Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > General Cycling Discussion
Reload this Page >

what happened to my cycle computer?

Search
Notices
General Cycling Discussion Have a cycling related question or comment that doesn't fit in one of the other specialty forums? Drop on in and post in here! When possible, please select the forum above that most fits your post!

what happened to my cycle computer?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-12-11 | 08:25 PM
  #1  
CNY James's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 809
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse, NY

Bikes: 2010 Felt F5, 2010 Dawes SST-AL

what happened to my cycle computer?

I was out for a ride today and came to a stop light... I was 1st in line in the left turn lane and I looked down at my computer... it said I was going 99.9 mph, my distance was clocking, and the time was moving. I was at a complete stop.

What gives? Is there some sort of signal with stop lights that would interfere with it? It's a Specialized computer and it's wireless...
CNY James is offline  
Reply
Old 04-12-11 | 09:31 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 903
Likes: 1
From: Rochester, NY

Bikes: 2010 Kona Dr. Dew, Moose Bicycle XXL (fat bike), Yuba Mundo V3

Bike computers rely on magnets to sense wheel rotation and radio waves to transmit the information (if they're wireless). Traffic detectors at stop lights are basically giant electromagnetic loops. It's conceivable that the loop was somehow interfering with either the magnetic rotation sensor or the data transmission itself. I've never encountered such behavior with my Sigma computer, though.
Arcanum is offline  
Reply
Old 04-12-11 | 09:36 PM
  #3  
Chris L's Avatar
Every lane is a bike lane
Titanium Club Membership
25 Anniversary
 
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 9,666
Likes: 16
From: Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - passionfruit capital of the universe!
Originally Posted by CNY James
What gives? Is there some sort of signal with stop lights that would interfere with it? It's a Specialized computer and it's wireless...
It's interference, and it's a common problem with wireless computers. I had a VDO MC 1.0 wireless that used to get interference every time I leant it against a shop window while I went inside. Another I had used to get interference riding through industrial areas. When I get around to buying another cycle computer, the first requirement is going to be that it's wired.
__________________
I am clinically insane. I am proud of it.

That is all.
Chris L is offline  
Reply
Old 04-12-11 | 09:59 PM
  #4  
freetonik's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa, ON / Uralsk, West-Kazakhstan
Mine recorder maximum speed of 221 km/h yesterday
freetonik is offline  
Reply
Old 04-12-11 | 10:03 PM
  #5  
Bubba Zanetti's Avatar
Peace & Grease
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: Just above sea level
I've had similar experiences with my Cateye wireless. After I pedal away from a traffic stop, my cadence meter stops functioning until I reset it, very annoying. Purchased a Sigma 1909 STS last year, also a wireless model, to replace the Cateye. The Sigma computer is superb, I have absolutely no issues with this unit at all, anywhere.
Plus thier customer service is top notch, I still can't believe the trouble they went thru to get me a WHOLE NEW replacement computer when I had called them to purchase a button I was missing when my computer flew off my bike during a crash. Great products and even greater customer service!
Bubba Zanetti is offline  
Reply
Old 04-13-11 | 02:49 AM
  #6  
Machka's Avatar
In Real Life
Titanium Club Membership
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 52,159
Likes: 774
From: Down under down under

Bikes: Lots

Originally Posted by CNY James
What gives? It's a Specialized computer and it's wireless...
You've answered your own question. That's what wireless computers do. Try riding under those large power lines some time and see what kinds of speed you'll record.
Machka is offline  
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
work4bike
Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets
12
09-10-16 06:14 PM
DrRobert
Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets
10
04-22-16 12:47 PM
tabriz
Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets
2
11-17-12 04:06 PM
boffenbec
Touring
1
04-10-12 12:29 PM
Jiffyjam
Fifty Plus (50+)
13
10-28-10 01:03 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.