Bicycle Computer Advice
 

I'm the market for a basic bicycle computer. I don't need GPS, heart rater monitoring, or any of that. I mostly want to know the time, how fast I'm going, and how far I've gone. I like the idea of a wireless computer - do they work well? I'm looking to spend no more than $60. Any one have specific suggestions for models to look at or avoid?

Thanks in advance!

I have both Sigma and Topeak computers and recommend both of them. My favorite is the Topeak Panoram because you get all the basic info on one screen and it's easy to read (I have poor eyesight.) The wireless version of the Panoram (which I don't have) is $45 at http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4110 and the wireless Sigma is $30 http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4110
The nice thing about the Sigma's are you can attach them to your stem rather than just your handlebars.

Thanks very much! I'll probably order the Panoram...

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
When I installed it the first thing my wife asked was "where's the keyboard, dork?"

My fave...
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4110

You know the guy at my lbs was installing one of those on a recumbent so I tried it out. I found the integrated button/body didn't work well. Have you had any problems selecting different modes with yours?

I have had mine for a long time, 3 years maybe?
Everything is on the screen, no need for a lot of button pushing.
The button flips between time and ODO on mine. The computer slides back easily and you just push the button. It's easy.
It does what I want it to do, and it doesn't do what I don't want it to. My favorite bit is that it starts automatically. More computers have auto on now, it was one of the first.

does it have a clock function and if so does it stay accurate?

The time drifts the way it does on a lot of inexpensive digital timekeepers. It's not bad, but if you need a really accurate clock, you might want to post that as a seperate question.

No I was just wondering why you are always late.


sorry. :o

I've got the Protege 9.0

It works really well, and I've had no problems selecting different modes with the buttonless body.

I like the Sigma BC1600. You can use it wired and add cadence or upgrade to wireless. Nice bright easy to read display.

Okay, I've been to a few LBS to see what they have in stock and I haven't really been blown away. In fact, I've got more questions than answers from them. What's the advantage of having cadence? I don't understand why a regular computer cant tell me RPM - since that's how it's measureing MPH anyway...

Also, will this be easy enough for me to install myself?

What do want to know the RPM of? Isn't that a direct function of MPH? If you mean pedaling RPM, then that's cadence. So you'll need another sensor or you can fake it like Shimano's FlightDeck and use the gearing info along with MPH to determine cadence.

Ah, right - of course!

Hi,
they're all good. Just pick something up at the bike shop.
Unless you are in a serious training program, cadence is a bit silly.
I can tell when my feet are going fast without a computer.

I recently purchased the Cateye Micro wireless off an Ebay store for a whopping $35 including shipping. It's very basic, but functions perfectly. I've only got about 200 miles on it so far, but if you're looking for something small, basic, and simple with no clutter, I'd highly recommend it.

http://www.cateye.com/en/products/vi...d=6&subCatId=0

Wireless computers will not work if you use a HID light. Many other things can cause interference too. They say even power lines, radios for sure etc. Also some of the wireless computers have a maximum distance the sender can be from the computer, this is a problem on some bikes. Some computers even need to not have the bars in the way. Old style Sigma Sport for one. Wireless are heavier and bulkier and need more batteries. Most all brands work about the same if you get wired. Just pick the functions you like.

I bought an amazingly stylish VDO wireless computer from Mountain Equipment Coop, (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1115079196555) and I took it back today after it insisted on telling me that I was going at 93 km/h. I know the new bike is fast, but that was more than a little silly. I suspect it was picking up interference from my BlackBerry, or from other people's cellphones, or from the power cables I rode under. I now have a much more basic CatEye Tomo from the LBS, which is much less beautiful. But it seemed to work just fine when I took the bike round the block this evening to check I had installed it right. Only thing I have not been able to work out is how to install the kms I had already done on the old computer onto the new one.

Geez it's geeky in here!

I just started to think, Would Anquetil have a danged computer on his bike?? Then I thought, Yeah he sure would! He was one of the most scientific riders of all time......

That's typical. Some power lines will light up a fluorescent light bulb (a little) if you just stand under them.

go for a cateye... my friend has an old wireless cateye that's still going strong. he bought a wireless sigma 1200 that stopped functioning after (literally) a week. i've had 2 cateyes that were indestructible.

if you do not need cadence, you can definately find a good cateye for much less than 60$

Actually, you CAN find cateye computers with cadence for under $60. Nashbar is your friend.

Give it up and buy one of these: http://www.bikebrain.com/

Bonus...you can screw around playing games on it while biking too! (please don't though...)