Does anyone have a recommendation for a wireless bike computer ? I do not need heart rate monitor but like the ones with vertical gain. These all look expensive though. Any suggestions ? Thanks.
Bike Computer
Sat, 04/30/2005 - 8:10am
Sat, 04/30/2005 - 8:53am
#1
Vertical Gain
The best priced wireless cyclocomputer with vertical gain, that I've seen, is the Specialized Pro, for $100.
Other ones I've seen with those two key features are typically around $150, like the one from Ciclosport (CM-434).
BTW, you can buy the Specialized directly from the site; I've had good experiences with direct purchases from the company.
http://www.specialized.com
Sat, 04/30/2005 - 9:41am
#2
Specialized vs Ciclosport
I've used both and I like the Ciclosport better for several reasons:
1. Ciclosport allows scrolling thru functions in either direction. Specialized ('04 Speezone Pro model) forces you to scroll thru all 10 or 12 functions, in one dirction only, to get to the one you want. If you miss it you have to scroll all the way thru again to get it.
2. Response time - Specialized seems sluggish, Ciclosport seems faster to respond to changes in speed, cadence, etc.
3. Virtual Power - Ciclosport has it, Specialized doesn't. Calculated from speed, inclination, and body weight, it can easily be fooled by headwinds or pacelines, but is an accurate enough tool to monitor yourself while climbing to avoid blowing up, eliminating the need for a HRM with that pesky chest strap.
4. Warrantee - Ciclosport: 3 years, Specialized: 2 years.
But but but ... the Specialized has a backlight, the Ciclosport doesn't.
Note that I've used both of these in their wired form to enable the cadence function, so I can't address their usefulness in wireless form at all.
Tue, 07/05/2005 - 8:28pm
#3
...oops...
...deleted post...thought you meant the hac4...
Tue, 07/05/2005 - 8:46pm
#4
garmin forerunner?
Have you thought about a Garmin Forerunner? They tell you vertical gain. The best part is when you get home, you can 'replay' your ride on your computer or overlay your cookie trail to a map. They're small to, watch sized.
I've used the Forerunner 201 successfully for 1.5 years. I have satellite reception problems on city streets, but it works fine on the avenues and anywhere outside of manhattan.
Wed, 07/06/2005 - 7:22am
#5
Any problems under tree cover? I was thinking about getting the Foretrex.
Wed, 07/06/2005 - 4:51pm
#6
some problem...
I don't have any problems with tree cover cycling in central park or prospect park. I do have problems running in the same locations. When running, i tend to be closer to the side of the road (closer to tree cover) and i'm moving slower. It will say 'no reception' for a few seconds and then connect the dots with a straight line once it finally has reception.
I used it for mountain biking in a heavily wooded trails in michigan (Pontiac Lake). It didn't get good reception for about 25% of the trail. I ran along the same bike trail the next day and had bad reception for most of the trail (supporting my speed theory).
The benefit that you have is viewing your route and setting waypoints on the screen. It helps when i'm lost, even if you can't load a road map onto it. I wish i could load a road map onto it though.
