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Hey Everyone!
I have a question about computers. I have been looking to get one for some time, but I am not sure which one to get. There seems to be a wide range of prices and features. Plus, it would be great if I could find one that I can use on the trainer (do wireless ones work on trainers?) I am kind of lost on this subject so any advice is welcome! :D I don't want to spend more than 150 if possible. Any suggestions on brands and what features are a "must have" ?
Thanks!
Nancy
ribbit, Make sure you get one that has CADENCE if you're going to be using it on the trainer. I'm a fan of the Cateye astrale. Very cheap off Probikekit.com (they're a UK mob) Not wireless though
I'm a fan of wireless computers. I'm also a fan of Cateyes, but you will find others who are not :p ;) . I have the Cateye Double Wireless (with cadence) on my road bike and the Cateye Strada Wireless on my commute bike (this one replaced a much more expensive Vetta wireless computer with cadence that was never reliable. I much prefer it).
You will have to decide what features you want. Everything has speed and distance, and various permutations of that data (average speed, max speed, etc). You may or may not decide you want cadence, heart rate, altimeter etc. All of these will push up the price. As I mentioned I have cadence on my roadbike computer. I found it very helpful when I was first starting to ride, and I still pay attention to it in a peripheral way. However I replaced the wonky computer on my commuter with a non-cadence model and I find I'm not missing the cadence feature.
To use a computer on the trainer, you will need to get one that will allow you to put the speed magnet on the rear wheel. I believe most wired computers will allow this (though I don't know this for a fact), but many wireless computers don't have adequate range to mount the pickup on the chainstay and have the signal carry to the computer on the handlebar. My Cateye Double Wireless computer, however, is designed with a rear wheel speed magnet. There is only one sensor that mounts on the chainstay, and it picks up both speed (from rear wheel) and cadence (from crankarm). It has worked very well for me. (Most wireless computers with cadence have two different sensors, one mounted on the chainstay and one on the fork).
Once you've decided on a model, shop around online, including Ebay. I payed $180 for my roadbike computer at LBS, six months later my boyfriend got the same computer for $95 on sale at Nashbar. The computer on my other bike retails for around $60, but I was able to find one **new** on Ebay for $35.
I have a Sigma 1606L with a rear wheel sensor so that I can track my mileage during the winter months. It is a great little computer and has cadence.
Thank you so much for all your input! I will definitely follow up on your suggestions. Thanks! :D