Computer and Mirror Questions
 

I just took the original speedo/odometer off of my 30-year old Motobecane commuter bike this morning because while it has always made a slight ticking sound with each revolution, over the last few days it developed a loud clackety sound that was driving me crazy. My ride to work this morning was blissfully silent and I realized that virtually all of the noises I'd been attributing for quite a while to "old bike" were actually coming from this gadget. So it's not going back on the bike. I like seeing the miles tick off though, so I want to replace it with a new, simple and not very expensive computer. (Under $20, if possible.)

My question is this: Do they all--the new ones--make some kind of noise? Is one kind or the other (wired or wireless) more or less noisy than the other kind? Is there a decent inexpensive one that anyone can recommend as quiet and reliable?

Secondly: I had a handlebar-end mirror on my bike that flew off and broke last weekend, and I really miss it. I recently tried the Third-Eye Mirror, because I'd be happy to avoid having a mirror protruding from my bike, but couldn't get it to work for me because my glasses have thin wire frames and it wouldn't stay positioned properly and seemed like a huge hassle to use (like every time I put it on I'd have to spend ten minutes getting it adjusted so I could see), so I returned it.

I've read favorable recommendations here about the Take A Look mirror. My question is, has anyone used it with wire-framed glasses, and does it work better, or will I have the same problem as with the Third Eye mirror?

If so, I'll just get another handlebar mirror.

In my opinion there is only one mirror that works and keeps on working. "Mirricyle Mountain mirror", you'll never regret it.

Every cycling computer I've owned has been silent.

This is the mirror I use on my commuter helmet and road/weekend helmet.

None of the new cyclocomputers, wired or wireless, make noise. Just get whichever one has the features you're looking for. You can probably find a decent one for under $15.
http://www.nashbar.com/results.cfm?s...ice1&pagename=

Yes, the magnetic switch inside the bike should make a noise. They all do. Some are just more quiet than others. Some fork/frame setups transmit that and makes it even louder.

Thanks, everyone.

I went to the local Performance shop today and got the Mirricyle mirror--only $12.99--and it seems far superior to the more expensive Blackburn one that it's replacing. I decided I'm really more comfortable with the mirror attached to my bike rather than to my glasses or helmet.

The mounting system on the Mirricyle mirror is much more secure--I don't think it'll go flying off the bike unexpectedly while I'm riding like the other one did--but I'm really wowed by the much greater visibility and adjustability.

The Blackburn one had to be readjusted constantly and was hard to get just right, and this one seems as if it will stay put. I'm very pleased with it, after a five-mile test cruise around the neighborhood.

I also got a Cateye Mity 8 computer, $19.99 I think, and it does everything I need. And if it makes a noise, I can't hear it! :)

the computer i have is totally silent, unless the sensor is mounted wrong, in which case the magnet rubs against it
all the computers the store i work at (trek brand and sigma sport brand) are quiet, there is supposed to be space between the magnet and sensor

Yep.... THE Mirricycle is made to a very high standard and the others really don't compare. Moreover unless tou break the glass they will last for ever. Good choice!

The CatEye Velo 2 is less than $20, the only function it is missing is max speed (but I've gotten over it), and it has only one button. Plus, you can get an adapter that lets you mount it on the stem. It does make a slight tick sound every time the magnet passes the sensor, but I don't hear that when riding.

I saw something last week about some "Italian sports car bike mirror" or something like that, it was very inconspicuous, inserted in the handlebar end, and SEEMED like it would work pretty well. It was about $20 after shipping.

Here is a write up on some mirror options -

http://icebike.org/Equipment/cyclingmirrors.htm

New computers with magnets shouldn't make a ticking noise unless the reader is too close to the magnet as it passes. Just push the reader away a fraction of an inch, and the ticking noise will disappear.

I use topeak mirrors which fold into the horns. They RULE!!!

+1 ... I have never heard any noise from any bicycle computer and have been riding with our local club for nearly 16yrs. If you hear noise ... the magnet and receiver are touching as the magnet goes by. It just needs to be adjusted.

You guys are wrong. The sensor on my CatEye makes an faint, audible "tick" upon every revolution as the sensor sends its electrical "count" signal to the computer. It is definitely not making physical contact between the sensor and magnet. It cannot be heard when riding, but it can if I pick up the front of the bike and spin the front wheel by hand.

My guess is that this sensor's pulse is stronger than others, so it's more audible. You could probably hear the same thing with a stethoscope on others. I'm sure that a physicist or electrical engineer could explain why there is some sound caused by the magnet interaction with the sensor.

You're hearing a reed switch operating in the pick up. The sound they make is barely audible. It's probably not noticeable enough to blip most people's radar.

I'll agree with that. I didn't think of what kind of operating mechanism there is inside the sensor.

My hearing is better than most.

Uh no. -999

You are both wrong, all the computer switches use the same principle, it's a switch inside and when the magnet passes, there is a moving part inside the sensor that WILL make an audible click. Some are louder than others, some are amplified by the fork they are on/frame.

Just because you rode for 9834 years doesn't make something true.

I don't know about the currently available sensors, but they don't have to be magnetic reed switches, hall effect sensors would work just as well, and would be dead silent (no moving parts).

peace,
sam