Several months back, I was shopping for a new computer. I wanted something that had, at minimum, the following features/characteristics:

- Altimeter
- Heart Rate Monitor
- Slope measurement
- Standard computer features (spot speed, trip distance, trip time, odometer)
- Wireless
- Reliable

I purchased the Garmin Edge 305 from Costco when it was $179. It was fine until it had a battery problem. I got a replacement and the replacement also had a battery problem, so I gave up, returned it to Costco and got my money back. Back to square one.

I was looking at the Mavic Wintech Ultimate, but the $199 price tag seemed a little steep. Colorado Cyclist ran a $149 special about a month ago, so I ordered it.



The package is comprised of 5 main pieces - computer, magnet, mount, heart rate monitor/strap, skewer. Optional equipment (which I didn't buy) includes a cadence sensor, a second magnet, or a trainer mount. One of the cool features about the optional magnet is that the computer can automatically detect which of the magnets is being used so the user doesn't have to manually enter this information into the computer.



The mount has good adjustibility. The bolt in the picture above allows for adjustment of the piece of the mount that connects to the computer. The user can mount the computer right above the stem, or extend it out in front of the bars. However, if the user mounts the unit too close to the stem, it's difficult to push the button underneath the computer to release it from the mount.



The chest strap seems to be well-built. At about 3/4", the strap is narrower than straps that I've had for Polar, Garmin and Nike HR monitors, which are about an inch wide. I was anticipating comfort or fit problems because of the narrower strap, but it seems to be just fine.



I also own one of the older Mavic Wintech computers. The new unit is slightly longer and quite a bit more narrow.



The computer has 4 main areas that display data. The top displays speed - spot, max or average. The area above the top line displays spot altitude, vertical speed, slope, altitude gain or temperature. The area between the two lines displays heart rate - spot, max and average. The lowest area displays cadence (optional), trip distance, stopwatch, clock or odometer.

There is no contrast adjustibility on the display, but I have not had a problem reading it in various light conditions.

I was a bit disappointed that the user cannot customize the display. There are 5 preset screens and if the user wants to find data that isn't on the screen, they have to hit a button or two before they can get it. The Garmin Edge 305 did allow for screen customization, which I liked.

The one feature that it doesn't have that users may miss is a computer interface. It's not a feature that I really want, but I know some riders like to be able to upload data and analyze it.



The feature that I like the most on the Wintech computers is the magnet sensor built into the skewer. In the past, I have owned computers by Sigma, Cateye and Vetta. In all of them, the thing I hated the most was the magnet sensors, which were attached to the fork or chainstays by zip ties or robust rubber bands. When I'd ride fast on bumpy roads, the sensors would often move around to the point that it could no longer find the magnet, so I'd have to stop and readjust it. And the aero forks have made it especially difficult because it's hard for the sensor to sit firmly on the "sharp" edge of the fork.

Mavic's design is a great solution for this. I have owned my first Mavic Wintech for about 3 years and haven't had a problem with the skewer. I'm not anticipating this one to have problems either.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with this computer so far. It contains all of the features that I want, and doesn't include too many features that I won't use. As a result, it's uncomplicated and easy to learn to use. I think it's a stretch to call it "Ultimate", but overall, it's a very good computer that suits my needs. I'd rate it a 4 out of 5.

Nice review -- thanks.

I've looked at that unit before and compared it to the Garmin as well and the Wintech seems to compare favorably for someone like me. I work w/ IT and buggy programs/software, and hate dealing w/ crap like that outside of work.

My unit leaked after 2 months and mavic will not honor warranty through dealer saying it got "wet". Of course it did, it was raining. You can't deal direclty with Mavic. No real weight savings once you add cadence unit. No average cadence. Instructions are difficult to read. Altimeter is not accurate. Screen layout is difficult to manipulate. Go with someone that knows computers (cateye, garmin, etc).

good post

Very nice. Kind of wish my Powertap had a gradeometer and an altimeter.

Nice review! I was looking at getting that unit, however bad reviews scared me off.

I do hope you'll keep us updated on how it holds up over time.

Follow-up on this computer. The altimeter is junk. It is extremely inaccurate - especially at higher elevations. At 10,000 feet, the altimeter read 7,500 feet.

Everything else has held up fine. I still really like the skewer/sensor. But because of the altimeter problems, I wouldn't recommend it.