Too Much Data
 

Is it just me or do others think there is TOO much info on the internet. I'm looking to buy a new cyclometer/computer for my bike. So I search Sigma Rox 9, Garmin 305 and the Cateye and Blackburn units that come close in features. I can't see buying any from the reports. In some cases there are more bad reports than good. I kind of chaulk it up to people tend to condemn rather than praise. It sure is confusing though.

How much information do you want the computer to display?
Cateye, Blackburn, and a few others are good. I've always had good luck with Vetta computers. I picked up a Planet Bike computer for my road bike this past summer.

Stop reading the reviews.

Only the people who love or hate a product typically post reviews. When it's something as inexpensive relative to all the other things bike, only those who hate it are likely to post.

What features are important to you?

I'm prone to simplicity so I use the old Cateye Enduro and Mity 8's. I tend to ignore them after settling into a good rhythm at a comfortable speed but I do watch distance on the mountain bike. I don't want to miss my route cues.

My only bad experiences with cycling computers relates to malfunctioning in the rain (duh!) and Shimano Flight Deck road bike mounting brackets that don't seem to work with detachable faceplates.

For years I just used a $20 computer that displayed current speed- Max speed and time elapsed. Then I got a heart monitor that was just a basic heart monotor. Current- highest reached and that was it.

But these basic models weren't good enough for me so I got a Polar HM+cycle computer and then found the main fault I have- Poor eyesight so I couldn't read the thing while riding.

But then I wanted an altimeter- Cadence meter and something that was a bit more Bling and I got a Garmin 305. The cadence meter I rarely set up now- The heart rate and I know when I am working too hard from the way I feel- but the altimeter is good and it does display the current and average speed for a ride-I can download the dat at the end of the ride and It does look good on the bike.

Doesn't work any better than the cheap meter I first bought though.

That was my first thought also.

When someone asks me my product opinion I generally tell them pick a price your willing to spend. Then look for fit/features, depending on product, that are of interest to you. Pick the one that fits best or has your important features.

Just going by this question in general -- and risking sounding like a curmudgeon ;) --

YES.

BF is a big example. We used to browse the shelves anywhere that sold bike stuff, get parts or accessories that looked interesting, then used them. Now, people come on here and ask, say, "What's the best seat bag?"

Sheesh.

I'm embarrassed that I've taken part in discussions like these. Sometimes they're worthwhile, like when the subjects are about parts with significant performance benefits or new features. But, really, hasn't the internet -- or to get picky about it, "Internet 2.0" -- gotten completely silly with every Tom, Dick, and Harry giving their two cents?

I found an interesting light mentioned in the Lighting and Electronics forum. The post on it is something like 843 replies long. Maybe I'll just buy some other light rather than wade through all that.