Just about to start trail riding. Want to buy a cycle computer to track my progress. Any recommendations?
PS Got my bike, got my helmet
Can stay upright but can't go far YET!
2007-10-15 00:22:08 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Cycling
I'm just starting out!! Hurtling down mountains is a long way off!! Gentle rides along country trails is more like the thing. Just want to keep a track of how far I can go before I 'm beat...to track my progress
2007-10-15 12:32:04 · update #1
I think there are several computer for moutain bikes, whatever someone else said. Cateye makes some good ones, the Enduro 8 is one that I have and I like.
Somehow, I feel that wired are better or more reliable than wireless, since you'll have the distance from the sensor (which is placed on the fork) and the unit (on the handlebar) variable.
But it's just a matter of going to a bike shop and looking at several models.
2007-10-15 02:22:20 · answer #1 · answered by Roberto 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As Jay P says, there aren't really cycling computers built specifically for mountain bikes. Pretty much anyone will work for you. As Jay also says, wireless is nice because there are no wires to get snagged. If you get a wired one, run the wire up the back side of the fork and use several zip ties to keep the wire firmly in place to avoid snagging.
I have a wireless computer with heart rate monitor on my road bike. That means there are 3 batteries, each of which is a different type, to wear out and they all discharge at different rates. It seems like I am spending time every month figuring out if it is the battery in the transmitter, the receiver, or the chest strap that has gone dead.
Also, a wireless computer is somewhat more expensive than a wired computer. Because anything mounted to a mountain bike is subject to some pretty hard abuse, I wouldn't spend too much on a cycling computer for your mountain bike.
Hope this helps you out.
2007-10-15 01:09:31 · answer #2 · answered by sfr1224 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It will depend on your needs, there are quite a few out there to choose from in that price range, and I couldn't say which one will suit you best without knowing exactly what you want from it. I have used wireless ones in the past, but found them more trouble than they are worth, partly because you can't wear a HRM with them, and you can also get interference from electrical installations. When I used one with a HRM I was doing 20 MPH while I was stationary at a set of traffic lights, and once managed some 50 MPH along a canal towpath that hadr an electrified railway line next to it. If you really want one, Cateye are a reputable brand. I've used their wired devices, and found them to be reliable. Which one is best depends on what you actually want to monitor. Personally I think things like actual speed, cadence, trip distance, time and average speed are the most important measurements, but you might have other needs, for example a second trip recorder can allow you to keep track of weekly or monthly distance. I've attached a couple of links to web sites you might find useful, Wiggle generally have good prices, and swift delivery. Personally I now use a Garmin 705. It provides far more information than I'll ever need, but it's accurate, easy to use, and can show me the shortest route home should I need it. On top of this I can use it on y of my cycles, so I only need the one device, and as an added bonus, it seems to be less affected by outside interference. EDIT:- If you want a good wired computer, I've used the Cateye Strada Cadence before I got my Garmin, and was very happy with it - it's now fitted to my son-in-law's cycle. They are currently on sale at Wiggle for £35.99., You can find it on the attached link.
2016-04-08 21:42:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use a specialized turbo elite, wire or wireless capable.
It has a back light for dark.
I also use a stem cap mount to clean up my cockpit, and allow room for my nite rider mini newts on the bars.
I believe for several features you need to use the wire.
I dont and get
time, distance, total distance, av speed, max speed, countdown timer.
It can be in about 6 different languages.
I have read there are many better, but I have had 0 problems in 4 years of using them.
. Have 1 on my mt. bike, road bike and cross bike
1> 4 years old
1> 2 years old
1 > 6mths old
2007-10-15 05:40:15 · answer #4 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Cateye Micro Wireless is the best I've come across.
Ribble Cycles have them on sale at the moment:
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/details.asp?D=&Cat=&Section=&GenCode=CATECOMP0500
It's true that wireless computers are more expensive but they're worth it because of the ease of set up. It's also worth going for a decent quality one that'll be reliable and last rather than a cheapo one that won't last 5 minutes.
2007-10-15 02:16:47 · answer #5 · answered by Cosmo 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There really aren't any computers built specifically for mountain biking. However, one feature I would recommend would be going wireless. Especially on a MTB, wires have a habit of getting caught and snagged. That's bad. I"ve been happy with my Cateye wireless models.
2007-10-15 00:41:22 · answer #6 · answered by Jay P 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've found the Topeak Panoram works quite well for my needs. Consider adding it to your research as you shop around.
2007-10-15 01:07:38 · answer #7 · answered by kalaka 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i have a cateye wireless vectra which has been great so far done about 400 miles with no probs..!!
2007-10-16 00:30:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you must get one go with the advice given up top and get the cheapest because it's going to get trashed in no time.
Waste of your money IMHO if you plan to ride technical stuff.
Any time one of my friends got one it wound up lost or trashed in no time.
2007-10-15 07:28:56 · answer #9 · answered by b4_999 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
they all break after a year or two. just buy whatever is on sale.
2007-10-15 01:09:19 · answer #10 · answered by purplepeet20 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋