Bike computer for the road and on a trainer?
 

Hello all,

What I am looking for in a computer is to track distance, average speed, current speed, max speed, and wireless is a must. Cadence, rechargeable, and GPS would be nice, but not a must.

My budget is 150 or less.

So, what would a be a nice bike computer that fits my must haves, for road, and trainer use?

Thanks,
RH

I think for strict adherence to your budget and all of those features, you'll have to go with a cellphone-based system. I'm not knowledgeable on them though, I don't like using my phone for that purpose.

Next step up, the Cateye stealth 50 is GPS based and you can get a cadence sensor for it.

Next step up will be Garmin. I'm not really up to date on their newer models but a used Edge 500 might be found for your $150.

No matter which way you go, for trainer use you will need a speed/cadence dual sensor for the rear of your bike- otherwise your GPS computer is just going to show you sitting still. Bluetooth for phone use, Ant+ for cateye/Garmin use.

I'd think a used Garmin Edge 200 fits the bill. Maybe see if anyone is selling one locally to avoid eBay transaction costs?

Garmin Edge 200 GPS computer review - BikeRadar USA

That has the advantage of GPS and data downloading. There are a lot of wireless computers for under 150 with sensors that are just that- computers that show you data mid-ride but can't export it for analysis.

Like the other post above mentions, you'd need an ANT+ receiver and magnets for your crank/rear wheel to have speed and cadence data while on the trainer. Some used computers come with sensors, some don't.

The 200 will be useless on a stationary trainer and has no capacity to read cadence.

OP, your options expand and price decreases if you skip the GPS option. Just pick out a wireless cadence computer. Check cateyes page, they have plenty of options. And you can find cateye product at many bike shops.

there's a seller on Ebay that sells refurbished "like new", Garmin 800s with a 1 year warranty from Garmin. Comes with computer, manual, charger, USB and a bike mount. $160 shipped.

Oops, good call. 200 is just GPS. He'd need a 500 or 800 to use with an ant+ sensor.

Yes, if it is GPS only that will not help too much.

I have this one Sigma Sport BC 12.12 STS Cyclocomputer and really like it, but it does not work for trainer use.

I need one that works on a trainer, as i will be on the trainer for quite awhile, being that I am starting up again after some health issues, and almost six months off the bike.

Oh, and like I said GPS would be nice, but is not, a must.

Who here has used Cateye? Build seems cheap.

You might want to look at the Sigma Rox 5.0 as well.

Wahoo RFLK+ with Garmin magnetless speed/cadence

The cateye units aren't built as robustly as Garmins are, and I've never tested their durability, but they do their job just fine. Especially for the price.

I am selling (2) cateye computers, model cc-mc100w and some shimano pedals on craigslist (Madison, WI) for $75

I am currently selling (2) Cateye computers, model CC-MC100W and a set of Shimano road pedals on craigslist Madison, WI for $75....you are welcome to them

I've been using a Cateye Stealth 50 for a few years in the captain's position on our tandem. It's been reliable and relatively easy to read. Of course you'll need the speed/cadence sensor for it. The Garmin GSC-10 sensor works fine. Setup on the Stealth can be a little confusing, but you only have to do it once. They have a good manual online. For HR, the new Garmin transmitter/belt combo works better than most: http://amazon.com/Garmin-Premium-Hea.../dp/B00BI9X1QM

Nashbar double wireless provides cadence, max cadence, average cadence. average speed, max speed, distance, and ride time data. Cost is under $50 so they are almost disposable. I had two die but kept my receipt and received warranty replacements. Maybe I have bad luck, but I've never had a wireless unit by any manufacturer last longer than a year.

My trainer came with a computer that is usable both on the trainer, and the road. It's called the Elite Crono InOut. This is an older model now, and I don't use the computer except on the trainer, but I'm sure Elite makes another trainer with similar capabilities. I like the trainer a lot, it's very smooth and you can control the resistance from the computer. Also the roller part contacting the wheel is not metal, so it doesn't wear my tires at all.

This looks interesting, Product: Elite Qubo Fluid Trainer

What does it mean that it is "ANT+ speed/cadence sensor"?

Ant+ is a communication standard for sporting goods electronics (and other stuff, mostly health monitoring devices). The mid and high end Garmin computers and the Cateye Stealth 50 (and I'm sure a few others) we have been discussing are intended for use with Ant+ devices. It makes them universal with each other- you can pair any Ant+ cycling sensor with any Ant+ cycling computer, regardless of brand (afaik). Just like a cellphone based system will probably use universal Bluetooth compatible hardware.

The CatEye's look difficult to setup, or am I not understanding the manual?

Both. After an hour of screwing with it, you'll figure it out. Luckily you only have to do it once, unless you replace an ANT+ sensor and have to redo the pairing.

Great. lol.

I had a Cateye Stealth 50...It was alright. I use a Mac and really can't speak for Windows, but to me, the software is pretty wonky for uploading rides. It worked fine as far as Ant+ and GPS and is pretty durable. The numbers are harder to read on bike which is why I went with the 510 down the road.