Is it a good option for beginners to choose a bike computer from Magene?

[littlecosmo]

I was starting to look for a budget but still good bike computer.
Is it a good option for beginner and amateur rider to choose Magene? Or do you have any recommendations for the budget bike computer with multiple functions? 
Thanks for your answers.

[Pat Lamb]

Never heard of Magene, so I can't recommend them.

I've had good luck with Cateye products for the last 15 years or more; no leakage and I can normally change the battery just by looking at the fading display.  From their current product list, I'd buy a Velo 9 wired, or perhaps a Padrone.

I used Sigma before that.  It was good, but died in a rainstorm after a few years.

[HikeBikeCook]

Second for Cateye - a good range of reasonably priced computers that seem to last for years.

[staehpj1]

I have not shopped for any in a long time, but the Planet Bike models i have used have worked out well.  Also I agree that the Cateye brand is an old stand by with a good reputation.  I have owned and had good luck with them as well.

Personally my preference tends to run to wired models as i have found wireless models less reilable.  I have had issues with them failing to start when you start riding, logging miles when parked near a neon sign or other interference, and phantom readings near powerlines and other interference.  Some of that may be largely mitigated with digital signals, but I have not had problems with wired models and generally have with wireless.

The biggest annoyance on tour was that the total trip mileage tended to be off either because the computer failed to start itself or because it logged phantom miles due to interference.  I have owned some wireless models that I had to manually start when they were sleeping and I'd always ride a few miiles before I remembered.  Also some that I wasn't supposed to have to start, but sometimes did.

I think wired models are way less likely to have any issues other than a damaged wire or a dead battery.  So I just start a long tour with a fresh battery and take care to not damage the wire.

I know some folks say that their wireless models perform flawlessly.   Mine never have.  I always took care in locating the sensors in the optimum location and everything, but still had issues.  I gave up on wireless a long time ago, so maybe it has gotten better.

Not sure about current models, but there used to be a Cateye MTB model with a really heavy duty wire.  I liked that feature.

[John Nelson]

What constitutes a “good” bike computer depends on how much of a datahead you are. There are certainly many bike computers available that are much cheaper than a Magene. For a beginner, I’d start with a one that measures speed, distance and average speed. You can get one for $10 to $20.

[HobbesOnTour]

I'd suggest to anyone thinking of buying a bike computer to first sit down and have a good think about what you want it to do. No harm to have a think about what you might like it to do in the future too.

Once you know what you want it's easier to look for something without being overwhelmed.

For basic functions like speed, distance etc. a smartphone app (Strava, RWGPS and others) can be useful in helping figure out what you want to do.

Is navigation something you want?

"Budget" and "still good" are highly subjective terms.

Good luck

[staehpj1]

What constitutes a “good” bike computer depends on how much of a datahead you are. There are certainly many bike computers available that are much cheaper than a Magene. For a beginner, I’d start with a one that measures speed, distance and average speed. You can get one for $10 to $20.

I find I mostly just use it as an odometer.  Speed is nice, but not really that useful.  Temperature is nice to know as well.  FWIW, I was surprised how well the temperature reading worked (even in the sun if moving).

Cadence may be a big deal for some, but I found that after using one for a while I knew what each useful cadence felt like and stipped using that function much.

[canalligators]

I also mostly use them for the odometer function.  I do use the speed when riding the tandem, my stoker is not comfortable over 25 mph so I keep it down.  I also watch the speed when towing the BOB, they have a maximum speed recoammendation that I find a really good idea to abide by.

You're not going to find huge differences in reliability, maybe some are more waterproof than others, maybe some have tougher sensor cables.  You will, however, see big differences in ease of operation.  Try a few at your shop and see which you like best.  My recommendation is for the ones with multi-line displays like the Planet Bike Protege units.  On those, you don't have to remember a lot of button press sequences, or hit the buttons erroneously while riding.

That description was rather objective.  Truth be told, I detest the ones with multiple button presses...

[driftlessregion]

I may be biased because Planet Bike is headquartered in my hometown of Madison, WI but this is also in their mission statement:
"we pledge time, resources and profits to organizations working for sustainable transportation solutions."

[ray b]

I was starting to look for a budget but still good bike computer.
Is it a good option for beginner and amateur rider to choose Magene? Or do you have any recommendations for the budget bike computer with multiple functions? 
Thanks for your answers.

Magene - good chinese products. comprehensive line. inexpensive. essentially disposable if they break. Certainly acceptable for those who need a bike "computer." with cadence, heart rate, odometer, etc....

I currently use my phone (and a HR and cadence monitor) if I really need that information to keep me honest when training.

The phone GPS is fairly accurate if all you want is an odometer.

[canalligators]

I use the odometer one other way.  I keep records on my exercise, and with some regularity, forget to record rides.  So about twice a year, I check my records against the bike odometer readings, and add in adjustments to my records.