Bike Computer advice
 

My Cateye Enduro 8 has finally given up the ghost after more years that I can remember, and I'm looking for a replacement, and thought I'd ask for recommendations.

My requirements are:

• multiple wheel diameters (to accommodate multiple bikes). I have 3 that I ride regularly, but I can probably narrow it down to two wheel diameters.
• Replacement sensors available. (For the second and third bike)
• well made. I hate replacing stuff that breaks. It should 'just work'.
• Cheap! 'Cause I am too. :-)

I'm OK with either wired or wireless. Wired only has to be hooked up once per bike so not a big deal. Cateye used to make a more robust wiring kit, I suppose for mountain biking, and I had them on a couple bikes.

I commute to work 10 or 11 months a year, run errands and do the occasional loaded tour or charity ride, so functions I'm after are:

• Odometer
• Trip Distance (A and B distances would be preferrable)
• Average Speed
• Clock

My local bike shop carries Specialized computers (http://www.specialized.com/ca/en/ftb...zone-computers) and MEC carries a number of brands I've never heard of before. (http://www.mec.ca/shop/bike-computer...ter&h=10+50023). I also have an REI membership, but that involves a cross-border trip to Michigan.

Any suggestions?

Garmin Edge 200, like the auto stop feature for distance travel time keeping.

for your needs viax is spot on.

a garmin 200

A garmin 200? I thought the op wanted cheap? That unit is not cheap at around $130!

You get more features and greater reliability at a lower cost with wired units then wireless, but some people like the clean wire free look, so you have to decide that part.

Cateye still makes a rugged wired computer called the Enduro that comes with heavy duty wiring if that's what you need, but I don't see where in the instructions that it will hook up to more then one bike but it is cheap at $24, you could get 3 of those for almost half the cost of the Garmin!

I personally like Sigma computers. The BC1609 has everything you want with automatic recognition of 2nd bike but you do have to purchase the second mounting kit that comes with sensor cable and handlebar mount. This unit also has wired cadence sensor, if you desire another cadence sensor for bike 2 then you would have to buy that as well. But the cool thing is, this computer is only $30 plus $8 for the cadence wire and sensor if you want it. Some places sell them as a package but you will have to look around for that; the extra speed sensor and mount for bike 2 is only $12.

Everyone has their favorite computers so this is going to be all over the board. I suggest you study on the internet the computers being suggested here to find the one you think you'll like best.

I was cheap and started with a $20 wireless system. I eventually got a used Edge 205 for $100. The GPS devices have so many advantages, that it might be better to save money by going directly to one of those.

Thanks to everyone for your advice. I'm still mulling it over, but I think rekmayata has the best advice:

I hadn't seen much of Sigma, but it turns out my LBS carries them. The model you mention - the BC1609 certainly would do everything I need, and more. I'm good with purchasing the second cable/sensor, and fully expected to have to do that. Reliability is the biggest thing - I don't mind changing batteries every year or two, but I don't want to have to switch to another computer + second cable mount + second sensor in a year or two if the computer dies/is no longer made.

Cateye has some models that I'll look at as well, but I'm leaning towards Sigma because they're stocked locally.

Thanks again to all for your advice!