Best Value Cycling Computers

By tejvan on April 23, 2011 in computers

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.

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