Need a computer to go with my trainer
 

I just got a trainer so that I can train indoors for the winter and now my Cateye Wireless computer is useless because it works on the front wheel (would it work if I moved the sensor to the rear wheel, or would I then have to move the display to the back too, making it pretty useless). I'm looking for something that operates from the rear wheel, records speed and mileage, and that also does cadence since I'm working a little more on that on the trainer. I prefer wireless, but would consider something wired. Most importantly it needs to be cheap. After buying the trainer, my wife will probably send me packing on the bike if I spend much more.

Indoors... Florida... Seriously?!?

So as to not be completely useless: Some trainers come with their own computers, which one do you have?

:popcorn

If you want to train proper, you should at least get one with heart rate monitoring functionality. So HRM + Cadence sounds like a job for anything the Garmin Edge line. They all use rear wheel sensors and have a greater wireless transmission range than the cateye wireless.

I have a CycleOps wind trainer. I just got a basic one. We're training indoors because it's too dark to go riding in the evening. One of the members of my cycling club opened up his garage to member interested in joing his Garage of Pain. We ride the trainers along with DVDs. They are all working to stay in shape for the MS150 next year. I'm relatively new to the sport, so I'm there trying to get my butt into shape for the ride. Last night was my first time on the trainer and I actually kind of enjoyed it. It's not too boring with a group of people.

The Garmin Edge series is nice, but I don't really need anything with GPS. I can get a cheap-o heart rate monitor, so that would be a bonus in a computer, but not a necessity. I'd rather get one without it to keep it simple.

Except that doesn't the Garmin line use GPS to measure distance, and you aren't moving.

It only uses the GPS for distance and speed if it isn't getting a signal from either a PowerTap or a speed/cadence sensor.

Amazon has the Cateye Strada Double Wireless for $83. That's pretty much the package I'm looking for. Speed, Distance, and Cadence all from the rear wheel. Are there any other cheaper (preferably wireless) computers that have those functions? I'm not really familiar with who makes computers other than Garmin and Cateye.

Do you know that trainer miles and speed aren't the same as outdoor miles and speed?

What?

Please think about this for a second... a wheel revolution is a wheel revolution, whatever the gear is. If the front wheel turns once, and you are in the highest gear, how much turns will the back wheel do? And if you are in the lowest gear?

I says pardon?

Whether the sensor is on the back wheel or the front wheel, your bike is still going a certain speed and distance, unless your bike is magic :)

Try mounting your Cateye sensor on the back wheel first, and see if your computer still gets the signal. Some will.....my Sigma computer didn't.

I ended up with the Garmin 500 with speed/cadence sensor and I couldn't be happier. If its just for trainer use, just get a cheap wired one.

That's not what I meant to say. I was on a conference call at work at the same time.

priceless.