cycle-computer

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Anonymous's picture
Anonymous

My old reliable cycle-computer was stolen, so I'm in the market for a new one. Do the wireless ones work well? Are the less expensive ones fine? Comments and suggestions appreciated. Thanks.

Anonymous's picture
Michael Casey (not verified)
Vetta wireless

I have the Vetta model with wireless speed, cadence and heart rate, and if I had it to do over again, I would have gotten something else. The cadence can be picky about working, it doesn't show speed and time in the same screen, and the batteries (there are 4) need frequent replacing. And because it runs on batteries, if it's really cold out, like low 30s or below, the computer may not work at all (this happened to me once in February). I imagine the battery issues would apply to any wireless computer, though.

Anonymous's picture
Hank Schiffman (not verified)
I have an obsolete Catseye 2 Cordless..

And a Polar S710 HRM. The old Catseye 2 Cordless works fine. I can set it up so the Catesye gives me speed and distance ( it doesn't have cadence). And I have the S710 display heart rate, altitude, temperature and cadence. Power is an option with the Polar as well.

Anonymous's picture
Heath (not verified)
Polar 720i

I have the Polar 720i. It seems to be very finicky as to whether or not it is going to receive the information (Cadence, Speed or HR). And sometimes the info is so out of wack. The thing that I like is that I can go home and download the info to my computer. I am going to replace the battery in the watch (already changed the sensors), and hopefuly that will help.

I bought a Cateye Astrale(Mity?) 8 (the one with the cadence) for my commuter bike. It is a wired computer, so the info is always there. If you are ok not having the ability to download the info, you can get this computer and a cheap Polar HR for a lot less money than the 720i.

Anonymous's picture
cs (not verified)

i have that same cat-eye and never had an issue with it and the batteries lasted for years.

Anonymous's picture
Suomynona (not verified)
Cateye w/ cadence

Id be wary of any cheap wireless.

For wireless, the Cateye CD300DW Cateye double wireless. Works as well as any wireless, all info color-coded one screen. Good product. Expensive. ~$150+

For wired, the Cateye Astrale 8. For $40 bucks you can't beat this value. Only downside is beware of the little tab you pull down to remove the computer from the mounting bracket, it's easy to break. Also you can only have one number up top in big letters (either speed or cadence) and then one small number below (either distance, time, odometer, mx speed, avg speed, current speed or cadence). Personally, I like this as the screen is uncluttered, but if you want all info one screen this isn't for you.

Anonymous's picture
Steven (not verified)
shimano flightdeck

While we're on this subject anyone have any experience with wireless Shimano flightdeck computers?

Anonymous's picture
Bob (not verified)
Shimano flightdeck

I have the wired Shimano flightdeck computer and really like it. I really like the gear indicators and it's got large, easy to read text. I also have the Cateye Double Wireless CD300 and don't like it at all. It's unreadable on the bike to my old eyes, no contrast and tiny text.

Anonymous's picture
Sue (not verified)
Cat Eye cordless 7

I just purchased the Cat Eye Cordless 7. I was looking for a wireless computer, but only needed the basics (speed, distance, avg speed, max speed, odometer). This computer was a breeze to install, but best of all, it was only $40. If your looking for more than that, I've heard great things about the Mavic Wireless computer and it looks great.

Anonymous's picture
papafrog (not verified)
Read reviews at roadbikereview.com

If you want to read reviews of just about every computer out there ranging from cheap to expensive go to:

http://roadbikereview.com/training/computers/PLS_1624crx.aspx

That should help you make a decision along with the other posts here.

As far as the Shimano Flightdeck, I have the wireless computer and recommend it highly.

Anonymous's picture
Evan Marks (not verified)
consumer opinions

Take 'em with a grain of salt, just like you would at epinions or anywhere else that people get to complain about something that doesn't work because they messed it up themselves.

Ok, so now that I've undermined everyone's credibility, including my own, let me praise the Ciclosport (aka Ciclomaster) CM 434, which has all sorts of unnecessary goodies to play. The thing I like best about it is that you can scroll thru the functions in either direction - if you click once too many times you don't have to go all the way around again, you can just go back one click. Temp, virtual power, altitude, inclination, plus the usual cyclometer functions are available wireless, cadence can be added with a wired mount. Not cheap.

Here's another opinion - judging from the hardware and the brochures, I think CatEye makes most of the cyclocomputers on the market including Shimanos, Campys, and Specializeds. The bike company designs the look and specifies which functions they want and CatEye builds it for them.

Anonymous's picture
papafrog (not verified)
I don't necessarily agree

that you should take consumer opinions with a grain of salt. I find that on Roadbikereview, for example, the opinions are pretty honest, both positive and negative. The reviewers will not hesitate to share something good or bad about a product. It's not just a place for people to vent their frustrations. Many products have been raved about there and also have been trashed so I think it does help.

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