So many computers, what to do?
03-31-09, 02:38 PM
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SIGMA’s top model for the most demanding, even at night.
The Sigma computer for dedicated cyclists. The "L" in the BC1606L is for the "smart" back light. The cadence functions (current and average) provide valuable training data for efficient cycling both on the road and in the woods, and can be turned off completely when not in use. The count down timer is perfect for crits, cross, or racing against the clock.
The Sigma computer for dedicated cyclists. The "L" in the BC1606L is for the "smart" back light. The cadence functions (current and average) provide valuable training data for efficient cycling both on the road and in the woods, and can be turned off completely when not in use. The count down timer is perfect for crits, cross, or racing against the clock.
03-31-09, 04:31 PM
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03-31-09, 04:59 PM
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The Schwinn I mentioned also has a backlight. And a thermometer, and a clock. About the only things missing are 1) being wireless (lacking wireless is a feature, if you ask me), 2) cadence and 3) two trip odometers -- it only has one (plus a standard odometer, of course.)
04-01-09, 05:58 AM
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The choice of features pretty much depends on why you want the computer in the first place. For exercise, I want the heart rate monitor, trip time, and trip distance, with automatic on/off. Distance is more of a motivational metric than of value by itself. I use cadence to help consciously change my gearing style and to correlate that to my knee pain or lack thereof.
But if I were mapping or doing a longer road trip, speed and waypoints become more important, cadence would be irrelevant to me, and I'd likely leave the heart strap at home.
But if I were mapping or doing a longer road trip, speed and waypoints become more important, cadence would be irrelevant to me, and I'd likely leave the heart strap at home.
04-01-09, 08:04 AM
#30
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Look at dfarinwi original post. He asked for opinions. I gave mine.
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Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
04-01-09, 08:06 AM
#31
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Ha! On my commute to work, I set my speedometer to show the clock because it's the *only* thing I care about. 
Distance doesn't change, speed doesn't matter - all that matters is whether I'm walking into the office on time in the morning. (I don't wear a watch, that's why... :-))
Distance doesn't change, speed doesn't matter - all that matters is whether I'm walking into the office on time in the morning. (I don't wear a watch, that's why... :-))
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Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
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Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
04-01-09, 11:12 AM
#33
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I've never had one thta didn't keep reasonable time.
Having said that my phone has a clock, my computer has a clock, my heartrate meter has a clock and I wear a watch. My gps also has a clock, but I don't usually fit that to my cycle.....
04-01-09, 01:44 PM
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FWIW, the clocks on any of the bike computers I've had all kept time as well as any watch or timepiece. A resetting needed about once a year or so (I like to keep it on the actual minute), and with (ICK!) DST, you're gonna be setting it 2x a year anyway.
My current speedo is a cateye astrale. Excellent time kept. No problems.
My current speedo is a cateye astrale. Excellent time kept. No problems.
04-01-09, 02:07 PM
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FWIW, the clocks on any of the bike computers I've had all kept time as well as any watch or timepiece. A resetting needed about once a year or so (I like to keep it on the actual minute), and with (ICK!) DST, you're gonna be setting it 2x a year anyway.
My current speedo is a cateye astrale. Excellent time kept. No problems.
My current speedo is a cateye astrale. Excellent time kept. No problems.
04-01-09, 03:10 PM
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That is funny, as I'm in the same boat, although I've only had my Cateye Astrale 8 for a few months, but I was eager to upgrade and just bought the Edge 305 (on huge sale at best buy -- 189 w/HRM). I'm just learning all its features but it seems awesome to me. The analysis you can do of your ride with MotionBased (for free) is simply breathtaking for an amateur.
04-04-09, 10:29 AM
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Noob here. So I would like a computer. This thread helps a lot. I have a probably weird question, but do any of these computers have a USB port so that data from rides can be downloaded to a computer for a cycling log? Is that a totally wierd request?
Thanks,
--jans
Thanks,
--jans
04-04-09, 10:42 AM
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Have a look at the garmin range - 305 and up.
04-04-09, 03:53 PM
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Thanks. I took a quick look. Something to consider. A little pricey compared to the basic Sigma and Cateye. But I do have a Garmin Nuvi for my car and I depend on it quite a bit. So, I'm already sold on Garmin.
A question and that is does the companion software requires Windows? Or is it browser/flash-based or something. I ask since I only run Linux.
Thanks!
--jans
A question and that is does the companion software requires Windows? Or is it browser/flash-based or something. I ask since I only run Linux.
Thanks!
--jans
Last edited by jsteve; 04-05-09 at 03:04 PM. Reason: typo, misspell
04-04-09, 04:37 PM
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Depends what riding you do. I mostly do long distances and I'm always trying new routes, so for me GPS is essential. But for you it might be speed, distance and cadence. If so, go with Cateye. If you want GPS go with garmin and if you think you might eventually get a power meter, get the Garmin Edge 705 (as it's the only one that's compatible with all the power meters).
04-04-09, 04:38 PM
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Thanks. I took a quick look. Something to consider. A little pricey compared to the basic Signa and Cateye. But I do have a Garmin Nuvi for my car and I depend on it quite a bit. So, I'm already sold on Garmin.
A question and that is does the companion software requires Window? Or is it browser/flash-based or something. I ask since I only run Linux.
Thanks!
--jans
A question and that is does the companion software requires Window? Or is it browser/flash-based or something. I ask since I only run Linux.
Thanks!
--jans
(and for analysis software, use SportTracks - it's free. But it uses .Net so you'll have to get the opensource impl. of .net for linux: https://www.mono-project.com/Main_Page )
BTW, I love linux!
04-04-09, 05:53 PM
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For what it's worth, the Sigma Rox 9.0 comes with a USB connector. I think it's optional for the Rox 8.0. The VDO Z2 and Z3 also have PC options, as does the Suunto.
However, I don't know whether any of them have open protocols. As far as I know, you need to use their software.
However, I don't know whether any of them have open protocols. As far as I know, you need to use their software.
04-04-09, 07:28 PM
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Er cadance very important
HI,
I ride alone alot so I watch my heartrate and want cadance to be sure I am using the right gear for the condition be it hill, wind . Many knee problems are from mashing to hard, and cadance above 80 may help with increased speed and endurance. I had a wireless one PoP off the handle bars never to be a seen again way out yonder , so I only use the one with wire at least it sticks around if it comes loose..
https://www.bikewagon.com/Bike-Access...-p6709870.html
This ultra-slim cycling computer from Sunlite has plenty of features to help you get your workouts down to a science.
Doug
\
I ride alone alot so I watch my heartrate and want cadance to be sure I am using the right gear for the condition be it hill, wind . Many knee problems are from mashing to hard, and cadance above 80 may help with increased speed and endurance. I had a wireless one PoP off the handle bars never to be a seen again way out yonder , so I only use the one with wire at least it sticks around if it comes loose..
https://www.bikewagon.com/Bike-Access...-p6709870.html
This ultra-slim cycling computer from Sunlite has plenty of features to help you get your workouts down to a science.
- Cadence counter
- Average counter
- Current speed
- Average speed
- Maximum speed
- Speed comparator
- Speed tendency
- Auto trip timer
- 12/24 hour
- Trip meter (distance)
- Odometer
- Odometer save function
- Auto scan
- Service prog.
- Speed bar display
- KM/M selection
- Auto power off
- Auto start/stop
- Front fork wired sensors
Doug
\
Last edited by djnzlab1; 04-04-09 at 07:37 PM.
04-06-09, 07:18 PM
#44
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Can you clarify? I just exchanged a Trek Incite 8i wireless computer because it would CONSTANTLY report 40mph when I was riding. I'd have it all adjusted, play with it at home, it all looks good...And then I start riding to/from work, look down and notice that I'm doing record time!
What you just mentioned though struck a huge bell for me -- my computer head is right next to my Planet Bike Blaze...And when I commute to work, I always have it on flash mode.
