My aunt said that she would buy me a new computer for my bike. She said that I can get anyone that I want. So I really want a wireless one but I know that there are a few types around. Can anyone recommend which one that I should get. Thanks.

Are you interested in just the basics or do you want bells and whistles? Do you have a MTB and are you worried about it surviving harsh conditions (including offroad crashes)? Do you care about interfacing it with your bike's shifters? Do you care about having an altimeter? HRM? PC interface? Compass? Backlight? Want to customise the display? There are plenty to choose from. I've seen a really nice comparison chart for various computers in Performance's catalogs. Of course that's only for computers they carry but they do have a pretty good selection. You might wanna start there.

Me? I have the Shimano Flightdeck for both my RB and MTB. It interfaces with my shifters and shows me gear information. It also shows virtual cadence. The Ergobrain for the Campy groups do the same but show actual cadence and have backlights. They also "learn" the gears instead of having to be programmed by hand.

My wife has a Cateye Velo (basic computer) on her bike. I also like the Cateye Mity and Enduro (ruggedised version of the Mity). I used to have a Cateye ATC (no longer made). A friend of mine has the Cateye OS which allows you to reconfigure the display and stores summary charts of your riding.

If you're looking to combine HRM, cycloputer and total training program, you might wanna look at the high end Polar.

Most of these computers can be purchased as a wireless unit or can be upgraded with a wireless kit.

its for a road bike and i can get which ever one i want. i dont need altimeter but i want one with kool features. im not paying so i dont have the budget and she jsut said to chose one so...

if you want expensive (not necessarily best) go with the SHimano flight deck or campy ergobrain. IMO a Cateye Enduro or Astrale or Cordless 2 will get the job done just fine. I have heard that wireless can be troublesome though.

how can it be troublesome. im on a road bike with a steel fork. not carbon.

How about a Polar 510 or 710 HRM with cadence kit? You get all the bike computer functions AND a killer HRM in one unit. Yeah, it'll set you back a few hundred, but what the heck, you're not writing the check.

ok new budget 100ish CDN. remember that cateye is messed. its 69US for wireless and 65CDN for wireless.

I use several cateye 2 cordless computers, they have the standard features, but no bells and whistles. I have never had any trouble with these riding all year round. Excellent, but simple features.

CHEERS.

Mark

That's what I keep asking: which computer? I got one for Christmas last year and my other one still works fine.

Do you think I should get another bike to mount the new one on?
It's still sitting in the box.

the more bikes the merrier

i use and like the cat eye astrail speed cadance max speed average speed trip total miles clock elapsed time and odometer all and all an easy computer to mount and use Ive got em on all 3 bikes no problems here.

pete yea get another bike to mount the extra computer on
catfish

if i had to buy a nice messy wire one which one is around 70bux CDN. so the same price as the cateye2 wireless. it doenst have to be cateye as long as its made in japan.

My vote would go to the Cateye OS or the Enduro2.

i heard the OS is actually garbage.. Endruo eh. Hmm.. any thing else.

like i said 70-100 + 15% tax ish

Look at the Sigma Sport computers. They are my favorites. Easy to set up. Easy to use. Every computer is compatible with every mount. I've never had a lick of trouble from the wireless model. <EDIT> For a road bike wireless is overkill.

And, no, I don't work for them.

I've never used Planet Bike's computers, but they look interesting. Lots of info displayed at once.

why is wireless overkill for a road bike

the topeak panoram looks nice
and ill probably end up buying whatever computer I buy at the toronto bike show coming up. I just wish someone would tell me the date of it.

On a mountain bike where the fork expands and contracts, and where a stray wire is likely to snag on a branch or twig, wireless makes some sense. Road biking poses fewer hazards to a wire, and wired computers are actually lighter than the wireless models. Route the wire up the front brake cable, wrap it tight, and all is well.

I have a Specialized Speedzone Pro, wireless except for the cadence. I have last years model, the new one boasts wireless cadence also. (Of course, after I get the other one for Christmas!!!!) I love it except for my recent crash completely reset the entire computer. I still have not reset it yet, but I will be doing that tonight. It has a backlight, altimeter, max speed, average speed, current speed, timers, clock, odometer, and miles and or kilometers traveled. I can't imagine not using the computer because I can challenge myself everytime I ride to go faster, farther, ect..... I have always used a Specialized and never had problems, except for the accident.

No one has mentioned Vetta computers. Does anybody have anything good or bad to say about them**********????

YES.
I have just (well almost just) installed Cateye Astrale.
Not outrageously expensive (about $30 at HHH, probably a
little more elsewhere), but what a difference.
I previously used Cateye Mity3, quite happy with it really.
The Astrale has Cadence which to my mind is the MOST
important feature if you want to improve your cycling.
Yah its a little fidgety setting up (Thanks Roadie!), but
what I thought was an OK cadence was really a little low.
Hillclimbing? I just watch the cadence and shift when it
begins to drop.
I know the Vetta computers are good too, but
for my dollars I'd vote the cateye Astrale.

Marty

I have a Cateye wireless that works great. Except, don't use a cellular phone near one. I stopped during a ride the other day and called home. When I got on the bike, the computer was reading 4 miles more than when I stopped. I just figured it was a glitch and finished the ride. After I got home, I verified that the cell phone would activate the computer. I was pretty sure that I did not hit a max speed of 55 MPH! Other than that, the Cateye has been flawless. And I like the clean look of the wireless.

Mobile phones aren't the only things that can do that...



This was on my roadbike and although I did just come down a pretty steep hill, I doubt I was going that fast. |8^)

I believe this to have been caused by a traffic sensor coil. I pass them all the time. Those things are pretty much metal detectors and like all metal detectors operate on some variation of the principle of measuring a reflected induced magnetic field. I think wireless units may be even more succeptable.

I actually run a wired unit on my MTB because my K2 SmartShocks (front and rear) cause computer anomolies with wireless sensors. They have little piezoelectric valves in them that control fluid flow for damping control and I guess they emit enough EM to screw up the wireless transmission.

I second this recommendation. I just got one too... a 02 Speedzone Pro Classic with the cadence. It rocks. Just to let you know... I just got about a week ago.. and the cadence IS wired... not wireless.

Love the backlight option... I commute to work and it's dark when I start. Most computers don't have it.. or they have a weak light. This light is really good. Also the inclinometer kicks butt in my book.

I've tried a vetta V100 HR Wireless before this... and I think this one is WAY better. The one I had before that was a Trek with Temp... I forget the name of it. But they don't make it anymore. It was the best computer I'd ever seen for under $75. Too bad they don't make them anymore. I love this new computer. I even bought the second mount so I can use it on my mountain bike. It has the dual bike settings, so it's a snap to just switch bikes with it.

PBW