When I first started riding after a 20 year layoff, I did not have a computer. I think this was a good thing actually. My brother and Dad told me about them. Once I knew what it did I was like "cool".

By the time I actually purchased one, I think I had been riding for about 6 months. This was good for me because I was able to think about my body and how I was feeling as I rode. I had no direct speed in front of me as I rode. Since I was riding more I could feel my body become stronger. Areas where I would ride that were difficult in the beginning, eventualy were not much in the end.

If you find you are becoming a speed demon like TriGirl, you might want to disconnect the battery for a while. Then when you are ready, put the battery in and see how far you have progressed in the meantime. Just a thought.

I have an odometer on my road bike but nothing on my commuter or mountain bike. I have thought about it many times, but when I ride, I want to enjoy my ride. I can tell how I am doing physically by how I feel.

I hope this helps.

Red Rock