The Knog Nerd 9 cycle computer is a completely wireless cycle computer with distinctive one-piece silicon design.
Over the years, I’ve been through more cycle computers than I care to remember. I always seem to be fixing and taking off cycle computers, so I’ve become very interested in any which claim to be easy to put on bike and get going.
Assembly
The Knog has a beautifully simple design for fixing to your handlebars. It’s so simple, you wonder why you ever bothered with screwdrivers and plastic ties. It’s on in less than seconds. Even the most mechanically-illiterate person will be able to set up the Knog. This is a great feature.
this particular fork, is shaped like a triangle, so was more tricky to fix. On standard forks it is easier.
Fixing the sensor to my forks was a bit more tricky. This is because these carbon forks are quite an unusual shape. (I’ve had difficulty fixing all computers to these unusual shape. However, I was able to find a secure position at the bottom of the fork. The signal is strong enough to work from any position on the fork. The magnet is also quite powerful and doesn’t have to be setup annoyingly close to the sensor (less than 2mm clearance). It seems to work with a decent level of clearance and so this makes it easier to set up.
The other big benefit is that because it is so easy to assemble, you can easily take off and put on another bike. If you have to start cutting plastic ties and putting them back on – you don’t bother. This will be great for putting on time trial bike, on the occassions when I want a speedometer.
Display
The speed display is big and bold. When you are speeding up the numbers revolve around to show new speed. This means if you quickly glance down at display you sometimes just see numbers revolving. It’s perhaps cool to have these revolving numbers, but I would prefer a constant speed display. However, it’s only a minor quibble.
Design
It looks great and comes in a choice of colours. It’s distinctive and will appeal to many looking for something a little different to the typical ‘cateye’ look.
Ease of Use
There is only one button integrated into the screen. You need to give this a pretty firm press, there is no chance of accidentally resetting computer on move (like some). Sometimes if you press lightly it doesn’t respond.
To set up computer you will need to read the manual and use the set button at the back of the display unit. I didn’t find it so easy to set the time of the day.
Functions
- Current speed
- 12/24 hour clock
- Trip distance
- Average speed
- Maximum speed
- Relative speed gauge (output as a bar graph of current vs. average speed)
- Total riding time
- Odometer
- Scanning (will display all functions in a looped sequence)
- Low-battery indicator
- weight – transmitter and display unit – 85 grams
- Waterproof- I tested in light rain no problems. It promises to be completely waterproof, which I can believe because of its integral design. If I experience any difference in long term test I would mention.
Overall
I would give it 9/10 because I really like its intuitive design and it offers something quite new in the cycle computer world. It’s also particularly useful for my own use, as the ability to quickly swap between bikes is something I would definitely use.
I would have liked it easier to set the time and I’m not won over by the revolving numbers. But, compared to main features, these are minor issues.
By the way, Nerd also included a bunch of ‘cool’ ‘nerd’ stickers in the box. But, being an uncool, middle aged man they went straight in the bin. But, despite having no pretensions to being to having cool stickers, I appreciate the Knog nerd looks good and is easy to use – there’s not much more I want from a cycle computer.
The only major drawback is the price – you are really paying a lot £48. for the nice design and ease of set-up.
It is definitely not best value wireless computer, but it is one of the best.
Buy Online
- Knog Nerd 9 at Evans Cycles
- Knog Nerd 12 at Wiggle
Related
For that price I would like to have seen it come with a second sensor and a cadence display.
Cycling around Cornwall’s many, many, many hills, for training purposes knowing your cadence is far more help than knowing your speed.
That said, it does look like a great piece of kit, and a huge change from the boring ‘cateye’-type units. Definitely one for the birthday gift list!
Mike
Yes, a good birthday present. The kind of thing you might struggle to justify buying for yourself, but a much better gift than a shirt / slippers you’ll never wear.