can anyway recommend a good bike computer and the pro's and cons of going wireless.
Thx
Steve
bike computer
Mon, 12/11/2006 - 5:47pm
Mon, 12/11/2006 - 5:54pm
#1
Wireless:
Pros - no wires
Cons - bulkier speed and cadence sensors, lagged readings, potentially inaccurate readings, potentially more limited mounting options (e.g., distance from computer/receiver), replacing sensor batteries
Mon, 12/11/2006 - 6:01pm
#2
Cateye Astrale 8 (wired) or CD300DW (wireless)
"I've used both and currently use the Astrale 8. I highly recommend both computer since they have a cadence feature... great for keeping an even pace in a paceline.
Both are great since the speed and cadence sensors are located in the rear of the bike if you opt to take the front wheel off for use on a trainer. The only drawback with wireless is some interference when going under power lines, but that happens on a very rare occasion. The other drawback is the ""weight"" wireless speed and cadence unit if you are a weight weenie.
Lastly, I heard the battery in the wireless is not that great but I've had my unit for two units and it's still ticking, albeit I switched to wire this season (I'm a closet weight weenie).
Good luck.
"
Tue, 12/12/2006 - 1:03pm
#3
Cons of CD300DW (wireless)
I've loved several *wired* Cateye computers & only went wireless for a bike that I take the bike apart for travelling very frequently. I've had the CD300DW (wireless) since September and the batteries just went dead after less than 1500 miles.
The display is crowded and contains several options I could easily live without (e.g., max cadence, average, cadence). I miss my Mty and Astrale displays.
Cadence is good to have at some point in your training career but once you get a feel for e.g., ~60, 90, and 110 rpm, I don't think it really helps to monitor it any longer. Note that after changing the battery on the CD300DW, you have to have the cadence sensor in place to get it to work.
I've only had interference from other devices once and for a short period of time (which also happened about equally often with wired computers).
The sensor unit is bulky but easily adjustable and stays put (not something you would want to take off and on often though).
Mon, 12/11/2006 - 6:56pm
#4
Stay away from Vetta
I have a Vetta wireless. It completely sucks. Reads 40 mph when I'm standing still and the buttons don't work. Going to throw it in the garbage when I get around to cutting the fasteners.
I love my Cateye wired computer. Drawback is that the cable is twisted around the brake cable and it can be tricky to move the barrel adjuster up. But that could probably be remedied somehow.
Sorry if that's kind of an apples and oranges comparison. If I had to pick again I'd go with the wired--the inconveniences of wires are minimal.
Wed, 12/13/2006 - 12:19pm
#5
Vetta, & pros/cons of wireless
I've had an older Vetta C-300 (2 of them in fact) for years with nary a problem. I can't vouch for their newer ones.
Some of the 'cons' mentioned here are debatable.
-Battery replacement: I usually get at least a couple of years & thousands of miles out of batteries, even on bikes with daily use.
There is one con that I've noticed: interference from other electronic signals. This doesn't happen with all wireless computers. In certain circumstances (the hallways of my apartment building, taking a train or subway ride with the bike before the computer shuts off) the computer will register speeds--including unnaturally high speeds--and rack up mileage, while the bike is standing still. I've noticed this problem with cheaper models from nashbar.
Pros--
-a cleaner, less cluttered appearance.
-one less thing to snag or be in the way.
-one less thing to disconnect if I'm doing maintenance or repair work in the handle-bar & fork area.
I only use wireless for these reasons.
Rich
-
Mon, 12/11/2006 - 8:11pm
#6
Sigma Sport
So far this one is my favorite: BC 1606L DTS wireless.
http://www.sigmasport.com/us/produkte/bikecomputer/topline_wireless/bc16...
Mon, 12/11/2006 - 10:37pm
#7
Sigma is the easiest, cleanest, quickest to attach & remove
For reasons enunciated above, go wired: just having to think about a battery going dead is reason enough. Plus dumb weight. And dumb expense.
But the reason to buy Sigma, aside from its large, easily read type, is it is far and away the easiest, cleanest (no plastic ties), QUICKEST to attach and remove. They also program quickly and easily.
This spring Sigma is coming to market with a model with an altimeter and, I think, inclinometer. However, alas, it may come only in wireless.
Anyone wanting to buy wireless Vettas, Cateyes, Cyclosport, all with altimeters: I have several that are new, boxed, and wholesale.
Tue, 12/12/2006 - 5:47am
#8
Another vote for Sigma
I have the Sigma 1606L, and my wife has the wireless version. They are both easy to use and read.
I prefer the wired version, I found the wireless speed sensor very sensitive to positioning against the magnet yet easy to bump. The wired one is set and forget. I've also had transmission problems with a wireless Cateye on a friend's bike. In general, wireless strikes me as an unnecessary complication.
I also have a Cateye Astrale 8 on another bike, but I much prefer the usability and reliability of the sigma.
The BC 2006 MHR looks neat - but I don't see inclinometer features, only an altimiter. Time to start the 2007 bike toy list.
Thu, 12/14/2006 - 1:59pm
#9
have the Sigma wireless and love it
large display
display light
miles and kilometers
Thu, 12/14/2006 - 8:18pm
#10
Batteries
does anybody know if there's a place to get batteries cheaper than Radio Shack? I wonder what the mark up is at more than $5 a pop?
Thanks
Fri, 12/15/2006 - 10:10am
#11
years ago I tried a Vetta wireless. Powerlines made it go loony.
In recent years, I've used the cateye wireless. So far, no powerline trouble. Batteries lasted 2-3 seasons. and no ugly wires trashing up my ride.
I'll worry about the couple of grams of weight after I lose the couple of pounds of winter fat.
Mon, 12/11/2006 - 8:31pm
#12
Cateye
I've had several of these things and Cateye is the only one that doesn't fly off the bike. The attachment is much sturdier than other brands.
