Cycling Review » computers

Best Wireless Cycle Computers

tejvan — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:30:47 +0000

Wireless cycle computers have a distinct advantage of the wired variety.

Wires can scrap away at the paint on the bike.
Wires can make it awkward if you need to make adjustments to handlebars e.t.c
They are more prone to breaking.
Extra wires can add small aerodynamic drag to bike.

Earlier wireless models used to be really bulky and big, but in past few years, improved models have reduced size and improved performance. I use a Cateye Strada and new model is big improvement over earlier ones.

Models of Wireless Cycle Computer

Cateye Strada Wireless Cycle Computer

The 8 function cycle computer includes these functions
# Current speed
# Maximum speed
# Average speed
# Total distance (odometer)
# Trip distance
# Auto start/stop
# Trip time (elapsed time)
# 12/24 hour clock

Cateye Strada wireless at £44.99

The Wireless Cateye Strada has recently been increased in price quite a bit. However, the latest model is really quite a big improvement on previous model. Cateye have made a computer that is genuinely waterproof (they keep buttons underneath computer in a clever design). Also, the sleek and slender design of both computer and magnet detector make it more visually appealing and more aerodynamic. I have been very pleased with my Cateye Strada (especially as you can choose colours to fit your own road bike) It is very reliable and have not had any problems over past 18 months of using it.

Cateye Vectra Wireless

The Cateye Vectra comes with basic functions at a good value price of £19.99. However, I regretted buying this as there is no time function. You only get distance, current speed and max speed. One of the best functions of a cycle computer is knowing your average speed. If you definitely just need distance covered this is fine. Cateye Vectra wireless at £19.99

Polar CS100 Wireless Heart Rate and Cycle Computer

The Polar computer combines its heart rate monitor technology with traditional cycle computer. Enabling you to combine the heart rate monitor and computer in one, saves space on your handlebars and integrates the two functions.

I tested this over a period of a few weeks, and enjoyed using. It has an impressive range of stats from cadence, to heart rate, speed, distance. Just about anything you can need. It was a shame I had to give back at end of testing period. You can see a more detailed review of CS100 at Polar CS100 Review

Polar Heart Rate Monitor at £63.99

Ciclosport CM 8.2

offers 32 functions with just 3 buttons

Topeak 150 Wireless Computer wireless heart rate monitor at £31.99

Knog Nerd 9 or 12 Function Wireless computer

Knog Nerd 9
The Knog Nerd 9 is not the best value cycle computer – it costs £48. But, it is definitely the easiest to set up. It really is ‘wireless’ because it’s innovative design means that you don’t need any wires, ties or screwdrivers to fix. It is so easy to set up you can easily transfer between bikes. It also looks great and comes in range of three different bright colours. See full review of Knog Nerd 9 The Knog Nerd 12 includes a few extra functions (automatic scanning of all displays, relative speed gauge) and is a little more expensive.

Knog 12 function at Wiggle

Related

Best Value Cycling Computers

tejvan — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 11:40:05 +0000

I tend to find when using cycle computers I don’t make use of all the extravagant features. I am basically interested in distance, time elapsed, average speed and occasionally max speed. My main criteria for buying a computer is therefore simplicity and ease of use. Often the easiest to use are also the cheapest. So don’t feel bad about choosing the cheapest cycle computer. Sometimes spending more doesn’t give better value.

Cateye Velo 5 Cycle Computer

This was one of my favourite cycle computers, it offers a clear easy to read display. There are only 5 functions, but these are the ones you will use most of the time. Having said that, I later regretted not having a time function to be able to measure length of ride or riding up hills, so I came to regret having spent the money on the velo. If you really don’t want the ability to time your rides and know average speed it is fine. But, otherwise don’t buy it. However, at £11.99 it is very cheap.

Cateye Velo 5 Only £11.99 at Wiggle

Sigma Sport BC906L Topline

The sigma sport topline computer comes with 9 functions for only £13.99. It represents pretty good value for someone looking for more functions at a lower price.

Sigma sport £13.99

Cateye Mitty 8

The Cateye Mitty 8 has a clear updated design with one touch button for changing function. It includes dual tyre size, programmable front display and main functions used by cyclists.

Catey Mitty 8 £15.99

Cateye Enduro 8

Aimed at the mountain bike section, the Cateye Enduro 8 is a heavy duty reliable computer with 8 functions for under £20. It is also fine for a winter training road bike. It is one of the better value Cateye products at giving most functions under £20. Cateye Enduro 8 at Wiggle

Cateye Strada Wireless Computer

The Cateye Strada is not cheap. At £44.99 it is more expensive than cheaper models with the same function. But, it is still the model I often buy. You can see how nicely it fits onto my Trek Madone 6.9. The most recent version is a big improvement as it is fully waterproof and has a very nice simple elegant design. If you want to get the best cycle Computer, you can’t go wrong with Cateye’s very popular Strada Wireless

ETC Mach Computer

Only £9.79, this is a basic budget cycle computer. Despite price has 8 main functions, including ability to have automatic scroll through different displays every 5 seconds. Is also waterproof which is a real essential for any cycle computer (some of my more expensive cateye models have been notoriously susceptible to rain, though this has improved with latest models) Good value for a tenner. Etc Mach-2 Bicycle Computer – 8 Functions at Amazon

Asda Cycle Computer.

I once saw Asda selling a cycle computer for £7. Never tested, but, I guess supermarkets can make use of huge economies of scale to offer super cheap models. Tesco sometimes sell them too.

Related

Best wireless cycle computers – more expensive but advantage of no wires.
Best Cycle computers – for those looking for better features

Cycle Computers Online

Other Cycle computers at Wiggle
Cycle Computers at Evans Cycles

Cateye Strada Wireless Computer

tejvan — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:36:32 +0000

I used the Cateye Strada Wireless computer for 3-4 years. I’ve found that cycle computers can be temperamental and prone to breaking down, but, this proved one of the more resilient computers.

The wireless mount makes it easier for altering handlebars, stems and cleaning the bike. I don’t find any interference with other equipment like heart rate.

It has all the functions you are likely to need

# Current speed
# Maximum speed
# Average speed
# Total distance (odometer)
# Trip distance
# Auto start/stop
# Trip time (elapsed time)
# 12/24 hour clock

It has some nice features like converting Kph into Mph, but, to be honest the most important thing when choosing a cycle computer is ease of use (so easy you don’t have to read a manual…) Also it is easy to fit.

The only slight weaknesses are a tendency to be less effective in rain and the clock was somewhat unreliable. But, that may have been improved in later models.