Speedo

[BikingViking]

Ok, I am going to ask a question I know I will regret. What is the best cycle computer out there. My old dear and trusted Vetta finally gave up the ghost and I need a new one. With so many to choose from, I want some feedback. I don't need a unit that will tell my how fast my hair grows, just the basic functions.

[staehpj1]

I like most of the Cateye wired models.  I prefer one that does cadence so I use the Cat Eye Astrale 8.

I tend to stay away from wireless after having problems with 3 different ones.  My two companions this summer on the TA used Ascent Delta V's from Performance and they were awful.  You had to remember to turn them on every time you started and they went nuts around power lines, neon signs, and electric fences.  If parked near a neon sign they some times registered quite a few miles while parked.  I also had a Cateye wireless model that didn't work out (I forget which model), since that I just buy wired.

I am sure some wireless models are fine, but I have given up on them.

[DaveB]

I like most of the Cateye wired models.  I prefer one that does cadence so I use the Cat Eye Astrale 8.

+1 on the wired Cateyes.  I have Enduro or Mity model Cateyes (same computer but the Enduro mount has a heavier gauge, more rugged wire) on all 6 of my bikes and they have been as trouble free as any electronic devise I've ever seen.  Battery life is excellent (literally years) and the batteries (CR2032) are cheap and available at any Wal-Mart or drug store.

I have no personal experience with the wireless models but other peoples stories have convinced me to avoid them.  The increased purchase cost and need for two batteries isn't worth the small appearance gain.

[whittierider]

Wireless ones aren't worth the trouble.  They're too susceptible to interference from traffic-light sensor loops in the street, high-tension power lines, heart-rate monitors, etc..

We have some Avocet 25's in our large family fleet of bikes, and the ones they made in Taiwan were good, but the ones we got after they started making them in China needed frequent fixing, whether for cracked solder at the contacts, bad buttons, water getting into the sensor, etc..

When I researched the computers on the market in an effort to decide what the next few we would buy would be, I found in the owner reviews that there was a lot of dissatisfaction with cycle computers-- more than probably any other part of a bike.  The Cateye Mity-8 and related ones scored well however.

We have several of the Cateye Mity-8 which is similar to the Astrale-8 mentioned above but instead of cadence it has two trip odometers.  So far the Mity-8's have been totally reliable, easy to use, and have the functions we want.  The oldest one is going on three years with the original battery.  If you keep records of your overall odometer distance and the battery goes dead, when you put the new one in you can enter the odometer value and pick up where you left off instead of starting over at zero.

This message was edited by whittierider on 2-29-08 @ 8:01 PM

[WesternFlyer]

I use a Trek Incite 9I.  It is simple enough for me.  I chose it over others in the same price range for having an ambient thermometer and a dual wheel size switch as I typically ride with relatively narrower road tires, 700/28 and fatter dirt tires, 700/35.  I wish it had a built in compass.  I went online and Trek has one with a digital compass, but you are halfway to buying a GPS unit and still not knowing where the next Starbucks is!

It has never faltered in three years.  I just changed the battery, but it didnt need it.  I had bumped the pickup out of place.


Western Flyer

I have a hangnail, and my heart is--what?
What's that? What's that you say?
You say today is. . .Saturday?
G'bye, I'm going out to play!
   Shel Silverstein

[BikingViking]

Thanks for the help guys. I think I will be going with the Cateye.

[Badger]

I  have been using my etrek gps.  I like it because I can choose many options to use and change them when I want to.  This is a less expensive model so I can't down load maps but this isn't an issue with me.  It does have its limitation it is much lager the a standard cycle computer but then again I don't have a wire or a pickup on the wheel.  Also you can loose signal in a tree canopy or tunnel.

[John Nettles]

I'll date myself.  I still perfer the old Huret dual count cyclometer.  It was an odometer only that ran via a little belt and had a overall mileage and a trip mileage.  With that and a watch I could do everything I wanted but altitude.

Since my finally wore out a decade ago, I have used only wired ones.  I too have heard first-hand accounts of goofy readings from wireless.

One thing to put on the pre-trip checklist is to replace the battery prior to the trip so it goesn't crap out halfway thru hopefully.

Happy trails and may the wind be at your back!

TulsaJohn

[bogiesan]

If you hit any of the major mail order bike shops you can see dozens of
'puters in a grid, listed by feature. Take your pick. It's really hard to
buy a bad wired unit. In 25 years, I have never heard anyone
complaining about one unless it was actually busted when they got it.

I have used three Cateye Astrale units since 1985, sold two of em with
the bikes. The last one is still with me, eight years, more than 30,000
miles, only two batteries. The mount had to be replaced. The sun just
ate it up. Free out of a box of parts at my LBS.

The new Astrale is still a good value. The old ones can be found online
for less than $10 but I suggest you buy stuff like 'puters at your local
bike shop.

david boise ID

go, ristretto, FCP/AE
"Read the manual."

[MrBent]

Cateye Mity 8--inexpensive and bomber.  I use them on all my bikes.  I especially like the easy-to-use buttons.

Scott