Computer
 

Starting my first trip, I know I'd like a computer of some kind. It needs to be water proof. Is there anything you would recommend?

Got a German one 20 years ago, ciclomaster, battery inside screwed cap.

Wired , single line, small display.. best thing about it was the fork blade mount,
so It did not occupy handlebar space, or my attention, riding.

Are you needing to dive with your bike?

Trek/bontrager has a small O ring on the battery compartment, and pops off
so you can stow it out of constant rainfall rather than leave it on 24/7/365.

I have a planetbike 9.0 bike computer from REI.

I like to keep watch of my trip time, speed, average speed, and check the temp. Waterproof is great as I'll ride in any weather (no car haha).
I also have a suunto core watch that I can keep an eye on the altitude and barometrics around (although i often glance up at the sky and take notice of the winds).

I really like the easy to read screen and the ability to just pop it off and put it in my pocket. Not having a light isn't a problem since when I'm riding in the dark I'm keeping my eyes out for possums and critters more so than my speed. Cheers!

When you say you are looking for a computer, I assume you mean a cycle computer, not a laptop.

Mine is from a company that is no longer in business, so there is no reason to mention brand. It is a base model that gives; average speed, max speed, time of trip, distance of trip, odometer, can custom calibrate it for wheel circumference. The thing I like the most about it is that it has a robust wire that does not break if you accidentally snag it. I previously owned a number of expensive cycle computers that stopped working each time I snagged the wire on something. I tried a wireless one on my foldup bike and decided I prefer a wired one over wireless.

Some people prefer a single unit that does everything except make the morning coffee, but I like to have a computer that is separate from my GPS and separate from my heart rate monitor.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=244607

If you have a choice of mounting on the stem or handlebar, that gives some flexibility if you have a lot of stuff on the handlebar. Example in my case, if I remove my handlebar bag I can fit a light on the handlebar but if my computer could not fit on the stem, it would take up valuable handlebar space.

I have used a bunch of different brands and models and I too like the Planet Bike Protegé 9.0 wired model as well as any. The one piece of advice that I would stress is to skip the wireless models regardless of brand. I tried several and they all had issues with interference from neon signs and other rf noise. It is not good to come out of a diner or store to find that your computer thinks it went 60 miles while the bike was parked.

I've always had wired cyclometer, until last month. For the third time, my overzealous lashing of stuff onto my handlebars pulled the wire out of the harness. Since Trek got out of the cyclometer business a few years ago, I had to rewire/resolder it.

So I switched over to a wireless model. I'm digging it so far.

Bontrager makes computers and are owned by Trek (so Ive been told)

I have a Garmin Forerunner 305 wrist GPS unit with the heart rate monitor. Serves my purposes very well and has all I need except for cadence sensor. I was shocked when checking Amazon that the price is almost double what I paid for it in February 2011. When I purchased it, the price was around $128 and now it is $244. Go figure.

Yes, but the contacts are in a different configuration than the old "Trek" branded cyclometers. :)

I've had pretty good luck with the basic wired Cat Eye computers. I've had one since 2004 and another since 2005 without a single hiccup. They are pretty water resistant. I've commuted many times in the rain with them.

I've never used a wireless computer. With good wire routing and a little care, I haven't had any problem with damaging the wires. No need for the extra expense and potential interference of wireless computers, in my opinion.

I'm pretty sure any bicycle computer is going to be relatively waterproof. Not many people riding bikes inside.

The most reliable bike computer I know of is the Cateye Mity 3. And the battery seems to last forever in them also.

Since a couple of clever remarks...I have had three friends have theirs damaged by rainy climate ... hence, why I'm inquiring for tried tested true. I can't afford to find out through trial and error.

Two of them were Cateyes...

Cordless Cateyes are a great value, trouble-free and waterproof to rain in my experience.

I've used a Filzer wired cycling computer here in rainy Portland, Oregon for a number of years. No problems with it, and yes it's had it's fair share of rainy rides and being left out in the rain. Had to replace the battery at least once. MEC in Canada sells this particular brand.

I've also used Sigma computers in the past. Didn't like how the computer mounted to the bracket (twists in) as they seemed to pop out easy. Lost a couple that way.

Just got a Planet Bike Protege 8.0 on one of the bikes. So far so good.

The wireless one I got is a Sigma 1609 STS. It claims to be completely waterproof, but I haven't been in the rain with it yet.

I recommend the Sigma BC509 from REI. wired, $20, basic functions, which is all I need: current speed, time and distance since last reset, odometer, time-of-day. Unlike the entry-level wired Cateye, you can set the odometer during installation. Useful if you need to replace the battery or the entire unit. If going on a long tour and you really like having a computer, you might want to carry a spare, since bike computers can break, especially the wired ones (though I haven't had one break yet). At 45g, a spare BC509 doesn't weigh much.