Hi all,
I'm looking to buy my first computer-what are some of the features I should look for? I'd like to start off with something cheap-not too fancy. Something that can measure Total Distance (per ride), Total Distance (since purchase [odometer type]), Current Speed, Time, and Average Speed.

Any recommendations?

Thanks!

Dude, you're getting a Dell!

Cateye Astrale... can typically be found on sale for ~$20.

Got a cateye enduro 8 for $16.00 on ebay.

Hi,
this is what I have on my bike.
https://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.aspx?i=CP707A10

The best thing about it is that it turns itself on. No forgetting and losing miles. All the stuff is right up there on the screen. No fiddling with buttons in traffic.

Are most cycling comps (like the enduro 8) water proof?

most computers have all the basic functions that you'd need... distance , speed, max, odometer...etc

fancier computers have cadence (pedalling speed)

even fancier computers have heart rate

you can get a cateye astrale 8 that has cadence... ueber reliable... ive dropped mine a ton of times and it works beautifully.... survived many a'thunderstorms, too. best value , IMO

I bought a Cateye Velo 5 because all I wanted was a basic computer. It hasTime, Total Distance, Trip Distance, Current Speed and Maximum Speed. Now, two weeks later, I'm begining to think more features like average speed would have been worthwhile.

Buying a mid priced computer could save you the cost of upgrading later. The wireless models are also nice, especially if you're riding off-road and help cut down on cable clutter.

Cateye Mity 8 or Cateye Enduro 8 - the only diff I can see is that the Enduro has a heavier wire. Everything you need unless you want cadence. They seem to be more durable than some of the other cheapies and have a good large display.

I am quite pleased with the Bell bicycle computer that I found at WallMart for a beastly sum of 12 dollars and change. Target store here had same model for like about 18 dollars.

IT does all you mentioned and more. Calories, elapsed time, trip odometer, total odometer, time of day either 24/12, max speed, avg speed, dual display , easy to setup n view. Can use either kilometers or miles. Easy painless dual reset buttons and easy to understand instruction booklet. Easy to remove from attatchment bracket to store in pocket for when you park bike someplace 'risky'. No big huge loss if stolen or damaged due to low cost!

It seems well built and weather resistant however I lug along a wee ziplock bag to slip over the meter in case of significant rain during my outings.

The sensor uses tie wraps to attatch to the front fork down tube and the magnet that comes with it uses a nice
screw pinch method that attatches it to the spoke.

Compared to some I've seen listed for 70 dollars and up to the multi hundreds of dollars I'd say the 12 dollar Bell is a damn good deal, for what it does.

Oh, the only negative I suppose I could list that I've discovered about it is I'd not trust the meter reportage at speeds of six miles per hour and lower. But who the heck rides around at those speeds anyway? grin.


Damn, I got carried away .. it's time to ride.

I have a Trek Fusion and it show the basics, max and average speed, trip time and distace, date and hour. The original price was $29.99 but It was on sale when I bought for $16.99. It's been working great and it came with a 2 year warranty.

Get the Planet Bike 9.0. It has many features including temperature and everything is on the screen, plus its really cheap. I got mine for 25$

I have used Echo, then Sigma, then VDO. All have been quite solid and well waterproof. All manufacturers have a basic model that covers all your needs, and most if not all are waterproof enough to take as much rain as the rider can tolerate. If the thing cannot stand rain, it should be mentioned in the box or documentation. Such a comp has very limited use.

My first, extremely basic Echo3 -computer did not have the clock feature (though obviously it had timing circuits), but with Sigma I grew accustomed to check the time from bike comp. I don't even own a wristwatch. I don't know if any of the current entry-level models come without clock.

--J

Indeed I have the same one, a black one on my MTB and a blue one on my road bike. Even in a downpour I haven't had my blue one conk out on me yet. My black one has though, probably because I didn't reseal it properly when putting in the battery.. :/

Mine seems to not report speeds lower than 7kph relibably (i.e doesn't). (Magnet taking too long to pass through sensor?). One way to solve this would be to move the magnet as close to the rim as possible giving < time for each rotation at same speeds compared to nearer to the hub. But then this screws higher speed accuracy. It was only $24CAD at Walmart... NICE.

That's the only annoying thing about the computer, putting in the battery the first time you have to take the back cover off where its screwed in. The actual "battery cover" is totally useless. Same experience?