Computer and Mirror Questions
#1
Thread Starter
Embrace the weirdness.
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 153
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From: Sacramento, CA
Bikes: Motobecane
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.
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.
#4
Life is good


Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
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.
https://www.nashbar.com/results.cfm?s...ice1&pagename=
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.
https://www.nashbar.com/results.cfm?s...ice1&pagename=
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
#6
Thread Starter
Embrace the weirdness.
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 153
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From: Sacramento, CA
Bikes: Motobecane
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!
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!
#7
Member
Joined: Jun 2005
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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
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
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,053
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From: Fife Scotland
Bikes: Airnimal Chameleon; Ellis Briggs; Moulton TSR27 Moulton Esprit
Originally Posted by primaryreality
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!
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!

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!
#9
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.
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.
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Springfield, Ohio
Bikes: '06 Raleigh Cadent road bike,'05 Trek 7200 hybrid,' 83 Schwinn Le Tour SS conversion
#11
I'm made of earth!
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Frankfurt, Germany
Bikes: KTM Macina 5 e-bike, Babboe Curve-E cargobike, Raleigh Aspen touring/off-road hybrid.
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!!!
I use topeak mirrors which fold into the horns. They RULE!!!
#12
Cycle for life...
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,338
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From: Southern Indiana
Bikes: Trek 5200 | Cannondale Six13 TeamOne | Cannondale Road Tandem | Cannondale Prophet 3 "Lefty"
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.
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-\Brian
18' Landshark Tandem - Custom
15' Wabi Special Single-Speed Road
06' Cannondale Six13 TeamOne
06' Cannondale Prophet 3 "Lefty"
92' Trek 5200
-\Brian
18' Landshark Tandem - Custom
15' Wabi Special Single-Speed Road
06' Cannondale Six13 TeamOne
06' Cannondale Prophet 3 "Lefty"
92' Trek 5200
#13
Originally Posted by woodcycl
+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.
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.
#14
Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 30,225
Likes: 649
From: St Peters, Missouri
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Originally Posted by sestivers
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.
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.
#16
cab horn

Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 28,353
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From: Toronto
Bikes: 1987 Bianchi Campione
Originally Posted by woodcycl
+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 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.
#17
Spoked to Death
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,335
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From: Boulder, CO
Bikes: Salsa La Cruz w/ Alfine 8, Specialized Fuse Pro 27.5+, Surly 1x1
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
peace,
sam





