I just ordered a 6-series Madone and the frame can fit a DuoTrap integrated Speed/Cadence sensor. This is an Ant+ wireless sensor. At first, I didn't really feel like dropping another $200 ($55 for DuoTrap sensor + $140 for the Node 2 computer and HR strap), but now I'm actually considering it.

I was leaning toward the Bontrager Node 2 computer for $140. It has speed, cadence, HR, altitude, and some other stuff. Are there any other options out there that are cheaper or better? I would want speed, cadence, and HR. I don't really care about anything else. I don't have a Power Tap and can find altitude info online.

Any suggestions for a cheaper/better Ant+ computer in this price range?

Has anyone used the Bontrager Node 2 (or Node 1)? Do you like it?
It seems pretty nice...then again, I'm coming from a wired Cateye Strada Cadence computer (which I like very much, BTW, except that I have to mount a separate watch on my handlebars for HR).

BTW: It's not worth it for me to buy the Node 1. The cost of that plus the Ant+ HR strap would be only $5 less than the Node 2 (which includes the strap).

These cycling computers are very new, they just hit the market. So it's unlikely that many people have experience with them. But they look real nice.

The only advantage the Node 2 has over the Node 1 is altitude, I believe. But it 2 is only 5 bucks more, I'd spring for it.

Yeah, not many ANT+ computers yet. Specialized is also coming out with some.

********************????

Garmin.

500 and 705.

Yes, I'm aware of the Garmins, but they are much more expensive ($250+ for the computer alone). I can hardly justify a $200 set-up when a new Cateye + my old HR monitor watch works perfectly fine. Of course, having absolutely no wires (not even derailleur cables) showing on my new rig will be pretty cool...okay, I re-justified it to myself.

Node 2 is $140, Node 1 is $75.

Let's see. There are two computers from Trek. And there are a few from Garmin. I'd say that is "not many". Also, the OP had an issue with the prices of the Treks and the Garmins are even more expensive!

Still too new/soon for there to be many alternatives.

Those don't really count for the OP's purposes.

Node 1 computer is $75, Ant+ HR strap is $60. Total = $135.

Node 2 computer includes HR strap for $140.

i'm not familiar with the node 1 and 2, therefore my response may not address what you are asking, but doesn't cateye make a model with HR, Cadence, as well as speed, time, etc. for under $100 that is also wireless that is similar to what your are inquiring about?

Trek has a special sensor that integrates in the frame, but you need an ant+ computer to use it. Unless Cateye has a new computer, it's not ant+.

save me the trouble of researching. so how does this ANT work? so like how does the sensors pick up the rpm? is this way accurate?

i think if i get one, ill probably get node 1, since a HR monitor is not needed for me. all i care is about producing cool data graphs/charts on the computer to look at when i come home.

No, I don't think so. The Cateye V3 is about $170 and isn't Ant+ (but comes with its own sensors). The V2c is about $150 and doesn't have HR and isn't Ant+.

It's just a standardized transmission protocol, instead of every different computer having it's own special transmitter. They have to be paired with the computer.

As someone else pointed out, the Garmins are ant+ (actually ant+sport) so they should work with the speed sensor. Also you should be able to use one of the Garmin HR straps with the node.

Ant+ is a 2.4 GHz wireless protocol. It is also coded so it shouldn't have interference from other nearby riders. I don't think the Node computers allow you to upload anything to a PC, at least not according to the owner's manual online. Probably need a Garmin or PowerTap or Mavic something-or-other for that. I could be wrong, though. Anyone know if the Nodes can upload data to a PC?

For what it's worth, the new Specialized Speedzone computers are ant+ and are downloadable

The "Digital Comp" is $200 but you need to buy a separate download kit to download.



The "digital pro" is $300, includes the download kit, and can work with ant+ power meters like PowerTap or Quarq.

for an extra 60 dollars you could get a Garmin 305 w/ HRM and Cadence Sensor.

I don't think that 305's are ant+ compatible, at least not yet.

They use ant+ speed/cadence and HR sensors. The 305 is not ant+sport like the 705.

The 310XT, however, is, but is also out of the OP's price range. I love mine, though.

Also, at $249, the Edge 500 is worth considering. I'd take that over the Specialized any day.

The good folk at GArmin say they are,

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=160&pID=331

But what do they know?

The Garmins look nice, but are expensive. The Edge 500 is $250 for just the computer. The download-able ride data is nice, but I won't really use it that much.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I'll try the Bontrager Node 2 setup and see how that goes.

For those of you that are using Ant+ wireless devices, how do you like the performance of the wireless interface? Does it refresh immediately? Does it always give accurate measurements? Does the HR monitoring cut out near power lines (like they all do)? Can you tell the difference between your Ant+ wireless setup and a wired one?

I have a Node 2 on my 6 series madone... it works perfectly, no issues.

I have a TREK SPEED CONCEPT 95 TT bike. It has the DUO TAP sensor built into the frame. It works well in tandem with my GARMIN FR60 Watch and HR Strap.
I am more than annoyed with my Bontrager Node 1 Computer.
It has no audible alarms. Only turns on and off automatically.
You can only program intervals by time & not by distance.
It does not upload any data to your computer.

The GARMIN does all the above. I use it in tandem with the NODE 1. I can upload all the training data to GARMIN CONNECT.

I'm also in the mmarket for something...so many different ones argh it's confusing. Sorry to the OP but instead of making a new thread, let's say I have 300 dollar budget and want cadence and HR. what should I get? Does the edge 500 come with EVERYTHING I'll need? Or do I need to buy additional straps and monitors?

Or is the node 1 for about 150 like the OP is looking at a viable option?

I just picked up a Giant Neos Pro Ant+, new installation so no wealth of experience on the road yet. I was considering a Garmin. It has speed, cadence, altitude, temp, clock, various stopwatch and odometer options. This package with a speed/cadence sensor was about $150 less then the Edge 500 combo locally. I do like how the display is arranged and the options for configuring which values are on the screen. I am looking forward to seeing how reliable the sensors are. I like that it is designed to work on the rear wheel, makes winter trainer setup easy compared to my old wired unit.