Searching for a more reliable odometer/bike computer thing for mtn biking

[crazycanuck]

I have a Polar CS200 bike computer thingy and although I love it, I have a small issue with it.

ok, this issue could be helped by better training but still...

If i have to stop and walk at anytime on a horrible hill, the computer stops recording distance although the wheels are still moving. Most annoying as i've no clue of my correct ETA. (This sent me into a panic on the first stage of the D100 as i thought I had 5km to go when i only had 2k & was actually way way ahead of the time cut off much to my surprise..)

Also, if my heart rate gets too high, it pauses and of course stops recording distance...I would assume it did that quite a bit on saturday moresoe than stopping on hills...Second 36km yes I stopped on a few..first stage not as many as last year!

So, my questions are:

Do you have a Polar & does it do the same thing?
What bike computer's are worth the time and effort?


I'm not interested in one of the Polar ones you wear on your wrist-tried one and didn't like it.

Any ideas would be great

[SheFly]

My Garmin differentiates between total time and moving time, and will continue to measure distance even when walking vs. riding. Any non HR computer will do the same, as the function relies on the wheels moving to measure overall distance (Cateye, for example).

SheFly

[OakLeaf]

Does it do the same thing whether or not it's set to auto-start?

[MillieNZ]

CC - I have the same computer on my bike...... whilst I don't have the the heart rate problem, i have to say it's been unreliable and had to send it back to manufacturers twice :(

My issue has been consistent recording and random pausing during rides, amongst other ride.....

I'm looking to replace mine but wont go to Polar again.

[oz rider]

I haven't used a Polar cc, but there's a a review of the Edge 500 against it here if you're looking around so the Polar references might mean something to you: http://www.fittechnica.com/2010/07/garmin-edge-500-cycle-computer-review_15.html I suspect it might do what you need if you continue having issues. I use auto pause 'when stopped' but there is a 'custom speed' auto pause setting; I haven't played with it though. And with the speed sensor fitted, I can't imagine it would not record. There is also a climb speed zone setting that starts at 1 km/h, so maybe ...

[Aggie_Ama]

My husband had tons of problems with his Polar on his roadie, never used one on the mountain bike. He now uses the Garmin Edge 500 and we both have had very little problems on the trail. He has the HR and it doesn't cut off if his gets too high but the Polar did. I walk a lot with mine and it always catches the bike is moving. It tells you moving average speed and total average.