Need a computer
 

So I am about to start commuting to school on monday. It's 25 miles each way. I would really like to be able to track my speed and distance traveled and stuff. Get an idea of what I am actually doing and how I progress throughout the semester.

Current speed
Average speed
Odometer
Trip distance

Those are the only things I really care to track. Other functions are just a bonus or whatever. I would like it to be wireless, but working on a pretty cheap budget so not a disqualifying factor if it's not wireless. It does need to be waterproof as I will be riding in the rain. It would also be nice if it mounted read-ably on my stem since all my handlebar space is used to hold on.

I am looking at the Knog Nerd cause it's wireless, cheap for wireless at only $45 shipped, and doesn't look lame (yes I would like it if it didn't look lame, call me lame for that if you want). Still reading reviews on it though.

Any other suggestions?

Edit: I also need to be able to remove and install the face easily since I will be locking up at school for hours on end. Dont' wan't i tto get stolen.

I use this one: $10 at Walmart

http://www.rfvr.com/astore/ItemDetai...NID=B000DZD3FQ

x2

I've got the nerd computer and I love it!
I'm sure you already know about the face that can be flipped out and turned 90 degrees, so it'd work on the bars or the stem.
Both the computer and the sensor on the fork attach and detach real easy like all the other knog stuff, so it wont get stolen.
Its a little pricier than that awesomely cheap $10 walmart jobby, but the nerd has that nice durable rubber casing.
The sensor responds real fast to speed changes too.
I can't recommend it enought, get it.

I like my Cateye Strada Wireless. You can get one off Amazon for about $40 shipped, works on stem/bars, and you activate it by pressing the whole unit down rather than a button on the front (more rain resistant, and you don't have to aim for a button). Slides right in/out of the holder so you can take it with you when you lock up.

http://www.amazon.com/Cateye-CC-RD30...3982039&sr=1-1

Thanks for the review shorts and the recommendation plecks.

I was also looking at this one, the planet bike protege. I like that it has a temperature read out. Not the kind of thing I base my decision off of, but a nice added feature that doesn't seem too common. http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Bike-Wi...lance_sg_ai_-2

Any more of either, reviews or recommendations?

Performance/Supergo/Nashbar used to have a nice wireless with HRM for about $25, but that may have been a one shot deal.

Pricepoint has plenty of inexpensive computers, and I've never had any trouble with any of their products.

I use a Cateye Micro Wireless 2 on my road bike and love it. Have it mounted on the stem. Never fails me...

I've heard stories of cheaper brands failing, and the bike refused to start...

I don't own any of them but was recently looking on dealextreme and found these


$8.55
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.27545

$11.38
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.24074

With free shipping it's at least worth a look.

lol well...I'm a data junkie. I don't know if I'm capable of riding my road bike w/o a working computer! I would probably just leave it on the side of the road and walk home...

Had a cat eye strada before. Not bad if u really want wireless. It's just sometimes u move the sensor while servicing ur bike and it's too far away from the wheel. And u only realize it after riding ur bike for about half a mile and wondering why ur computer is still blank. Otherwise i like it.

Makes me think of a Windows powered cycle computer.

I have a Cateye Velo 5 that I picked up from my local City Sports on sale for $15. It has current speed, top speed, trip distance, and odometer...works pretty well. It would've been nice to have average speed, but whatever it was dirt cheap. Also would've been nice to have cadence, but that's a completely different machine and by now I have a pretty good idea of my cadence based on my speed.

I have this computer and a bunch of wired cateye computers on other bikes. I prefer the basic Cateye Mity 8...its cheaper and far more reliable than the wireless models. I think the wired models are more inconspicuos than the wireless ones. The wire is super tiny and nearly invisivle. In contrast, the Cateye Micro Wireless unit is like a huge box in comparison to the wired versions, and the sensor looks like a giant robot arm zip-tied to my fork blade. Plus the wireless models need batteries for both the unit and the sensor, and these batteries only last me about a year. I have five cateye wired computers on different bikes and none have ever failed, or even needed batter replacement. The oldest is more than 6 years old.

stryper, you're a Chico state or Butte College student? (Ah, Chico....for me, Paradise Lost. Why did I ever leave? What a great town for cycling. I'll be back in April for the Wildflower Century, and a de rigueur visit to Pullin's Cyclery (with that awesome Paramount track bike hanging on the wall behind the front counter). Fact: Your town has four more bike shops than Rome has churches.

If you go wireless, watch out for interference from cell phones, computers (including computers in the engine compartments of passing cars), bike lights, etc, which can all mess with your readings.

I often reach max speeds of more than 70+ MPH of flat surfaces when using my wireless computer. I can't seem to achieve the same speeds with a wired computer...perhaps its the wind-drag of the wire.

I've seen my heart rate spike to 180 before dropping to zero. Kinda disconcerting.