Bike computers

[redrhodie]

I just came back from a fabulous ride. At the start, my computer stopped registering. Obviously the connection is off from transporting the bike in the car to the place where I rode. I'm sure it's a simple adjustment to fix. Anyhoo, the ride was great. I'm thinking that knowing my speed, fastest speed, etc. is not as much fun as not knowing. Maybe I don't want to have it fixed?

Has anyone else taken their computer off? Has it been a positive experience? Thanks!!!

[Zen]

I think most of us like having the 'puter for goal setting purposes like improving avg. speed or reaching a certain #of miles per time frame.

If you don't care about that then you don't need it, go according to you preference or goals.

[sandra]

If nothing else, I like knowing the number of miles total I have on the bike.

[short cut sally]

I'm with Sandra, I use it basically for amount of miles each trip and what my total mileage if for the year. Oh, and I set it for the time display while riding so I can keep track of my time if I'm on a schedule or something. I didn't have a little computer my first year of biking, and I was constantly asking whoever I rode with for the mileage, go home and keep it logged. PIA. You should do whatever makes you feel comfortable and if it's riding w/o a computer, then go for it..

[Torrilin]

I don't use a bike computer. For most of my routes, I can get a shortest mileage value out of Google Maps, so I use that. If I'm following the suggested route, it will be accurate miles, and if I'm veering off route, chances are I won't be adding serious distance. I do keep rough track, because it's nice knowing how far I can go. But I don't see the need for a computer, since it's a bit more of a temptation for a thief than my headlight and taillight.

If I want a speed estimate, I ride a known route and time it. I can pick different length routes to get different sorts of estimates. A short fairly flat 2 mile route is good for a top speed estimate. A long hilly route would work better to find my average speed.

[indigoiis]

I was on that same fantastic ride this morning (thanks red!) and my computer is also not working. But I did use a mapping system beforehand so knew approximately how we were doing mileage wise.

But, I think it would be nice to see how my speed is going, and whether we have improved since we started.

I'm guessing we were about 14/15 like last time, save for the stops.

[bmccasland]

Sounds like my computer is doing the same thing. I've wiggled wires, replaced the battery, and it still registers "0" when I start out, then bounces around - 3.2 mph, 17 mph, 9... every second or so. Driving me batty. Eventually it seems to settle down. I think I only bought it last year when I bought my new bike, so I need to find the paperwork and check the warranty. I do like to know how fast I'm going, especially when I'm riding the levee. And on the MS training rides it gets to be important to know approximately where the next rest stop is. Especially since I'm counting on them for water to refill my bottles.

[batsheva]

i considered for a couple of weeks taking off my computer-- it out-psychs me or something seeing how slow and not far i have gone-- i have it set so i can see speed but NOT distance else i end up not going very far as every 1/10 mile is such an effort when the numbers tick around so slow-- i have it set so i can just see the time i have been riding and when i finish for the day, i click around and see the total mileage after i have done rather than being ruled by it on the rider. i totally empathise with you wanting it off-- but maybe try having it just on elapsed time might be better for you too?

batsheva

[DDH]

I use mine more for total miles so I can keep track. I like to ride the charity organized rides and I need to know approx. how far I can go and how much I think I can add to that.
Plus I like to gauge my progress as far as my average speed and miles I am able to do.
I watch the miles while riding more to see if I feel like I can go further. I enjoy being on the bike once I get going and am always looking to see if I can go a little further.
I don't watch the speed while I am riding though, I check everything when I get home.

[redrhodie]

Like Batsheva, I also think it psychs me out. I keep the dern thing on trip distance, not speed, but even that seems to mess with my head. Maybe I'll try elapsed time. Hadn't thought of that.

I really enjoyed not knowing there were still 15 more miles to go. 3 of us were doing the ride, and the mileage was predetermined. The end of the ride came up suddenly, and that was really cool. I still felt fresh. I also ate way more on this ride than any other, so maybe that helped. There was a lot of sugar involved! In any case, today was more fun than anyone should have while on a bike.

[indigoiis]

Sounds like my computer is doing the same thing. I've wiggled wires, replaced the battery, and it still registers "0" when I start out, then bounces around - 3.2 mph, 17 mph, 9... every second or so. Driving me batty. Eventually it seems to settle down. I think I only bought it last year when I bought my new bike, so I need to find the paperwork and check the warranty. I do like to know how fast I'm going, especially when I'm riding the levee. And on the MS training rides it gets to be important to know approximately where the next rest stop is. Especially since I'm counting on them for water to refill my bottles.

This is a good point. I'll be doing a century in September and it might be good to know when it's time to break.

Has anyone tried the wireless computer? Would it be worth the $45?

[wiseowl]

I have a wireless computer that I just put on the bike on Friday. I love it, works great, but I have never had a wired one to compare to. The install for a wired one did look harder (the manual had instructions for both), and I (finally) have bike pride for my pretty new bike, so it is nice not to have the wires running about the frame. The only problem, from my perspective, is that I can't really use it on the trainer indoors in the winter (the sensor and computer need to be 23-27 inches from each other), but I will go more on time then, anyway. The computer is a BIG help to me to see how I am doing-I am new enough to biking that I am pitiful at estimating time and speed. And I will poke along slower without the computer than with it- I just know that about myself. But I can see how, if I was fairly expert or was feeling pressured for performance, riding without it could be liberating and help restore some joy. But since they aren't cake to take on and off, I think I will stick with mine (plus, i am far from expert). I strongly recommed computers to newbies like myself, even if you think it makes you seem to "serious"!

[Look]

I agree with wiseowl. It's great for a less experienced rider.
I LOVE data. I play games with myself. Like when I'm tiring at the end, I work to keep my speed at or above my avg speed so I don't lose anything. I would drift if I didn't have the feedback. Also the cadence monitor has been just awesome for pacing myself and getting a feel for pedaling into wind or up hills.
In the gym I'm very dependent on my HRM, so I thought I'd use that on the bike, but top speed/ avg speed and cadence are just more useful in practice. Although on the infrequent occasions when I do wear the hrm on my bike, I have noticed that I feel way better at higher bpm's than I used to and can sustain them longer.

I didn't step up to the altimeter, and I'm curious if others find that valuable. We are so rolling here, it might be useful comparison. Or it may just be confusing.

Finally, when I ride with newer riders who don't have a computer, I find I can encourage them with the numbers, "hey you sustained 20 mph that whole stretch!" If they don't get preoccupied with the less encouraging stats, I can pat them on the back with more encouraging ones! So maybe the solution is, ride with a buddy who has a cycle computer and tell them to only give you good news!

[lauraelmore1033]

I had a wireless computer once, and didn't like it because it could pick up signals from pretty much everywhere--like from other wireless computers (unless they're coded). I've also noticed that when I use a head light too close to the computer it will interfere with the reading, whether it is wireless or not. I think an odometer is a must (or keeping track of the miles) since there are many mileage related maintenence issues which become expensive it not delt with in a timely fashion (like changing the chain at 1000 miles a chore which, if ignored, can bring about the need to replace expensive parts of one's drive train. Don't ask me how I know ...)