Need Recommendation for a Basic Bike Computer
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 275
Likes: 1
Need Recommendation for a Basic Bike Computer
Not looking for anything fancy.. I just want to be able to record my speed; distance covered and AVG MPH.
Don't need cadence, bluetooth, phone, time of day etc, power rating etc. I would like it to be light if possible.
I have two road bikes and would like something easy to switch
This is nog a $ issue but rather one of practicality
Don't need cadence, bluetooth, phone, time of day etc, power rating etc. I would like it to be light if possible.
I have two road bikes and would like something easy to switch
This is nog a $ issue but rather one of practicality
#2
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 275
Likes: 1
Need Recommendation for a Basic Bike Computer
Not looking for anything fancy.. I just want to be able to record my speed; distance covered and AVG MPH.
Don't need cadence, bluetooth, phone, time of day etc, power rating etc. I would like it to be light if possible.
I have two road bikes and would like something easy to switch
This is not a $ issue but rather one of practicality
Wireless and light
Don't need cadence, bluetooth, phone, time of day etc, power rating etc. I would like it to be light if possible.
I have two road bikes and would like something easy to switch
This is not a $ issue but rather one of practicality
Wireless and light
Last edited by kenshireen; 05-14-20 at 01:13 PM. Reason: added words
#3
I've had good luck with SunDings, bought on eBay for $3-$5, a few dollars more for wireless (meaning no cable running from the sensor to the 'computer'). They do nothing but keep time and count revolutions, and what they can compute from that data (speed, distance, distance since last reset...) They've only failed because I broke them (say by turning the bicycle upside down without removing them). At that price, I was careless. Bizarrely, though most vendors sell them cheaply, 1 listed them at $108 once.
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 8,206
Likes: 86
From: Metro Detroit/AA
Bikes: 2016 Novara Mazama
I like the Cateye Velos. Couple different models so you can choose the level of features you need. Basic model is under $30, IIRC. Didn't mention which you wanted, but they have both wireless and wired. Very simple easy to read interface, only one button.
#6
Fredly Fredster

Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 740
Likes: 60
Bikes: Trek Domane S5, Trek 1.1c, Motobecane Omni Strada Comp, Trek X-Caliber 6
If you use lights get a wired computer like the Cateye Velo 9. If you don't use lights, get a Cateye Strada Wireless as recommended above.
#8
“We don’t need no badges”
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 2,605
Likes: 1,627
From: SF Bay Area
Bikes: 1981 Holdsworth Special, 1993 C-dale MT3000 & 1996 F700CAD3, 2018 & 2019 Cervelo R3’s & 2022 R5, JustGo Runt, Ridley Oval, Kickr Bike 8-)
Using the same Computer on two bikes may require a re-calibration for the two wheel diameters.
Using a GPS, either on a phone app, or dedicated bike computer, does not rely on wheel diameter calibrations for distance and speed.
Barry
Using a GPS, either on a phone app, or dedicated bike computer, does not rely on wheel diameter calibrations for distance and speed.
Barry
#9
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 969
Likes: 519
From: Richfield, WI
Bikes: Trek Domane SL7 Disc, Cannondale F29
Do you actually need a bike computer? When I really just want to enjoy the ride and not have a cycle computer telling me I'm not going fast enough (which it always does!), I just start the Strava app on my phone before I start my ride then check my stats when my ride is done. It covers all the data you're looking for w/o cluttering-up your bike and doesn't matter which bike you're on!
#10
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,495
Likes: 771
From: Chicago North Shore
Bikes: frankenbike based on MKM frame
There are any number of phone apps. Frankly, I didn't find the Strava phone app at all compelling. From what you say you want, two of the cheap wired units from China seem to me to be your best bet. I tried only one cheap wireless unit. It frequently locked up, and even when it didn't, it dropped some mileage.
#13
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 645
Likes: 419
INBIKE IC-321 WIRELESS
I was one of the first in North America to purchase and install this INBIKE IC-321 when it was first released.
I have installed over 45 of these units. I fabricated my own design attachment that allows the SENSOR to attach to ancient SCHWINNS with blade forks.
These INBIKE IC-321 WIRELESS Speedometers need no modifications for installation on modern bikes with broomstick like forks.
On ancient SCHWINNS and almost every American manufacturered bicycle made before about 1977 will have thin blade forks or will have thin tubular forks which you will find are extremely difficult if not impossible to secure the SENSOR to the fork without it moving or jiggling around. For this reason, I designed my own attachment for the SENSOR that instead of using the fork, in my design for use on ancient SCHWINNS, I have the SENSOR hanging via a custom designed mount which hangs off of the left axle, just beneath the left axle nut. You can make something crudely with a Large BINDER CLIP placed over the SENSOR and JB WELDED or E-POXIED to the SENSOR, then use one of the chrome wire ears of the binder clip to mount under the left axle nut.............wrap black sewing thread around this chrome wire ear at where it squeezes the SENSOR............saturate this black thread with EPOXY, and this chrome wire binder clip handle becomes a RIGID chrome wire hanging mount arm....
...YOU OBVIOUSLY REMOVED THE OTHER Chrome Wire Binder Clip Handle..... Choose the Large BINDER CLIP size that most closely matches the size of the Sensor when you are sourcing your BINDER CLIP to build such a contraption that will allow you to mount these on ANCIENT SCHWINNS and other ancient antique bicycles. My installations were engineered and look factory engineered, but it was my neighbor who came up with the use of the BINDER CLIP method.......no 3D printer required, or custom stamped bracket...................just down and dirty MacGyvered (Richard Dean Anderson version of MacGyver...) part to make it work.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Waterproof-...rkparms=aid%3D
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Wireless-LC...parms=aid%3D1:
Full Disclosure: I have never dealt with either of the two ebay sources linked above. They have good ratings and are USA based. Those are just two random examples of suppliers of the INBIKE IC-321 WIRELESS speedometer-odometer thing-a-majib. You may find other non-USA suppliers that have these for less but you'd be looking for a three week time lag for delivery from Shen Zhen or Hong Kong during the best of times. As I mentioned earlier, I have installed these on at least 45 bicycles. Initially I sourced them from the sole China maker and distributor as there wasn't a designated model number at that time. They have a NICE LARGE DISPLAY and they do come with the two necessary CR____ button batteries. These INBIKE IC-321 WIRELESS thingies are essentially LOW TECH like 1982 era bicycle computers, but it is a really good "Dumb" old-timey bike computer. The reason that I like it so much is the DISPLAY face is LARGE and it displays Time of Day at Top Left and it displays ODOMETER at Top Right---------------------CURRENT SPEED (your choice of MPH or Kilometers Per Hour).........you also have other stopwatch and trip odometer functions but I really like the SPEEDO(current speed) display that is Large and centered, and I like the Clock at Top Left and total ODOMETER mileage at Top Right more than anything.
You do not get any advance notice that the Battery is dying or dead, other than the Display Unit will be extremely dim before it does not display at all. INSTALL a New Battery and the Display again becomes alive, vibrant and bright. You will have to REPROGRAM and RE-SET ALL OF THE SETTINGS and Re-Enter the TOTAL ODOMETER Reading Each and Every Time that You REMOVE and REPLACE The BATTERY.
The Battery in the SENSOR seems to last longer than the battery in the Head Unit(DISPLAY). My experience has been that the original battery in the Head Unit will last approximately between 13 months and 20 months. All of the INBIKE IC-321 wireless speedos that I have installed are still working.
Now, you do get a brief crazy unrealistic speedo display for maybe one second or a second and a half when starting from a complete stop..........what happens is that the display doesn't stabilize on the accurate speed UNTIL the bike is going 5 MPH.......... That is something that all of these INBIKE IC-321 WIRELESS speedos do.
My suggestion to anyone who is doing the initital programming of the Time of Day, Miles or Kilometers, and the Tire Circumference Measurement in Milimeters of their Front Tire........................I suggest that if you need to re-enter and change or zero out the entire data and start over............JUST REMOVE THE Button Battery and Re-Insert it..........then begin again from scratch as you'd begin with the new speedo just out of the package...........The directions are almost decent considering that someone whose native language is Chinese, did the English translation. It is extremely simple to figure it out.
The Great Large centered SPEEDO display with the total ODOMETER mileage (or kilometers if you select it to read KM instead of miles per hour) is what really makes the INBIKE IC-321 such a great speedometer/odometer. It is extremely accurate (other than the display when going 0 to 4 mph..). You can set it for whatever four digit MILLIMETER total measurement or calculation of your Front Tire's Circumference. There are a few suggested mm figures for certain wheel and tire sizes BUT YOU CAN INSERT WHATEVER CALCULATION or MEASUREMENT THAT YOU COME UP WITH FOR GREATER ACCURACY........ Roll the wheel one precisely measured revolution on your hardwood floor of your dining room...........or just use that old 8th grade, " TWO PIE R "
I was one of the first in North America to purchase and install this INBIKE IC-321 when it was first released.
I have installed over 45 of these units. I fabricated my own design attachment that allows the SENSOR to attach to ancient SCHWINNS with blade forks.
These INBIKE IC-321 WIRELESS Speedometers need no modifications for installation on modern bikes with broomstick like forks.
On ancient SCHWINNS and almost every American manufacturered bicycle made before about 1977 will have thin blade forks or will have thin tubular forks which you will find are extremely difficult if not impossible to secure the SENSOR to the fork without it moving or jiggling around. For this reason, I designed my own attachment for the SENSOR that instead of using the fork, in my design for use on ancient SCHWINNS, I have the SENSOR hanging via a custom designed mount which hangs off of the left axle, just beneath the left axle nut. You can make something crudely with a Large BINDER CLIP placed over the SENSOR and JB WELDED or E-POXIED to the SENSOR, then use one of the chrome wire ears of the binder clip to mount under the left axle nut.............wrap black sewing thread around this chrome wire ear at where it squeezes the SENSOR............saturate this black thread with EPOXY, and this chrome wire binder clip handle becomes a RIGID chrome wire hanging mount arm....
...YOU OBVIOUSLY REMOVED THE OTHER Chrome Wire Binder Clip Handle..... Choose the Large BINDER CLIP size that most closely matches the size of the Sensor when you are sourcing your BINDER CLIP to build such a contraption that will allow you to mount these on ANCIENT SCHWINNS and other ancient antique bicycles. My installations were engineered and look factory engineered, but it was my neighbor who came up with the use of the BINDER CLIP method.......no 3D printer required, or custom stamped bracket...................just down and dirty MacGyvered (Richard Dean Anderson version of MacGyver...) part to make it work.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Waterproof-...rkparms=aid%3D
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Wireless-LC...parms=aid%3D1:
Full Disclosure: I have never dealt with either of the two ebay sources linked above. They have good ratings and are USA based. Those are just two random examples of suppliers of the INBIKE IC-321 WIRELESS speedometer-odometer thing-a-majib. You may find other non-USA suppliers that have these for less but you'd be looking for a three week time lag for delivery from Shen Zhen or Hong Kong during the best of times. As I mentioned earlier, I have installed these on at least 45 bicycles. Initially I sourced them from the sole China maker and distributor as there wasn't a designated model number at that time. They have a NICE LARGE DISPLAY and they do come with the two necessary CR____ button batteries. These INBIKE IC-321 WIRELESS thingies are essentially LOW TECH like 1982 era bicycle computers, but it is a really good "Dumb" old-timey bike computer. The reason that I like it so much is the DISPLAY face is LARGE and it displays Time of Day at Top Left and it displays ODOMETER at Top Right---------------------CURRENT SPEED (your choice of MPH or Kilometers Per Hour).........you also have other stopwatch and trip odometer functions but I really like the SPEEDO(current speed) display that is Large and centered, and I like the Clock at Top Left and total ODOMETER mileage at Top Right more than anything.
You do not get any advance notice that the Battery is dying or dead, other than the Display Unit will be extremely dim before it does not display at all. INSTALL a New Battery and the Display again becomes alive, vibrant and bright. You will have to REPROGRAM and RE-SET ALL OF THE SETTINGS and Re-Enter the TOTAL ODOMETER Reading Each and Every Time that You REMOVE and REPLACE The BATTERY.
The Battery in the SENSOR seems to last longer than the battery in the Head Unit(DISPLAY). My experience has been that the original battery in the Head Unit will last approximately between 13 months and 20 months. All of the INBIKE IC-321 wireless speedos that I have installed are still working.
Now, you do get a brief crazy unrealistic speedo display for maybe one second or a second and a half when starting from a complete stop..........what happens is that the display doesn't stabilize on the accurate speed UNTIL the bike is going 5 MPH.......... That is something that all of these INBIKE IC-321 WIRELESS speedos do.
My suggestion to anyone who is doing the initital programming of the Time of Day, Miles or Kilometers, and the Tire Circumference Measurement in Milimeters of their Front Tire........................I suggest that if you need to re-enter and change or zero out the entire data and start over............JUST REMOVE THE Button Battery and Re-Insert it..........then begin again from scratch as you'd begin with the new speedo just out of the package...........The directions are almost decent considering that someone whose native language is Chinese, did the English translation. It is extremely simple to figure it out.
The Great Large centered SPEEDO display with the total ODOMETER mileage (or kilometers if you select it to read KM instead of miles per hour) is what really makes the INBIKE IC-321 such a great speedometer/odometer. It is extremely accurate (other than the display when going 0 to 4 mph..). You can set it for whatever four digit MILLIMETER total measurement or calculation of your Front Tire's Circumference. There are a few suggested mm figures for certain wheel and tire sizes BUT YOU CAN INSERT WHATEVER CALCULATION or MEASUREMENT THAT YOU COME UP WITH FOR GREATER ACCURACY........ Roll the wheel one precisely measured revolution on your hardwood floor of your dining room...........or just use that old 8th grade, " TWO PIE R "
#14
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 734
Likes: 212
From: Northern Virginia
Bikes: Current: 2016 Bianchi Volpe; 1973 Peugeot UO-8. Past: 1974 Fuji S-10-S with custom black Imron paint by Stinsman Racing of PA.
Not looking for anything fancy.. I just want to be able to record my speed; distance covered and AVG MPH.
Don't need cadence, bluetooth, phone, time of day etc, power rating etc. I would like it to be light if possible.
I have two road bikes and would like something easy to switch
This is nog a $ issue but rather one of practicality
Don't need cadence, bluetooth, phone, time of day etc, power rating etc. I would like it to be light if possible.
I have two road bikes and would like something easy to switch
This is nog a $ issue but rather one of practicality
Strada Slim: https://www.cateye.com/intl/products...ers/CC-RD310W/
Padrone: https://www.cateye.com/intl/products...ers/CC-PA100W/
Last edited by Bill in VA; 05-14-20 at 07:24 PM.
#15
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 631
Likes: 355
From: Eastern Iowa
Bikes: 2014 Trek Allant drop bar conversion, modified Schwinn MTN commuter, 2015 Trek 520, Soma ES, Salsa Journeyman, 1980 Trek 414
Things do go whacky if the light is mounted on the same side, and in between the transmitter and receiver, especially if using a blinking light setting.
#16
Happy banana slug

Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 4,553
Likes: 2,501
From: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 261, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930
I have found that if you mount the light on the opposite side of the stem from your fork blade's wireless wheel magnet sensor/transmitter that it does not interfere with the data transfer to the computer display/receiver unit.
Things do go whacky if the light is mounted on the same side, and in between the transmitter and receiver, especially if using a blinking light setting.
Things do go whacky if the light is mounted on the same side, and in between the transmitter and receiver, especially if using a blinking light setting.
#18
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 734
Likes: 212
From: Northern Virginia
Bikes: Current: 2016 Bianchi Volpe; 1973 Peugeot UO-8. Past: 1974 Fuji S-10-S with custom black Imron paint by Stinsman Racing of PA.
I have found that if you mount the light on the opposite side of the stem from your fork blade's wireless wheel magnet sensor/transmitter that it does not interfere with the data transfer to the computer display/receiver unit.
Things do go whacky if the light is mounted on the same side, and in between the transmitter and receiver, especially if using a blinking light setting.
Things do go whacky if the light is mounted on the same side, and in between the transmitter and receiver, especially if using a blinking light setting.
#19
Full Member

Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 495
Likes: 842
From: Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, UK
Bikes: Gitane Course, Paris Sport, Peugeot AO8, Peugeot Bretagne, Peugeot Premiere 85, Peugeot Premiere 86, Peugeot ANC Halfords Team Replica, Peugeot Festina Team Replica, Motobecane Grand Sport, Motobecane Super 15, Raleigh Pro Race, Raleigh Stratos, BSA
As an extra option how about a second hand Garmin? I bought a Garmin Edge 200 off eBay at the end of last year for Audax rides, and (until Covid stopped play) it has been ideal.
Good battery life (more than sufficient for 100k rides), basic and very easy controls, no sensors to set up on the bike, clear and easy to read screen, easy to transfer between bikes, and the option of basic routing if needed.
Total cost including postage was less than £30 - I'm very pleased with it.
Good battery life (more than sufficient for 100k rides), basic and very easy controls, no sensors to set up on the bike, clear and easy to read screen, easy to transfer between bikes, and the option of basic routing if needed.
Total cost including postage was less than £30 - I'm very pleased with it.
#20
Zip tie Karen
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 7,005
Likes: 1,546
From: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Bikes: '13 Motobecane Fantom29 HT, '16 Motobecane Turino Pro Disc, '18 Velobuild VB-R-022, '21 Tsunami SNM-100
#21
Fredly Fredster

Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 740
Likes: 60
Bikes: Trek Domane S5, Trek 1.1c, Motobecane Omni Strada Comp, Trek X-Caliber 6
I have found that if you mount the light on the opposite side of the stem from your fork blade's wireless wheel magnet sensor/transmitter that it does not interfere with the data transfer to the computer display/receiver unit.
Things do go whacky if the light is mounted on the same side, and in between the transmitter and receiver, especially if using a blinking light setting.
Things do go whacky if the light is mounted on the same side, and in between the transmitter and receiver, especially if using a blinking light setting.
Last edited by DomaneS5; 05-15-20 at 07:44 AM.
#22
“We don’t need no badges”
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 2,605
Likes: 1,627
From: SF Bay Area
Bikes: 1981 Holdsworth Special, 1993 C-dale MT3000 & 1996 F700CAD3, 2018 & 2019 Cervelo R3’s & 2022 R5, JustGo Runt, Ridley Oval, Kickr Bike 8-)
The “nothing fancy” cheap Cateyes don’t have that feature.
I own a couple myself. They use the same LCD display as those that do, but its not enabled in the firmware.
Barry
#23
Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,944
Likes: 506
From: Elevation 666m Edmonton Canada
Bikes: 2013 Custom SA5w / Rohloff Tourster
I love my SIGMA wired ones that work 100% of the time, unlike finicky wireless. My $35 or so 16.12 has about 12 functions. Great display, 2 bikes, trip, total, temp, time, countdown, memory keep, total miles, miles/ km, total hours and 2 averages. Very simple to program and set up. It uses O rings that can be taken off and adjusted, as opposed to some with fricking zip ties. My biggest peeve is all of them don't have an angled shape for the fork magnet part. The battery lasts a year usually. You could order a second wire set at the same time. Just make sure the wire has zero flexing at the top end. I tape the wire to the stem neck. It has 4 buttons. WTH is good about having only ONE??
I prefer having a comp on each bike to separate performance and wear parameters.
10 years ago I goofed and bought a Bontrager comp at the local LBS, that only showed 1/ 10ths of a mile like cars. How stupid was that?? Used once and junked.
I prefer having a comp on each bike to separate performance and wear parameters.
10 years ago I goofed and bought a Bontrager comp at the local LBS, that only showed 1/ 10ths of a mile like cars. How stupid was that?? Used once and junked.
Last edited by GamblerGORD53; 05-15-20 at 10:31 AM.
#24
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 8,206
Likes: 86
From: Metro Detroit/AA
Bikes: 2016 Novara Mazama
Only bike I ride that doesn't have one is my fat bike, because varying the pressures in that make the wheel change way too much to make it useful.
#25
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 302
Likes: 45
lezyne enhanced micro color c love it for cyclocross , but a better option would be to just use a smart phone and get a nice mount, even on a rainy day i throw my phone in a snak sized ziplock bag and its been the best computer i have had , it can run my music , navigation and fitness tracker , even the wahoos cant do that !!!!!!!
Last edited by Toespeas; 05-18-20 at 03:53 AM.





