, at least that's what I hear.

AFAIK, any cyclocomputer that will give you a calorie count will require a heart rate monitor,and that will put you over your budget. You can get an inexpensive cyclocomputer and a cheap HRM. Something like a Sigma BC1009 and a Precision XT HRM should cost just about $50 together online.

Your a newbie, just starting out on cycling, a Sigma 1609 is not a cheap computer for a beginner, if that was true and that's what you wanted I would have sent you to Walmart to buy a Bell cyclocomputer for $15!! What arrogance some have. But the Sigma 1609 comes with a very importance feature that helps beginners and pros alike and that's a cadence function so you know what your pedaling RPM rate is.

But Steve530 ideal of a separate HRM is the way to go.

I feel silly asking, but what's the cadence used for? I guess if I have to ask, I probably don't need that feature, but now I'm curious. :) Thanks!

I have the BC 1009, and I like it. The more I ride, though, the more I think it might be nice to have cadence. Sigmas are nice computers, and offer a lot of functionality for the price.

I have the 1609 and my wife has the 1009 because she has no use for cadence, she has one pedal speed and that's slow! But her bike sets outside because she doesn't want to bother with taking in and out of the garage or basement thus it's gotten rained on a lot over the last 2 years. Still works like a charm.

I could not find Precision XT heart monitor online... Is it better to have two separate devices (cyclocomputer + heart monitor) or one (like Sigma Rox 8)?

Thanks for the feedback. I'm actually starting to lean towards using my Droid X with either Endomondo or Sports Tracker. I love the thought of being able to upload my workouts and review the data. I know I could do that with more expensive GPS cyclocomputers, but it's not worth the money if my Droid X can provide me with similar features. I just need to find the right mount for it now.

I use Endomondo with my Droid. It works well as long as you're getting a good GPS signal. I just leave the phone in the pocket of my jersey because I don't think the phone is rugged enough for the vibrations it would get on the handlebars.

I use a cyclocomputer for real-time speed and distance.

I bought a Cateye Strada Double Wireless for the cadence feature, but I find that I rarely use cadence. After a while, you know what your cadence is without the computer, but is nice to check oonce in a while.

It's sold as different brands. I bought one labeled as ProForm, but I've seen the same HRM as Reebok and Schwinn. Should be about $25. Maybe they're being replaced and the supply is depleted, but I bet there's a few available online. Not a great HRM, but it works. Anyway, you should be able to get an entry level HRM for $50.

The main reason I wanted a separate HRM is that you can use it off the bike. You really need one for spinning class when you really try yo push yourself hard. I think monitoring heart rate is the best way to train.

Thanks! It is cheaper too.

I can recommend the Sigma 1609. SMS (= wireless) in any case. I find it better than any Cat Eyes. Why not invest that minimal extra dough on a wireless?

The 1609 (SMS) has everything I need and practically nothing I don't need.
What the 1609 has, but the 1600 does not have:

- Cadence (= r.p.m.)
- Stopwatch
- Use on 2 bikes
- Temperature
- Light (background light in the display with on/off)

Only disadvange IMO: the instruction booklet (= user handbook download) is a catastrophe, but what the heck.

Mike

Consider to check new iPhone app: Cyclist PRO

here ya go, simple with only 1 button to push
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42...ikecoputer.jpg
just picked this up for DRAGON SLAYER
installed and removed front basket
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/Trx1/mounted.jpg
then moved green flags to rear basket
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42...flagsmoved.jpg