bike computers
 

i am in the market for a computer.

what features do you think are necessary and what is just cool to have?

what is the 'best' bike computer? what is a good sub $50 bike computer?

any opinions on functinality vs marketing?

Do you want one that has cadence? Do you want a wireless one? I think Sigma's are pretty good, but they are really all about the same when it boils down to it.

I would get a model with cadence. I recently upgraded to a Cateye Astrale 8 and watching my cadence has made me a better rider. The only thing missing is a heart rate monitor.

i dont need wireless. but i think cadence is a must. anyone have a computer that has a HRM under $50?

OK a few of my own tips.

1) I didn't get cadence because I'm not really training for racing. Cadence adds about $10-15 to the computer, I believe. Cadence adds an additional wire which runs the length of the frame to the pedal area. I am sure I would like to upgrade to this capability at some point but the added cost was not worth it for me. It is possible to calculate your cadence in your head, and it's very easy to get a rough idea of how fast you're pedaling. But obviously cadence is cool to have.

2) Wireless is cool and it works. If I decided to get a Cadence computer i would have gone wireless because I didn't want two wires running all over my bike. Wireless adds to the cost of the computer. Wireless and cadence together add additional cost which is why I opted against cadence.

3) I have a Cateye MITY 8 and it's a wired computer. Run the small wire directly to the front wheel, and it's not noticable at all. $19 - great price.

The mity 8 has a dual readout display featuring speed, distance, average speed, odomoter, time, settings for two bikes, and a little arrow by the spedo which shows whether your current speed is above or below your average. In a nutshell it's the best $19 I ever spent.

I typically display my speed and my distance at the same time. The arrow on the screen lets me know whether I am exceeding the average speed.

thanks for your thoughts. i went for a Cateye Astrale 8. $22. thanks again!